Wife said SDA 2 towers go. Need in wall speaker recommendations

aafflyer
aafflyer Posts: 18
edited March 2005 in Speakers
Selling my SDA 2 speakers, see flea market if interested.

I bought a new HDTV and the deal with my wife is that I get rid of the "big towers" and replace with in wall speakers.

My current speakers are:

Front L & R: Polk SDA 2 [being replaced]
Center: Infinity CC3 with "adjustment knob"
Side L & R: Polk FX310 on end table lower shelf on each side of couch
Rear L & R: Polk AB-805 in wall speakers

A mixmash of speakers, but it works for movies which is now the bulk on my audio use.

Room is very unique, probably 20 x 20 with valted ceiling 24' high and room connected to rest of house that is also open -- tough to describe. The weird set up is why I have a mismash of speakers and why the side speakers are on end tables and not walls -- there are no walls and what walls there are have glass, glass, and more glass.

I'm not looking for in wall fronts that can equal the SDAs -- unless they exist ;) but rather something that when used for movies don't make me love my new HDTV but hate my "new" sound.

Any advice? I can post room / house pictures as needed.

Thanks.

Charlie
Post edited by aafflyer on
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Comments

  • Toxis
    Toxis Posts: 5,116
    edited March 2005
    I say you take your inwalls and hook them up as fronts. Then switch to the SDA's. If she still doesn't understand why you need to keep the SDA's, I'd suggest upgrading your wife. :p:D
    Never kick a fresh **** on a hot day.

    Home Setup: Sony VPL-VW85 Projo, 92" Stewart Firehawk, Pioneer Elite SC-65, PS3, RTi12 fronts, CSi5, FXi6 rears, RTi6 surround backs, RTi4 height, MFW-15 Subwoofer.

    Car Setup: OEM Radio, RF 360.2v2, Polk SR6500 quad amped off 4 Xtant 1.1 100w mono amps, Xtant 6.1 to run an eD 13av.2, all Stinger wiring and Raammat deadener.
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  • aafflyer
    aafflyer Posts: 18
    edited March 2005
    Originally posted by Toxis
    I say you take your inwalls and hook them up as fronts. Then switch to the SDA's. If she still doesn't understand why you need to keep the SDA's, I'd suggest upgrading your wife. :p:D
    Not a bad idea, but may just make me want to cry ;) when I hear the difference.

    I guess I'm resigned to losing the SDAs, but I was kind of hoping that for "movie enjoyment" there are decent in wall speakers whether they be Polk or otherwise. It looks like the TCxx i series might be decent. Of course the LCxx i in walls look nice, but my receiver isn't 4 ohms, and with the serious change for the TV + furniture stand + in wall speakers, I'm not looking for a new amp / receiver at this time.

    However, you make a good point in that if I don't find a good home for the SDA 2 speakers or if the selling price is too low, I may just keep them around and see what happens :D

    Charlie
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  • Toxis
    Toxis Posts: 5,116
    edited March 2005
    Well, if you're wanting to sell them, I suggest adding a price in your sale thread. It'd help bring interest...
    Never kick a fresh **** on a hot day.

    Home Setup: Sony VPL-VW85 Projo, 92" Stewart Firehawk, Pioneer Elite SC-65, PS3, RTi12 fronts, CSi5, FXi6 rears, RTi6 surround backs, RTi4 height, MFW-15 Subwoofer.

    Car Setup: OEM Radio, RF 360.2v2, Polk SR6500 quad amped off 4 Xtant 1.1 100w mono amps, Xtant 6.1 to run an eD 13av.2, all Stinger wiring and Raammat deadener.
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  • aafflyer
    aafflyer Posts: 18
    edited March 2005
    Thanks for feedback. Part of problem is I'm not totally sure what "fair to buyer and seller" price is yet, so I was more or less soliciting interest while I figure out price. I've seen SDA 2s sell on ebay from $300 to $600-$700 range.

    I'll have more time by this weekend, so I'll be posting pictures and price by then.

    Any idea on in walls?

    Charlie
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,934
    edited March 2005
    Well, a price range for what you want to spend would be nice. The best In-Walls Polk offers is their LSi inwalls, with the MTM design...

    I recomend that one :)
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • ohskigod
    ohskigod Posts: 6,502
    edited March 2005
    gotta roll with sid on this, the LSI in walls are the only ones i can think of that have a remote shot of making him happy if he used to the performance of the SDA's.
    Living Room 2 Channel -
    Schiit SYS Passive Pre. Jolida CD player. Songbird streamer. California Audio Labs Sigma II DAC, DIY 300as1/a1 Ice modules Class D amp. LSi15 with MM842 woofer upgrade, Nordost Blue Heaven and Unity interconnects.

    Upstairs 2 Channel Rig -
    Prometheus Ref. TVC passive pre, SAE A-205 Amp, Wiim pro streamer and Topping E50 DAC, California Audio Labs DX1 CD player, Von Schweikert VR3.5 speakers.

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  • up2youjoe
    up2youjoe Posts: 114
    edited March 2005
    Buy the WORST,CHEAPEST in wall speakers you can find. Install them, use a needle and put some pin **** in them just to degrade them some more. Rent a movie your wife wants to see, maybe something with music. Invite another couple over to check out your new big tv. Sit back and listen to the crappiest sound you ever heard. When she complains tell her you got the best in wall speakers but that's the way they sound compared to the "real" speakers you were using before. Tell her you still have the speakers in the garage and you are trying to sell them.

    If this does not work, tell her you are returning the new tv as it's a complete waste without real speakers.

    I don't tell my wife what kind of toilet bowl cleaner to buy and she does not tell me what type of ANYTHING to buy if it has a 110v plug on it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    No Kids Allowed
    cold, heartless, clueless, greedy 'young professional'
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  • aafflyer
    aafflyer Posts: 18
    edited March 2005
    Originally posted by ohskigod
    gotta roll with sid on this, the LSI in walls are the only ones i can think of that have a remote shot of making him happy if he used to the performance of the SDA's.
    I agree the LSI in wall speakers are my best shot. While I enjoy my Polks, my theater setup, watching movies, etc, I'm not an audio expert at all. Computers, software, media pc's -- I can help anyone on this topic.

    But here's the point of all this: The LSI in walls are 4 ohm speakers -- my rears, sides, center are 8 ohm nominal impedience.
    And my current receiver is not rated to drive 4 ohms.

    So, a) can you have a mix of 4 ohm and 8 ohm speakers, and b)would I need to replace my Kenwood VR-6070 receiver to use the LSI in wall speakers.

    In wall budget -- basically what it will take to be reasonably happy up to $800 - $900 for the pair. Perhaps up to 1K. But if there was a solution for $500 my wallet would take it ;)

    There are LSIs on ebay that I would buy now if I knew what was required to use them. While the Kenwood is not a great receiver, it suits my current needs and lifestyle which primarily uses the system for movies.

    Any additional thoughts?

    Charlie
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  • bobman1235
    bobman1235 Posts: 10,822
    edited March 2005
    Originally posted by aafflyer
    would I need to replace my Kenwood VR-6070 receiver to use the LSI in wall speakers.

    Uhhh.. you were driving SDA 2's with that Kenwood receiver? Aren't SDAs 4 ohm?
    If you will it, dude, it is no dream.
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  • nadams
    nadams Posts: 5,877
    edited March 2005
    Originally posted by bobman1235
    Uhhh.. you were driving SDA 2's with that Kenwood receiver? Aren't SDAs 4 ohm?

    Can you say, "toasty"? :)
    Ludicrous gibs!
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  • aafflyer
    aafflyer Posts: 18
    edited March 2005
    Originally posted by bobman1235
    Uhhh.. you were driving SDA 2's with that Kenwood receiver? Aren't SDAs 4 ohm?
    Sorry for being so non audio technical...

    Yes, the Kenwood would handle the SDA 2 fronts fine. I had no problem getting the volume as loud as I wanted without either amp shutdown or speaker distortion.

    I can not find the nominal impedance for the SDA 2 speakers on the web, but I have not spent much time looking. I will look for the manual tonight.

    But the gist of your comment is basically that if the amp (receiver) can handle SDA 2 speakers, it should be able to handle LC265i speakers. Am I stating this correctly?

    And as far as the comment "can we say toasty", if you are talking about heat actually the Kenwood is doing fine even during after a three hour Lord of the Rings movie. In fact it is no hotter than the previous Pioneer Elite THX receiver I replaced so I could get DTS. In fact the Kenwood is the rated the lowesr level of THX (I think they are calling this THX Select). I know I do not have a THX system -- would need all THX speakers too. But it has been my belief (rightly or wrongly) that the receivers are better built in order to pass the THX test / requirements.

    Charlie
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  • unc2701
    unc2701 Posts: 3,587
    edited March 2005
    THX certification is mostly ****. Any modern, well designed amplifer will pass THX (assuming it has sufficient wattage)... It just a matter of whether the manufacturer wants to pay for the license to put the logo on there. So, I would NEVER recommend using THX as a criteria when shopping.

    As for the amp being able to handle tough loads- As long as it's not getting too hot you're fine- but keep an eye on that 'cause a set of LSi's will set off a thermal switch/ melt a transistor in a big hurry if you amp isn't designed for true 4 ohm opperation.
    Gallo Ref 3.1 : Bryston 4b SST : Musical fidelity CD Pre : VPI HW-19
    Gallo Ref AV, Frankengallo Ref 3, LC60i : Bryston 9b SST : Meridian 565
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    Backburner:Krell KAV-300i
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  • Tour2ma
    Tour2ma Posts: 10,177
    edited March 2005
    THX is of dubious value... plenty of discussions on this...

    SDA 2B's (which are what aaf has) are nominal 6 ohm, so the 4-ohm LCi in walls with roughly the same efficiency would be a slighly more challenging load...

    aaf,
    If you Kenwood has pre-outs, you could always add an outboard amp, if needed...

    As for dissuading your wife, cost may do it...
    TOTL Polk LC in-walls $600 to $700.
    Possible outbaord amp $300 to $400 Used.

    Fair price for your 2B's, if mint-ish...
    Studios $250 max.
    Non-studios $350 max.

    Prices based on a fair amount of ebay data... I have none in the upper range you mention. Some SRS 2's go in the upper hundreds, but they're a different animal.
    More later,
    Tour...
    Vox Copuli
    Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. - Old English Proverb

    "Death doesn't come with a Uhaul." - Dennis Gardner
    "It's easy to get lost in price vs performance vs ego vs illusion." - doro
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  • Jstas
    Jstas Posts: 14,885
    edited March 2005
    She's complaining about the 2B's? They aren't that imposing at all and compared to alot of other stuff out there, quite attractive and neutrally styled. They will fit in with most home decor schemes. Well, whatever. My wife bitched about the SDA's also but I did not want to power them without adequate gear to do them just. Once I fired them up and turned them on, she changed her mind quickly.
    Expert Moron Extraordinaire

    You're just jealous 'cause the voices don't talk to you!
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  • aafflyer
    aafflyer Posts: 18
    edited March 2005
    Originally posted by Jstas
    She's complaining about the 2B's? They aren't that imposing at all and compared to alot of other stuff out there, quite attractive and neutrally styled. They will fit in with most home decor schemes. Well, whatever. My wife bitched about the SDA's also but I did not want to power them without adequate gear to do them just. Once I fired them up and turned them on, she changed her mind quickly.
    Well, my wife is not your wife...

    I showed her the above comment about put in lousy speakers and she would want the SDAs back. Her comment was that the lousy speakers would probably be fine, because she can't hear much any way because I have the sound too loud for movies...

    Anyway, based on the feedback here I auditioned and purchased LC265i speakers. I pick them up tomorrow.

    And I posted pictures of my SDA 2 speakers here http://www.dgtlpics.com/SDAspeakers/index.html. Note that the wood had not been prepped yet for sale, i.e. they were shot as they are right now. Between the flash and the auto color feature in Picusa (a neat free program), the right speaker wood looks a little more bleached out than it actually is, but this speaker does have sunlight upon it. I'm sure once I use some Danish oil I have for furniture it will look much sharper.

    Thanks for everyone's comments and feedback. And if you have any interest in the SDAs or the Pioneer Elite TV or the matching stand, drop me a PM.

    Charlie
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