Polydomes, K8 vs. K8.1

[standuffer]

I know the Polydome speakers get a lot of ink here but rest assured I’m not asking about restoring, replacing, repairing, or treating these beloved deteriorating domes.

The Kappa 8’s Polydome is P/N 902-3075
The Kappa 8.1’s Polydome is P/N 902-5793

I understand that these drivers are not identical. The K8.1’s dome is backed with a mesh-type screen to deter the dome from being pushed inward.

My questions are:
Besides the K8.1’s ‘mesh’, are there any other physical differences between these two Polydomes?
How do these two Polydomes compare sonically?
Have you tried swapping an K8.1 Polydome into a K8 cabinet and if so, what was the result?

Thanks for enduring yet another Polydome post.
John

 

[swechsler]

Even though I own systems with both types, due to the difficulty of moving these heavy speakers around (my .1s are in the bedroom on the second floor, the originals are in the basement in my theater), I've never directly compared them (I have also installed the automotive version in one pair of my K8s). However, it's my understanding that they sound pretty much identical.

 

[sagebug]

The trim rings are different and that is about it

 

[okeeteekid]

As you mentioned the k8.1 has the wire mesh, the rest is the same, in fact if my memory serves me well I think the diaphragms are the same part #, I have a pair of k8.1 polydomes installed in my k9's, the only thing I swapped was the plastic face plate because the k9 has a beveled edge, I also used the magnet motor structure from the k8.1 as I like the look of the screen behind the dome on my k9's better than without it, the domes sound identical.

 

[BrianLW]

When I restored my K9s, I needed to replace one torn polydome and bought and installed a 902-5793, leaving a 902-3075 in the other speaker.

They sounded identical to me, but the replacement was yellowish and supple, and the other was orange and not quite as supple, so I bought and installed a 5793 in the other just because. The torn and good orange 3075s will eventually go to Miller Sound for a rebuild as a spare pair.

 

[Bahamayellow]

Great info and question. I recently purchased 2 decent domes from a .1 speaker and wondered the same thing.

 

[standuffer]

Great info and question. I recently purchased 2 decent domes from a .1 speaker and wondered the same thing.

Thanks, I try to ask at least relevant questions and not be repetitive.

And thanks to all that responded. My Kappa 6.1 domes will most likely end up in my 'new-to-me' K8s when i get them home.