What was your first post? What have you learned since then?
Comments
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August 2004
New to Polk - Looking for SDA-2 specs/manual
I've learned so much it would be hard to list. Amps, tubes, subs, wire, sound treatment, mods, upgrades, trolls.....
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Nah for reals, I think I learned quite a bit.
I learned that amps do make a difference, tubes are cool, class A gear is hot, that speakers need to couple with the room. I also learned that electrostats are great, but some of the best dynamics are also. I have learned to like certain brands and not so like other brands.
I have also learned that I treat this audio hobby as a puzzle, a game if you will. The best sounding system is not as easy to build as you might think. There is more than just cash to it.... there's skill and luck.Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R -
I thought George was referring to me :-P
Actually what I've learned as an adult in this hobby is there are a lot of different ways to get to good sound, and I am not as dogmatic as I used to be (believe it or not), particularly about stuff that "can't be good".
In 1977 I wouldn't have looked twice at loudspeakers like Altec Nineteens. Silly me.
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They were worth more than my car at the time.
LOL! Wait... I have more money in my stereo than my car myself. Priorities!afterburnt wrote: »They didn't speak a word of English, they were from South Carolina.
Village Idiot of Club Polk -
I could buy a nice Tesla S with what I have put into the two channel, but I love my stereo more than any car.
Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits. -
hell yeah2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC
erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a -
Me too -- but we drive really cheap old cars.
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My first post was written many moons ago when I had just purchased a pair of RTi-10's and had a "mishap" that broke one or more of the spikes. I chimed in for the first time to ask where I could get spikes or how to repair the spikes or something like that.
F1nut was the first to respond.
Since then, I have learned many things regarding spikes, reproductive abilities of stereo, how to properly "chat" online, how great a community this and a select few other forums are, how deeply involved some people get in this hobby, how deeply involved I have actually gotten in this hobby, speaker design and building, crossover upgrades, component upgrades, sub woofer implementation, KISS, the opposite of KISS, why EQ's aren't what they are cracked up to be, that cables make one HELL of a difference, everything affects everything, tubes rock my world, outlets and power cords have the ability to really be a component within a system, other forum members whom aren't trolls really do care about the membership, you can get great deals on the Polk Forum FM, alcohol is a given at Polkfests, Al from Polk is "different", Polk CS is top notch compared to other companies, Polk HQ listens to listener feedback when given the chance, spikes do make quite the difference, what may be considered a "room" issue may be a cable issue, speaker placement is key, isolation of vibrations gets you closer to the last 5%, raising a front firing sub up off the floor dramatically improves imaging and the sound stage, Folks really DON'T know what they don't know until they know what they didn't know, trolls suck but for the most part, eventually move on, it helps to have a laser when aligning the speaker toe in and height leading to the listening position, measuring a speakers positioning can have dramatic effects with as little as 1 -1/6" on a 3D field especially when the distance between the speakers and the listening position increases, the recording quality can make or break any system regardless of cost, sound stage and imaging height is a perceived illusion, same with depth, speakers should always disappear in the room...if they don't then there is an issue, making a sub integrate with any system can be very difficult when calibrating the entire system to the room, the lowest registers are the hardest to realistically reproduce with natural sounding reproduction, F1nut (Jesse) doesn't like vinyl, tubes offer a magic that SS can not duplicate, price does not equate to sound reproductive quality, not everyone cares about the music and
Continued on next post...~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~ -
that some only care about the gear, a 300K system can sound every bit as good as a 15K system, some folks have more money than common sense when it comes to audio, some folks couldn't build a good sounding system if they had 1 million dollars to spend, the room can mean everything to a system, a system set up on an outside porch with no side walls or back wall that overlooks a valley has a sound stage that is surreal and that most systems no matter the cost will ever achieve, varying incoming voltage is bad for tube gear, I prefer cone tweeters, some instruments will never sound like they are playing in front of you...like a piano...just give it up already, MBL's are not what they are cracked up to be, reviewers do not always have a great ear, the sub floor a system resides on can and will alter GREATLY what a system is capable of, vinyl done right can change the reproductive experience, crossover upgrades done right can change a normal speaker into an extraordinary one, a 1000 watt amplifier is perfectly at home with a 100 watt rated pair of speakers, high or extreme volume is not necessary to achieve the reproduction of all frequencies, a high post count means diddly to great knowledge, a good system yearns for you to turn it up, there is no replacement for displacement, the Vanilla forum leaves a lot to be desired, the first person to answer me on this forum still has one of the top ten systems I have ever heard, BB King Live at the Regal? If you can't hear him walk across the stage as he sings and if you can't hear him sing into the left or right side of the microphone as he is walking across the stage? Well, something is amiss in your system, headphones do not deliver any imaging...only left to right, Klipsh horn speakers are bright on the top end, SACD's rock sound wise but that will not mean that they sound better than a well recorded CD, It's a long drive to Ted's house...he can put on a great Polkfest but only if you slice through the humidity, sound treatments can make or break a system, you will not achieve good sound in a trailer or with BOSE, placing serious weight on your speakers or subs will make a positive difference with the reproductive effort, a rum and coke will always make the sound...well, sound better, ceiling fans at the first reflection point is never a good idea, plants make a great diffuser if placed in the right places, never EVER let the wife know what the true cost is for any gear in or out,
cats are bad for speaker grills...shotguns are good for cats (just kidding), the truly effective placement of isolation components is not limited to where the feet go on gear, kids and drinks do not mix with stereo gear, a dedicated line(s) with proper gauge and star grounding has the ability to be THE best component in a rig, when grid demand is low your system will sound better in all aspects, low noise floor is everything to a system, friends on this forum or others can lead you on the right path better than a salesman at the local shop or local friends, you can actually over dampen a speaker to sound worse, never ever choose to have two main speakers to give you the sound you are looking for or you will discover "lobing", a record clamp can bring a new level to LP enjoyment, this hobby is not cheap, a dedicated room is bliss, IKEA makes great solutions for LP, CD and DVD storage on the cheap while looking expensive, DeOxit can bring a stereo back to life, if you are into tubed gear you must have a tube tester, cable management should be a priority, study proper speaker placement from many different companies...while all of the advice may not work with your speakers, the collective effort from all will benefit you if you actually care to try, never trust someone who buys something and immediately puts it up for sale, regardless of speaker type...humidity will always play a factor in the reproductive effort, isolated power supplies can really clean up the sound, the rack or anything in-between the speakers can make a huge impact on the reproductive effort, sound stage and imaging but above all else? I learned that folks that can't separate a paragraph are the worst types of people to learn from. They make things difficult.
BTW, thanks Jesse for being a friend over the years and thanks for being the first one to respond to me way back in the day.
Tom~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~ -
mhardy6647 wrote: »Me too -- but we drive really cheap old cars.
That's the point, no? Cheap old car and good stereo or newer car and iPod. I still get where I'm going, for cents to the mile. It's worth it afterburnt wrote: »They didn't speak a word of English, they were from South Carolina.
Village Idiot of Club Polk -
BTW, Jesse. My thoughts have still not changed on this and even though we agree to disagree? I thought I'd share this with you one more time.....I forgot to mention this;The best way to enjoy digital music reproduction is to never listen to good analogue reproduction.
*smiles*
Tom~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~ -
mhardy6647 wrote: »Me too -- but we drive really cheap old cars.
That's the point, no? Cheap old car and good stereo or newer car and iPod. I still get where I'm going, for cents to the mile. It's worth it
Naah, my stereo stuff is all cheap old junk, too.
Sounds pretty good though.
..but, yeah, I agree vis-a-vis transportation. I decided years ago that I'd rather drive a Ford and retire young than drive a BMW and have to work 'til I die. (the corollary there being "I hope I don't die before I get old" -- since those two outcomes might not be mutually exclusive!).
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Back in June 2004:
not sure but would watching the movies on night mode work ??
sorry what are buttkickers ???
- What I have learned... Buttkickers were RuSsMaN and Doro. Doro wears leather chaps and Trey has more transformers than audio gear oh and that Jstas has a thing for us Canucks! -
Dan, good thread! I haven't been here much lately, but I'm glad I hopped on today and took a look around. This one blows my mind, I wish I would have never sold those CRS's, but I'm always on the hunt for some +'s.Hello all, I'm a newbie when it comes to SDA/Polk, I was running a pair of Yamaha towers, and now have been introduced to the sound of Polk, which is has blown me away. I picked this pair up at an auction, and got them very cheep as I was the only bidder. They seem to be in perfect shape except for the negitive terminal on the right speaker, which I'm looking for a replacement but can't find the exact same one, I havent been able to find photos of this exact model. Any information on these would be great! Thanks!
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I've learned that pre-conceived notions are usually ill-conceived ones. That audio encompasses much more than hooking up lamp cord to a receiver and any old speakers. I've learned to listen more instead of judge off the bat....which requires more than 10 seconds btw.
I've also learned that there are many more knowledgeable folks on here than myself and their advice is Gold. A bit of humility and laughter at yourself and between members, and that money doesn't always buy good sound.
I've learned that when George Grand or Jesse post to keep a bottle of Windex nearby, very important if you value your monitor.
The wealth of knowledge between members here is simply fantastic, plus most of us are a good bunch that I'd be privileged to share a bar stool with at any time.......providing they're buying.
HT SYSTEM-
Sony 850c 4k
Pioneer elite vhx 21
Sony 4k BRP
SVS SB-2000
Polk Sig. 20's
Polk FX500 surrounds
Cables-
Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable
Kitchen
Sonos zp90
Grant Fidelity tube dac
B&k 1420
lsi 9's -
and that money doesn't always buy good sound.
Ain't that the truth
I've learned that when George Grand or Jesse post to keep a bottle of Windex nearby, very important if you value your monitor.
and you're the pot calling the kettle black...woke up many mornings laughing at your funny stories
The wealth of knowledge between members here is simply fantastic, plus most of us are a good bunch that I'd be privileged to share a bar stool with at any time.......providing they're buying.
Absolutely...
...Well said MrB
2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC
erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a -
Yeah well, what takes me numerous paragraphs only takes the other 2 one sentence. LOLHT SYSTEM-
Sony 850c 4k
Pioneer elite vhx 21
Sony 4k BRP
SVS SB-2000
Polk Sig. 20's
Polk FX500 surrounds
Cables-
Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable
Kitchen
Sonos zp90
Grant Fidelity tube dac
B&k 1420
lsi 9's -
One more thing I have learned?
I sure do miss George Grand. Class act.....and the time he spent for the Githens Center typing/evaluating/selling/shipping all of that vinyl? He will never be replaced. The forum truly did lose a good one when he passed (The world too).
I brought this up from the abyss of the forum to remind newer (as well as the older) folks that we all started somewhere. We all have our own audio journey that we ride on.
That's it for tonight. I hope this thread lives on. It's a good'un. What say you?
TomPost edited by treitz3 on~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~ -
My previous statements still stand.Expert Moron Extraordinaire
You're just jealous 'cause the voices don't talk to you! -
I got tired of my crusty looking 5Jr's and gave them an update.
I've learned that you can't run large SDA's on a Crown 15wpc amp. (from F1 no doubt)😂Don't take experimental gene therapies from known eugenicists. -
Wow has it been since 2017? Lol over 10k posts later, man have I had a journey!
Can't remember my first post, but it may have been me buying something from the FS thread!
Always been a Polk fanboy, started out with some 2B's powered by a vintage Pioneer receiver used as a pre, with a SAE amp from DAK industries! And yes, cheapo IC's and homemade speaker cables!
Oh yeah, I thought running iTunes through the audio card and computer speakers was about as good as digital could get!
I owe most of my joy and pleasure of audio over the past few years, taking it to where it is now, to all of you! Learned tons for sure!
Words of advice to some of the newbies out there, being that I was one, and still am in many respects:
Humble yourself and listen to the advice given. Yeah some of it may be strong, but in most cases true! Most of the veterans here have really been there and done that!
Don't think you have to debate someone or fully understand the mechanics or theory of why something just works. Try it and you'll be amazed!
I have had many profound experiences of taking my audio game further with CP's help. A lot of Wow! or OMG! by following many suggestions offered here. I have so many examples, from tubes and cables, digital, SACD, TT's, fleapower amps, 1.2TL's, lifetime deal on L800's, power conditioners, you name it, as there have been so many.
Have faith in the folks here, and enjoy your journey!Basement: Polk SDA SRS 1.2tl's, Cary SLP-05 Pre with ultimate upgrade,McIntosh MCD301 CD/SACD player, Northstar Designs Excelsio DAC, Cambridge 851N streamer, McIntosh MC300 Amp, Silnote Morpheus Ref2, Series2 Digital Cables, Silnote Morpheus Ref2 Series2 XLR's, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Pangea Power Cables, MIT Shotgun S3 IC's, MIT Shotgun S1 Bi-Wire speaker cables
Office: PC, EAR Acute CD Player, EAR 834L Pre, Northstar Designs Intenso DAC, Antique Sound Labs AV8 Monoblocks, Denon UDR-F10 Cassette, Acoustic Technologies Classic FR Speakers, SVS SB12 Plus sub, MIT AVt2 speaker cables, IFI Purifier2, AQ Cinnamon USB cable, Groneberg Quatro Reference IC's
Spare Room: Dayens Ampino Integrated Amp, Tjoeb 99 tube CD player (modified Marantz CD-38), Analysis Plus Oval 9's, Zu Jumpers, AudioEngine B1 Streamer, Klipsch RB-61 v2, SVS PB1000 sub, Blue Jeans RCA IC's, Shunyata Hydra 8 Power Conditioner
Living Room: Peachtree Nova Integrated, Cambridge CXN v2 Streamer, Rotel RCD-1072 CD player, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Polk RT265 In Wall Speakers, Polk DSW Pro 660wi sub
Garage #1: Cambridge Audio 640A Integrated Amp, Project Box-E BT Streamer, Polk Tsi200 Bookies, Douglas Speaker Cables, Shunyata Power Conditioner
Garage #2: Cambridge Audio EVO150 Integrated Amplifier, Polk L200's, Analysis Plus Silver Oval 2 Speaker Cables, IC's TBD. -
I think my first post was something about replacement tweeters and
crossover upgrades for the 7's.
I've learned not to post.Speakers: Polk Lsim, ATC SCM19 v2, NHT SuperzeroSpeaker Cables: DH Labs, Transparent, Wireworld, Canare, Monster: Beer budget, Bose ears -
Gustard X26 Pro DAC
Belles 21A Pre modded with Mundorf Supreme caps
B&K M200 Sonata monoblocks refreshed and upgraded
Polk SDA 1C's modded / 1000Va Dreadnaught
Wireworld Silver Eclipse IC's and speaker cables
Harman Kardon T65C w/Grado Gold. (Don't laugh. It sounds great!)
There is about a 5% genetic difference between apes and men …but that difference is the difference between throwing your own poo when you are annoyed …and Einstein, Shakespeare and Miss January. by Dr. Sardonicus -
Here's my first post/thread.August 7th, 2012:
First post! I'm a new member of the Polk family with my recent purchase of the Tsi100 bookshelf speakers! I tried them out with a hand me down Technics SA-EX100 receiver circa 1995 and noticed that the receiver has some sort of defect that is preventing some of the mid and high frequencies from correctly reaching the left channel! (I also verified this with an old set of Sony speakers.)
Anyway! I need a suggestion of a good stereo receiver (yes I have searched!) that will drive the Tsi100s well. It's going to be used in my small bedroom alongside a CD player and DVD player which I have going via HDMI into a LCD and then have the L + R audio output RCAs going back to the receiver. So, a very basic setup that is primarily going to be used for music, with DVDs as a secondary focus.
Seems so very long ago that I was asking about a better integrated/receiver to pair with my modest Polk TSi100 speakers! I enjoyed that NAD C 316BEE integrated for a while and ultimately ended up giving it to Victor @halo to tide him over while his system was going through a migratory phase and to use it as he saw fit.
As far as what I have learned since then, definitely quite a few things. After experimenting with different gear and cables, it then lead to me attending my first audio show. Wow, was that an ear opening experience! Talk about a tiny spark that lit a massive fire. That first California Audio Show in July of 2018 threw me deep into the lifelong experience of being a passionate audiophile.
It was also the moment that truly conveyed just how little I actually knew about the hobby. Once I heard the performance heights of what other systems were capable of it was humbling, but also thought provoking. It helped me understand that there is more than one approach toward reaching audio bliss, and that every gear manufacturer and fellow audiophile had their own personal strategy for doing so.
As I continued to experiment with equipment, I learned by trial and error and found out what type of sound got me closer to the music I love. I continued to attend audio shows, and with a little networking, landed a writing gig doing audiophile equipment reviews! I'm proud to have authored 23 articles for The Audio Beatnik. I feel that my progression of review/writing quality also effectively demonstrates all that I have learned since my first post here 10 years ago.
Despite me being forced due to living conditions to have my primary system set up in a bedroom that's way too small, it's still been an amazing journey. I know that in 2-3 years I will be near my goal of owning my own home back in WI and having a dedicated listening room. I'm working toward that goal now and I know I can achieve it.
Lastly, one of the most poignant things I have learned about this hobby is that it's not a competition. Everyone is on the same path and using whatever means and methods they have at their disposal to reach their personal audio paradise. Some might reach it sooner than others, but it's not a race and it's important to remember that the journey can be as rewarding as the destination.
After all, the hobby is about our shared love of music and the gear that makes it sound incredible. From the smallest and least expensive systems, to the most grandiose and pricey. Let's all just take a moment and feel fortunate that we're alive and enjoying what we have.
