AI-1 1000va Questions

Drenis
Drenis Posts: 2,871
edited February 2013 in DIY, Mods & Tweaks
Curious what bolt you members used to secure your transformer to one of Larry's cases?

I'll be putting mine together soon.

Also, is there mention somewhere regarding how to properly wire the transformer?

Thanks
Post edited by Drenis on
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited February 2013
    the schematic is on DKs page, let me take a look.\

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?129829-The-AI-1-Dreadnought-Project-Pt.2-Upgrade-to-1000VA-Transformer
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,649
    edited February 2013
    Use non-magnetic hardware, I used stainless steel.

    Yellow/Red - right pin
    Black/Orange - right blade
    Grey/Brown - left pin
    Blue/Violet - left blade
    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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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,197
    edited February 2013
    I have a question. My SDA 1C's were originally pin/blade and the IC has been modified by using a banana plug and a Vampire input jack so the blade side is no longer hooked up. Can I just run the appropriate connection from each side of the transformer to the negative speaker terminal? That achieves the same effect as changing the IC connector and re-wiring internally, correct?

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • Drenis
    Drenis Posts: 2,871
    edited February 2013
    thsmith wrote: »
    the schematic is on DKs page, let me take a look.\

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?129829-The-AI-1-Dreadnought-Project-Pt.2-Upgrade-to-1000VA-Transformer

    Thanks for that link. I did look on there but may have missed it. Evidently again as I just checked. That's what semi prompted my post.
    F1nut wrote: »
    Use non-magnetic hardware, I used stainless steel.

    Yellow/Red - right pin
    Black/Orange - right blade
    Grey/Brown - left pin
    Blue/Violet - left blade

    Thanks!!!!

    Exactly what I was looking for. And good tip on the stainless hardware.
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,303
    edited February 2013
    Correct!!
    Polk Audio SDA 2.3tl Fully Hot Rodded. 😎

    SVS SB16 X2

    Cary SLP-05/Ultimate Upgrade.
    Cary SA-500.1 ES Amps
    Cary DMS 800PV Network
    OPPO UDP 205/ModWright Modification
    VPI Scout TT / Dynavector 20x2
    Jolida JD9 Fully Modified

    VPI MW-1 Cyclone RCM

    MIT Shotgun 3 cables throughout / Except TT, and PC’s
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited February 2013
    heiney9 wrote: »
    I have a question. My SDA 1C's were originally pin/blade and the IC has been modified by using a banana plug and a Vampire input jack so the blade side is no longer hooked up. Can I just run the appropriate connection from each side of the transformer to the negative speaker terminal? That achieves the same effect as changing the IC connector and re-wiring internally, correct?

    H9

    If I understand correctly, that is what I did as i had went to cardas BP for my IC cable.
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • drumminman
    drumminman Posts: 3,396
    edited February 2013
    I had a tough time finding the proper size stainless steel bolt when I was assembling mine. I finally found one at a marine hardware store on the coast, but probably any good size place that sells boats, etc. would have a good selection.

    Re: connecting the "blade" part of the SDA cable to the negative speaker terminal, that's what I did too. Works great!
    "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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  • Drenis
    Drenis Posts: 2,871
    edited February 2013
    drumminman wrote: »
    I had a tough time finding the proper size stainless steel bolt when I was assembling mine. I finally found one at a marine hardware store on the coast, but probably any good size place that sells boats, etc. would have a good selection.

    Re: connecting the "blade" part of the SDA cable to the negative speaker terminal, that's what I did too. Works great!

    Marine? Boats? Woah... I was just going to go to my local Home Depot/lumber store to find something.

    What size of bolt did you use?
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,649
    edited February 2013
    Home Depot doesn't have stainless steel bolts. I got mine at the local Ace Hardware. The size I used was 5/16-18 x 3.5 inches.
    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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  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited February 2013
    Don't recall the size, I just matched the size of the bolt that came with the 800va transformer. Got stainless steel from the local hardware store.
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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  • Moose68Bash
    Moose68Bash Posts: 3,843
    edited February 2013
    F1nut wrote: »
    Use non-magnetic hardware, I used stainless steel.

    F1Nut,

    What are the consequences or drawbacks to using a standard bolt? I have two boxes assembled, and I used standard (Home Depot) bolts in both.

    Do I need to change them out ASAP?

    I can access SS hardware from Jamestown Distributors on the Internet, if it isn't available in a local hardware or marine supply store.
    Family Room, Innuos Statement streamer (Roon Core) with Morrow Audio USB cable to McIntosh MC 2700 pre with DC2 Digital Audio Module; AQ Sky XLRs to CAT 600.2 dualmono amp, Morrow Elite Speaker Cables to NOLA Baby Grand Reference Gold 3 speakers. Power source for all components: Silver Circle Audio Pure Power One with dedicated 20 amp circuit to main panel.

    Exercise Room, Innuos Streamer via Cat 6 cable connection to PS Audio PerfectWave MkII DAC w/Bridge II, AQ King Cobra RCAs to Perreaux PMF3150 amp (fully restored and upgraded by Jeffrey Jackson, Precision Audio Labs), Supra Rondo 4x2.5 Speaker Cables to SDA 1Cs (Vr3 Mods Xovers and other mods.), Dreadnaught with Supra Rondo 4x2.5 interconnect cables by Vr3 Mods. Power for each component from dedicated 20 amp circuit to main panel, except Innuos Statement powered from Silver Circle Audio Pure Power One.

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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,649
    edited February 2013
    The magnetic field would most likely be affected by steel hardware.
    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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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,571
    edited February 2013
    F1nut wrote: »
    Home Depot doesn't have stainless steel bolts. I got mine at the local Ace Hardware. The size I used was 5/16-18 x 3.5 inches.

    Also not all Stainless is non-magnetic so check with a magnet. Most stainless made overseas IS magnetic. so double check.
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  • drumminman
    drumminman Posts: 3,396
    edited February 2013
    pitdogg2 wrote: »
    Also not all Stainless is non-magnetic so check with a magnet. Most stainless made overseas IS magnetic. so double check.

    I took a refrigerator magnet to the hardware store - guarantees you buy the correct SS bolt :wink:
    "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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  • drumminman
    drumminman Posts: 3,396
    edited February 2013
    pitdogg2 wrote: »
    Also not all Stainless is non-magnetic so check with a magnet. Most stainless made overseas IS magnetic. so double check.

    I took a refrigerator magnet to the hardware store - guarantees you buy the correct SS bolt :wink:

    From a quick google search non magnetic SS formulations includes 18-8 (most variations), 304 & 316.
    "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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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,303
    edited February 2013
    Aluminum bolts 3/8-16

    I drilled out the center hub of the transformer. Not going to hurt it any..
    Polk Audio SDA 2.3tl Fully Hot Rodded. 😎

    SVS SB16 X2

    Cary SLP-05/Ultimate Upgrade.
    Cary SA-500.1 ES Amps
    Cary DMS 800PV Network
    OPPO UDP 205/ModWright Modification
    VPI Scout TT / Dynavector 20x2
    Jolida JD9 Fully Modified

    VPI MW-1 Cyclone RCM

    MIT Shotgun 3 cables throughout / Except TT, and PC’s
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Drenis
    Drenis Posts: 2,871
    edited February 2013
    F1nut wrote: »
    Home Depot doesn't have stainless steel bolts. I got mine at the local Ace Hardware. The size I used was 5/16-18 x 3.5 inches.

    Different selection in our stores. However, there are lots of places to go for hardware.

    Thanks for listing bolt size guys. Fridge magnet is a great tip...
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  • Moose68Bash
    Moose68Bash Posts: 3,843
    edited February 2013
    Just ordered stainless steel (18/8) bolts, nuts and washers from <www.boltdepot.com>.

    They have a great selection of all sorts of fasteners, and its less expensive than driving 15 miles to the nearest REAL hardware store.
    Family Room, Innuos Statement streamer (Roon Core) with Morrow Audio USB cable to McIntosh MC 2700 pre with DC2 Digital Audio Module; AQ Sky XLRs to CAT 600.2 dualmono amp, Morrow Elite Speaker Cables to NOLA Baby Grand Reference Gold 3 speakers. Power source for all components: Silver Circle Audio Pure Power One with dedicated 20 amp circuit to main panel.

    Exercise Room, Innuos Streamer via Cat 6 cable connection to PS Audio PerfectWave MkII DAC w/Bridge II, AQ King Cobra RCAs to Perreaux PMF3150 amp (fully restored and upgraded by Jeffrey Jackson, Precision Audio Labs), Supra Rondo 4x2.5 Speaker Cables to SDA 1Cs (Vr3 Mods Xovers and other mods.), Dreadnaught with Supra Rondo 4x2.5 interconnect cables by Vr3 Mods. Power for each component from dedicated 20 amp circuit to main panel, except Innuos Statement powered from Silver Circle Audio Pure Power One.

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