SDA 2 Estimated Value

mufsoman

I just listened to a pair of SDA 2's which were for sale locally. This was actualy the first time I've put my ears on any SDA's. Even without the interconnect cable and an old 100w receiver powering them, I was quite impressed. Big difference from my Rti12's. As most agree, the Rti12's are great HT speakers, but not ideal for 2 channel.

These speakers were in excellent condition. The wood tops were imaculate with no dings or stains. Drivers all appear to be original, but again in great condition visually/audio. Cloth front grills were good. One side grill had just a bit of cloth wear on 3" of one back edge. No interconnect cable though (pin/blade cable needed).

What model are these? Is this enough information to guess at which model? Given the great condition, but no mod's or cable, what is the value? Seller asking $350. Seems high. Thanks

pitdogg2

Sounds like SDA2b. personally I think that is too much I'd offer him 200.00 and explain the pain it will be to make a cable, and to get their full potential they'll need 300.00 worth of cap and resistor upgrades... play it out good:biggrin:

Mystery

I got a pair last weekend for less than $200 but it came with IC cable.
Here is the thread: http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?139239-Added-these-to-my-Polk-collection-Polk-SDA-2B-%29

However, there are some cosmetic issues on end caps (some veneer peel on side and some wood chunk spliced/gone) and side fabric panels are loose/un-glued in few places.
If they are in pristine condition, may deserve more.

nspindel

Also see whether or not they have the newer tweeter. The original SL2000 tweeter is a translucent plastic dome. They've since upgraded that tweeter with the RD-0194, which has a black silk dome. You would definitely want to upgrade the tweeters, which costs around $100. If they have the new tweeters, that adds value to the speakers.

nhhiep

if you like them w/o the IC, you will really love them with the IC. However, I think w/o the IC, they sound pretty bad, Monitor 10/12 sound much better.

mufsoman

They are definately the original SL2000 tweets. He said he's got a buyer in NY for $300, but would prefer to not ship since he doesn't have any idea of how to pack/ship. Not sure if this is the route I want to go right now anyway. These would be replacement for the Rti12's, which means to keep the timbre matching, a new center channel to replace my CsiA6. My Mirage surrounds may not match as well anymore either. I hate those domino situations......change on thing and everything else needs to change. I'm 90% HT and 10% 2 channel, although with the sweet sound of these SDA's, the 2 channel may become more. Are the 2b's recommended for HT or better just for 2 channel?

nspindel

They'll do just fine as fronts. I start scratching my head when people are using them for surround speakers, but I used run SDA's in a home theater with a CS350 center and LS/FX surrounds. Worked great.

leroyjr1

Are those the ones that have been on eBay for over a year now? $250 is a good local price. I doubt someone would pay $300 plus another $100 for shipping.

For music they're good but for HT you can do much better. You also have to take placement into consideration. Don't think they'll work to well in the same spot you got your rti12's

Are these the ones?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Polk-Audio-SDA2-Floor-Standing-Speakers-/271114479053?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item3f1faea5cd

soundfreak1

If you get them i have a cable for you.

F1nut

You're not going to find a better speaker for $350.00, period.

PolkieMan

I guess I would offer him $300 (money in hand) and say the words,
"I am going to have to buy or get a cable made can you help me out on this?"

agfrost

Did you consider the 1C's that are for sale down the road from you in Bartlett (on CL)? His asking price has dropped from 500 to 375 to 370, so I'd guess he's hoping for $350 minimum. Pretty fair price, but would cost a bit more to upgrade than the 2's. (Know which version of 2's they are?)

mufsoman

Leroy - these were recently on ebay, don't know if they have been been listed over the last year. If so maybe they haven't sold because of being over priced. They are in great shape and sound excellent with their stock equipment.

Pitdogg guessed that these are 2b's.

I saw the listing for 1c's. Are they a step up from 2b's? Better for HT with some 2 channel?

mufsoman

Leroy - you have great point about speaker location in my set up. I have a pretty challenging room with a sump pump closet behind one tower, no wall on the left and no wall in the back. Knowing how important placement is for SDA'S, will they ever sound right in my room?

chandler9a

that room doesn't sound ideal but you really never know until you try. Is there any chance you would be moving in the future? or maybe another room in your house will become available down the road?

This is just my opinion but I would buy those for $350 if they were in decent shape. Like F1 said, you aren't going to find a speaker sound that good for the same price. I know they can be had for less but you can't be too picky unless they come up all the time in your area.

muncybob

I would think that to save him from shipping and after an "education" about the cost of crossover upgrades, interconnect needed, etc. he very well may come down a bit in price and at that point it's all systems go! I have have my 2B's as fronts in my surround system and while they were OK, to me they are a much better speaker in 2 channel only. If you do get them and put them in the surround set up I wouldn't worry too much about the rear speakers but in my experience it's important to match the center.

pitdogg2

mufsoman wrote: »

Pitdogg guessed that these are 2b's.

I saw the listing for 1c's. Are they a step up from 2b's? Better for HT with some 2 channel?

I like both but i'd be all over the 1c's

I have SDA1 Signatures basically a SDA1a with SL1000 tweeters and SDA2a's Both have been modded with Sonic craft caps and mills resistors larry's rings & dynamat extreme and to my ears the SDA2a's have a wider sound stage BUT they do not play as low as the SDA1's. Both are good speakers but I'd still like to get some SDA1C's. I'd be working both to get the best deal i could.
F1 is 100% correct in that you cannot buy anything near as good at the price.

bluecomet

On the side of the seller, I don't think it matters about the cost of crossover upgrades. That is the buyers decision to make those upgrades. The one thing he is probably thinking about is the hassle to ship and maybe he would give you some wiggle room on the IC cable. I personally would not go over $250 for these speakers. If you were closer I would sell you my SDA 2b's that were tl'd to the extreme for $500 and you would still be saving money with these speakers. Your better option would be taking a closer look at the 1C's. They are a better overall speaker IMO.

leroyjr1

mufsoman wrote: »

Leroy - you have great point about speaker location in my set up. I have a pretty challenging room with a sump pump closet behind one tower, no wall on the left and no wall in the back. Knowing how important placement is for SDA'S, will they ever sound right in my room?

For 90% HT I think they'd be a step backwards from your 12's. Do you have another room to put them in because they would make a fine 2 channel system.

mufsoman

The 1C's in Bartlett are sold.....