Are these SDA's a good buy

2»

Comments

  • helipilotdoug
    helipilotdoug Posts: 1,229
    edited January 2011
    Those look brand new! WoW! Congrats!
    Sunfire Theater Grand IV
    Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature
    SRS 2.1TL
    SDA 2BTL's
    CSiA6
    FXiA4
    FXiA6
    SDA 2A's
    Monitor 10A's
    http://www.douglasconnection.com
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Tour2ma
    Tour2ma Posts: 10,177
    edited January 2011
    Glad you’re having fun… probably the least you’ve paid for a bucket of grins in a while…
    OldmanSRS wrote: »
    The interesting thing is the CRS and SRS1.2 have very similar voices. Two diferences I noted were the SDA effect on the CRS is wider and the tweeter is full range and slightly louder than any single tweeter in the SRS.
    Voicing is not too surprising… although the +’s MW’s are different (from each other as well as from your SRS’s) both use the same, SL2000 tweeter. Not sure why the soundstage would widen… the +’s rear firing PR?

    It’s your last, tweeter comment that I find a tad disconcerting. At low levels only your SRS’s bottom tweeter (as memory serves) is working. As volume levels increase additional 2000’s in the array are added. All things being equal the +’s top end should not sound fuller than the SRS. It is possible that you have a tweeter, or some cross-over element going south on you.
    OldmanSRS wrote: »
    Sitting about 20' away sounds it like a curved wall of sound from a pair of 6+' SRS1.2's.
    Have you ever tried your SRS’s on your long wall? Obviously I’m asking without knowing your room and how practical it might be, but hard not to notice your left channel is a little tight. I moved my SRS’s to a long wall years ago. It really increased the width of the soundstage.
    More later,
    Tour...
    Vox Copuli
    Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. - Old English Proverb

    "Death doesn't come with a Uhaul." - Dennis Gardner
    "It's easy to get lost in price vs performance vs ego vs illusion." - doro
    "There is a certain entertainment value in ripping the occaisonal (sic) buttmunch..." - TroyD
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,077
    edited January 2011
    Nice snag.....IMO, the CRS+'s are probably the best bang/buck SDA speaker around.

    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • OldmanSRS
    OldmanSRS Posts: 419
    edited January 2011
    Voicing is not too surprising… although the +’s MW’s are different (from each other as well as from your SRS’s) both use the same, SL2000 tweeter. Not sure why the soundstage would widen… the +’s rear firing PR?

    Looking at the schematics the CRS's SDA have the older blade-blade XO circuit with the series caps. The SRS1.2's have the newer pin-blade XO with the series inductor. IMO the CRS's SDA driver is being fed slightly more signal amplitude at probabably a slightly different bandwith which expands the SDA effect more than on the SRS's. Don't get me wrong, it's only slightly wider and without any hole in the middle. I'm just hearing a little more side and rear sound queues now. It's very complemetary.

    It’s your last, tweeter comment that I find a tad disconcerting. At low levels only your SRS’s bottom tweeter (as memory serves) is working. As volume levels increase additional 2000’s in the array are added. All things being equal the +’s top end should not sound fuller than the SRS. It is possible that you have a tweeter, or some cross-over element going south on you.

    The SRS tweeters behave as a line source with all the tweeters operating at the frequencies near the bottom of the XO point and gradually changes to a point source with only one tweeter operating at the high end of the XO output. I don't think the operation is volume dependent. The CRS's tweeter circuit is much simpler. The single tweeter is a full range point source operating above 2k Htz. I seems a little louder in relation to the CRS's MW output. I looked inside the CRS's cabinets and the XO's are stock '86 units.

    I've checked all the tweeters and re-capped the XO's in the SRS's. I think the CRS is just a slightly different animal and it's tweeter's output is just a little louder. When I demo'd them at the time of sale I thought the same. Very pleasing. The SRS's have so much midbass and bottom end compared to the CRS's, the relationship of the its tweeters to all that lower frequency energy has a slightly different balance. I've heard them described as "laid back" on the top end.

    Anyway, I toned the CRS's down once again. This time with a 5 Ohm series resistor so they are essentially running at 1/2 the power compared to the SRS's. I'm still very happy with running them in prallel and on top of the SRS's enjoying the taller soundtage. Pipe organs sound awesome, like you can visualize the huge pipes towering over you. The bass is deep, full and tight with a slight reverb off the granite walls of the cathederal. The soundstage is room filling and uniform.

    Have you ever tried your SRS’s on your long wall? Obviously I’m asking without knowing your room and how practical it might be, but hard not to notice your left channel is a little tight. I moved my SRS’s to a long wall years ago. It really increased the width of the soundstage.

    Can't do it. The 26' long wall has a large stone fireplace right in the center.
    '65 427 Shelby Cobra
    '72 Triumph TR-6
    __________________
    '88 Polk SDA SRS 1.2, with upgraded XO caps and Erse SDA inductors
    '86 Polk SDA CRS+
    '84 Polk Monitor 10A (Peerless tweeters)
    '05 HSU VTF-3 Sub (Original OEM)
    '20 HSU VTF-3 Sub (three more, 100% cloned)
    '93 Carver TFM-35
    '88 Carver M-1.0t
    '88 Adcom GFT-555
    '88 Adcom GFP-555
    '88 Adcom GFA-555 (upgraded/restored)
    '88 Adcom GFA-555 (a second one upgraded/restored)
    '05 Onkyo DV-555 media
    '89 Fosgate 360 Digital Space Matrix
    '89 Fosgate 360 Digital Space Matrix, internal surround amp bridged to drive only a center channel
    '91 Kenwood Basic M1D Amp
    '89 Pioneer Laser Disc media
    '89 Sony SuperBeta HiFi media
    One PGA2310 based custom built remote volume control
    Four Polk T-15's
    Four Polk TSi-200's
    Four Polk TSi-100's
    Two Polk CS-10's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Tour2ma
    Tour2ma Posts: 10,177
    edited January 2011
    With well thought out posts like the above, don't sweat the spelling...
    More later,
    Tour...
    Vox Copuli
    Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. - Old English Proverb

    "Death doesn't come with a Uhaul." - Dennis Gardner
    "It's easy to get lost in price vs performance vs ego vs illusion." - doro
    "There is a certain entertainment value in ripping the occaisonal (sic) buttmunch..." - TroyD
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • OldmanSRS
    OldmanSRS Posts: 419
    edited January 2011
    Have you ever tried your SRS’s on your long wall? Obviously I’m asking without knowing your room and how practical it might be, but hard not to notice your left channel is a little tight. I moved my SRS’s to a long wall years ago. It really increased the width of the soundstage.

    Corrrect and the right side is 15 feet from a wall since the room is L-shaped. That's why I'm experimneting with the 5" acoustic material pads next to the SDA arrays. They absorb the reflections on both sides and even things out. I noted the sound stage actually expanded with them (cancelled the side reflections) which looks counterintuitive to the those non versed in SDA operation.
    '65 427 Shelby Cobra
    '72 Triumph TR-6
    __________________
    '88 Polk SDA SRS 1.2, with upgraded XO caps and Erse SDA inductors
    '86 Polk SDA CRS+
    '84 Polk Monitor 10A (Peerless tweeters)
    '05 HSU VTF-3 Sub (Original OEM)
    '20 HSU VTF-3 Sub (three more, 100% cloned)
    '93 Carver TFM-35
    '88 Carver M-1.0t
    '88 Adcom GFT-555
    '88 Adcom GFP-555
    '88 Adcom GFA-555 (upgraded/restored)
    '88 Adcom GFA-555 (a second one upgraded/restored)
    '05 Onkyo DV-555 media
    '89 Fosgate 360 Digital Space Matrix
    '89 Fosgate 360 Digital Space Matrix, internal surround amp bridged to drive only a center channel
    '91 Kenwood Basic M1D Amp
    '89 Pioneer Laser Disc media
    '89 Sony SuperBeta HiFi media
    One PGA2310 based custom built remote volume control
    Four Polk T-15's
    Four Polk TSi-200's
    Four Polk TSi-100's
    Two Polk CS-10's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Tour2ma
    Tour2ma Posts: 10,177
    edited January 2011
    My short wall period had the R-ch about 2' from wall while the L-ch was 2' from opening to another room. Much wider soundstage to the left. Moved to a long wall (different room) with 8' to either side before getting to room openings. Much more balanced SDA...

    At some point I'd think working around your fireplace has to get competitive with all the acoustical gymnastics you go through...
    More later,
    Tour...
    Vox Copuli
    Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. - Old English Proverb

    "Death doesn't come with a Uhaul." - Dennis Gardner
    "It's easy to get lost in price vs performance vs ego vs illusion." - doro
    "There is a certain entertainment value in ripping the occaisonal (sic) buttmunch..." - TroyD
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Loud & Clear
    Loud & Clear Posts: 1,538
    edited January 2011
    "Two diferences I noted were the SDA effect on the CRS is wider and the tweeter is full range and slightly louder than any single tweeter in the SRS."

    I noted these very differences as well.

    Two Channel Setup:

    Speakers: Wharfedale Opus 2-3
    Integrated Amp: Krell S-300i
    DAC: Arcam irDac
    Source: iMac
    Remote Control: iPad Mini

    3.2 Home Theater Setup:

    Fronts: Klipsch RP-160M
    Center: Klipsch RP-160M
    Subwoofer: SVS PB12NSD (X 2)
    AVR: Yamaha Aventage RX-A2030
    Blu Ray: Sony BDP-S790
    TV Source: DirecTV Genie
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TNHNDYMAN
    TNHNDYMAN Posts: 2,145
    edited January 2011
    @ Oldman

    Nice find and a beautiful addition to your collection. I've only seen pictures of the SRS's and can't wait to listen one day. If I ever get a chance I'd love to buy a pair (or 3) one day. Seeing posts like your find give me hope to find a deal I can't pass up in the East TN area. Thanks!
    2-ch System: Parasound P/LD 2000 pre, Parasound HCA-1000 amp, Parasound T/DQ Tuner, Phase Technology PC-100 Tower speakers, Technics SL-1600 Turntable, Denon 2910 SACD/CD player, Peachtree DAC iT and X1asynchorus USB converter, HSU VTF-3 subwoofer.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • OldmanSRS
    OldmanSRS Posts: 419
    edited January 2011
    Where do you live in TN? These are in Knoxville / ebay for about twice I paid for mine but they are the orginal CRS not the CRS+. I could check them out for you....
    http://cgi.ebay.com/Polk-Audio-Speakers-SDA-CRS-RDA-Series-RARE-/380305839361?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item588bfe9501

    Same as mine in Houston: http://cgi.ebay.com/Pair-Vintage-POLK-AUDIO-SDA-CRS-SPEAKERS-/330515635133?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item4cf4445bbd

    No SRS's around here for sale at this time though.....I'll keep my eyes open. I've owned these SRS's for 23 years. Payed $2500 for 'em which is about $4,600 in todays dollar.

    Edit: I see you are in Tricities.
    '65 427 Shelby Cobra
    '72 Triumph TR-6
    __________________
    '88 Polk SDA SRS 1.2, with upgraded XO caps and Erse SDA inductors
    '86 Polk SDA CRS+
    '84 Polk Monitor 10A (Peerless tweeters)
    '05 HSU VTF-3 Sub (Original OEM)
    '20 HSU VTF-3 Sub (three more, 100% cloned)
    '93 Carver TFM-35
    '88 Carver M-1.0t
    '88 Adcom GFT-555
    '88 Adcom GFP-555
    '88 Adcom GFA-555 (upgraded/restored)
    '88 Adcom GFA-555 (a second one upgraded/restored)
    '05 Onkyo DV-555 media
    '89 Fosgate 360 Digital Space Matrix
    '89 Fosgate 360 Digital Space Matrix, internal surround amp bridged to drive only a center channel
    '91 Kenwood Basic M1D Amp
    '89 Pioneer Laser Disc media
    '89 Sony SuperBeta HiFi media
    One PGA2310 based custom built remote volume control
    Four Polk T-15's
    Four Polk TSi-200's
    Four Polk TSi-100's
    Two Polk CS-10's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TNHNDYMAN
    TNHNDYMAN Posts: 2,145
    edited January 2011
    Thanks for the heads up. I did see those on the bay and added to my watch list. Also saw a pair of 7's in bristol for $100 I would like to grab but just cut a check to ETSU (my wife is in nursing school) so the budget is kinda empty for a bit. What is the difference in the two version of CRS? Is it just the tweeter or also crossover type? I've seen threads discussing blade/pin but don't really understand the difference or what to look for or which is considered more desirable. Again awesome system. I grew up listening to my dad's ESS AMT1a's with the Heil tweeter on a B&O 4200 turntable and am finally starting to enjoy this expensive hobby myself and relive some good memories.
    2-ch System: Parasound P/LD 2000 pre, Parasound HCA-1000 amp, Parasound T/DQ Tuner, Phase Technology PC-100 Tower speakers, Technics SL-1600 Turntable, Denon 2910 SACD/CD player, Peachtree DAC iT and X1asynchorus USB converter, HSU VTF-3 subwoofer.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • OldmanSRS
    OldmanSRS Posts: 419
    edited January 2011
    Early SDA's were thought to require a tweeter for the stereo and the SDA drivers. Later data proved a tweeter was not required for a good SDA effect since most of the SDA sound is in the lower midrange. The pin-pin XO uses a series cap (two 130 uF caps in parallel) and the pin-blade uses a series inductor in the SDA section of the XO. The latter considered to be an improvement and an easier load for most amps. I don't think the sound is notably different. The IC cable on the pin-pin uses 2 active wires. The pin-blade has two wires but the are connected in parallel and make only one circuit.
    '65 427 Shelby Cobra
    '72 Triumph TR-6
    __________________
    '88 Polk SDA SRS 1.2, with upgraded XO caps and Erse SDA inductors
    '86 Polk SDA CRS+
    '84 Polk Monitor 10A (Peerless tweeters)
    '05 HSU VTF-3 Sub (Original OEM)
    '20 HSU VTF-3 Sub (three more, 100% cloned)
    '93 Carver TFM-35
    '88 Carver M-1.0t
    '88 Adcom GFT-555
    '88 Adcom GFP-555
    '88 Adcom GFA-555 (upgraded/restored)
    '88 Adcom GFA-555 (a second one upgraded/restored)
    '05 Onkyo DV-555 media
    '89 Fosgate 360 Digital Space Matrix
    '89 Fosgate 360 Digital Space Matrix, internal surround amp bridged to drive only a center channel
    '91 Kenwood Basic M1D Amp
    '89 Pioneer Laser Disc media
    '89 Sony SuperBeta HiFi media
    One PGA2310 based custom built remote volume control
    Four Polk T-15's
    Four Polk TSi-200's
    Four Polk TSi-100's
    Two Polk CS-10's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Tour2ma
    Tour2ma Posts: 10,177
    edited January 2011
    The older, twin tweeter SDA's can sound "spacey" (not that that's all bad...).

    Most CRS owners simply disconnect the tweeter towards the outside of the speaker.
    More later,
    Tour...
    Vox Copuli
    Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. - Old English Proverb

    "Death doesn't come with a Uhaul." - Dennis Gardner
    "It's easy to get lost in price vs performance vs ego vs illusion." - doro
    "There is a certain entertainment value in ripping the occaisonal (sic) buttmunch..." - TroyD
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter