SDA Custom Circuit Boards ?

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  • Neskahi
    Neskahi Posts: 297
    edited March 2011
    If available, I will take a set for my 1.2TL's. Thank you.
    SDA 2.3/RDO's... xovers by Ben
    SDA 2.3TL/Stock..
    SDA 1C/Solens/RDO's [gave to my Uncle]
    SDA 2B RDO's
    Snell Type CV
    SDA 1.2TL's
    GFA7700 Adcom
    GFP750 Adcom
    TFM55X Carver
    M90 Pioneer/C90 Pre
    M91 x 2 Pioneers/C91 Pre
    Yaqin MC10l
    DCD-1520/1560/2560 Denon
    Marantz DVD-8400
    Carver m1.5T
    DV-79avi Pioneer
    TFM35X x 2
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  • cincycat13
    cincycat13 Posts: 882
    edited March 2011
    1. take care of your health
    2. PM sent to cash in my dibs
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  • On3s&Z3r0s
    On3s&Z3r0s Posts: 1,013
    edited March 2011
    Must've been fairly serious if they kept you that long... I hope you're feeling better and on the mend now! Take care of yourself and don't worry about the boards... our speakers have waited 20 years for them, what's another couple of weeks. :smile:
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  • gij801
    gij801 Posts: 32
    edited March 2011
    gimpod wrote: »
    On paper it look's possible BUT I don't think it'll work mainly because of the physical size of the components...... Personally I wouldn't even try to make these boards work there just too many problems you would run into.
    Just my $0.02

    So, the next question is "could one just create a 1.2 crossover network using these boards and use it instead of the one that came with the original SDA SRS?".

    I know there are differences in the cabinet construction, tweeters and SDA driver arrays, binding posts and interconnects, but if you left all those the same and just replaced the crossover isn't there a good possibility the sound would be much improved over the old SDA SRS crossover?
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,654
    edited March 2011
    No, that will not work, period.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • gij801
    gij801 Posts: 32
    edited March 2011
    F1nut wrote: »
    No, that will not work, period.

    Could you explain why not?
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,654
    edited March 2011
    Inductors.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • gimpod
    gimpod Posts: 1,793
    edited March 2011
    On3s&Z3r0s wrote: »
    Must've been fairly serious if they kept you that long... I hope you're feeling better and on the mend now! Take care of yourself and don't worry about the boards... our speakers have waited 20 years for them, what's another couple of weeks. :smile:
    Thanks and yea it could have gone that way. Without going into the details I got an infection that turned septic. It's not the first time and probably wont be the last time.
    F1nut wrote: »
    No, that will not work, period.
    F1nut wrote: »
    Inductors.
    I think that about sums it up.

    Now on to more important stuff.
    The boards are suppose to be here by end of business Friday and I plan on taking the weekend to do the continuity checking on all the boards. So if everything checks out they should be ready for sale Monday. :smile:
    “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” ~ Mark Twain
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,654
    edited March 2011
    I'm glad to see you're mended, Tony.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • gimpod
    gimpod Posts: 1,793
    edited March 2011
    F1nut wrote: »
    I'm glad to see you're mended, Tony.

    Well almost, It's taking a little longer than normal this time but I'm good to go :smile: and thanks Jesse.
    “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” ~ Mark Twain
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  • PolkMaster1
    PolkMaster1 Posts: 847
    edited March 2011
    Guess I am a little late to this thread. Glad to hear you're better GP.

    PM1
    Statistics show that 98% of us will die at some point in our lifetime.

    The other 2% will work for WalMart.
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  • schwarcw
    schwarcw Posts: 7,339
    edited March 2011
    Great to hear that you are on the mend and good to see you posting!!
    Carl

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  • gij801
    gij801 Posts: 32
    edited March 2011
    My initial question was could these boards be used as a crossover replacement for the original SDA SRS's (2nd gen). I'm not talking about recreating the original SDA SRS crossover on these boards (as thejck inquired), but using these boards for the creation of a 1.2 crossover and then substituting it for the original SDA SRS one.

    The response was that it "wasn't possible, period" because of the differences in inductors. Well, what if the SDA SRS 1.2 spec inductors where used? I understand that the tweeter and SDA driver arrays are different but is the 1.2 crossover tuned so specifically to the 1.2 drivers/cabinet that there wouldn't be a sonic improvement over the 25 year old crossovers in an original SDA SRS?

    I'm persisting a bit in this line of thought because the original post had a goal of designing a board that could be used across the widest range of SRS products.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,654
    edited March 2011
    You would have to change 4 mid-drivers and 3 inductors at a minimum. I think you'd be better off simply upgrading your exsisting crossovers using the stock boards. I've done it to SDA SRS's and the results are well worth the effort.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • DarqueKnight
    DarqueKnight Posts: 6,765
    edited March 2011
    gij801 wrote: »
    My initial question was could these boards be used as a crossover replacement for the original SDA SRS's (2nd gen). I'm not talking about recreating the original SDA SRS crossover on these boards (as thejck inquired), but using these boards for the creation of a 1.2 crossover and then substituting it for the original SDA SRS one.

    An SDA SRS 1.2 can be converted to a SDA SRS 1.2TL with crossover modifications and replacement of tweeters. In fact, Polk used to sell a 1.2-to-1.2TL conversion kit. The original SRS cannot be converted to the SRS 1.2 or SRS 1.2TL.

    The only things in common between the original SRS and the SRS 1.2/SRS 1.2TL are the stereo drivers (MW 6503), passive radiator (SW150), and the physical arrangement of the drivers on the baffle board. The cabinets, crossover circuits, SDA interconnect cable, binding posts, SDA drivers, tweeters (1.2TL) and SOUND are different between the two speaker systems.

    As I mentioned to you before, for your SRS's, I advise an upgrade path using the original boards similar to what I did here: Improvements to the SDA SRS.

    1. Replace the smaller value capacitors with Sonicaps. Replace the larger value capacitors with Solen or Dayton capacitors. Replace the resistors with Mills MRA-12 resistors.

    2. If your amplification and listening habits allow, replace the polyswitches with a wire jumper or low value resistor (0.5 ohm or less).

    3. Replace the SL2000 tweeters with RD0194 tweeters.

    4. Replace the 16 mH inductor with a low DCR inductor (Solen, Northcreek, Erse, etc.)

    Just doing 1-3 will produce spectacular results. Doing 4 will unlock the bass performance that is currently hindered by the high DCR inductor.

    Other tweaks such as driver seal replacement (tape or Mortite), Dynamat Xtreme on the driver baskets, steel retaining rings and custom circuit boards all add audible benefits, but these are more like icing on the cake. The most bang for your buck will come from the four modifications outlined above.

    There are forum members who will modify your crossovers for you for a reasonable fee.
    gij801 wrote: »
    I understand that the tweeter and SDA driver arrays are different but is the 1.2 crossover tuned so specifically to the 1.2 drivers/cabinet that there wouldn't be a sonic improvement over the 25 year old crossovers in an original SDA SRS?

    This question is best answered by considering the following:

    When Polk engineers wanted to improve the original SRS, they found that a COMPLETE REDESIGN of the speaker was required...even down to the cabinets. Therefore, unlike the evolutionary design improvements of the 1.2 to 1.2TL, the SRS to SRS 1.2 was a revolutionary design change.

    If Polk could have improved the original SRS with a simple crossover change, they would have done so. Furthermore, I think that they would have offered an upgrade kit similar to the one offered for the 1.2-to-1.2TL conversion.
    Proud and loyal citizen of the Digital Domain and Solid State Country!
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  • gimpod
    gimpod Posts: 1,793
    edited April 2011
    !^! Thanks DK, Saved me a boat load of typing.

    The boards just showed up this afternoon. They'll be going up for sale tomorrow, I'll also be posting pics in the morning. Man they sure do look sharp! Glossy black with white silkscreening. :cool:
    “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” ~ Mark Twain
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  • gimpod
    gimpod Posts: 1,793
    edited April 2011
    Here's the pics and believe me these pics don't do them justice. There real hard to get a good pic of because of the shiny black likes to reflect every thing.

    pcb_top.jpg
    Top View

    pcb_bottom.jpg
    Bottom View

    P.S. I've had a really bad day, My attendant ended up in the hospital last night and couldn't get anybody in here till about 2:00 pm, don't know what's going on or how long she's going to be out. :frown: This has left me scrambling trying to find a backup or two, So things might be a little screwed up for the next couple days please bear with me while I try to get this sorted out. For those of you that have already ordered I'll be getting back to you in the next couple days and don't worry boards for your orders are being reserved.

    Thank you for your patience. ~ gimpod
    “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” ~ Mark Twain
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  • Earthy
    Earthy Posts: 488
    edited April 2011
    Those look really nice! I look forward to having a pair for my speakers.

    Sorry things aren't going better for you. Hopefully you have a stress free time getting your attendant needs and orders worked out.
    Polk Audio SDA SRS 2.3TL
    Parasound Halo A21
    Parasound Halo P3

    Home theater
    Polk LSiM 707, 706c, 703, 705
    Polk Blackstone TL3 for height
    SVS PB12-ISD Sub
    Denon AVR-X6400h
    Parasound Halo A51
    LG OLED65B7A
    Sony UBPX800
    Logitech Harmony Elite
    PC LSiM 703
    Spare LSIM 702 and 706c

    Home Theater #2
    Polk Audio LS70, CS350LS, LSF/X, S4
    Onkyo TX-NR808



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  • PolkMaster1
    PolkMaster1 Posts: 847
    edited April 2011
    GP -

    I can see that the boards look great. Cant wait to get them. Some of us waited 20 years + for new xo's, so an extra few days or even a week of waiting isnt going to hurt.

    Talk with you latter!

    PM1
    Statistics show that 98% of us will die at some point in our lifetime.

    The other 2% will work for WalMart.
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  • headrott
    headrott Posts: 5,496
    edited April 2011
    I hope things get better (for you and your attendant) and you get the help you need Tony. No worries as I'm sure everyone will understand and can be patient.:smile:

    Greg
    Relayer-Big-O-Poster.jpg
    Taken from a recent Audioholics reply regarding "Club Polk" and Polk speakers:
    "I'm yet to hear a Polk speaker that merits more than a sentence and 60 seconds discussion." :\
    My response is: If you need 60 seconds to respond in one sentence, you probably should't be evaluating Polk speakers.....

    "Green leaves reveal the heart spoken Khatru"- Jon Anderson

    "Have A Little Faith! And Everything You'll Face, Will Jump From Out Right On Into Place! Yeah! Take A Little Time! And Everything You'll Find, Will Move From Gloom Right On Into Shine!"- Arthur Lee
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  • audiobilly
    audiobilly Posts: 351
    edited April 2011
    Gimpod,

    Please, do not worry about this s@#it, take care of yourself, we will be here ready when you are.

    Boards do look Brilliant! Thank you so very much.

    ~billy
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  • JayCee
    JayCee Posts: 1,500
    edited April 2011
    Tony,

    Nice work! This will be my first XO project, so I hope I'm able to do as good a job at soldering as you've done creating these.:smile:

    I really appreciate the work you've done. Don't worry about when they get in the mail...take care of yourself, the rest will fall in place.

    John
    ➀Speakers: Polk1.2tl's (Uber Mods) ➁Pre/Amp/DAC: PS Audio BHK Signature & 250, DirectStream ➂Cables/IC's: MIT S1Bi-Wire/S1 Balanced +Avel Lindberg 1000VA "Dreadnought" ➃Power Conditioner: PS Audio P15 Power Plant ➄Power Cords: Core Power Technologies Gold, DH Labs Power Plus DIY w/Neotech NC-P301 & P311ends ➅Streaming: Roon ROCK on wifi'd NUC, TP-Link WAP, & Uptone EtherREGEN, AfterDark, Emperor Double Crown Clock, Black Modernize LPS, PS Audio AirLens⟿Ω☯☥☮⟿🔊♩♪♫♬♩♪♫♬♩♪♫♬
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  • gij801
    gij801 Posts: 32
    edited April 2011
    Someone help me a bit. I'm not an EE so I haven't seen a lot of different board constructions. Looking at the bottom of the board (post 32) why don't I see the traces between the component solder pads? In both the top and bottom view all I see is that bright/dark green lines but they don't seem to connect to component leads. What are they?
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  • audiobilly
    audiobilly Posts: 351
    edited April 2011
    gij801 wrote: »
    Someone help me a bit. I'm not an EE so I haven't seen a lot of different board constructions. Looking at the bottom of the board (post 32) why don't I see the traces between the component solder pads? In both the top and bottom view all I see is that bright/dark green lines but they don't seem to connect to component leads. What are they?

    Look for Blocks or complete areas of copper, not traces, between the connections on the solder side.

    My terminology may not be correct here, but if you look a litter harder you will see that the copper lands are very large, not just a small trace between the solder pads.
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  • gij801
    gij801 Posts: 32
    edited April 2011
    Ah, so are you saying that the green polygons on the back of the board are actually copper "traces" and that the thin dark lines are seperating the polygon traces?

    If so, is this a function of the way the manufacturer made the board (easier for some reason) or a function of the design software?
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  • gij801
    gij801 Posts: 32
    edited April 2011
    Wait, I think I may have it (someone correct me if I'm wrong).

    These boards are produced with a CNC router that routs out a thin perimeter around the traces. All the vias within the copper polygon are therefore connected together. To do this, once the components are located and connected during board design, one must run an autorouter routine so the software can optimize where the routed perimeters should be.

    I was looking at this from an etching-type perspective where the copper is removed around the thin traces which connect the component leads together.

    I suspect routing is faster/cheaper for simpler board designs.

    Am I on the right track now?
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,654
    edited April 2011
    Just so the 58 of you that said you were interested in the new boards.....

    They are now for sale in the Flea Market, http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=118187
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • JimMueller
    JimMueller Posts: 100
    edited April 2011
    I received my boards yesterday. Thanks Tony!!
    Yamaha RX-2600 receiver, Nakamichi Dragon, Mitsubishi HS-U80 VCR, Pioneer DVL-90 LD Player, Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray player, Sony CDP-X555ES CD player, Carver TFM-42, Carver AV-634, Panasonic TC-P54V10 plasma, BenQ W1070 PJ, Fisher MT-90 turntable, AKG-K340 headphones, Polk SDA-1C mains, CS-400i center, FX A4 surrounds, Rti A1 surround backs
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited April 2011
    got mine the other day--- wow--just wow--anyone owning SDA's should seriously consider these. These boards take all of the "voodoo" out of crossover upgrades,,especially for the first timers,,a must have, even if it's just for the investment alone.Thank you for making these available to the community--guys,, I just cannot stop raving about these boards--get some !!!!
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • amulford
    amulford Posts: 5,020
    edited April 2011
    I received mine today. Stunning, simply stunning. My hat is off to you, Tony. Wow...
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