SDA SRS Tweeters come on and off intermittently on Left speaker

Dobolino
Dobolino Posts: 13
in Troubleshooting
Good day,
I have been a long time owner of polk audio. Started with my first Monitor 10b's and still Love the sound from them today.

I finally got me hands on some SDA SRS monsters and have played them for about 4 months now. I was testing some loud music for some friends and all of a sudden the tweeters were loud, then gone and when turning up the volume again the may or may not come back on. I have read that the polyswitch could be the issue and would like some guidance on what maybe the problem. As others had stated in their quest for answers, I did have them at some real earth pounding sound levels with my McIntosh C7205. I can find parts etc online, but would like some guidance on what parts maybe causing the issue and what methods I should utilize to pin point whether it is a speaker or supporting electronics. Seems many of the links in this forum do not work anymore, so reaching out.
Thanks
Home Theater set up:
Projector - Epson 5030ub // Screen - ElunaVision 4k Reference 112"
Power - McIntosh MC7205 (5 channel amp) // TV - Pioneer Elite PRO-200
Preamp/processor - Marantz AV8003 // CD source - Pioneer DV-09
Main Speakers - Polk Audio SDA SRS
Center Speaker - Polk Audio CS350-LS
Surround Speakers - (2) Polk FX300i + (2) Polk monitor M3
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Comments

  • tratliff
    tratliff Posts: 1,704
    When I had my SDA's I had the same problem in the begining. It was the polyswitch. If you contact polk they will send you replacements free of charge.

    I never replaced mine but found that if I controlled the volume they would not trip.

    It has been discussed that over time it gets easier and easier to trip them. In other words the more they are tripped the more they will trip.

    I have also read discussions on taking them out of the chain. But this comes at the cost of removing the protection and increasing the risk of damage. Once I found how all my equipment worked together they did not really bother me.

    Good luck and someone with much deeper knowledge of the protection circuit and x-over network will reply. These guys have a wealth of knowledge on this topic.
    2 Channel Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II, 2 REL Carbon Limited, Norma Revo IPA-140B, Lumin U2 Mini, VPI Prime w/SoundSmith Zephyr MIMC, Modwright PH 150, Denon DP-59l w/Denon DL-301MKII, WAY Silver 3 Ana+ Speaker Cables, WAY Silver 4+ Interconnect Cables, AudioQuest Niagara 7000 w/Dragon and Hurricane Power Cables
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  • Nightfall
    Nightfall Posts: 10,086
    1) Call Polk CS and order new Polyswitches (safer albiet at reduced sound quality)
    2) Replace the Polyswitches with wire jumpers (will result in a slightly hotter top end)
    3) Replace the Polyswitches with 0.5 ohm resistors

    Really be careful with the volume knob if you choose option 2 or 3.
    afterburnt wrote: »
    They didn't speak a word of English, they were from South Carolina.

    Village Idiot of Club Polk
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  • Dobolino
    Dobolino Posts: 13
    Nightfall,
    Thanks for the recommendations! I am assuming that the tweeters are okay, since they do come on intermittently or is there a simple test or method in ensuring there is no issue with the tweeters?
    Home Theater set up:
    Projector - Epson 5030ub // Screen - ElunaVision 4k Reference 112"
    Power - McIntosh MC7205 (5 channel amp) // TV - Pioneer Elite PRO-200
    Preamp/processor - Marantz AV8003 // CD source - Pioneer DV-09
    Main Speakers - Polk Audio SDA SRS
    Center Speaker - Polk Audio CS350-LS
    Surround Speakers - (2) Polk FX300i + (2) Polk monitor M3
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  • Dobolino
    Dobolino Posts: 13
    Also I have searched Youtube on how to take these apart safely, but could only find pictures and video's of the units already apart. I do not want to damage anything and be a Homer (do'h)..... ;-)

    Is there a link to pictured steps or video on dis-assembly out there you all know of?
    Home Theater set up:
    Projector - Epson 5030ub // Screen - ElunaVision 4k Reference 112"
    Power - McIntosh MC7205 (5 channel amp) // TV - Pioneer Elite PRO-200
    Preamp/processor - Marantz AV8003 // CD source - Pioneer DV-09
    Main Speakers - Polk Audio SDA SRS
    Center Speaker - Polk Audio CS350-LS
    Surround Speakers - (2) Polk FX300i + (2) Polk monitor M3
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,660
    You overdrove the amp, sent a clipped signal and damaged the polyswitch, which was doing what it's designed to do. 100wpc is not enough to drive those speakers to earth pounding sound levels without bad juju happening.

    I do not believe Polk sells polywitches any longer, but you can purchase them online. You want an RDE090A and it would be best to replace the one in the right speaker as well.

    You remove the panel in the front, just the screws around the edge. You will need to desolder the driver connections to completely remove the panel with attached crossover.

    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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  • Dobolino
    Dobolino Posts: 13
    F1nut, Thanks for your reply to my quest for information and hoping you nailed it so I can get them singing again. If I am going to pull the faceplate and input the polyswitches in "both" speakers, what would be recommended to do that makes sense. Don't need them to match to $50k power amp but would like them to run for many years to come.
    Home Theater set up:
    Projector - Epson 5030ub // Screen - ElunaVision 4k Reference 112"
    Power - McIntosh MC7205 (5 channel amp) // TV - Pioneer Elite PRO-200
    Preamp/processor - Marantz AV8003 // CD source - Pioneer DV-09
    Main Speakers - Polk Audio SDA SRS
    Center Speaker - Polk Audio CS350-LS
    Surround Speakers - (2) Polk FX300i + (2) Polk monitor M3
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  • Nightfall
    Nightfall Posts: 10,086
    Epoxy all the magnets would be at the top of the "make sure they run for many years to come" list.
    afterburnt wrote: »
    They didn't speak a word of English, they were from South Carolina.

    Village Idiot of Club Polk
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,660
    I guarantee that I nailed it.
    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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  • Dobolino
    Dobolino Posts: 13
    I guess my next purchase should be a dedicated amp for these big boys. Recommendations for the cost conscience audiophile.
    Home Theater set up:
    Projector - Epson 5030ub // Screen - ElunaVision 4k Reference 112"
    Power - McIntosh MC7205 (5 channel amp) // TV - Pioneer Elite PRO-200
    Preamp/processor - Marantz AV8003 // CD source - Pioneer DV-09
    Main Speakers - Polk Audio SDA SRS
    Center Speaker - Polk Audio CS350-LS
    Surround Speakers - (2) Polk FX300i + (2) Polk monitor M3
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  • Nightfall
    Nightfall Posts: 10,086
    What is cost conscience to you could be different for someone else. How cost conscience?
    afterburnt wrote: »
    They didn't speak a word of English, they were from South Carolina.

    Village Idiot of Club Polk
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  • Dobolino
    Dobolino Posts: 13
    edited March 2015
    I would say $1500 - $3500 for a two channel amp. I realize this price point leads me to the used, but well cared for market place.
    Home Theater set up:
    Projector - Epson 5030ub // Screen - ElunaVision 4k Reference 112"
    Power - McIntosh MC7205 (5 channel amp) // TV - Pioneer Elite PRO-200
    Preamp/processor - Marantz AV8003 // CD source - Pioneer DV-09
    Main Speakers - Polk Audio SDA SRS
    Center Speaker - Polk Audio CS350-LS
    Surround Speakers - (2) Polk FX300i + (2) Polk monitor M3
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  • Nightfall
    Nightfall Posts: 10,086
    Used is better at almost any price point. You could go new if you wanted, though.

    http://www.amazon.com/Parasound-Halo-A21-Two-Channel-Amplifier/dp/B003O2QB7M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427247483&sr=8-1&keywords=parasound+halo
    afterburnt wrote: »
    They didn't speak a word of English, they were from South Carolina.

    Village Idiot of Club Polk
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,660
    I would say $1500 - $3500 for a two channel amp

    You can get a very nice amp for that money. Take a look on Audiogon, pick out a few that are in your price range, then post here, so we can give our 2 cents.
    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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  • Dobolino
    Dobolino Posts: 13
    edited March 2015
    Here are a few I have found out there on the internet...
    McIntosh MC 2200 amplifiers x (2) = $2400 for the pair
    Bryston 3B SST2 Silver = $2400
    Parasound Model 2250 = $1400
    Bryston 8B ST 4 Channel Power Amplifier = $2000

    Oh and I live in a country where our money is close to the same value as Monopoly -- Canada, so I have to look in Canadian dollars as our exchange rate is UGLY!!!
    Home Theater set up:
    Projector - Epson 5030ub // Screen - ElunaVision 4k Reference 112"
    Power - McIntosh MC7205 (5 channel amp) // TV - Pioneer Elite PRO-200
    Preamp/processor - Marantz AV8003 // CD source - Pioneer DV-09
    Main Speakers - Polk Audio SDA SRS
    Center Speaker - Polk Audio CS350-LS
    Surround Speakers - (2) Polk FX300i + (2) Polk monitor M3
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,448
    http://app.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-classe-ca2200-delta-series-200-watt-ch-amp-2015-03-20-amplifiers-98105-seattle-wa

    Check this one out... The Classe stuff I have heard has been very, very good.
    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
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  • Dobolino
    Dobolino Posts: 13
    nooshinjohn, The Classe looks freaking NICE! Definitely something to investigate further!
    Home Theater set up:
    Projector - Epson 5030ub // Screen - ElunaVision 4k Reference 112"
    Power - McIntosh MC7205 (5 channel amp) // TV - Pioneer Elite PRO-200
    Preamp/processor - Marantz AV8003 // CD source - Pioneer DV-09
    Main Speakers - Polk Audio SDA SRS
    Center Speaker - Polk Audio CS350-LS
    Surround Speakers - (2) Polk FX300i + (2) Polk monitor M3
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,660
    Here's a few more......

    http://app.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-levinson-no-335-wonderful-250-watt-balanced-amplifier-2015-03-24-amplifiers-90077-los-angeles-ca

    http://app.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-balanced-audio-bat-vk-600-amplifier-2015-03-15-amplifiers-92679-coto-de-caza-ca

    http://app.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-balanced-audio-technology-bat-vk-6200-2-channel-massive-amplifier-200w-8ohms-400w-4-o-2015-03-15-amplifiers-46614-south-bend-in

    If you don't mind a space heater.....

    http://app.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-threshold-400a-class-a-amplifier-2015-03-22-amplifiers-90405-santa-monica-ca
    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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  • Dobolino
    Dobolino Posts: 13
    My quest continues. :smile: On the forum it states to go with the RDO-194-1 replacement tweeter for my SDA's. I searched the Polk site; however it only generates new products when I search. Where would one go to purchase the RDO-194-1?
    Home Theater set up:
    Projector - Epson 5030ub // Screen - ElunaVision 4k Reference 112"
    Power - McIntosh MC7205 (5 channel amp) // TV - Pioneer Elite PRO-200
    Preamp/processor - Marantz AV8003 // CD source - Pioneer DV-09
    Main Speakers - Polk Audio SDA SRS
    Center Speaker - Polk Audio CS350-LS
    Surround Speakers - (2) Polk FX300i + (2) Polk monitor M3
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  • Nightfall
    Nightfall Posts: 10,086
    Call.

    1-800-377-POLK (7655)
    afterburnt wrote: »
    They didn't speak a word of English, they were from South Carolina.

    Village Idiot of Club Polk
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  • Dobolino
    Dobolino Posts: 13
    Thanks Nightfall! They didn't make it easy to find.
    Home Theater set up:
    Projector - Epson 5030ub // Screen - ElunaVision 4k Reference 112"
    Power - McIntosh MC7205 (5 channel amp) // TV - Pioneer Elite PRO-200
    Preamp/processor - Marantz AV8003 // CD source - Pioneer DV-09
    Main Speakers - Polk Audio SDA SRS
    Center Speaker - Polk Audio CS350-LS
    Surround Speakers - (2) Polk FX300i + (2) Polk monitor M3
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  • Dobolino
    Dobolino Posts: 13
    Well, I am going to start the somewhat long process of gutting my SDA's and begin the upgrades!
    Home Theater set up:
    Projector - Epson 5030ub // Screen - ElunaVision 4k Reference 112"
    Power - McIntosh MC7205 (5 channel amp) // TV - Pioneer Elite PRO-200
    Preamp/processor - Marantz AV8003 // CD source - Pioneer DV-09
    Main Speakers - Polk Audio SDA SRS
    Center Speaker - Polk Audio CS350-LS
    Surround Speakers - (2) Polk FX300i + (2) Polk monitor M3
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Nightfall
    Nightfall Posts: 10,086
    Dobolino wrote: »
    Well, I am going to start the somewhat long process of gutting my SDA's and begin the upgrades!

    What are your plans?
    afterburnt wrote: »
    They didn't speak a word of English, they were from South Carolina.

    Village Idiot of Club Polk
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  • Dobolino
    Dobolino Posts: 13
    Found a fellow at dhsspeakerservice.com who has ID'd my Polks as the original Blade type and cannot be upgraded to a TL but he can perform upgrades just the same. I am going to get a few quotes from him on upgrades. So will be pulling the x-overs soon and then work towards getting the tweeters etc for the rebuild.
    Home Theater set up:
    Projector - Epson 5030ub // Screen - ElunaVision 4k Reference 112"
    Power - McIntosh MC7205 (5 channel amp) // TV - Pioneer Elite PRO-200
    Preamp/processor - Marantz AV8003 // CD source - Pioneer DV-09
    Main Speakers - Polk Audio SDA SRS
    Center Speaker - Polk Audio CS350-LS
    Surround Speakers - (2) Polk FX300i + (2) Polk monitor M3
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  • Nightfall
    Nightfall Posts: 10,086
    He is a member here, his username is westmassguy
    afterburnt wrote: »
    They didn't speak a word of English, they were from South Carolina.

    Village Idiot of Club Polk
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  • drumminman
    drumminman Posts: 3,396
    All reports are that his work is first rate.
    "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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  • Dobolino
    Dobolino Posts: 13
    Good to hear his work is first rate. I know I can solder, but not well enough to feel secure my beasts will get the best work. I will keep you posted on my experience; however it could take a while... :-) I would rather take my time have it all right than rush it. I will use my Polk 10b's in the mean time, so staying with Polk for sure!
    Home Theater set up:
    Projector - Epson 5030ub // Screen - ElunaVision 4k Reference 112"
    Power - McIntosh MC7205 (5 channel amp) // TV - Pioneer Elite PRO-200
    Preamp/processor - Marantz AV8003 // CD source - Pioneer DV-09
    Main Speakers - Polk Audio SDA SRS
    Center Speaker - Polk Audio CS350-LS
    Surround Speakers - (2) Polk FX300i + (2) Polk monitor M3
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  • dkfreebird
    dkfreebird Posts: 1,186
    David did my 2.3tl's and my dreadnought and his work is top notch.
    2 Channel
    Polk 1.2tl's Modded with dreadnought
    Musical Fidelity M6Si
    North Star Intenso Dac
    Auralic Aries Mini Streamer
    Oppo 103
    Pangea PC
    Wireworld Equinox 7 interconnects
    Wireworld Equinox 7 Speaker Cables and Jumpers

    Backups 2.3tl, Crs+ pin/blade with stands.Monitor 5 peerless,Monitor 4 peerless,Polk R200,McCormack Dna 0.5 Deluxe McCormack Dna 1,Dared Sl 2000A,Dayens Ampino Rogue Magnum 66 pre
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