Opportunity to Buy SDA 1b

JosephH1
JosephH1 Posts: 17
edited March 2014 in Vintage Speakers
I have the opportunity to purchase a set SDA 1b for $350.00. They are in great condition, with original boxes and packing.
I would be driving them with a McIntosh 2205 (200 WPC) amp. All drivers are functional and none are frozen. Unfortunately I cannot audition them before purchase.
My main system runs with pair of JBL L100t3 speakers.
I currently own Monitor 5 and 10b and have wanted to get into the SDAs for a long time. Should I get these or hold out for a model higher in the Polk lineup? My listening varies from Classic Rock, to Jazz to Classical. TIA!
Post edited by JosephH1 on
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  • TennMan
    TennMan Posts: 1,266
    edited March 2014
    You didn't mention the size of the room where you would be using the 1Bs. You should consider that when choosing which SDA speakers would be right for you. Your amp should have enough power to drive any of the SDAs at a reasonable level but the room size would effect the amount of power needed as well.
    • SDA 2BTL · Sonicaps · Mills resistors · RDO-198s · New gaskets · H-nuts · Erse inductors · BH5 · Dynamat
    • Crossover upgrades by westmassguy
    • Marantz 1504 AVR (front speaker pre-outs to Adcom 555)
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    • Pioneer DV-610AV DVD/CD player
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  • drumminman
    drumminman Posts: 3,396
    edited March 2014
    The room size would also affect the imaging and how well or poorly the SDA effect comes across. Most (all?) SDA speakers need a minimum of 6-8 feet between them and 3 feet from each side wall. That's 12 feet + the width of the speakers works out to a 15.5 feet wall minimum.
    "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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  • JosephH1
    JosephH1 Posts: 17
    edited March 2014
    Good points. For now, the speakers will be in my man cave in the basement. The speakers will be 10 feet apart and at least 6' from side walls. The overall room size is 24' by 20' deep. Eventually the speakers will be in my 20'x12' living room, which will be a bit tighter on one wall, but would meet the other dimensions.
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  • vintagenut
    vintagenut Posts: 28
    edited March 2014
    All I can say is I got mine as a thrown in set with a deal on a set of Klipsch Fortes, as well as a set of Infinity SM 118s. I gave 500 for the lot. I tried to talk the seller into selling just the Klipsh to me. Boy I'm glad he didn't listen to that suggestion... I love my 1Bs
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  • Mystery
    Mystery Posts: 2,546
    edited March 2014
    I had L100t and they sounded great.
    I preferred them over 2B's.
    It'll be interesting comparison of the bigger 1b with L100t3's.

    Klipsch RB81, KG3.5, B&W DM602.5, Polk.
    Subwoofers: Klipsch RW10, Triad ProSub Bronze.
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  • Schurkey
    Schurkey Posts: 2,101
    edited March 2014
    IF (big IF) you never want to use a non-common-ground amplifier, the 1B is an EXCELLENT sounding speaker system. You have nothing to worry about in terms of sound quality potential.

    Room size, crossover or driver problems due to decades of use, etc, you're on your own. They can be upgraded with success assuming the things are basically sound to begin with.
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  • bigaltx24
    bigaltx24 Posts: 141
    edited March 2014
    I love my 1Bs. They need a hefty amp to sound their best, but when fed properly they sound great.
    Denon PMA-900V
    Linn Axis with Grado Red
    Cambridge Azur 650C
    Polk SDA-1BTL
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  • boston1450
    boston1450 Posts: 7,639
    edited March 2014
    Great price for a nice set of speakers too. Go out n see what that kind of speakers that money will buy you today at chain stores. Good luck picking them up Jo
    ..
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited March 2014
    There is no debate here.

    1Bs are fine examples of SDAs. You have enough power for them. Your room size is fine. That's a reasonable price. Get them, experience them and tell us what "you" think!

    Have fun!

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • tophatjohnny
    tophatjohnny Posts: 4,182
    edited March 2014
    Love my 1B's !! Of course with the upgrade tweets and Larry rings.
    "if it's not fun, it's not worth it & remember folks, "It's All About The Music"!!
    *****************************
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  • teekay0007
    teekay0007 Posts: 2,289
    edited March 2014
    tophatjohnny wrote: »
    Love my 1B's !! Of course with the upgrade tweets and Larry rings.

    Ohmygosh, where ya been Johnny!?! Nice of you to drop in!

    Sorry....back to our regularly scheduled program (thread).
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  • bigstereo
    bigstereo Posts: 77
    edited March 2014
    Just saw this thread yesterday. Have'nt been around here for awhile.
    Actually I bought this pair off someone at AudioKarma a few days ago. If this is the same pair coming from Albany. They will be delivered this coming Sunday. Sorry Joe I did not know you were interested nor did the seller mention anyone else that was interested in them.
    I plan on running them with a Carver M4.0t. If they don't work out for me I'll gladly let you have first crack at them Joe. Again, I apologize Joe if I stepped on your toes. If I had known, I would've backed off.
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  • JosephH1
    JosephH1 Posts: 17
    edited March 2014
    No problem sir, I know you are a stand up guy! I don't get over here too often either. I hope they work out really well for you, if it wasn't me I am glad that you got them!
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  • bigstereo
    bigstereo Posts: 77
    edited March 2014
    Mystery wrote: »
    I had L100t and they sounded great.
    I preferred them over 2B's.
    It'll be interesting comparison of the bigger 1b with L100t3's.

    Well after four days of listening to these 1B's I will say that the L100t3 walks all over them in every way.
    Soundcraftmen Pro Control Four driving Carver M4.0t
    I'll be putting these SDA's up for sale.
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  • Mystery
    Mystery Posts: 2,546
    edited March 2014
    bigstereo wrote: »
    Well after four days of listening to these 1B's I will say that the L100t3 walks all over them in every way.
    Soundcraftmen Pro Control Four driving Carver M4.0t
    I'll be putting these SDA's up for sale.

    I see.
    JBL's do have nice sound. If SDA is not your thing, it's hard to beat JBL L models.
    I have a pair of L80t3 waiting for a refoam for a while now.

    Klipsch RB81, KG3.5, B&W DM602.5, Polk.
    Subwoofers: Klipsch RW10, Triad ProSub Bronze.
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  • bigstereo
    bigstereo Posts: 77
    edited March 2014
    Ok, I changed out the preamp for a Soundcraftsmen DX4200 (pre with built in 10 band eq) I'm liking the SDA's better now with this combination.
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  • leftwinger57
    leftwinger57 Posts: 2,917
    edited March 2014
    Joseph,seeing by the gear first mentioned you have great taste in stereo. W/ saying that, and I know you missed them, but now you have all the peramiters SDAs live by. For some it can be very limiting w/ the spred being no more or less,not close to side walls, the i/c cable, no toe-in/out and advised 200 wpc power amp and no solo avrs to push them. Seems like you met all those so in the future you see a SDA model of your choice go and get it if the price and condition are ok. I have multiple sets of differing brands of speakers and by far the my SDA 2Bs are on top of the heap here.
    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
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  • Schurkey
    Schurkey Posts: 2,101
    edited March 2014
    bigstereo wrote: »
    Ok, I changed out the preamp for a Soundcraftsmen DX4200 (pre with built in 10 band eq) I'm liking the SDA's better now with this combination.
    Has that M4.0T been recapped? For that matter, the Soundcraftsmen is getting long in the tooth, too.
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  • bobt
    bobt Posts: 280
    edited March 2014
    OK, I have a set old SDA 1C's. I have them in a room that is about 15X27. Now I have moved these speakers around all over the place. Pretty much they DON'T want to be 10 feet apart. They don't sound that good.
    I would give a try at about 6-7 feet apart depending on how you measure them. Sit your **** between the 2 and see how you like them. 1 foot off the back wall also. Give it a shot.
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  • JosephH1
    JosephH1 Posts: 17
    edited March 2014
    BigStereo- Thanks for auditioning them for me! :-) I am sorry that they did not work out for you. From our conversations over the years, I trust your judgement in these matters. I really enjoy my t3s and it would take a significant improvement to get me to retire the JBLs.
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  • bigstereo
    bigstereo Posts: 77
    edited March 2014
    Schurkey wrote: »
    Has that M4.0T been recapped? For that matter, the Soundcraftsmen is getting long in the tooth, too.

    Negative on both.
    I've been thinking about getting that Carver refurbed although it has'nt shown any signs of weakness till last Friday. The GF and I were jammin on some tunes and hammerin down some cold ones. I had about a 12 pack in me and I was cranking the Polks for around three hours straight. Went down to the garage and then the sound changed. Volume down and not muffled but not as clear. Ran back upstairs and shut everything down, felt the amp, she was a little hot.
    Next day fired everything back up and no problems. I think I almost burnt the Carver up.

    The Polks were sounding pretty good that day....
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  • JosephH1
    JosephH1 Posts: 17
    edited March 2014
    Winger57, I agree completely, the responses included here have really helped educate me for future SDA encounters. Thanks everyone!
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  • bigstereo
    bigstereo Posts: 77
    edited March 2014
    JosephH1 wrote: »
    BigStereo- Thanks for auditioning them for me! :-) I am sorry that they did not work out for you. From our conversations over the years, I trust your judgement in these matters. I really enjoy my t3s and it would take a significant improvement to get me to retire the JBLs.

    Not a problem Joe. Actually, I think that I could grow to love these SDA's if I had more room. Once I changed preamps out the Polks opened right up. And since the DX4200 has a built in eq I can do enough tweaking to suit my ears.
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  • Schurkey
    Schurkey Posts: 2,101
    edited March 2014
    bigstereo wrote: »
    Negative on both.
    I've been thinking about getting that Carver refurbed although it has'nt shown any signs of weakness till last Friday. The GF and I were jammin on some tunes and hammerin down some cold ones. I had about a 12 pack in me and I was cranking the Polks for around three hours straight. Went down to the garage and then the sound changed. Volume down and not muffled but not as clear. Ran back upstairs and shut everything down, felt the amp, she was a little hot.
    Next day fired everything back up and no problems. I think I almost burnt the Carver up.
    Or you tripped the polyswitch(es) on the Polks.
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  • bigstereo
    bigstereo Posts: 77
    edited March 2014
    Schurkey wrote: »
    Or you tripped the polyswitch(es) on the Polks.

    Ah, I had not thought of that. And the amp got hot from being driven hard for a couple hours. Makes sense. What trips the polyswitch? Heat?
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  • Schurkey
    Schurkey Posts: 2,101
    edited March 2014
    bigstereo wrote: »
    Ah, I had not thought of that. And the amp got hot from being driven hard for a couple hours. Makes sense. What trips the polyswitch? Heat?
    They're thermo-sensing, so, yeah, heat.

    I suspect that the majority of folks will add "heat due to excess high-frequency content, which is itself due to clipping the amp."

    I STRONGLY recommend refurbishing older equipment. Weak power supply caps may allow the amp to sound reasonable at low volume, yet the amp will mess the bed when the Eviction Control Knob is turned too far.
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  • FTGV
    FTGV Posts: 3,649
    edited March 2014
    bigstereo wrote: »
    .... What trips the polyswitch? Heat?
    They trip when their current rating is exceeded.You can think of them as a resetable fuse.
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  • bigstereo
    bigstereo Posts: 77
    edited March 2014
    Ok thanks men. I understand.
    Plans on having the amp refurbed in the next couple of months. It is one of my "keepers".
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  • DracoAmericanus
    DracoAmericanus Posts: 112
    edited March 2014
    I love my 1b's a lot even though i burned out the tweeters twice , one was my mess up and the other was a power test, you will need to update the crossovers an a RD0194 was nice, i added a fast acting fuse for the tweeter section over the poly can and mad the mod reversible and where my mains till i did get a SRS 2.3 system from a friend so these are a bed room set now but i still love them, i know the 1b is not the best in that series but they worked well. oh major things, glue the magnets a sharp rap pr shock can cause the the motor secton comes lose but can be fixed with a simple fixture. hurricane nuts are a very bad idea as well, the wood is cheaper and they cant bite in as the should.
    But heck for the money you can't beat them
    There is no cure....
    Luxman M117, SDA SRS 2.3, rear monitor 10, back rear bose 4.2, valodyne sub and 2 Onkyo m-504 amps Onkyo TX-NR709
    8mm, 7.62x39mm
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  • westmassguy
    westmassguy Posts: 6,850
    edited March 2014
    DracoAmericanus wrote: »
    hurricane nuts are a very bad idea as well, the wood is cheaper and they cant bite in as the should.
    I've rebuilt dozens of speaker pairs, and not just Polks. Never once has a Hurricane nut failed me. I've installed them in particle board, MDF, and cabinet grade plywood. If the Hurricane nuts aren't grabbing, you're doing something wrong.
    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/
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