Can I use a dual Mono amp ( Proton d1200) with Polk SDA speakers?

I've read conflicting info, not only about SDA speakers not being compatible with dual mono amps, but also as to whether or not the proton d1200 is a true dual/mono. Does anybody utilize this particular amp with the SDA speaker line ( utilizing the polk interconnecting cable)?

Answers

  • motorstereo
    motorstereo Posts: 2,187
    Yes; I've used my d1200 on my 1.2tls a few times without issue.
  • skipshot12
    skipshot12 Posts: 1,408
    Which SDA?
    Some SDA’s cannot at all.
  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,989
    edited March 12
    Well some dual mono amps can have the negative binding post strapped together to work on say a Blade/blade SDA model. Some dual mono amps will let the magic smoke out if you strap the negative binding posts.
    There is a fine line for sure.
  • skipshot12
    skipshot12 Posts: 1,408
    edited March 12
    Did not know that.
    Me has the blades.

    Sure wish I could do vertical bi-amping with my blades.
    Not worth horizontal, no gains.
  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,989
    Excatly how many/much watts/current do tweeters need?
  • skipshot12
    skipshot12 Posts: 1,408
    edited March 12
    Depends on the design in how much current/watts they can take.

    At 1,000 watts per, in the design of Polk’s SDA SRS’s, I think they would benefit in a vert bi-amp configuration.
    It’s not about how loud, it’s about reserves. Polk designed them that way for a reason.
    Plus, you benefit without the need to go active like horizontal, you can still use the speaker's crossovers.

    Another consideration, when we upgrade the crossovers, we provide the speaker with capabilities to take advantage of higher wattage/current, less strain on the amps, beyond what the cost constraints that had to be taken into consideration, for the speaker to appeal to the masses.

    Headroom and reserves are the ticket.
    Less strain on the amp equal’s Shazam.

    One can never have enough current and watts.
    This really comes into play with lesser amps.

    Just a personal opinion.
    Post edited by skipshot12 on
  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,989
    Headroom and reserves are the ticket. One can never have enough current and watts.
    Oh I'm all in on that, completely understand.

  • motorstereo
    motorstereo Posts: 2,187
    Years ago I was using a single Mcintosh mc2500 (500wpc) to power my Polks. I did a comparison with the 100 wpc d1200 vs the Mac fully expecting the Mac to easily be the winner. It wasn't.
    My proton now stays on here as a spare amp just in case disaster strikes my mc1201's. If your d1200 is healthy prepare to be surprised at how well a 100 watt amp can drive the bigger polks.
  • invalid
    invalid Posts: 1,404
    pitdogg2 wrote: »
    Oh I'm all in on that, completely understand.

    Out of all the amplifiers I have tried on my sda's, the one with the least headroom powered them the best.
  • invalid
    invalid Posts: 1,404
    skipshot12 wrote: »
    Did not know that.
    Me has the blades.

    Sure wish I could do vertical bi-amping with my blades.
    Not worth horizontal, no gains.

    I would choose monoblocks over a vertical bi-amp configuration.
  • motorstereo
    motorstereo Posts: 2,187
    I believe the d1200's headroom (7.2db) is the main reason it bested a 129lb amp here with 5 times it's rated wpc.
    I wasn't pleased with that outcome so I picked up another mc2500 for use as monoblocks which was on another level.
  • skipshot12
    skipshot12 Posts: 1,408
    invalid wrote: »

    I would choose monoblocks over a vertical bi-amp configuration.

    Why the preference?

  • skipshot12
    skipshot12 Posts: 1,408
    invalid wrote: »

    Out of all the amplifiers I have tried on my sda's, the one with the least headroom powered them the best.

    Which amp was that one?
    Was it a tube amp?
  • invalid
    invalid Posts: 1,404
    [/quote]

    Which amp was that one?
    Was it a tube amp?[/quote]

    It is a Krell ksa 300s, it's class A and has a regulated power supply.
  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,989
    No headroom? 🤣😂🤣.....right.
    A 5kVA transformer, 272,000µF of filter capacitance. Stable to 1 ohm and 300Wpc into 8 ohms, 2400Wpc into 1 ohm. Still no headroom, with Gain: 25.5dB....still no headroom

    Duuuude it seems your idea of headroom is skewed. 😁
  • invalid
    invalid Posts: 1,404
    edited March 14
    pitdogg2 wrote: »
    No headroom? 🤣😂🤣.....right.
    A 5kVA transformer, 272,000µF of filter capacitance. Stable to 1 ohm and 300Wpc into 8 ohms, 2400Wpc into 1 ohm. Still no headroom, with Gain: 25.5dB....still no headroom

    Duuuude it seems your idea of headroom is skewed. 😁

    My idea of headroom is accurate, class A amplifiers with regulated power supplies have very little headroom.
  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 7,064
    This is what you really need:
    s954wi9jtsi7.jpg
  • skipshot12
    skipshot12 Posts: 1,408
    Bahahaaaaaa….

    Thought you were gonna show a picture of a Realistic receiver.

  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 7,064
    edited March 14
    skipshot12 wrote: »
    Bahahaaaaaa….

    Thought you were gonna show a picture of a Realistic receiver.

    Nah, I grew up with this receiver and other than a clicky oversized volume knob, it wasn't very impressive. I'd still like to have one for nostalgia, but otherwise, I wouldn't recommend it.
    brgbxgvfbrry.jpg