SDA-2 Amplifier Help
jamesacarter43
Posts: 1
in Speakers
Hello, I have recently purchased a pair of SDA-2 Speakers and I didn't realize how daunting it would be to find a proper amplifier to power them. I'm 19 and just getting into audio equipment so I am pretty new and could use some help.
I plan to use them with my Project Debut Carbon turntable for the most part and would probably also like to be able to plug my phone into the amplifier to stream some music from Spotify periodically.
I know they are power hungry and I want something sufficient for them, something to give them good headroom. I know the amp has to be common ground and I've seen some sources recommend maybe 200wpc at 4ohm for these speakers? I really don't know how to tell. I don't want to skimp on power and efficiency for price, I really just want something solid that's going to make these speakers sound their best. Hopefully, I keep both the speakers and amp for the rest of my life.
So far, I've seen this amp as a potential winner
https://kenrockwell.com/audio/adcom/gfa-555-ii.htm
and seen a few other recommendations in a few other threads. Still, I'm lacking some knowledge in this department and would really appreciate some help and clarification.
I'm like a sponge and I want to soak up as much knowledge and information about these speakers as I can.
I attached some photos of the speakers for you all to see.
I plan to use them with my Project Debut Carbon turntable for the most part and would probably also like to be able to plug my phone into the amplifier to stream some music from Spotify periodically.
I know they are power hungry and I want something sufficient for them, something to give them good headroom. I know the amp has to be common ground and I've seen some sources recommend maybe 200wpc at 4ohm for these speakers? I really don't know how to tell. I don't want to skimp on power and efficiency for price, I really just want something solid that's going to make these speakers sound their best. Hopefully, I keep both the speakers and amp for the rest of my life.
So far, I've seen this amp as a potential winner
https://kenrockwell.com/audio/adcom/gfa-555-ii.htm
and seen a few other recommendations in a few other threads. Still, I'm lacking some knowledge in this department and would really appreciate some help and clarification.
I'm like a sponge and I want to soak up as much knowledge and information about these speakers as I can.
I attached some photos of the speakers for you all to see.
Comments
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There is a recent thread on amplifiers compatible with the SDA-2s:
https://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/193212/polk-sda-2-compatibility-with-amplifier#latestSONY VPL-VW385ES, Da-Lite 92" 0.9 HD progressive 16x9 screen, Apple TV 4K, Oppo UDP 203, Anthem AVM 60, D-Sonic 4000 (800x3, 400x4) for bed layer, 2 Crown XLS 1002 (225x4) for Atmos; Speakers: Polk LSiM 705s, 703 front, 4 702F/X surround, 4 Polk TL3 (Atmos), Velodyne DD15 Subwoofer. -
Welcome! Your speakers were reviewed in June 1984 High Fidelity on p. 30
https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Audio/Archive-High-Fidelity/80s/High-Fidelity-1984-06.pdf
Worst case scenario with highly differentiated stereo material would be a minimum of 3 Ohms and an average between 3 and 4 Ohms, as stated in the review above.
Also, here's a link to the SDA Handbook
https://us.v-cdn.net/5021930/uploads/editor/qx/d5a14j8apinc.pdf
The manual for your speakers can be found here after you login
https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/polk-audio/sda-2.shtml
George / NJ
Polk 7B main speakers, std. mods+ (1979, orig owner)
Martin Logan Dynamo sub w/6ft 14awg Power Cord
Onkyo A-8017 integrated
Logitech Squeezebox Touch Streamer w/EDO applet
iFi nano iDSD DAC
iPurifier3
iDefender w/ iPower PS
Custom Steve Wilson 1m UPOCC Interconnect
iFi Mercury 0.5m OFHC continuous cast copper USB cable
Custom Ribbon Speaker Cables, 5ft long, 4N Copper, 14awg, ultra low inductance
Custom Vibration Isolation Speaker Stands and Sub Platform -
That Adcom GFA-555 *tests* as a complete beast of an amplifier. It will even drive 2 Ohm loads with lots of dynamic headroom. The review on p. 43 Nov. 1986 HiFi Stereo Review didn't get into listening tests as far as tonal quality etc. goes.
https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Audio/Archive-HiFI-Stereo/80s/HiFi-Stereo-Review-1986-11.pdf
Adcom GFA-555II in Stereo Review, Feb 1991, p. 42
https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Audio/Archive-HiFI-Stereo/90s/Stereo-Review-1991-02.pdf
George / NJ
Polk 7B main speakers, std. mods+ (1979, orig owner)
Martin Logan Dynamo sub w/6ft 14awg Power Cord
Onkyo A-8017 integrated
Logitech Squeezebox Touch Streamer w/EDO applet
iFi nano iDSD DAC
iPurifier3
iDefender w/ iPower PS
Custom Steve Wilson 1m UPOCC Interconnect
iFi Mercury 0.5m OFHC continuous cast copper USB cable
Custom Ribbon Speaker Cables, 5ft long, 4N Copper, 14awg, ultra low inductance
Custom Vibration Isolation Speaker Stands and Sub Platform -
I would look for a parasound that has a 4ohm load rating. The adcom's aren't bad but sound a little harsh on the top end, and they have no speaker protection, if the amp is to go south on you.
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I’m no help in choosing an amp, but I did want to say that the SDA’s look to be in great shape. You can definitely enjoy them for many years if you choose to do so.
Welcome to the forum and good luck in finding a great deal on a killer amp.Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.-John Wooden -
19, eh? Welcome to Club Polk. Get the idea you will keep whatever gear you have now for the rest of your life out of your head. That never happens...well, almost never. As you learn and develop your taste in audio your gear will change with it.
I know you're asking about an amplifier, but do you have a pre amp? A phono pre? What are using for cables? What is your budget?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
