Need advice on SDA 1c's (and a sad story!)

bert26

Hello -

First I would like to thank everyone for posting here. I have learned quite a lot over the last couple of weeks.

Back in 1985 or 1986 I bought a pair of Polk SDA 2A's. I drove them with a Carver CM 1090 integrated amp (100 watts/channel - and not using the sonic holography). I was seriously in love the set up, so much so that I moved the whole thing from house to house about a dozen times. Then in 2000 I did a very stupid thing … I was going through a divorce and had some serious cash flow issues, so I traded the
2A's for … a set of tires! D'oh! This mistake in my life ranks up there with not going to see The Clash perform in a GYM at Carnegie Mellon University!

That brings me up to today (or thereabouts). I have recently got back into the audio thing, so my first inclination was to get Polks again. I picked up the Monitor 60's, Monitor 30's, CS1, and the PSW12. I went the five channel route because the wife and I really enjoy movies. The speakers are being driven by a Harmon Kardon DPR 1005 (http://www.harmankardon.com/product_detail.aspx?Region=USA&Country=US&Language=ENG&cat=REC&prod=DPR%201005&sType=C). I am still in the process of "tuning" the placement to clean up what I feel is some mud in the midranges, and also to eliminate some of the boominess caused by the sub. Overall I am pretty satisfied with the sound.

However …. It is not the same as what I had with the SDA-2A's. I know I am comparing apples to oranges here, but the Monitor 60's just can't do the same justice to music that the SDA series can. This leads me to the real reason of this post.

I am very serious about getting another pair of SDA's. I originally was going to go for the SDA-SRS (thanks to those who replied to my post in the Flea Market forum). I have changed my mind about the SRS because the wife and I just booked a trip to Italy (hey, she gets to get an authentic Burberry handbag over there, and I STILL get to get a set of Polks - good trade!). To this end I have been scouring E-Bay, and I have come across a pair of SDA-1c's (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=5744153441). I believe they are the studio version. As I said, I am very serious about picking these up, but I would like to gain an understanding of the differences between the studio version, and the regular version. I have read about the top and bottoms of the regulars being real wood, about the sides of the cabinet having material coverings, etc. But, is there a significant difference in the sonic performance? Should I choose one over the other for any particular reason? I plan on possibly using the H/K to drive them in the HT set up, although I may put them in the basement and run a 2 channel set up using the old Carver.

Not to sound like a broken record, but thanks to everyone in advance for any advice, opinions, or thoughts concerning this.

Chris

dorokusai

Those look nice, go ahead and stay on top of them.

There is no difference in the two versions aside from aesthetics.

Good luck. Everything will fall into place in good time....be patient.

hoosier21

Originally posted by bert26
is there a significant difference in the sonic performance? Chris

sound differences between the "regular" version vs. the studio version, none. The wood caps and side panels of the regular version are just added to the studio cabinet, so the drivers, crossover and internal volume of the cabinet are identical.

bert26

Good to know that the 2 versions are virtually identical.

Any advice on pricing? I have seen some old post from 2-3 years ago with specific dollar amounts, but I am curious to see if anything has changed.

Amazing that these models have held their values so well!

As for patience doro, I am still waiting for that to come with age. I keep getting older, but not any more patient. I am afraid it is not one of my strong suits.

HBombToo

I had a 1090 also and always loved it. It moved for with me more than a dozen times also until it finally died on me...sad day:(

I received an email from:

g0ink@aol.com

and the following note was provided:

Dear HBombToo, Thank you for your initial interest in the Polk SDA1 Speakers I possess, I will try to clearup all questions you may have, hope we can do business. First of all, let me tell you how I obtained the speakers. I ama homecare nurse who hada client that passed away several months ago. He handed some things down to me in his estate, one of which were the two, totally new and unpacked POLK SDA1 Speakers. They had originally been the property of his son, who had passed away several years before. His son never got to use them, and maybe for sentimental reasons, they were packed away in his closet. My boyfriend and I decided to see how these speakers "stacked up" in the industry, and were very pleasantly surprised to learn they were possibly some of the best ever made. We inquired at Sound Advice, and were told they sold for about $1800 when new, to ask for $900 today. We have since called Polk Custom!
er Service and were told they should sell for upto $775 depending on the condition. Since they are brand new, never unpacked, we feel they should command $700-$750. As for shipping costs, I will findout about that at an opportune time asap if this is an issue with you. If you want them opened to check for any damage, mars, etc., I will do that also if necessary. If you are still interested, as I am sure you are, please call me at either of these two numbers....1-561-274-6689 Home, or 1-561-929-0338 Cell asap. I will try to clearup any questions you may have at that time. You can also contact me via e-mail at g0ink@aol.com. I am located in Delray Beach, Florida, close to Boca Raton and West Palm Beach on the southeast coast. Looking forward to hearing from you in the very near future. The speakers are in storage, and I would like to sell them very soon, and make some POLK FAN very happy. Sincerely, Rina


I took a pass but perhaps this could be another option for you.

HBomb

bert26

Hi H -

Yeah, the 1090 always did me well. Even used it with an Adcom power amp for a while (GFA 545? 454? - can't recall). I traded the Adcom, but could never bring myself to part with the Carver. I has been stored in it's original box for about 8 years now.

Thanks! I will definately follow the lead you have provided. I don't mind spending a couple bucks more to get MINT SDA's.

patience....patience....my precious

dorokusai

HBomb - I got the exact same email, aside from a name change. I said no as well.

nebborjk

HBomb - I got the exact same email, aside from a name change. I said no as well.

Ditto

HBombToo

Originally posted by bert26
Hi H -

Yeah, the 1090 always did me well.

patience....patience....my precious

polk and carver are the reason why my girl controls the family budget

ima tryen:cool:

twin

bert26

Well - I have e-mailed G0ink in Florida, and recieved a response. I will try to contact her today, and I will let everyone know what the results are. How did she manage to contact everyone with the same e-mail? Intrepid research in the forum, or is someone selling e-mail lists? I am a bit paranoid about this offer since so many have recieved the exact same e-mail, but I will wait and get the full scoop before passing judgement.

H - I gotta admit, it is a heavy burden being the only one in the family that actually pays attention to the finances. Because the wife doesn't, I pretty much have carte blanche with the funds, with only my own conscience to stop me from getting the "toys" I want (and NEED!).:D Must ... not ... listen ... to the voices....

dorokusai

Bert - A Polkie named "Tide" offered to go take a look at these, you should PM him and start a dialogue. I would not buy a speaker under these circumstances without seeing them in person or by A person from here.

Good luck.

HBombToo

Originally posted by bert26
How did she manage to contact everyone with the same e-mail? Intrepid research in the forum, or is someone selling e-mail lists? I am a bit paranoid about this offer since so many have recieved the exact same e-mail, but I will wait and get the full scoop before passing judgement.

with only my own conscience to stop me from getting the "toys" I want (and NEED!).:D Must ... not ... listen ... to the voices....

I have the web feature enabled for sending me email. I have been on this board for a few years now and have never had an issue.

that is some funny stuff bert.

HBomb

Tide

I think we may be talking about 2 sets of SDAs. I'm not sure that the set bert26 linked is the Rina set.

I've bid on the studio ones and have already been out bid, but to be honest, I'd prefer ones with oak end caps.

And dorokusai is correct, I've offered to go do a recon on any Polks located in South Florida that any interested forum member needs help with. I think it is the least I can do to earn my keep here for the outstanding Polk info that I've read. I usually read this forum daily, so post if you need me to go look at these.

bert26

Thanks for the offer Tide. Sent you a PM as well.

Let me offer here and now the same service to any Polkie when it comes to Central Ohio. Just let me know and I will be happy to go check things out, even taking pictures.

Mmmmmm .... Beeeeer......

Tour2ma

Agree wholeheartedly on the Oak caps' eye appeal, but also that the sound is the main point...

bert,
I have ebay data on 7 pairs of 1C's, from a low of $361 (our own trubluluc) to a high of $800. Only one pair was the studio version and they went for $450.

Winning bid: US $825.00
Ended: Nov-20-03 14:35:17 PST

Winning bid: US $510.00
Ended: Mar-04-04 19:31:55 PST

Winning bid: US $685.00 (Reserve met)
Ended: May-23-04 07:29:11 PDT
(won by our emlyndog)

Winning bid: US $360.99
Ended: May-27-04 16:23:37 PDT

Winning bid: US $421.00
Ended: Oct-03-04 18:59:04 PDT

Winning bid: US $450.00
Ended: Oct-03-04 09:30:00 PDT
(the studios)

Winning bid: US $709.00 (Reserve met)
Ended: Nov-29-04 19:00:00 PST
(sold by hoosier)

Whole you can see that some get a little crazy, most fall in the $400 to $500 range. Bear in mind that you are looking at $100 to $150 to get them to you.

Welcome to a fellow Buckeye, and happy hunting...

bert26

Hey Tour,

Thanks for the info (and the welcome!) - it will certainly make bidding easier. It's nice to have a frame of reference. The freight charges do make a HUGE difference in what I am willing to pay. It just seems that there isn't a willing seller within a 5 hour drive of C-bus.

Is there a database for this type of stuff? If someone has all of the data (or if someone can tell me where to find it), I would be happy to cobble something together in Microsoft Access or Excel. That way we can move the information from the realm or "institutional memory" into the realm of easily accessable public comsumption. (Did I really just say that?!) Anyway, it would make it easier to track the going price of anything.

Chris

Tour2ma

You're welcome...

Actually after responding with data on the SRS's in another thread I finally decided to Excel the data I have.... just over 2 years worth. Got about halfway through the SDA files this morning and they're easy compared to the Monitor series.

I'll see about having a moderator "sticky" them atop the "Vintage Speakers" section...

There've been a few pop up in the Cleveland area, but you may need to expand your hunting zone beyond 5 hours. Well worth the drive as Sellers eff up speakers much smaller than 1C's with poor packing.

F1Nut has used a freight company in the past that was cheaper than FedEx, UPS, etc., and handled his 2.3tl's with care in a coast-to-coast move. I forget the name, so you may want to shoot him a PM.

Also, don't overlook placing some internet "wanted" ads. One bagged trubluluc (if memory serves) a great deal on a pair of SRS's.

bert26

Well I finally managed to call Rina about her SDA's. She seems very legit, and very friendly. She reiterated the story of how she came by the speakers. It seems the speakers are in Miami, and she is working with a friend there to list/sell them. I asked her to estimate shipping costs, which she did within one day. The estimated cost via FedEx ground is $108/speaker (total $216). While I think this is a bit high based on some research that I had done, I have no reason to believe that she is gouging. She quoted the dimensions as 43" high, 16" wide, and 12" deep, weighing 85 ponds apiece. She also seems to really want to stick to the $750 price. So all told these would be about $976 door to door. As such, I have decided to pass on them as well. I would rather wait (trying to exercise patience as Doro suggested) and put the $$ toward a pair of local SRS and just go pick them up myself. It's just hard to wait for the opportunity to present itself. In the mean time, I will keep looking for good deals on other stuff, including amps in preparation for the end goal.

Thanks again for everyone's help and advice.

bert26

The lady in Florida has lowered her price, and Tide has graciously offered to do some recon on these SDA 1C's. However, I am not too sure about what to ask him to look for aside from the obvious (subs move when radiator pushed, no extant abuse, replacements, comfirmation of model, etc). I don't believe that an audition will be possible. Any advice on on other things to look for?

Thanks in advance!

Bert