SDA SRS to vintage pt. II
drumiv
Posts: 171
I am now the proud owner of a set of SDA SRS's. And they do sound awfully nice with my SX 1980. I also bought everything that was hooked up to them; she just wanted everything gone. I'm not sure what I have yet, or even if it all works, my tech is going to come down and help sort it all out. Here's a list; Nad 2100,Soundcraftsman MA 5002, Carver M4.0t, 2 Adcom GFA 535's, Holman pre-amp. This was in a surround set-up, I'm just going for 2 ch. Only problem so far is the HEAVY cigarette damage. When I got home, it smelled like I'd been in a bar all night. Great lady, I wish her well.
Post edited by drumiv on
Comments
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Congrats, sounds like you have a lot of fun work ahead.I am now the proud owner of a set of SDA SRS's. And they do sound awfully nice with my SX 1980. I also bought everything that was hooked up to them; she just wanted everything gone. I'm not sure what I have yet, or even if it all works, my tech is going to come down and help sort it all out. Here's a list; Nad 2100,Soundcraftsman MA 5002, Carver M4.0t, 2 Adcom GFA 535's, Holman pre-amp. This was in a surround set-up, I'm just going for 2 ch. Only problem so far is the HEAVY cigarette damage. When I got home, it smelled like I'd been in a bar all night. Great lady, I wish her well.Home Theater/2 Channel:
Front: SDA-2ATL forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/143984/my-2as-finally-finished-almost/p1
Center: Custom Built forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/150760/my-center-channel-project/p1
Surrounds & Rears: Custom Built forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/151647/my-surround-project/p1
Sonicaps, Mills, RDO-194s-198s, Dynamat, Hurricane Nuts, Blackhole5
Pioneer Elite VSX-72TXV, Carver PM-600, SVS PB2-Plus Subwoofer
dhsspeakerservice.com/ -
Very nice haul of gear you got there....2chl- Adcom GFA- 555-Onkyo P-3150v pre/amp- JVC-QL-A200 tt- Denon 1940 ci cdp- Adcom GFS-6 -Modded '87 SDA 2Bs - Dynamat Ext.- BH-5- X-Overs VR-3, RDO-194 tweeters, Larry's Rings, Speakon/Neutrik I/C- Cherry stain tops Advent Maestros,Ohm model E
H/T- Toshiba au40" flat- Yamaha RX- V665 avr- YSD-11 Dock- I-Pod- Klipsch #400HD Speaker set-
Bdrm- Nikko 6065 receiver- JBL -G-200s--Pioneer 305 headphones--Sony CE375-5 disc -
Congrats on your new SDA's and assorted gear. "If" the grill cloth is still good and tight on the frames, the cloth will take a lot of scrubbing without doing any damage, just try not to get the frames too damp. The cloth on the sides of the cabinet will also withstand a good cleaning, just don't use too much water, damp cleaning rag or cloth will work just fine.
You can clean all the drivers, including the big passive radiator with some Windex and a soft cloth, Microfiber seems to work well. Apply the Windex on the cloth, not directly on the drivers themselves, and then gently scrub the drivers in a circular motion, trying not to disturb the dust covers too much. You will be surprised at just how much crud you can remove from one set of speakers.
You can also use Windex to clean the front and back of the cabinets, I would avoid trying to "cover up" the smoke smell with Febreeze or something similar, best to try and clean that stink out. Good luck and enjoy your new SRS's. -
Thanks for the clean-up tip, Mike. Too late for the Fabreze; I had to do something right away for the wife factor. So I can clean the drivers with Windex, no problem?
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Mike Reeter wrote: »Congrats on your new SDA's and assorted gear. "If" the grill cloth is still good and tight on the frames, the cloth will take a lot of scrubbing without doing any damage, just try not to get the frames too damp. The cloth on the sides of the cabinet will also withstand a good cleaning, just don't use too much water, damp cleaning rag or cloth will work just fine.
You can clean all the drivers, including the big passive radiator with some Windex and a soft cloth, Microfiber seems to work well. Apply the Windex on the cloth, not directly on the drivers themselves, and then gently scrub the drivers in a circular motion, trying not to disturb the dust covers too much. You will be surprised at just how much crud you can remove from one set of speakers.
You can also use Windex to clean the front and back of the cabinets, I would avoid trying to "cover up" the smoke smell with Febreeze or something similar, best to try and clean that stink out. Good luck and enjoy your new SRS's.
I have to disagree with several points hers. Having de-smoked several vintage speakers, including Polk and other brands, I've learned a few things. The grill cloth is toast, and should be replaced. Trying to clean the cloth on the frames with even a slight amount of water will result in swelling and possibly distorting the Particle Board/MDF frames. It's better to remove the front and side grills, remove the existing grill cloth and toss it. Vacuum the naked frames, and apply several coats of flat black spray enamel. Let them dry thoroughly. There are several options for new grill cloth, from the inexpensive knit, to some high end cloth. I have my own preference, and I'm sure other will chime in with their favorite type. The new cloth can be secured with 1/4" staples, but I prefer to use 3M #77 spray adhesive applied to the back of the frame only.
The remaining parts of the speaker can be cleaned successfully. For the non-porous front and back panels, I use Purple Power, which is a concentrated, bio-degradable, non-solvent based degreaser, available at automotive stores. It's like Fantastic on Steroids.
Use cloves as it will pull the oils right out of your skin. Wipe all the non-porous surfaces with it several times, then use a damp clean cloth to remove any residue, The wood parts can be cleaned with Murphy's Oil Soap, but use very little water if any, and don't forget the bottom. The unfinished side panels that are exposed when the side grills are removed, can be wiped down with a damp cloth soaked in Lysol or a small amount of bleach/water mix. Ring out the rag before wiping. As mentioned, the drivers and passive radiators can be cleaned with real Windex, and Micro Fiber cloths. I keep several on hand. I do the rubber surrounds first, to remove the smoke, and oxidized rubber, then the cones with another clean microfiber cloth. If possible, I'd also set them out in the sun for a few hours, right after cleaning them. Direct sunlight removes a lot of different odors, and will dry them faster.Home Theater/2 Channel:
Front: SDA-2ATL forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/143984/my-2as-finally-finished-almost/p1
Center: Custom Built forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/150760/my-center-channel-project/p1
Surrounds & Rears: Custom Built forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/151647/my-surround-project/p1
Sonicaps, Mills, RDO-194s-198s, Dynamat, Hurricane Nuts, Blackhole5
Pioneer Elite VSX-72TXV, Carver PM-600, SVS PB2-Plus Subwoofer
dhsspeakerservice.com/ -
Sounds like I have my work cut out for me. Yes, I agree, water and MDF don't play well together
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Sounds like I have my work cut out for me. Yes, I agree, water and MDF don't play well together
True, but very rewarding. You got a great pair of SDAs, not to mention the "Wife Factor" will be impressed and grateful for properly sanitizing them.Home Theater/2 Channel:
Front: SDA-2ATL forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/143984/my-2as-finally-finished-almost/p1
Center: Custom Built forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/150760/my-center-channel-project/p1
Surrounds & Rears: Custom Built forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/151647/my-surround-project/p1
Sonicaps, Mills, RDO-194s-198s, Dynamat, Hurricane Nuts, Blackhole5
Pioneer Elite VSX-72TXV, Carver PM-600, SVS PB2-Plus Subwoofer
dhsspeakerservice.com/ -
Congrats all your items.sounds like some nice stuff. Hope you have success on cleaning them up also
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westmassguy wrote: »I have to disagree with several points hers. Having de-smoked several vintage speakers, including Polk and other brands, I've learned a few things. The grill cloth is toast, and should be replaced. Trying to clean the cloth on the frames with even a slight amount of water will result in swelling and possibly distorting the Particle Board/MDF frames. It's better to remove the front and side grills, remove the existing grill cloth and toss it. Vacuum the naked frames, and apply several coats of flat black spray enamel. Let them dry thoroughly. There are several options for new grill cloth, from the inexpensive knit, to some high end cloth. I have my own preference, and I'm sure other will chime in with their favorite type. The new cloth can be secured with 1/4" staples, but I prefer to use 3M #77 spray adhesive applied to the back of the frame only.
The remaining parts of the speaker can be cleaned successfully. For the non-porous front and back panels, I use Purple Power, which is a concentrated, bio-degradable, non-solvent based degreaser, available at automotive stores. It's like Fantastic on Steroids.
Use cloves as it will pull the oils right out of your skin. Wipe all the non-porous surfaces with it several times, then use a damp clean cloth to remove any residue, The wood parts can be cleaned with Murphy's Oil Soap, but use very little water if any, and don't forget the bottom. The unfinished side panels that are exposed when the side grills are removed, can be wiped down with a damp cloth soaked in Lysol or a small amount of bleach/water mix. Ring out the rag before wiping. As mentioned, the drivers and passive radiators can be cleaned with real Windex, and Micro Fiber cloths. I keep several on hand. I do the rubber surrounds first, to remove the smoke, and oxidized rubber, then the cones with another clean microfiber cloth. If possible, I'd also set them out in the sun for a few hours, right after cleaning them. Direct sunlight removes a lot of different odors, and will dry them faster.
I agree with repacing all the cloth, that's what I've done to the last three pairs I've had. I didn't know if the OP was willing to go that far. It's a big task for sure, but the results can be very good. I've used the heavy cloth Parts Express sells, I think it's called Meletone or something like that, I will have to do a search and come up with the correct name, it's not cheap at 20+ dollars a yard, but it's the closest thing I've found to match the original. The 1/4" staples and spray adhesive are spot on, the trick is the corners of the front grills, takes a little practice. -
I've done some upholstery in my many years on the planet, and the corners are critical to get right.Mike Reeter wrote: »I agree with repacing all the cloth, that's what I've done to the last three pairs I've had. I didn't know if the OP was willing to go that far. It's a big task for sure, but the results can be very good. I've used the heavy cloth Parts Express sells, I think it's called Meletone or something like that, I will have to do a search and come up with the correct name, it's not cheap at 20+ dollars a yard, but it's the closest thing I've found to match the original. The 1/4" staples and spray adhesive are spot on, the trick is the corners of the front grills, takes a little practice.
The cloth I use is sold on eBay. It has a sheen and texture to it, but is shear as your wife's unmentionables.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/360286206011?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649Home Theater/2 Channel:
Front: SDA-2ATL forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/143984/my-2as-finally-finished-almost/p1
Center: Custom Built forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/150760/my-center-channel-project/p1
Surrounds & Rears: Custom Built forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/151647/my-surround-project/p1
Sonicaps, Mills, RDO-194s-198s, Dynamat, Hurricane Nuts, Blackhole5
Pioneer Elite VSX-72TXV, Carver PM-600, SVS PB2-Plus Subwoofer
dhsspeakerservice.com/ -
This is what I've used for the last couple of pair of SDA's I've redone http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=260-332 It's a healthy piece of material, but very easy to work with. Not as thin or transparent as the example above, but holds true to the original cloth material.
All the work and effort of recovering grills and I usually listen to my SDA's in the nude (grills removed) not me, well, sometimes. -
I got the grill cloth for my 1.2TL's from Magnepan of all places, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. I needed to paint the sides of the speakers with black paint along with the frames and such, but the way the drivers seem to peak through the cloth is really cool to see. Sound wise, I cannot hear any difference with the grills on or off.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 -
The grill cloth is doable. I've got a little experience with it restoring JBL's. I used contact cement, the same stuff I use to do counter tops. All that will have to wait, we're trying to figure out what works, what doesn't. My tech some gear with him, and I'm trying the rest. We decided to keep/use the Soundcraftsman (350 wpc) for the lows, and the Carver (400 something wpc) for the highs, and the Holman as the pre. That should get my feet wet in the seperates game, don't you think? Thanks to all for the great advice, I love this site.
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The grill cloth is doable. I've got a little experience with it restoring JBL's. I used contact cement, the same stuff I use to do counter tops. All that will have to wait, we're trying to figure out what works, what doesn't. My tech some gear with him, and I'm trying the rest. We decided to keep/use the Soundcraftsman (350 wpc) for the lows, and the Carver (400 something wpc) for the highs, and the Holman as the pre. That should get my feet wet in the seperates game, don't you think? Thanks to all for the great advice, I love this site.
Sounds like a plan, enjoy!Home Theater/2 Channel:
Front: SDA-2ATL forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/143984/my-2as-finally-finished-almost/p1
Center: Custom Built forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/150760/my-center-channel-project/p1
Surrounds & Rears: Custom Built forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/151647/my-surround-project/p1
Sonicaps, Mills, RDO-194s-198s, Dynamat, Hurricane Nuts, Blackhole5
Pioneer Elite VSX-72TXV, Carver PM-600, SVS PB2-Plus Subwoofer
dhsspeakerservice.com/ -
We decided to keep/use the Soundcraftsman (350 wpc) for the lows, and the Carver (400 something wpc) for the highs,
The gain of those amps needs to be the same in order for that to work.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 -
F1nut, please explain, I'm VERY new to this. The original owner had all off this(and more) hooked up to them. Unfortunately, the man is no longer with us(r.i.p.), so I can't ask. The widow had no clue, and even if I took pictures before unhooking, it looked like 4 octopus's f.....having fun.
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If you have one amp that has a gain factor of 28 and the other has a gain factor of 23 the 28 amp will be louder. This will result in an unbalanced sound between the highs and the lows.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 -
Can that be adjusted between the 2?
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The best way to adjust it would be to sell me the Carver and use the money to buy a matching Soundcraftsman...:cheesygrin: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 -
I'm open to offers. Besides, this thread is letting me up my post count, as well meet some cool people.
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Can that be adjusted between the 2?
Not unless one of the amps has a gain adjustment pot or some way to adjust the levels via your pre amp, which I've never seen.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 -
My tech says no to worry, he'll take care of it, so I believe him. Thanks for pointing that out, though. As to replacing the cloth, how do the other panels come off?
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As to replacing the cloth, how do the other panels come off?
This might help http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?26036-SDA-SRS-1.2TL-Side-Panel-Removal your SRS side panels could be glued on or snapped on, don't know which, but they WILL come off. -
Not unless one of the amps has a gain adjustment pot or some way to adjust the levels via your pre amp, which I've never seen.
I have a NAD C-160 pre with outputs for two PA's. One has a level matching pot to enable use of PA's from different manufacturers. When I had it in the system (before SDA) I used it to biamp a pair of Def Tech BP30's with a Carver TFM 42 and TFM 25. Worked well.
These are available on the used market still, along with the slightly more recent C-162. Same pre from what I understand with a couple of minor upgrades."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 -
Again, my tech said not to worry, he'll take care of it, so I believe him. He's also a friend, so I know he'll help with the set-up. He rebuilt 2 of my Pioneers, one of them is my 1980, which is no small feat. Now, what should be my first upgrade on these bad boys? They sound awfully good right now. Even my wife is digging them! How 'bout little stuff?
