Polk SDA Aftermarket Driver Replacments

dcmartinpc
dcmartinpc Posts: 844
edited November 2010 in Vintage Speakers
OK, so I know I am possibly going to ignite a fire here, but....

As many of you know, I had a 6511 magnet come loose on me and a driver froze. I have been having trouble finding a replacement, but since have found that Polk has the replacement drivers on hand :D I went ahead and ordered the 6511 from Polk but.... I got a little antsy over the weekend and being that I had a credit over at Parts Express, I ordered some drivers to play with... I have not seen many people try this, so I purchased the following:

4 x Dayton DC160S-8 (6510 Replacement)
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/psho...number=295-306

4 x Dayton DC160S-4 (6511 Replacement)
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/psho...number=295-308

4 x Goldwood GW-6PC-8 (6510 Replacement)
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=290-306

4 x Goldwood GW-6PC-4 (6511 Replacement)
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=290-307


Has anyone ever tried this before? Would it even be a good idea to try? Don't want to hurt anything, but I thought it would be an interesting test.

The Daytons were what looked most interesting to me, but I thought the Goldwoods were worth a try....

Thoughts?

Don
Living Room: Adcom GFP-750 (Upgraded), Squeezebox Touch, Oppo BDP-83, Pioneer DV-79AVi, Parasound HCA-3500 (Upgraded), SDA SRS 2 P/B (Gimpod, Sonicaps, & Mills)

Theater: Denon 4311ci, Oppo BDP-93, Parasound HCA-2205+HCA-2200II, Polk LSi9, LSiC, LSiFX, LSi7, Custom 18" TC Sounds sub with 2 18" PR, Sharp XV-Z12000, Pioneer Kuro KRP-500M (isf Enabled)

Bedroom: HK AVR354, Pioneer DV-47a, Parasound HCA-1500a, Polk LSi9
Post edited by dcmartinpc on
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  • vmaxer
    vmaxer Posts: 5,117
    edited November 2010
    Let us know how it works out
    Pio Elete Pro 520
    Panamax 5400-EX
    Sunfire TGP 5
    Micro Seiki DD-40 - Lyra-Dorian and Denon DL-160
    PS Audio GCPH phono pre
    Sunfire CG 200 X 5
    Sunfire CG Sig 405 X 5
    OPPO BDP-83 SE
    SDA SRS 1.2TL Sonicaps and Mills
    Ctr CS1000p
    Sur - FX1000 x 4
    SUB - SVS PB2-Plus

    Workkout room:
    Sony Bravia XBR- 32-Inch 1080p
    Onkyo TX-DS898
    GFA 555
    Yamaha DVD-S1800BL/SACD
    Ft - SDA 1C

    Not being used:
    RTi 38's -4
    RT55i's - 2
    RT25i's -2, using other 2 in shop
    LSI 15's
    CSi40
    PSW 404
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  • dcmartinpc
    dcmartinpc Posts: 844
    edited November 2010
    OK for some reason, the links are dead and I can't edit the original posts. Here are the links.

    Dayton DC160S-8
    http://www.parts-express.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=295-306

    Dayton DC160S-4
    http://www.parts-express.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=295-308

    Goldwood GW-6PC-8
    http://www.parts-express.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=290-306

    Goldwood GW-6PC-4
    http://www.parts-express.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=290-308


    Don
    Living Room: Adcom GFP-750 (Upgraded), Squeezebox Touch, Oppo BDP-83, Pioneer DV-79AVi, Parasound HCA-3500 (Upgraded), SDA SRS 2 P/B (Gimpod, Sonicaps, & Mills)

    Theater: Denon 4311ci, Oppo BDP-93, Parasound HCA-2205+HCA-2200II, Polk LSi9, LSiC, LSiFX, LSi7, Custom 18" TC Sounds sub with 2 18" PR, Sharp XV-Z12000, Pioneer Kuro KRP-500M (isf Enabled)

    Bedroom: HK AVR354, Pioneer DV-47a, Parasound HCA-1500a, Polk LSi9
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  • Joe08867
    Joe08867 Posts: 3,919
    edited November 2010
    I had a GW-6PC-8 in a pair of SDA's when I purchased them. I didn't know any better back then. Anyway, I replaced it with the correct Polk but honestly i didn't hear a whole lot of difference. I only noticed a bump in the mids. And actually the bass was a bit weaker with the Polk speaker. I did leave the pols in them though.

    I have had friends replace original speakers with aftermarket ones in a bunch of stuff from Advent to Yamaha with mixed results so I say have fun and experiment.
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  • dcmartinpc
    dcmartinpc Posts: 844
    edited November 2010
    My concern is the listed power handling on the Daytons. I have been unable to find power handling specs on the Polk 6511. But with a max power of 500 watts on the 1C's, I would imagine they would have to be more than the Dayton's 50 watts RMS... The Goldwoods seem like a better fit Power wise at 110 watts, but they don't seem to dip as low frequency wise.

    What SDA did you have the Goldwood in?

    Don
    Living Room: Adcom GFP-750 (Upgraded), Squeezebox Touch, Oppo BDP-83, Pioneer DV-79AVi, Parasound HCA-3500 (Upgraded), SDA SRS 2 P/B (Gimpod, Sonicaps, & Mills)

    Theater: Denon 4311ci, Oppo BDP-93, Parasound HCA-2205+HCA-2200II, Polk LSi9, LSiC, LSiFX, LSi7, Custom 18" TC Sounds sub with 2 18" PR, Sharp XV-Z12000, Pioneer Kuro KRP-500M (isf Enabled)

    Bedroom: HK AVR354, Pioneer DV-47a, Parasound HCA-1500a, Polk LSi9
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited November 2010
    Goldwood's don't even come close to being the right driver. Don't worry about the 50wpc handling. It is about equal to the original Polk's. You really need the small thiel parameters to know if the drivers would be compatible. Please post the Polk specs.
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • dcmartinpc
    dcmartinpc Posts: 844
    edited November 2010
    ben62670 wrote: »
    Goldwood's don't even come close to being the right driver. Don't worry about the 50wpc handling. It is about equal to the original Polk's. You really need the small thiel parameters to know if the drivers would be compatible. Please post the Polk specs.

    I don't have specs on the 6511. I have been unable to find them. All I can find is as follows:

    Driver: MW 6500 Driver's model #.
    Brand: Polk Driver's brand name.
    Fs: 31.0000 Hz (Free air resonance)
    Vas: 2.6486 ft^3 (Compliance volume)
    Qts: 0.2190 Total Q
    Qms: 1.3000 Mechanical Q
    Qes: 0.2640 Electrical Q
    Sd: 0.0130 M^2 (Piston area)
    Xmax: 3.1800 mm (Cone excursion, linear)
    Revc: 6.5000 ohms (DC resistance)
    Znom: 8.0000 ohms (Nominal impedance)
    Pmax: 35.0000 watts maximum rated power


    Driver: MW 6501 Driver's model #.
    Brand: Polk Driver's brand name.
    Fs: 31.0000 Hz (Free air resonance)
    Vas: 2.7545 ft^3 (Compliance volume)
    Qts: 0.2790 Total Q
    Qms: 1.4700 Mechanical Q
    Qes: 0.3440 Electrical Q
    Sd: 0.0130 M^2 (Piston area)
    Xmax: 3.1800 mm (Cone excursion, linear)
    Revc: 7.7500 ohms (DC resistance)
    Znom: 8.0000 ohms (Nominal impedance)
    Pmax: 35.0000 watts maximum rated power


    Driver: MW 6502 Driver's model #.
    Brand: Polk Driver's brand name.
    Fs: 44.0000 Hz (Free air resonance)
    Vas: 1.2360 ft^3 (Compliance volume)
    Qts: 0.2790 Total Q
    Qms: 1.9700 Mechanical Q
    Qes: 0.3250 Electrical Q
    Sd: 0.0130 M^2 (Piston area)
    Xmax: 3.1800 mm (Cone excursion, linear)
    Revc: 3.5200 ohms (DC resistance)
    Znom: 4.0000 ohms (Nominal impedance)
    Pmax: 35.0000 watts maximum rated power


    Driver: MW 6503 Driver's model #.
    Brand: Polk Driver's brand name.
    Fs: 29.8600 Hz (Free air resonance)
    Vas: 3.0017 ft^3 (Compliance volume)
    Qts: 0.3100 Total Q
    Qms: 1.7680 Mechanical Q
    Qes: 0.3760 Electrical Q
    Sd: 0.0130 M^2 (Piston area)
    Xmax: 3.1800 mm (Cone excursion, linear)
    Revc: 6.5400 ohms (DC resistance)
    Znom: 8.0000 ohms (Nominal impedance)
    Pmax: 35.0000 watts maximum rated power


    Nothing on the 6511... The Dayton seems to be closer than the Goldwood.

    Don
    Living Room: Adcom GFP-750 (Upgraded), Squeezebox Touch, Oppo BDP-83, Pioneer DV-79AVi, Parasound HCA-3500 (Upgraded), SDA SRS 2 P/B (Gimpod, Sonicaps, & Mills)

    Theater: Denon 4311ci, Oppo BDP-93, Parasound HCA-2205+HCA-2200II, Polk LSi9, LSiC, LSiFX, LSi7, Custom 18" TC Sounds sub with 2 18" PR, Sharp XV-Z12000, Pioneer Kuro KRP-500M (isf Enabled)

    Bedroom: HK AVR354, Pioneer DV-47a, Parasound HCA-1500a, Polk LSi9
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  • dcmartinpc
    dcmartinpc Posts: 844
    edited November 2010
    Here are the parameters on the Dayton Drivers:

    DC160S-8

    Impedance - 8
    Re - 6.6
    Le (mH) @ 1kHz - 1.54
    Fs (Hz) - 32.3
    Qms - 2.91
    Qes - .32
    Qts - .29
    Mms (g) - 25.38
    Cms (mm/N) - .96
    Sd (cm squared) - 134.8
    Vd (cm cubed) - 42.5
    BL (Tm) - 10.26
    VAS (Liters) - 24.5
    XMAX (mm) - 3.15
    VC Diameter (mm) - 35
    SPL (dB@1W/1m) - 87
    RMS Power - 50
    Freq Range - 33-4,000


    DC160S-4

    Impedance - 4
    Re - 3.3
    Le (mH) @ 1kHz - .93
    Fs (Hz) - 37.7
    Qms - 3.45
    Qes - .40
    Qts - .36
    Mms (g) - 21.51
    Cms (mm/N) - .83
    Sd - 136.8
    Vd - 46.5
    BL (Tm) - 6.55
    VAS (Liters) - 21.8
    XMAX (mm) - 3.4
    VC Diameter (mm) - 35
    SPL (dB@1W/1m) - 86
    RMS Power - 50
    Freq Range - 33-4,000


    Don
    Living Room: Adcom GFP-750 (Upgraded), Squeezebox Touch, Oppo BDP-83, Pioneer DV-79AVi, Parasound HCA-3500 (Upgraded), SDA SRS 2 P/B (Gimpod, Sonicaps, & Mills)

    Theater: Denon 4311ci, Oppo BDP-93, Parasound HCA-2205+HCA-2200II, Polk LSi9, LSiC, LSiFX, LSi7, Custom 18" TC Sounds sub with 2 18" PR, Sharp XV-Z12000, Pioneer Kuro KRP-500M (isf Enabled)

    Bedroom: HK AVR354, Pioneer DV-47a, Parasound HCA-1500a, Polk LSi9
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited November 2010
    I don't see any of them being a good match. Fortunately PE has a decent return policy.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • dcmartinpc
    dcmartinpc Posts: 844
    edited November 2010
    Once I found out that I could return them unopened for no restocking fee, I think that pretty much made my decision for me. I have the new 6511 on the way, and this gives me time to repair the old one. I am afraid if I open them and something happens, my return will be unlikely.... I am tempted to try, but with the risk of not being able to return them, I might just send them back as soon as they get here....

    Don
    Living Room: Adcom GFP-750 (Upgraded), Squeezebox Touch, Oppo BDP-83, Pioneer DV-79AVi, Parasound HCA-3500 (Upgraded), SDA SRS 2 P/B (Gimpod, Sonicaps, & Mills)

    Theater: Denon 4311ci, Oppo BDP-93, Parasound HCA-2205+HCA-2200II, Polk LSi9, LSiC, LSiFX, LSi7, Custom 18" TC Sounds sub with 2 18" PR, Sharp XV-Z12000, Pioneer Kuro KRP-500M (isf Enabled)

    Bedroom: HK AVR354, Pioneer DV-47a, Parasound HCA-1500a, Polk LSi9
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited November 2010
    The Dayton's didn't voice near the Polk's. I did a lot of experimenting before I learned that numbers only represent a portion of the picture.
    Ben
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • dcmartinpc
    dcmartinpc Posts: 844
    edited November 2010
    That is what I was worried about. I know they didn't voice well together... but my thought was, what if ALL of the drivers were replaced? I did purchase enough drivers of both flavors to replace all of the drivers in each 1C. Looking for opinions, if you guys really don't think it would be worth the effort, then I will leave them alone, but if replacing all of the drivers could provide a net benefit, then I will try it...

    I am probably just going to send them all back at this point, but don't want to miss an opportunity for improvement if it is there.

    Thoughts?

    Don
    Living Room: Adcom GFP-750 (Upgraded), Squeezebox Touch, Oppo BDP-83, Pioneer DV-79AVi, Parasound HCA-3500 (Upgraded), SDA SRS 2 P/B (Gimpod, Sonicaps, & Mills)

    Theater: Denon 4311ci, Oppo BDP-93, Parasound HCA-2205+HCA-2200II, Polk LSi9, LSiC, LSiFX, LSi7, Custom 18" TC Sounds sub with 2 18" PR, Sharp XV-Z12000, Pioneer Kuro KRP-500M (isf Enabled)

    Bedroom: HK AVR354, Pioneer DV-47a, Parasound HCA-1500a, Polk LSi9
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited November 2010
    dcmartinpc wrote: »
    I am probably just going to send them all back at this point, but don't want to miss an opportunity for improvement if it is there.
    From cheapo drivers? No.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • dcmartinpc
    dcmartinpc Posts: 844
    edited November 2010
    Face wrote: »
    From cheapo drivers? No.

    That's kinda what I thought. I was having trouble locating any higher end drivers that were even close in specs that would fit into the stock driver cutout. I will just send them back. I looked at several, Peerless, Morel, Tang Band, even Aurum Cantus and Vifa... Nothing that came in both a 4 ohm and 8 ohm version...

    Don
    Living Room: Adcom GFP-750 (Upgraded), Squeezebox Touch, Oppo BDP-83, Pioneer DV-79AVi, Parasound HCA-3500 (Upgraded), SDA SRS 2 P/B (Gimpod, Sonicaps, & Mills)

    Theater: Denon 4311ci, Oppo BDP-93, Parasound HCA-2205+HCA-2200II, Polk LSi9, LSiC, LSiFX, LSi7, Custom 18" TC Sounds sub with 2 18" PR, Sharp XV-Z12000, Pioneer Kuro KRP-500M (isf Enabled)

    Bedroom: HK AVR354, Pioneer DV-47a, Parasound HCA-1500a, Polk LSi9
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,421
    edited November 2010
    Ben is probably the best authority here when it comes to SDA and aftermarket drivers. I agree with him that thought they may work, they will not have the same sonics as the original, regardless of what the specs may say.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited November 2010
    Even if you did find one with similar specs, it's FR could still be vastly different in some regions.

    Something like this would be an improvement: https://www.madisound.com/store/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=149&products_id=8181
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • dcmartinpc
    dcmartinpc Posts: 844
    edited November 2010
    nooshinjohn wrote: »
    Ben is probably the best authority here when it comes to SDA and aftermarket drivers. I agree with him that thought they may work, they will not have the same sonics as the original, regardless of what the specs may say.

    Thanks John.

    Ben,

    Just in your opinion, is there a driver out there that works well as a 6511 or 6510 replacement that would be an upgrade to the stock drivers? Cost no object type of thing? Replacing all the 6.5" drivers, obviously... Just curious. Probably not that would work well with the original crossovers, but I thought I would ask you. I was just desperate when I jumped on these Daytons and Goldwoods. I thought there was no option besides repairing the driver to get my SDA's back up and running quickly. Of course Polk had to go and have great customer service and have them in stock! :tongue:

    Don
    Living Room: Adcom GFP-750 (Upgraded), Squeezebox Touch, Oppo BDP-83, Pioneer DV-79AVi, Parasound HCA-3500 (Upgraded), SDA SRS 2 P/B (Gimpod, Sonicaps, & Mills)

    Theater: Denon 4311ci, Oppo BDP-93, Parasound HCA-2205+HCA-2200II, Polk LSi9, LSiC, LSiFX, LSi7, Custom 18" TC Sounds sub with 2 18" PR, Sharp XV-Z12000, Pioneer Kuro KRP-500M (isf Enabled)

    Bedroom: HK AVR354, Pioneer DV-47a, Parasound HCA-1500a, Polk LSi9
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited November 2010
    Stick with Polk's replacements. If you were to use another driver you would need to redesign everything.
    Ben
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited November 2010
    The crossover for these would be daunting, but a SDA with these drivers would be impressive.

    https://www.madisound.com/store/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=148&products_id=8812

    https://www.madisound.com/store/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=148&products_id=8812

    https://www.madisound.com/store/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=148&products_id=8519
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited November 2010
    Nope off axis isn't there on any of those drivers.
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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