SDA 1C Studio What are they worth?

2

Comments

  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,566
    edited June 2011
    Some of the mod work I've seen here makes me cringe.

    That said, Shack daddy is right. One should not expect to get out what one puts in after doing modifications to a piece of gear.
    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

  • Big Dawg
    Big Dawg Posts: 2,005
    edited June 2011
    Alan,

    I think what you need to understand is that, no matter your intentions, your original post looked like many before where a newly registered user asked what his speakers were worth but really just was trying to sell them.

    If you really have a long-lost id here, I'd suggest you contact a moderator to help you find it.

    As far as the value of mods, I agree with nspindel - in fact, I resemble some of his remarks. Not all mods add value, and not all good mods add value to all buyers, but some mods add some value for some people.

    It's an interesting question. I am probably going to sell my SRS2s soon. I have most of the parts on hand to do a full TL mod, but haven't done it yet. Do I get more value from selling the speakers and upgrades as a "kit," doing the upgrade myself before selling, or selling it all in parts?

    Best of luck to the seller.....I mean, welcome to Club Polk.

    BTW, in the New York City metro area, a fully moded set of 1Cs should be worth $5-600, or even more. Florida may or may not be similar. Tennessee, I'd guess, with a lower concentration of Polkies, probably yields a lower resell value. Not as sure about NC, because there seem to be lots of us/them there.
  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,566
    edited June 2011
    I,m not saying he can't ask the value but "In my opinion" stating where he,and said speakers are located is the dead give away, and he is just advertising!!!

    Not to mention the detailed condition description. Yeah, he's trying to sell them.

    Mods, please delete this thread.
    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

  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,420
    edited June 2011
    LOL,, we're out of our meds.:wink:

    My wife can help with that. She's a pharmacist now:rolleyes:....


    Medical Mary-Jane anyone?:wink::tongue:
    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
  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited June 2011
    F1nut wrote:
    Not to mention the detailed condition description. Yeah, he's trying to sell them.

    Mods, please delete this thread.

    No need really. There is some good discussion here. Let's take the OP at his word that he is NOT trying to sell them...unless he proves otherwise.
    "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
  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,287
    edited June 2011
    My wife can help with that. She's a pharmacist now:rolleyes:....


    Medical Mary-Jane anyone?:wink::tongue:

    You crack me up...just get into Cali and uuhum now we know why you moved:smile:
    2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
    Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
    Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
    Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC

    erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a
  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,420
    edited June 2011
    One thing I have learned living in CA is that you need to be a little stoned just to make this place appear normal.:wink:
    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
  • audiocr381ve
    audiocr381ve Posts: 2,588
    edited June 2011
    Considering you have upgraded them I have a hard time believing you have no idea of the value of them. :rolleyes:

    There is no way you haven't been on this forum with the upgrades that are done, therefore I'm sure you know the rules around here!!!!

    You ****ume to much.

    I was going to pick up a pair that was mint and unmodified for $260 several months ago. I'd start asking around $350.
  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,566
    edited June 2011
    I'd start asking around $350.

    Says the guy that couldn't sell his at any price.
    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

  • rock79
    rock79 Posts: 19
    edited June 2011
    Thank you to those who have offered contructive information. So, it seems the value of the 1C's are dependent on the geographic location and the technical aptitude or trustworthyness of the individual performing the upgrades.

    In one were to sell your 1C's what would you buy? the Polk bookshelf 9 with the 2 5.25" woofers. I'm a bit confused as to what would be a good upgrade. I also like the Paradigm studio 100. I'd like to stay with Polk, but thanks to the internent, people can't make money in this buisiness anymore so there is no place to demo anything. Running and Adcom GFA-5500 and GFP-750 preamp.

    I miss the old ays with big showrooms and speaker patch panels for demo.

    Alan
    "The door is open but the ride ain't free"
  • rock79
    rock79 Posts: 19
    edited June 2011
    Please let me know how you would value something if you were not informed what the condition and improvements were.
    I think you just enjoy giving people a hard time.
    "The door is open but the ride ain't free"
  • gdb
    gdb Posts: 6,012
    edited June 2011
    Modded/upgraded SDAs are hard to beat, and to find something better will be a challenge. However..... the new line of LSiMs are supposed to be the "cat's ****":cool: Click link for info on the new 9s.:wink:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/bookshelf.php#lsim
  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited June 2011
    rock79 wrote: »
    Thank you to those who have offered contructive information. So, it seems the value of the 1C's are dependent on the geographic location and the technical aptitude or trustworthyness of the individual performing the upgrades.

    In one were to sell your 1C's what would you buy? the Polk bookshelf 9 with the 2 5.25" woofers. I'm a bit confused as to what would be a good upgrade. I also like the Paradigm studio 100. I'd like to stay with Polk, but thanks to the internent, people can't make money in this buisiness anymore so there is no place to demo anything. Running and Adcom GFA-5500 and GFP-750 preamp.

    I miss the old ays with big showrooms and speaker patch panels for demo.

    Alan

    You may think this is a "smartass" reply,,I don't care,,when I sold my 1C's,,I picked up some Tyler Taylos reference monitors,,,anyhow,long story short,,I picked up another set of 1C's,, still have em'' modded,,and I think you will be hard pressed to better them without spending alot more monies.I eventually upgraded my front end and it made a huge difference,,are there better speakers,,yes,, but at what price? Something I learned,,, listen to something for two weeks,,then ask,,is it better,,or just different.You have a nice set of speakers,,,enjoy them.:smile:
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,243
    edited June 2011
    You ****ume to much.

    I was going to pick up a pair that was mint and unmodified for $260 several months ago. I'd start asking around $350.

    Did your wife give you permission to play on the computer or did you sneak on while she is sleeping??
  • rock79
    rock79 Posts: 19
    edited June 2011
    Thsank you George. That is so true. Different isn't always better. That's for sure. I didn't think that was smartass at all. Just honest.
    "The door is open but the ride ain't free"
  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited June 2011
    sure-- this is a great forum,,a great place to learn from folks with alot of experience,who can help you steer clear of the pitfalls that is associated with this hobby.If you are serious about your SDA's,, before I did anything,,I would evaluate my gear,,one thing I've learned here,,,source,source and source.Good luck in your journey.

    Roll on Southern Pacific on your silver rails--Neil Young and the International Harvesters----# 945.
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited June 2011
    rock79, let me make sure I'm understanding your aim. Are you looking to unload modded 1C's in order to upgrade to something else in the Polk line? Not trying to be an SDA-snob, but unless you're looking at upgrading to bigger SDA's, then I'm not sure what you're looking for. I 100% agree with George, you've got some awesome speakers. I know, I have a pair too. IMO, if you've got some money to spend, spend it on a better audio chain to push through your 1C's. I know nothing of your equipment, other than the fact that if you push a good source with good power and synergy, you've got one helluva system. I think you should talk to the folks around here a bit more about what you're doing with those 1C's and get some advice before doing anything. Just my two cents.
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited June 2011
    nspindel wrote: »
    rock79, let me make sure I'm understanding your aim. Are you looking to unload modded 1C's in order to upgrade to something else in the Polk line? Not trying to be an SDA-snob, but unless you're looking at upgrading to bigger SDA's, then I'm not sure what you're looking for. I 100% agree with George, you've got some awesome speakers. I know, I have a pair too. IMO, if you've got some money to spend, spend it on a better audio chain to push through your 1C's. I know nothing of your equipment, other than the fact that if you push a good source with good power and synergy, you've got one helluva system. I think you should talk to the folks around here a bit more about what you're doing with those 1C's and get some advice before doing anything. Just my two cents.

    yep-- good advice there rock79--+1 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^:smile:
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
  • rock79
    rock79 Posts: 19
    edited June 2011
    WoW,

    After all these years these speakers are still considered that good?!
    "The door is open but the ride ain't free"
  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited June 2011
    YEP,, there is better out there,but it's gonna cost alot,,,the price/performance ratio of the SDA is excellent--now throw in all of the mods/tweaks,,and the knowledge base here,,aftermarket products such as the RDO's and Larry's Rings,,pretty good for a speaker thats what,,20+ years old.
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited June 2011
    SDA's are incredible speakers, not extinct as a production line because they've been bettered.
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
  • quadzilla
    quadzilla Posts: 1,543
    edited June 2011
    rock79 wrote: »
    Thank you to those who have offered contructive information. So, it seems the value of the 1C's are dependent on the geographic location and the technical aptitude or trustworthyness of the individual performing the upgrades.

    In one were to sell your 1C's what would you buy? the Polk bookshelf 9 with the 2 5.25" woofers. I'm a bit confused as to what would be a good upgrade. I also like the Paradigm studio 100. I'd like to stay with Polk, but thanks to the internent, people can't make money in this buisiness anymore so there is no place to demo anything. Running and Adcom GFA-5500 and GFP-750 preamp.

    I miss the old ays with big showrooms and speaker patch panels for demo.

    Alan

    They won't have as big a sound stage as the SDAs, but look at the new LSiM series polk is releasing. I'd say that's you're upgrade path. Going from one 2 say speaker set up to another won't get you any big increases in detail, and nothing else images like the SDAs. But the LSiMs are very detailed and do have a nice sound stage from the little bit of listening I've been able to do with them at a local audio show.

    And just ignore the haters, 'cause haters gonna hate.
    Turntable: Empire 208
    Arm: Rega 300
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    Digital: Pioneer DV-79ai
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    Cables: Cardas Neutral Reference
    Speakers: SDA 2.3TL, heavily modified
  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited June 2011
    Hopefully this thread will be coming to a different end than we thought. Let's kill this price-inquiry thread and move the discussion towards helping this guy get the most out of those 1C's.

    One last thought on the whole mods-for-sale topic, though. I completely believe that the resale value is driven by geography. If you live in a highly concentrated area, and have the benefit of lots of forum members living within easy driving distance with each other, then you have more potential trading partners such that there is no need to ship anything. Any time shipping enters the equation, the value of the speakers is dragged way down. I'm fortunate enough to be living in a location where I'm an easy drive for someone living anywhere between Philadelphia and Boston. Plenty of Polkies in that neck of the woods who would be doing the mods themselves otherwise, understand what these mods are all about, and how much they cost. For those of us who would be purchasing a stock pair with nothing but intentions to turn around and buy lots of expensive materials to do the mods, purchasing a well-modded pair second-hand at a price reflecting the cost of the mods is still a good deal, at least for me, and others who I've dealt with around here.

    However, once you're opening your sale up to the general public somewhere like Craigslist, you probably won't do well at all selling modded gear, that much is for sure.
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
  • gdb
    gdb Posts: 6,012
    edited June 2011
    I guess I look at it a little differently(like nspindel).........if I know that a pair of speakers have had $200 of caps & resistors added and $200 worth of RDO tweeters installed, I'm probably going to be willing to pay a premium as a result.:smile:
  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited June 2011
    I think it depends on the buyer, that's why I'm drawing the distinction with Craigslist. For a buyer who knows nothing about mods or caps or sl2000's, the fact that you changed the tweeters probably has a value of $0. But for those of us who jump on $200 pairs of sda's on craigslist so that we can do $600 worth of mods, buying well-restored sda's is nothing but a time saver, so why wouldn't I be happy to pay the seller for his mods? I don't mean make the person whole, the mods are now second hand and should rightfully lose some of their value. But there are plenty of people who would be willing to pay well for them. The question, and ultimately the one that determines the value of the speakers, is how many of those people willing to pay top dollar for them live close enough to the speakers to be able to come and grab them? Near me, there are many. Near the next person, maybe not so many. So it's all case by case.
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
  • rock79
    rock79 Posts: 19
    edited June 2011
    So,

    Yes. I did the 194's, soniccaps, mills resistors and that's it. Didn't do the binding posts as I just didn't see the value in doing that. But the fellow in Texas that sent me the schematic for the Xover sent me some cardas solder to use instead of the normal 60/40 I use at work.

    I bypassed the polyswitch as well. Tomorrow I will call Polk and have them send me two new 194's. My room is too small for the 1C's so I do think my issue is not the speakers but the environment I have them in.

    I also bridged the ground speaker connection on the GFA-5500 because from what I see on the schematics It's not a true common ground amplifier.
    "The door is open but the ride ain't free"
  • bluecomet
    bluecomet Posts: 1,118
    edited June 2011
    I agree. I recently bought a pair of SDA 2 tl modded from another forum member that I have dealt with many times. I didn't have a problem paying for the mod's because I know Ben did them for him, so I felt comfortable with the quality of the work. If the conditon of the speakers are excellent and you are dealing with well respected people then paying a premium for modded speakers is worth it. If you don't know the person you are buying speakers off of and they have been in there words modded, then I would be hesitatant on paying anywhere close to a premium because you don't know the quality of the work. I doubt if a seller is going to let you start taking out the crossovers to examine them. I own a wide variety of SDA's and all of them have there own unique sonic signature. Don't be in a hurry to pass on the 1C's, they are an impressive speaker if you have the right gear and room to open them up.
    Polk HT system 1: LSIC, LSI25 mains, LSI F/X rears, Lsi F/X rear centers,
    Yamaha RX-V2500 System, Carver A753 3 channel amp.

    Polk HT system 2: , SRT system with f/x 1,000's rear speakers on 7.1 system currently using Onkyo TX-RZ820 receiver, powered by Sunfire Grand Theater amp

    Polk Speaker collection: SDA SRS 1.2tl x 2, SRT system, SDA SRS 2 P/B, SDA 2A, SDA 1C Studio, SDA CRS+, Monitor 7B & 4, SRS 3.1tl, RTA 15tl, LS90, LSI 9
  • gdb
    gdb Posts: 6,012
    edited June 2011
    rock79 wrote: »
    So,

    Yes. I did the 194's, soniccaps, mills resistors and that's it. Didn't do the binding posts as I just didn't see the value in doing that. But the fellow in Texas that sent me the schematic for the Xover sent me some cardas solder to use instead of the normal 60/40 I use at work.

    I bypassed the polyswitch as well. Tomorrow I will call Polk and have them send me two new 194's. My room is too small for the 1C's so I do think my issue is not the speakers but the environment I have them in.

    I also bridged the ground speaker connection on the GFA-5500 because from what I see on the schematics It's not a true common ground amplifier.[/QUOTE]I have found the problem.........you don't get SDA sound like that^. Give them some clean power from a common grd. amp and some room to breathe and you will forget all notions of selling them!:wink:Do you have the interconnect cable?
  • rock79
    rock79 Posts: 19
    edited June 2011
    Yes, thr SDA cable is the original one that came with the speakers when I bought them new.
    "The door is open but the ride ain't free"
  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited June 2011
    rock79 wrote: »
    Yes, thr SDA cable is the original one that came with the speakers when I bought them new.

    Look at the bright side, now you have another mod to do :cool:
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.