SDA hookup help and manual request

Crashdot

Hi,

I am going to be looking at a pair of what I think are SDA-SRS 2.3, and would like some advice on hooking them up. These have two sets of terminals on each speaker in addition to the pin-blade interconnect cable. The current owner has the two sets of terminals jumpered, which I assume needs to be disconnected when the interconnect cable is attached. Can anyone suggest which pair of terminals should be attached to the amplifier?

Also, is there a manual for this model anywhere to be found? I downloaded the SDA manuals from Polk, and none depict a model with two sets of terminals.

Thanks!

heiney9

The jumpers stay no matter if using the cable or not, unless you are bi-amping/bi-wiring them.

Check for a manual here:

http://www.polksda.com/pdfs/SDASRS1-2.pdf

H9

pitdogg2

never mind Brock was the faster typer

Crashdot

Perfect! Thanks very much.

Joe08867

You onlu disconnect the jumpers if you plan on BiAmping them. It is needed even with the interconnect. So don't remove the jumpers. Connect them like you see in the pic and add the interconnect.

Crashdot

Okay, I have another question. I am preparing to go listen to a pair of what I think are SDA-SRS 2.3, to consider buying them. The owner doesn't have the interconnect cable, so I'll have to bring my own to test these properly.

My question is, what should happen if the speakers are used without the interconnect?

Would some of the drivers be inactive? If that is the case, I would like to know which ones. Before I try the interconnect cable, want to make sure the internal wiring has not been modified by a previous owner that could result in a short.

(it is frustrating that this forum ignores 3 letter search terms, such as SDA, SRS, or 2.3 - even "SDA-SRS")

Thanks

drumminman

Without the IC cable the dimensional drivers won't produce sound (I think). As to which ones they are on the 2.3, I believe they're the two outer MW's.

A good way to search the forum is through Google. Type in the forum address put in a space and then type in what you're searching.

Good luck!

F1nut

The dimensional drivers in the 2.3's are the two between the top and bottom donut drivers. They will move with the other drivers (sealed cabinet) and produce sound below 100Hz. The wide sound stage you get with the SDA cable connected will collapse when the cable is disconnected.

drumminman

F1nut is correct - my mistake.

Here is a link to the owner's manual: http://www.polksda.com/pdfs/SDASRS1-2.pdf

Crashdot

I found a discussion that included the topic of what happens with/without interconnect (by accident) here:

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?37315-SDA-SRS-2.3-Setup-Question&highlight=setup

JCL says "The speakers are still producing some bass, but not like when the cable is connected"
F1nut describes "reduced sound from the SDA drivers when the IC is disconnected."

I tried searching the forum using the google site search syntax, but it returns many discussions, for sale listings, and even posts with my search terms in people's signatures.

sda srs 2.3 site:http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?28-Vintage-Speakers

I really wanted to search thread topics. I don't understand the thinking behind many forums ignoring 3 letter search terms, since these can include the information that narrows down the search such that it produces meaningful results, or any results for that matter. A number of the searches I have tried here for common things return no results, including SDA, SRS, CRS, RD0, 194, 12C, 5jr, and Ohm.

In any case, I think I am all set to try out these SDA-SRS 2.3 speakers once the cable arrives.

Thanks!

danger boy

all SDA line of speakers are fine speakers in their own right without a SDA interconnect cable.. but the real magic happens when you use the cable.... hardcore SDA fans would never listen to their SDA"s without the cable... and a few select SDA owners can go either way.. with out without using the interconnect cable.. there is no right or wrong answer with the SDA"s.. room size and acoustics play a big part in how they sound in your home.

drumminman

Crashdot wrote: »

I found a discussion that included the topic of what happens with/without interconnect (by accident) here:

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?37315-SDA-SRS-2.3-Setup-Question&highlight=setup

JCL says "The speakers are still producing some bass, but not like when the cable is connected"
F1nut describes "reduced sound from the SDA drivers when the IC is disconnected."

I tried searching the forum using the google site search syntax, but it returns many discussions, for sale listings, and even posts with my search terms in people's signatures.

sda srs 2.3 site:http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?28-Vintage-Speakers

I really wanted to search thread topics. I don't understand the thinking behind many forums ignoring 3 letter search terms, since these can include the information that narrows down the search such that it produces meaningful results, or any results for that matter. A number of the searches I have tried here for common things return no results, including SDA, SRS, CRS, RD0, 194, 12C, 5jr, and Ohm.

In any case, I think I am all set to try out these SDA-SRS 2.3 speakers once the cable arrives.

Thanks!

You have to be both creative and pedantic. I just did a search using "Polk 2.3tl" and got 4 pages of results. I agree it is annoying, but it does work - sort of.

Crashdot

The search issue happens with a number of different forums I visit - I just don't understand the somewhat arbitrary decision to ignore these words even when in quotations. Fortunately all of you are willing to answer questions such as mine, even if these topics have been discussed before, and I appreciate getting the information I'm looking for from those more experienced and knowledgeable than myself.

As for the SDA's, I am seriously considering purchasing a pair from a local seller that does not have the interconnect cable. I feel that in order to be able to make a decision, it would be worthwhile to hear the speakers in SDA configuration, as I have never experienced SDA. Therefore, I ordered a cable to take with me for the test, but want to make sure I know what to listen for before I try the cable.

I have a fairly good idea how a nice pair of conventional Polk speakers sound, since I own a pair of RTA 12Cs with completely upgraded crossovers. I am interested to hear how SDA sounds in comparison, and if I will be convinced to relocate the 12Cs to another room and use the SDA as my primary listening speakers. It is not likely that there are many SDA speakers in my area, so this may be a rare opportunity for me.

Thanks

drumminman

Definitely listen to them with the SDA cable, or you won't truly know what they sound like!

Re: 12C's, I have a pair that I love! Amazing speakers, especially with mods. Which caps and resistors did you use, and which tweeter? I use mine as the front L-R mains in a HT. They're so clean and punchy I could easily use them in a two channel system if not for my 2.3TL's.

Mine have the original SL1000 tweeter, which I've thought about changing due to all the negative comments here on CP about it. I just don't hear what others complain about, and to my ears (and with the mods I've done) they are pleasing. Still, Ilove doing mods and some say the RD0-194 is a much better unit, so perhaps one day. . .

Crashdot

I didn't upgrade the crossovers myself, as the previous owner had overhauled the speakers. There are Sonicaps (caps) and Mills resistors for the top crossovers, and I think Solen caps for the lower crossovers. I have SL1000, SL2000, and RD0-194 tweeters that I have experimented with in my various speakers. I definitely prefer the SL1000 to the SL2000, but haven't directly compared the SL1000 to RDO-194 so I'm not sure which I prefer. I have 25 years of listening to SL1000s, so I don't object to them even if they aren't as accurate as the updated model. I haven't decided what I will keep in the 12Cs as of yet, but that may depend on the acoustics of the room where they end up.

I think the SDAs I'm looking at will have SL3000's which I have never heard.

Cheers!