SDA 1A Newbie Questions

paule05

Ok, I have a number of questions and have read the forum rules so hopefully I won't break any here (except maybe those unwritten ones of you old pros).

I have a set of SDA 1A's that I'm considering selling. Where do the 1A's stand in value compared to the 1, 1B and 1C. I've seen some very high selling prices recently on the 1C, moderate selling price on the 1B but haven't seen any 1A's sold anywhere that I've checked so far.

Mine are in excellent condition - one owner - never exposed to a smoking environment. Cabinets and grill covers are also excellent condition. These speakers haven't even been hooked up or used in the last 8 years or so. I checked each driver a couple of weeks ago and found two of the SL2000's (tweeters) were dead. They have now been replaced with two new ones from Polk Audio. These new ones (RD0194-1) are slightly different (improved?) at least in appearance. Another question for you pro's - should I put one in each side (I assume) as opposed to both new ones in just one side?

I also still have the original Polk Audio Instruction Manual and of course, the original Interconnect Cable.

I am located in Oregon, so I expect that will cut down on interest due to the freight cost if these were sent any distance. They weigh about 85 lbs each.

So, now for the question that may be a no no. If I do decide to sell, where is the best place to sell? Here? Audiogon? Ebay?

Also, if I have posted this in the wrong area, please help me out and let me know the proper thread.

Oh, and by the way, my brother has the SDA SRS 2.3's and is waiting to see what I do as he may do the same. Any ideas on what they may be worth?

Thanks for putting up with another newbie!

heiney9

Not sure of the value. I can't recall do these have (2) tweets in each cabinet? If so, you need to replace them all with the same model tweet. The new RDO replacements sound different than the original sl2000. I have a pair of 11's that use the sl2000 tweeter and I'd be willing to exchange my used sl2000 for the new RDO's you just bought. Otherwise you'll need to spend another $98 for two more RDO's so they all match. I'd be willing to trade you my (2) sl2000's and some cash to be fair. Let me know because it will solve your problem without having to spend any more cash.

H9

paule05

heiney9 wrote:

Not sure of the value. I can't recall do these have (2) tweets in each cabinet? If so, you need to replace them all with the same model tweet. The new RDO replacements sound different than the original sl2000. I have a pair of 11's that use the sl2000 tweeter and I'd be willing to exchange my used sl2000 for the new RDO's you just bought. Otherwise you'll need to spend another $98 for two more RDO's so they all match. I'd be willing to trade you my (2) sl2000's and some cash to be fair. Let me know because it will solve your problem without having to spend any more cash.

H9

Yes there are two in each cabinet. The 1A tweets are mounted horizontal (side by side) rather than vertical (one above the other) as in the 1B and 1C. I assume the 1 is also horizontal mount but haven't seen any pics so not sure. I've been told by Polk the RDO is a direct replacment for the SL2000. But I've also read around here that they sound slightly different - hence my assumption of putting one in each cabinet. I've already installed the RDO's and sometime this week I will hook up to my amp and see what they sound like.

So, thanks for the offer but at this point I'm not interested. I was already aware of original used SL2000's being sold on ebay but I wanted new. I want to know for sure what I sell (if I do) and if I keep and am not happy with how they sound I'll buy two more RDO's. I'm betting my brother needs to replace some of his SL2000's in his 2.3's too, so we should have plenty to mix and match if need be.

Paul

ND13

Make sure that you have put the replacements in the stereo tweeter spots. The other two are SDA tweeters. But I would probably replace them all.

heiney9

No problem on the offer...just putting it out there. Just because the RDO is a drop-in replacement doesn't mean they have the same timbre characteristics, they sound very different. Either choice you make (selling or keeping) all 4 tweets should be the same. If you keep them and don't mind the different sound then good. However, if you are going to sell them you should disclose that 2 different model tweets are used, and subsequently it will hurt the value of the speakers. If you do get another pair of RDO's then you invested $200 in a pair of speakers that might only be worth $300-400 tops. It's just something to think about....my offer still stands if you finally decide to put them up for sale you'll be farther ahead with all sl2000, IMO.

Good luck

H9

paule05

ND13 wrote:

Make sure that you have put the replacements in the stereo tweeter spots. The other two are SDA tweeters. But I would probably replace them all.

Do you know which two are stereo and which two are SDA? I suppose I could determine by not using the interconnect cable, correct?

ND13

I still say that you'll be better off replacing them all, but I'm pretty sure that the SDA tweets are the outer ones. I'm sure that if I'm wrong, someone will either correct me or back me up.

paule05

ND13 wrote:

I still say that you'll be better off replacing them all, but I'm pretty sure that the SDA tweets are the outer ones. I'm sure that if I'm wrong, someone will either correct me or back me up.

Thanks, you're correct. I just looked in the Instruction Manual and they are clearly labeled in the picture.

paule05

heiney9 wrote:

No problem on the offer...just putting it out there. Just because the RDO is a drop-in replacement doesn't mean they have the same timbre characteristics, they sound very different. Either choice you make (selling or keeping) all 4 tweets should be the same. If you keep them and don't mind the different sound then good. However, if you are going to sell them you should disclose that 2 different model tweets are used, and subsequently it will hurt the value of the speakers. If you do get another pair of RDO's then you invested $200 in a pair of speakers that might only be worth $300-400 tops. It's just something to think about....my offer still stands if you finally decide to put them up for sale you'll be farther ahead with all sl2000, IMO.

Good luck

H9

Checked again with Polk and was assured it wasn't necessary to replace all four tweets. However, they did agree the RDO is smoother sounding and it is all a matter of personal preference and ability to actually be able to detect a difference. He also agreed the best placement would be stereo spots rather than SDA.

So, I hooked them up (first time in 8 years) and now I remember why I bought these speakers in the first place. They really sound nice, both in clarity and realism. I tried RDO and SL2000's in both positions and could not tell (hear) any difference, so in my case the mix is fine.

As far as if I do sell them, I don't see it making much difference to a buyer. If they go all SL2000's, they can get two of them for about $40 to $50 on ebay and then sell the new RDO's and actually come out ahead. If they go all RDO's, they can sell the two SL2000's and the net cost to them would be about $50 more - not bad for four brand new tweets.

From what I found so far, these speakers should sell in the range of $500-$600. Maybe a little higher considering how much better shape mine are in than what I've seen selling on the net. Right now there is a set on ebay with bidding at $560 (hasn't met reserve yet) with some real beat up cabinets and a set sold last week for $600. Then a few weeks ago, a set sold for $1501 - must have been drugs involved, either inside the cabinets or inside the bidders!

Oops, correction - the ones sold for $600 were beat up, you can't really tell by the pictures on the ones currently for sale. They look like black cabinets (original?).

So, it comes down to a discussion with the wife to see where I go from here. Don't be surprised if you see them on ebay in the next month or so and yes I would disclose both types of tweets.

Thanks again for your offer and help heiney9 and ND13.

Paul

george daniel

anonymouse wrote:

Or you could offer them here for 15-20% below what you would get on eBay and have someone who really appreciates these speakers buy them. The group here is far more of a known quantity than the unknowns on eBay. Plus you do not have to pay eBay listing and other junk fees. If they do not sell here, eBay is always an option.

I would encourage you to list them here,the members will treat YOU and the speakers in a way that is second to none

heiney9

Sounds like you are satisfied with the outcome and that's all that matters. Who knows maybe after some listening time you might keep them.

H9