Ok...I heard some SDA 1Cs today...

Ron Temple

Do I keep my RTi8s...obviously I prefer the SDAs in just about all categories, unbelievable soundstage, midrange and imaging. However, I'd have to use them as fronts for my HT as well as 2 channel. I'm not sure what the SDA effect will have on HT.

Thanks to Luc (trubluluc) for letting me come over and listen. Amazing setup Luc...

I think some of you guys are using SDAs in theatre as well...advice? I'm thinking running the SDAs large, phantom center, cabled.

I have no problems with the RTis, just this looks like a great opportunity for an upgrade. I have a few days on the return period.

ohskigod

try going 2 channel for a while. what can it hurt. keep the theater stuff for later but try just 2 channel with the SDA's,

if not, large with no center will probabl be fine too, but I think you should give them a shot on pure 2 channel, then maybe some used seperate amplification and head down that road. who knows, you might become a 2 rig guy like me.

Early B.

SDA is exceptional for HT because of the huge soundstage they throw. That's exactly what you want for HT. Makes your room appear larger than it is.

Generally, if a speaker is great for 2-channel music, it's gonna be great for HT.

RuSsMaN

Generally, being the key word there.

Don't hesitate to run them as HT mains. Experiment with 2ch, 4ch, and 4ch with phantom center. YOU tell US what works for you, in your room, with your rig.

Be ready, you aren't just buying a speaker, you are joining a cult. A cult that doesn't like members to leave. Don't ask how I got out, but I barely escaped with my life (and my testicles) intact.

On a serious note, good job for trying something else. Experience, and rolling gear is my favorite part of the hobby - just keep it fresh and don't sell out to any one brand, line, or specific model.

Cheers,
Russ

Cheers,
Russ

Polk65

I've been using SDA's in 2-ch with the IC for just over a year and like it. Some prefer the whiz bang of surround effects. The phantom center is good most of the time but I love the SS.

One of the memorable phrases I have read here regarding this was from Sid describing watching T3 and something had just landed in his front yard.

Polk65

RuSsMaN wrote:

Be ready, you aren't just buying a speaker, you are joining a cult. A cult that doesn't like members to leave. Don't ask how I got out, but I barely escaped with my life (and my testicles) intact.

Cheers,
Russ

I don't know Russ... turning your back on SDA's is almost as bad as burning cabinets. It must be that big melon of yours that everyone loves.

trubluluc

You're welcome Ron, it was good to meet you.

Personally, I think you could just swap the 1C's into your current system.
You could run them in a 5.1 system as just mains for theater, and then with the click of the remote, put them into 2 channel for music.
We both agree they can deliver the goods.

wishing you the best in sound,

-Luc

Ron Temple wrote:

Do I keep my RTi8s...obviously I prefer the SDAs in just about all categories, unbelievable soundstage, midrange and imaging. However, I'd have to use them as fronts for my HT as well as 2 channel. I'm not sure what the SDA effect will have on HT.

Thanks to Luc (trubluluc) for letting me come over and listen. Amazing setup Luc...

I think some of you guys are using SDAs in theatre as well...advice? I'm thinking running the SDAs large, phantom center, cabled.

I have no problems with the RTis, just this looks like a great opportunity for an upgrade. I have a few days on the return period.

Emlyn

I used a pair of 1C's in a home theater set-up for a few months, and would recommend keeping the center channel in place. A lot of speakers provide a similar center image as the SDA's, but few provide the perception of width and wrap around effects as the SDA's. The separate center speaker anchors dialogue much better than just relying on the two SDA's in my experience. What I found with mine was that the space out to the sides between the fronts and surrounds was much better filled with the SDA's. I'd suggest running the 1C's as small crossed over around 60Hz because, although they go fairly deep, your subwoofer will handle the low frequencies more cleanly. The drivers and tuning of the SDA's weren't intended to go into the subsonic realm the same way more modern drivers are.

Shizelbs

I found the imaging of SDAs to be good for HT, even great at times, but only if you were in that very small sweet spot. If you were to the side of it just a little, it was pretty worthless. I never tried them with a center or surrounds however. For just a 2 channel HT, not too bad.

Ron Temple

Thanks guys...and Luc, I really appreciate it.

Emlyn's comment makes a lot of sense regarding the center and cutting them at 60 or even 40 (for HT). What would you guys recommend for a center channel? I could use the CSi3 temporarily, but I don't think it's really too close to a match.

I came home last night and listened to some of the same content. It sounded great, the RTi8s really deliver the detail, but there's just no comparison in warmth, width and depth of soundstage or the startling imaging of the SDA effect. I understand what you guys are saying about the "cult".

Now I have to work on WAF. Size is an issue, as are looks. These SDA's are in great shape, but the silver bezels on the RTis, totally match the TV and stand...and she could give 2 sh*ts about my hobby. She keeps asking why we can't have cubes :eek: , like her friends.

Emlyn

If you have the replacement silk dome tweeters, the LSiC is a near perfect match for the midrange and tweeters on the 1C's. If you have the original silver coil dome tweeters, I can't recommend anything from Polk to match them because their frequency response is so weird.

madmax

RuSsMaN wrote:

Be ready, you aren't just buying a speaker, you are joining a cult.
Russ

Hello Ron,
Welcome to our circle of SDA people. We assume you will take the vows, not to mention the consequences should you ever attempt to leave our group. Only two people have ever attempted this. They are on the edge of breakdown though, not to mention they are still highly sought after. They will return some day, one way or another. :eek:
madmax

Mike Reeter

Ron,I recently picked up a pair of SDA 1C's myself...awesome "little" speakers.

I thought about running them for mains in our HT rig,but have decided to set them up in another 2-channel rig in a sitting room off of our bedroom.

I currently have SDA SRS 2's in our main 2-channel set-up,and just bought a pair of SRS 2.3TL's.

So,welcome to the SDA cult,these things are like a good drug...once you've had some,you can't get enough:D

BOLIN6861

QUESTION: Do I keep my RTi8s...obviously I prefer the SDAs in just about all categories, unbelievable soundstage, midrange and imaging. However, I'd have to use them as fronts for my HT as well as 2 channel. I'm not sure what the SDA effect will have on HT.

I HAVE NOT HEARD THE RTi8'S BUT THE SDA'S FOR MUSIC AND FRONT SPEAKERS for surround sound is grate and YOUR RTi8's might be ok for rear speakers
MOST OF IT DEPENDS ON THE REST OF YOUR SYSTEM

dudeinaroom

pick up a pair of crs, or monitor 10's and use them as a center. I use my 2b's as my mains. All speakers are set to large. I have a pair of infinity sm100's as my rears(10" 2ways), and 2 panny's and a 15" sub for my center. DD,DTS is awesome with out the center. With the center in the loop, is pretty darn good to(but would be better is a had a polk center), The center makes it nice when listening at night, I can kick it up a little so I can hear what people are saying. It is also nice when more the just you are listening It ancors the sound to the screen for people not sitting in the sda's sweet spot.

all in all, SDA's Rock no mater what you chose.
I'd keep the rt's in the ht and start a 2ch settup with the sda's.

Later,
dude

Ron Temple

Ok guys, you've got me convinced. Luc's got other offers, so I'd better move fast...

madmax

Many consider the 1C the best overall SDA speaker. Just do it, you will never be unhappy. Besides, they will only head back up in price. Too many people want them.
madmax

Ron Temple

My initial setup will be slightly corner loaded. I can position the 1cs parallel, but not against a wall. Luc tells me that shouldn't be a problem, but I'm unclear after reading the manual. Also, my integrated 2 channel's manual doesn't mention if it's a common ground amp or not (I don't even know what that means). It's an Audiosource Amp/One 80/2 @ 8, 100/2 @6 and 125/2 @ 4. I'd be replacing it shortly, but will this be adequate for now?

The theatre will be moving to a flat wall setup after I get the room wired in a couple of months.

trubluluc

Ron-

If it's an integrated amp, chances are it has a common ground.
Most often it's a mono block set up that obviously would be non- common ground, or a unit that houses two amps together but treats them as separate units in their wiring. 100 wpc at 6ohm will surely drive the 1C's , they are very effiecient 92 I think.

I would move your question to the "electronics" area to get the word from the experts.
BTW it looks like you're about to leave Polkateerhood and head into
Polkazoid postion.


-Luc

Ron Temple wrote:

Also, my integrated 2 channel's manual doesn't mention if it's a common ground amp or not (I don't even know what that means). It's an Audiosource Amp/One 80/2 @ 8, 100/2 @6 and 125/2 @ 4. I'd be replacing it shortly, but will this be adequate for now?

The theatre will be moving to a flat wall setup after I get the room wired in a couple of months.

Ron Temple

Thanks Luc,

Well you guys and my ears convinced me. Luc accepted my offer and I'll pick them up next week.

RT...who think's up those "funky" titles below our names anyway. Makes me want to join the Mickey Mouse club.

Ron Temple

I've been playing with these beauties for a couple of days now and have to say thanks to everyone that urged me on. The detail, soundstage and imaging are outstanding along with a warmth that I was really hoping for.

My amp is driving these adequately at moderate volume (no higher than -20) with no distortion that I'm hearing, but I occasionally see the needles in the red. It's obviously not doing them justice, so that's the next upgrade.

They are great in both 2 channel and 5.1, but my room arrangement isn't going to work long term. I'll post pictures, but my right channel is next to a large opening and neither are flat against a wall. I'm really only getting a partial SDA effect. Still they are better than anything else I've heard in this house. Looks like wiring the front room just moved up on the project list. As soon as I move the rig, I'll be able to get them dialed.

The only negative I hear are in the tweeters (stock SL2000s) and that depends on content...the dreaded ssss's. Perhaps more and cleaner power will help along with ICs, but I'm thinking of the silk dome upgrade.

Luc's a real stand up guy and great seller. Even gave them a coat of wax. Might have to raid his store again someday.

Again thanks all...:)

audiobliss

Hmm. All this talk about SDA's recently...hmm...where'd I put that money tree...

Glad you're liking them!!

Ron Temple

New home...pictures didn't come out too well and the flash picks up soil which you can't see with the naked eye.