Hi everyone! First post! Got my first Polks in 1989!
Rational
Posts: 13
Hi everyone!
Happy to be here posting. Wanted to share my love of Polks.
Got my first pair back in 1989 or 1990 in Okinawa Japan at the PX.
Polk Monitor 10s Series II with the stands. Absolute best sounding speakers I'd ever owned then or since. I recall setting them up in the barracks on Kadena and getting right in the sweet spot. Heaven on earth. Perfection in audio listening. Even had a pair of Polk rears as well I bought at the same time. 5jr's maybe??? Dunno. Need to verify.
Well, I brought them to the States in '91 and enjoyed them there. Then had to sell them to pay for plane tickets for the fam back to Okinawa, where we've been ever since. 25 years now!
Got a recording studio set up here and recently started buying used speakers. Recalled my beloved Polks from back then and looked them up! Didn't even know which model they were until I saw a picture. lol. Ordered a pair of '82 10As off ebay within the week. Got them cheap as they had 3 frozen drivers and a bad tweeter. But a great deal at $140 delivered. I'm in heaven again.
Got one in the mail last week and already researched how to fix the frozen drivers thanks to some great posts in the forums. Made my own jig and realigned them! Not hard at all. Fun times actually. Got them fixed today and about to put them back in and see how they sound. Still waiting for the second speaker to arrive in the mail. Perhaps Tuesday....
Also ordered a set of peerless tweets from ebay, so hope those also come in too this week.
But now I've got my sights set on a pair of the CRS models of which I never knew existed until this week. Now I have to have a pair. Think I'll end up collecting all the models I can. Just never heard a driver and cabinet design that was so smooth, natural and anti-fatiguing as the vintage Polks. Addicted to them.
Well, I hope to find a new home here in the Polk forums. I'll take pics and share my love of rebuilding and keeping them going. I find it so sad how many are parted out these days. Very sad when another pair go to the graveyard... If any of you out there have some extras, I'll pay shipping! They'll go to a good home!
Anyway, glad to be here. More to come.
Thanks.
R
Happy to be here posting. Wanted to share my love of Polks.
Got my first pair back in 1989 or 1990 in Okinawa Japan at the PX.
Polk Monitor 10s Series II with the stands. Absolute best sounding speakers I'd ever owned then or since. I recall setting them up in the barracks on Kadena and getting right in the sweet spot. Heaven on earth. Perfection in audio listening. Even had a pair of Polk rears as well I bought at the same time. 5jr's maybe??? Dunno. Need to verify.
Well, I brought them to the States in '91 and enjoyed them there. Then had to sell them to pay for plane tickets for the fam back to Okinawa, where we've been ever since. 25 years now!
Got a recording studio set up here and recently started buying used speakers. Recalled my beloved Polks from back then and looked them up! Didn't even know which model they were until I saw a picture. lol. Ordered a pair of '82 10As off ebay within the week. Got them cheap as they had 3 frozen drivers and a bad tweeter. But a great deal at $140 delivered. I'm in heaven again.
Got one in the mail last week and already researched how to fix the frozen drivers thanks to some great posts in the forums. Made my own jig and realigned them! Not hard at all. Fun times actually. Got them fixed today and about to put them back in and see how they sound. Still waiting for the second speaker to arrive in the mail. Perhaps Tuesday....
Also ordered a set of peerless tweets from ebay, so hope those also come in too this week.But now I've got my sights set on a pair of the CRS models of which I never knew existed until this week. Now I have to have a pair. Think I'll end up collecting all the models I can. Just never heard a driver and cabinet design that was so smooth, natural and anti-fatiguing as the vintage Polks. Addicted to them.
Well, I hope to find a new home here in the Polk forums. I'll take pics and share my love of rebuilding and keeping them going. I find it so sad how many are parted out these days. Very sad when another pair go to the graveyard... If any of you out there have some extras, I'll pay shipping! They'll go to a good home!
Anyway, glad to be here. More to come.
Thanks.
R
Currently refurbishing a pair of 1982 Polk 10As
Looking to buy a set of CRSs now, yes, like this week, then a set of 7s.
The addiction begins...
Looking to buy a set of CRSs now, yes, like this week, then a set of 7s.
The addiction begins...
Comments
-
Welcome! The guys here will certainly help spend your money.
Pio Elete Pro 520
Panamax 5400-EX
Sunfire TGP 5
Micro Seiki DD-40 - Lyra-Dorian and Denon DL-160
PS Audio GCPH phono pre
Sunfire CG 200 X 5
Sunfire CG Sig 405 X 5
OPPO BDP-83 SE
SDA SRS 1.2TL Sonicaps and Mills
Ctr CS1000p
Sur - FX1000 x 4
SUB - SVS PB2-Plus
Workkout room:
Sony Bravia XBR- 32-Inch 1080p
Onkyo TX-DS898
GFA 555
Yamaha DVD-S1800BL/SACD
Ft - SDA 1C
Not being used:
RTi 38's -4
RT55i's - 2
RT25i's -2, using other 2 in shop
LSI 15's
CSi40
PSW 404 -
I can sure understand the feeling...that vintage monitor series was designed when 2 chan was it...HT was a few years off in the future...I love my 10'bs that I bought new back in 84....a couple of simple mods is all I have ever done to them... Welcome to the forum....and hang on to your wallet!!
-
Welcome to the forum. My story is similar. Bought my first pair in 1984. RTA12c's that I still have. Took a long break from audio stuff as my children were coming up...no money...no time. A year or so started in again. Long story short short, now I have two sets of SDA's,,one fully modded,,,one more to do. I agree eit is tons of fun. This site is full of people that will help you both with new information and all of the threads from the past.......and oh yes, we will for sure help you spend your money.Main-Carver TFM35(2),Carver C11 ,Carver SD/A 360 CD,Carver TX11 ,Grace Digital Tuner, Pioneer PL707 TT,Polk SDA1C
Downstairs -Carver M1.5t, Carver C1 Pre, Carver TX10 Tuner, Carver TL3200 CD Player, Dual 1009 TT,Polk SDA SRS 2.3tl
Study - Carver AV634 Amp, Carver CT7 Pre, Carver DTL50 CD Player, Polk RTA12c -
Enjoy those Polks. Look up info on some modifications to really make those speakers sing again. Welcome to the rabbit hole.
-
Hello,
Welcome to Polk's forum! I lived on Okinawa for almost three years, great place for all things audio. Is Sam's Anchor Inn still there?
Regards, Ken -
Thanks guys. Wow. Great, quick responses. I think I may have found my kinfolk on the web after all these years. lol.
I'm excellent at spending money, so this is a perfect matchup.
@sea Yeah, I also took a break from all audio stuff for the last 20 years because of the kids growing up. Just got back into playing guitar and making music again finally. I never should have put it away. Didn't want to wake the kiddos when they were little. Should have just raised 'em on the noise! lol
@Ken, sure is. Sam's by the Sea as well as the others. Not much has changed, but there are a lot more shopping malls now. Golf course is gone now in Awase. Gave back the land to the Japanese.
I'm going to start small. Literally. SDAs first. Some 5jrs or other little series 4s and definitely a pair of 7s. Then maybe.... some HUGE SDAs!!! Muwahahahahaha.... Actually already contacted a guy. Haha. But not yet. Eventually...Post edited by Rational onCurrently refurbishing a pair of 1982 Polk 10As
Looking to buy a set of CRSs now, yes, like this week, then a set of 7s.
The addiction begins... -
Welcome to the forum Rational!"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
-
Welcome to the rabbit hole.
Klipsch RB81, KG3.5, B&W DM602.5, Polk.
Subwoofers: Klipsch RW10, Triad ProSub Bronze. -
Hey Rational!
My story isn't all that dissimilar. I was stationed in Germany, liquidated my Polks so me and the bride-to-be could get some wheels, kept her, later reacquired speakers(along with various friends-see signature,) and am now refurbishing/modding them. I completely understand.
Glad to make your acquaintance. It's a good deal like a family here, complete with me to play the part of the crazy uncle in the basement.
Welcome, and stay around a while.
MarkSDA SRS, SDA SRS1.2TL, SDA-1C,SDA 2B, Soundcraftsmen Amplification (A5002s, MA5002s, MA5002As) -
Ah, good I'm glad Sam's is still there. I lived in a village called Ojana and worked at Sobe Station. When I was there it was an audio enthusiast's paradise, with entire buildings that sold nothing but Pioneer, another one for Sansui's products, the same for Sony and JVC complete buildings crammed with HiFi gear, shelf after shelf. All the Teac decks in one place and their sister company Trio with tons of test gear.
-
Hahahaha. Mark... too funny. And glad I'm not the only one. Those Polks from the '80s really captured a bunch of us it seems. That's for sure. Glad it happened.
Yeah Ken, I remember that! Gate 2 street Kadena was loaded with hifi shops. There was one that had a spiral staircase to the second floor that was incredible. I used to go out there all the time. In fact, upstairs there was where I heard my first "pre-satellite" speaker setup. It was a huge 15" subwoofer and two medium "satellites" you could call them I guess in hindsight. Maybe with 4" or 5" drivers and tweeter. Perhaps Onkyo?... Gorgeous fit and finish. Gold metal accents with light brown fine grain finish. Sounded AMAZING!!! This was a year or three before Bose invented the Acoustimass if I remember correctly. Around '89. I really liked the sub and sat sound. At least with quality components like that. Knew immediately when I heard it a new format had been invented.
Man, those were the days. That was when the PX didn't have much selection. But within a year of my arrival in 1988, the Kadena and Foster on base PXs really increased their selection. Kadena even had a special speaker listening room in the back. Spent hours there every week. I bought a pair of 901s at that time too upon my return here, around 94? because of that room. Really enjoyed the 901s full soundstage bouncing off the rear wall. lol. But in hindsight, still think the sweet spot of my Polk Monitor 10s was better. Have always wanted to recapture that since.
Sales off base started to decline sharply after the onbase selection increased so much. Then the Bose satellite systems came out and no one bought large speakers. Now it seems the younger generation can't hear quality at all with all the MP3 degradation and plasticky, small speaker enclosures. Sad times right now. Does anyone make anything as good as the vintage polks again yet? Anyone know? Or are these vintage Polks the only thing out there?
Currently refurbishing a pair of 1982 Polk 10As
Looking to buy a set of CRSs now, yes, like this week, then a set of 7s.
The addiction begins... -
Welcome to Club Polk. I got my first Polk when i went to buy a 20.00 Polk subwoofer off a guy who lived on a golf course & i saw the SDA2b's just sitting there & i beg'd him for 2 days to sell them. Since then its been the Mrs's yelling at me '' another Speaker'' REALLY enjoy your Polks & good luck with projects ..
-
Welcome!!!2 ChannelTurntable - VPI Classic 2/Ortofon 2M BlueAmplification - Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II, Parks Audio Budgie PhonoSpeakers - GoldenEar Triton 17.2 Home TheaterDenon AVR-X3300W; Rotel RMB-1066; Klipsch RP-280F's, Klipsch RP-450C, Polk FXi3's, Polk RC60i; Dual SVS PB 2000's; BenQ HT2050; Elite Screens 120"Man CaveTurntable - Pro-Ject 2.9 Wood/Grado GoldAmplification - Dared SL2000a, McCormack DNA 0.5 DeluxeCD: Cambridge AudioSpeakers - Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary; LSiM 703; SDA 2A
-
You'll be blown away when you start modding the vintage Polks. It was as much fun learning here and modding my 2b's as it is listening to them now. Welcome!SDA 2B-TL (Sonicap/Solen/Mills, Erse Super Q, Rings, Spikes, No-Rez)
1000VA Dreadnought
Dared SL-2000a (Siemens & Halske TM 12AT7WA's, Brimar 5Z4G)
Jolida JD-100a (Sylvania BP TM Gold Brand 5751's), NAD C275BEE, Blue Jeans
RTiA3, Onkyo TX-SR605 -
Welcome to CP!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/ -
I enjoyed reading your story. Welcome to the club!Oh, Listen here mister. We got no way of understandin' this world. But we got as much sense of this bird flyin in the sky. Now there is a lot that bird don't know, but it don't change the fact that the world is happening to him all the same. What I am tryin to say is, is that the course of your life, well its changing, and you don't even see it- Forest Bondurant
-
Yours is a great story. There are many on this Forum.
I bought my first Pols in California in 1989 -- a great pair of 1Cs that I still have and use virtually every day to keep my ears entertained while I do a physical therapy routine for a couple of hours. The 1Cs are superb, especially with the Vr3Mods upgrades that I installed a year or so ago.
The pair of SRS1.2s in my main system were purchased a couple of years ago and have also benefited from Vr3Mods upgrades.
Welcome! Thanks for sharing your story, and hold on to your wallet! 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. -
Welcome to Club Polk. Good luck on your collecting journey. I started the beginning of the year with one set of vintage Polk's. Now I have six sets- and counting.Speakers: Polk SDA-SRS xovers rebuilt by David, RDO194's, Dynamat, BH5, glued magnets, new cloth, custom aluminum terminal plates with Cardas posts and Speakon interconnect
Speaker Cables, Jumpers & Interconnect: DIY Douglas Connection
Power Amp: Sunfire Architect's Choice Series II
Preamp: Adcom GFP-750
SACD/CD: Oppo BDP-95
Tuner: Sansui TU-717
TT: Technics SL-MA1
Phono Pre: Emotiva XPS-1
Music Server: Mac Mini w/JRiver - iPad w/JRemote
DAC: Eastern Electric MiniMax Plus
Other Polks: SDA: 1A, 1C, 2B, CRS+ / Monitor: 10A, 5jr, 4 / RT5 -
Howdy & welcome to the machine ;- )
-
Thanks again guys. Cool group we have here.Currently refurbishing a pair of 1982 Polk 10As
Looking to buy a set of CRSs now, yes, like this week, then a set of 7s.
The addiction begins... -
Welcome to the forum. Vintage Polks are indeed pretty awesome. Never been to japan but my 1.2TL's have been. Purchased them from the original owner who had been stationed there as well as other places over the years. They have traveled a good bit if my memeory serves me correctly. Surprisingly they are still near mint.If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of Progress?!
Monitor 5Jr, Monitor 5, RTA12, RTA 15TL, SDA 2A, 1c, SRS 2, 1.2TL, CRS, Atrium. -
Welcome to the forum! Hold on to your wallet!
____________________________________________________________
polkaudio Fully Modded SDA SRS 1.2TLs + Dreadnaught, LSiM706c, 4 X Polk Surrounds + 4 X ATMOS, SVS PB13 Ultra X 2, Pass Labs X1, Marantz 7704, Bob Carver Crimson Beauty 350 Tube Mono Blocks, Carver Sunfire Signature Cinema Grande 400x5, ADCOM GFA 7807, Panasonic UB420, Moon 380D DAC, EPSON Pro Cinema 6050 -
Welcome!!! Those 10A's are such sweet speakers. If you thought the 10's you had before were great, just wait til you get the 10A's hooked up!! Enjoy!
Sunfire Theater Grand IV
Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature
SRS 2.1TL
SDA 2BTL's
CSiA6
FXiA4
FXiA6
SDA 2A's
Monitor 10A's
http://www.douglasconnection.com -
Thanks guys. Yeah. Polks are a rare and refined find for sure. Glad I stumbled upon them all those years ago.
Thanks helipilotdoug. Can't wait. About to mount the three realigned and glued drivers back in the cabs now and see how they sound.
Haha stogie. That'll be me next for sure. lol. Already on the lookout for more.
And I wanna be westmassguy when I grow up. Just sayin'. Give me a decade and I might just be rebuilding crossovers and being awesome just like him. Impressed.
Peace out for now. Got some speaks calling my name!
R
Currently refurbishing a pair of 1982 Polk 10As
Looking to buy a set of CRSs now, yes, like this week, then a set of 7s.
The addiction begins... -
Welcome to the forum and sounds like you are on a cool mission. Great group here for sure and I agree the vintage stuff sounds great."if it's not fun, it's not worth it & remember folks, "It's All About The Music"!!
*****************************
![[Deleted User]](https://w8.vanillicon.com/83b82048d67877ca27bbc25d5d38f9d3_100.png)
