Seeking advice re: Polk Studio SDA Signature Reference System 2

rolomo
rolomo Posts: 4
in Vintage Speakers
I just inherited a pair of these speakers, with the interconnect cable. I'm seeking recommendations for an amp to drive them. Also, is a pre-amp advised? Necessary?
Sorry, I'm out of my depth here, so any advice appreciated.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,546
    Need more info such as the exact model because what you wrote isn't it. What types of music do you listen to? What size room? How much are you looking to spend?
    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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  • rolomo
    rolomo Posts: 4
    Sorry, I don't see any model info other than SDA-SRS2. I've looked at the info panel on the rear, and the badge on the top front; don't see any other label or info. Any place else I should be looking?

    Large room (L-shaped living room/dining room; primary part of the L is probably 12 x 20; very high cathedral ceiling - ~24 feet). I listen to various types of music, but primary types are roots rock, alt.country, some hippie jam bands.

    I'm hoping to not have to spend a ton. Someone recommended the Yamaha P2500S or Crown XLS... the price points on those are certainly friendly.

    Thank you!
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,546
    edited November 2016
    Ok, SDA SRS2 is a model. Looking at the SDA cable, are there two blades or a pin and a blade?

    You do NOT want anything to do with pro amps.

    The speakers are worth...nay, require true high fidelity gear driving them, so open your wallet even if it means saving up and/or buying one piece at a time. You can see what is available used here in our classifieds and at Audiogon.

    As for your room, those will need to be on the 20 foot wall.
    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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  • rolomo
    rolomo Posts: 4
    One blade and one pin on the cable.

    Yes, planning on the long wall for the speaker placement.

    Other than ensuring that it's a common ground amp, any particular specs I should look for? Or any specific model recommendations? I just visited Audiogon, and there are certainly no shortage of options...

    Thanks,
    Rolomo
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,546
    edited November 2016
    Ok, the pin/blade version opens up other options. You can use the AI-1 isolation transformer or Dreadnought version of it, which will allow the use of non-common ground amps.

    Pick some that appeal to you and your wallet, post back and we'll give you our opinions.

    In addition to the long wall, do not toe in the speakers and you'll want them about 5 to 6 inches off the back wall. Spikes are a must.

    Welcome to the incredible world of SDA speakers and to Club Polk.
    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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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,546
    I should have mentioned, look for a nice integrated amp as there are plenty of top notch ones available these days.
    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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  • RandyCroissant
    RandyCroissant Posts: 475
    Wow!! right off the bat you got some great advice, you can't go wrong here.
    Yamaha RXA1030, Yamaha CD-S2100, Yamaha AS-2200, Bluesound node 2i
    Polk SDA2btl highly modded
    Polk SDA 1C modded
    Polk CS350 LS x2
    Kimber 8TC
    Sony 55" Bravia
    Wish list SVS sub

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  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 365
    edited November 2016
    How do you guys think a Schiit Audio Ragnarok integrated amplifier will work with the SDA SRS 2s if high volume is not needed? Seems to be a "high current" amp.
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  • codycatalist
    codycatalist Posts: 2,662
    @TForan I do not have experience as far as sound with that company goes..hope its not as the name implies ; ). I believe the SRS 2s are 4 ohm load which will be 100 watts on that amp, that isn't too bad if it is indeed high current. I run my SDA 2Bs on a 100 watt vintage yamaha and I think it sounds spectacular. Mid-fi or not I get Hi-Fi sound that I enjoy. That amp costs a bit and im sure you can get a nice parasound used for cheaper with more power and current.
    Just a dude doing dude-ly things

    "Temptation is the manifestation of desire which equals necessity." - Mikey081057
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    "Audiophiles are the male equivalent of cat ladies." - Audiokarma Member
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  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 365
    Thanks, guys. I don't mean to hi-jack the thread and I thought since the OP has the same speakers, it would be help to him too. I didn't think I was going to be able to use the Polks in my new place but I fired them up today in room that's 12x15 x9 and they sound great even with the puny Onkyo receiver. I also know they can sound much better, especially in the bass. I'm limited to a max of about 90db, so I don't want over buy. Someone else suggested the Rogue Sphinx 2. Anyone try that with SDAs ?
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  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 365
    Probably should just go with the Parasound Halo and be done with it.
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  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 365
    Schiit Audio got back with me and said the Ragnarok wouldn't have horsepower for the SDAs. Their honesty is appreciated.
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  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 365
    I ended up with a Dayens Menuetto from Skip. Not ideal power but considering the room size and volume, it should work fine.
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  • agfrost
    agfrost Posts: 2,428
    Let us know how the Menuetto works out for you. Skip speaks highly of that unit.
    Jay
    SDA 2BTL * Musical Fidelity A5cr amp * Oppo BDP-93 * Modded Adcom GDA-600 DAC * Rythmik F8 (x2)
    Micro Seiki DQ-50 * Hagerman Cornet 2 Phono * A hodgepodge of cabling * Belkin PF60
    Preamp rotation: Krell KSL (SCompRacer recapped) * Manley Shrimp * PS Audio 5.0
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  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 365
    agfrost wrote: »
    Let us know how the Menuetto works out for you. Skip speaks highly of that unit.

    Will do. It should be here in a couple of days.

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  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 365
    Just got it and after a few hours, it sounds superb. Extremely detailed with the blackest of backgrounds. All the volume and bass, I could ever use in this room.
    Skip gave me excellent advice and a really good price. Highly recommended !

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  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 365
    It sounded great until it stopped working. :( Anyway, Skip is sending me a Halo integrated.
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  • rolomo
    rolomo Posts: 4
    Thanks TForan for keeping this thread going.

    I'm looking into a Parasound Halo, but I'm also curious about the Rogue Sphinx v2, which TForan brought up earlier. Does anyone have any opinions on that amp? Thanks!
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  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 365
    rolomo wrote: »
    Thanks TForan for keeping this thread going.

    I'm looking into a Parasound Halo, but I'm also curious about the Rogue Sphinx v2, which TForan brought up earlier. Does anyone have any opinions on that amp? Thanks!

    Couldn't tell you about the Rogue , since I've never heard it but I can tell you the Halo is excellent with the Polks. I really liked the Dayens Menuetto but I feel the Polks needed the extra horsepower of the Halo. Really impressed with the whole package.

    Get hold of Skip and he'll give you a super deal on the Parasound or other amps that he sells.
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  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 365
    DSkip wrote: »
    Just for clarification, the issue with the Menuetto was a blown fuse. Dayens put it through the ringer to find any other issues and the amp ran like a champ for the past week. I'm not sure what happened to blow it Anthony, but I'm sorry it happened to you.

    Your comment is why I thought you would like the Ecstasy III integrated over the Menuetto. The Halo is a great amp with great value in the add ons, but I do think the ecstasy beats it in pure sound quality. There is a 60 wpc difference between the two for what it's worth though.

    I checked the main fuse and it was OK. There were two on the rails and I didn't want to get into that. No big deal, things happen. The Menuetto had a wonderful sound but it's no match to the Parasound in bass reproduction with the Polks. At the lower volume it was fine but once you move up the volume with for example, Chorale music, it's not even close. It's nice to finally hear the Polks with a high current amp.
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