Dual mono amp drive SDA 2b without IC

huy
huy Posts: 10
edited January 2012 in Vintage Speakers
Dear PolkAudio members,

Anyone can help me to clarify this question:

I have a non common ground amp. Can I use this amp to drive SDA 2b without using Interconnect cable?

Thank you.
Post edited by huy on
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Comments

  • quadzilla
    quadzilla Posts: 1,543
    edited January 2012
    Yes, you can use non-common ground amps without an IC, or you can get an AI-1 IC, if your speakers are compatible with that IC. The AI-1 is designed to be used with non-common ground amps and certain models of SDAs. Unfortunately, I don't have the list of what speakers are compatible with the AI-1 IC, but it would be strongly recommended that you use the AI-1 if your speakers are compatible. Otherwise, you lose the SDA effect, which is what makes these speakers so great.
    Turntable: Empire 208
    Arm: Rega 300
    Cart: Shelter 501 III
    Phono Pre: Aural Thrills
    Digital: Pioneer DV-79ai
    Pre: Conrad Johnson ET3 SE
    Amp: Conrad Johnson Evolution 2000
    Cables: Cardas Neutral Reference
    Speakers: SDA 2.3TL, heavily modified
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  • Joe08867
    Joe08867 Posts: 3,919
    edited January 2012
    You can but they won't sound like they should and actually pretty bland. You are better off getting a common ground amp and using the interconnect.
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  • dudeinaroom
    dudeinaroom Posts: 3,609
    edited January 2012
    What amp are you using? Did you check the negative post to see if it is a CG or not? I've got a pararsound that is a dual mono design with SDA2As using the interconnect. I called parasound to make sure the amp could handle it. You could also build the AI-1 interconnect cable to use with non CG amps. Best of luck, and welcome to club polk

    -Ted
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  • drumminman
    drumminman Posts: 3,396
    edited January 2012
    If your speakers are compatible you can buy Lasareath's factory original AI-1 here: http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?128947-Polk-Audio-AI-1-Cable-Use-Mono-Blocks-with-your-SRS-s

    Or go here and learn how to make your own: http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?74472-The-AI-1-Dreadnought-Project-Pt.1

    Good Luck!
    "Science is suppose to explain observations not dismiss them as impossible" - Norm on AA; 2.3TL's w/sonicaps/mills/jantzen inductors, Gimpod's boards, Lg Solen SDA inductors, RD-0198's, MW's dynamatted, Armaflex speaker gaskets, H-nuts, brass spikes, Cardas CCGR BP's, upgraded IC Cable, Black Hole Damping Sheet strips, interior of cabinets sealed with Loctite Power Grab, AI-1 interface with 1000VA A-L transformer
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  • huy
    huy Posts: 10
    edited January 2012
    Thank all of you very much. I am using Power Amp 2 from Proceed. Proceed confirmed non common ground and negative terminal cannot tied together. My SDA set is Pin/Blade and serial number is higher than 14115. I am learning to do AI-1 interface.

    Thank you for your help.
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