SDA-1C's

mbtanner
mbtanner Posts: 6
edited February 2011 in Vintage Speakers
I have a pair of SDA-1Cs in their original packaging. After reading a few posts here, it sounds like their are a couple different 1C models.

Can any one help me with what the differences are and how to ID the different models?

I purchased these new in 1991 at a Base Exchange in Germany for about $700.

They still sound and look perfect.

Mark Tanner
Oak Harbor, WA
Post edited by mbtanner on
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  • On3s&Z3r0s
    On3s&Z3r0s Posts: 1,013
    edited February 2011
    Hey Mark,

    Welcome... always good to have more members from the Puget Sound area, especially ones who own some of the more sought after vintage speakers. :wink:

    I think the main significant difference is that some of the earlier 1C's used an interconnect that had two flat blades on the plug and socket. Later models had an interconnect with one round pin and one flat blade. If you know what style of interconnect cable you have, that would help clear it up, as would serial numbers. With the serial numbers it matters whether the ser no. is for the left or right speaker, so if you check, that would be good to note also.

    This thread has a bunch of information on the various SDA speaker models: http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55888

    In particular, the PDF's titled Transitional SDA's and SDA Series Driver And Crossover List are where some of this info comes from. The 1C schematic is there also, and based on the schematic date vs. your '91 purchase date my guess would be you don't have the blade/blade versions.

    There is also a "Studio" version of the 1C, but the differences there are essentially cosmetic.

    Lots of guys on the forum know way more about your speakers than I do... I just thought I attempt an answer in case you wanted to read up or check the ser nos. Again, welcome!

    -Scott
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  • mbtanner
    mbtanner Posts: 6
    edited February 2011
    It is the flat pin and round blade.

    Thanks Scott.
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  • mbtanner
    mbtanner Posts: 6
    edited February 2011
    Or round pin flat blade.
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited February 2011
    There were two SDA 1C models.

    The standard:

    http://www.polksda.com/sda1c.shtml

    Or the studio:

    http://www.polksda.com/sda1c-studio.shtml

    Other than the differences in the cabinets they were essentially the same.

    And a review from 1987:

    http://www.polksda.com/sda1creview.shtml
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited February 2011
    post a couple of pics front/back grills off, someone here will tell you all you want to know about 1C's--welcome aboard
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • mbtanner
    mbtanner Posts: 6
    edited February 2011
    They look like the photo of the studios.

    We recently moved and I haven't un-boxed them yet (to take photos). I was thinking about putting them on Craigslist for free two days ago because I thought I wanted something smaller.

    After hanging out for a day here, you've convinced me to keep them. They have always been the centerpiece of my system, but considering they are 20 years old, I assumed that better technology existed. Now I'm not so sure.

    Thanks.

    Happy SDA owner.

    Tanner
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,567
    edited February 2011
    I assumed that better technology existed.

    In some ways it does. There are upgrades to your speakers that will vastly improve the sound.
    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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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited February 2011
    F1nut wrote: »
    In some ways it does. There are upgrades to your speakers that will vastly improve the sound.

    +1 on that,, upgrade crossovers,Larry's rings,,replacement tweeters,, and you are good to go for many years of listening pleasure.
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,248
    edited February 2011
    mbtanner wrote: »
    They look like the photo of the studios.

    I was thinking about putting them on Craigslist for free!!
    :eek::eek:

    :eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:Don't do that!!!!!

    Welcome and enjoy what you have,and as others have said upgrades will take them to a Higher Level...
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited February 2011
    george daniel wrote:
    +1 on that,, upgrade crossovers,Larry's rings,,replacement tweeters,, and you are good to go for many years of listening pleasure.

    Or...if they still sound good (and they may)...enjoy them just the way they are.
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited February 2011
    Welcome Tannar,I just completed a extensive mod on a pair of 1C's...everything is burning in now,they are slowly coming around and really starting to open up...well worth the time and effort...this is the second pair of modded 1C's I've had,sold the first pair,won't make that mistake again.
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  • mbtanner
    mbtanner Posts: 6
    edited February 2011
    Mike, how much did your Mod's cost you in parts? How long did it take you to complete?
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited February 2011
    If you are speaking of the cap/resistor upgrade,it depends on the cap cost,,me,,I prefer Sonicaps all around with mills resistors,,so figure 200 dollars +/-,,if you go that route they (Sonicap) usually runs a sale from time to time @ 20% off which is the best time to buy,,Larry's ringset is anothe 100 or so,, tweeters are 48 each x 4,,however,you don't have to perform the mods to enjoy these speakers,,,just upgrade them bit by bit.Anyhow--congrats on a fine set of speakers.Have fun and enjoy.
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited February 2011
    george has covered the caps,resistors and tweeters...I also used a Sonic Barrier material in the cabinets (about 160.00) if I remember right...Dynamat Supreme on all the driver baskets (25.00).New binding posts(cost varies) New Floor Spikes (also cost varies by quality) New Grill Cloth (25.00) I didn't redo the caps as they are in good shape.

    There are many threads here on SDA upgrades,here a good one http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=97719&highlight=upgrades

    I don't think "Larrys Rings" are available any longer,unless he decides to make some more.

    Hope this helps,Mike
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  • mbtanner
    mbtanner Posts: 6
    edited February 2011
    Thanks guys.
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