SDA Compendium

jvarnadoe

Is the SDA compendium still available? I'd like to purchase a copy of that.

F1nut

Contact forum member, DarqueKnight.

jvarnadoe

Thanks for that info. I PM'd him.

DarqueKnight

And.....I shipped your Compendium yesterday afternoon. Wasn't that easy? Thanks.

jvarnadoe

Extremely. Thanks for the quick shipment!

obxdiver

jvarnadoe wrote:

Is the SDA compendium still available? I'd like to purchase a copy of that.

May I ask, what is the "SDA compendium"
Is this a sample CD or something?

DarqueKnight

Do a search on "SDA Compendium 2nd Edition ".

SDA SRS 1.2

obxdiver wrote:

May I ask, what is the "SDA compendium"
Is this a sample CD or something?

Quite simply, the Compendium is a "Must Have!"

hearingimpared

SDA SRS 1.2 wrote:

Quite simply, the Compendium is a "Must Have!"

If you own or are thinking of owning any SDA product, the Compendium is required reading. . . I've read it several times and learned something new each time. I haven't even connected my 1.2 TLs up yet either. One of the criteria for buying our new home (the media room within) was based on what I read in the Compendium.

Great book, well thought out, extremely informative, and excellently written!

jimclass

I am a new SDA owner with a pristine pair of SDA 2As. I want to know where they fit in to the line of SDA speakers, and how they rate against other SDA models. Polk support sent me in search of "the SDA Compendium", but I don't see it posted, only mentioned. Is it a printed document? Is it available as a PDF file? How can I get one? email me at jphayek@aol.com

BTW, I almost bought the same speakers 20 years ago but opted for Energy Pro22 monitors instead...awesome, but the tweeters keep crapping out and they don't make them any more. Found these SDAs on Craigs list in Denver. I'm having a ball listening to all my stuff with the huge soundstage.

MKZ

jimclass wrote: »

I am a new SDA owner with a pristine pair of SDA 2As. I want to know where they fit in to the line of SDA speakers, and how they rate against other SDA models. Polk support sent me in search of "the SDA Compendium", but I don't see it posted, only mentioned. Is it a printed document? Is it available as a PDF file? How can I get one? email me at jphayek@aol.com

BTW, I almost bought the same speakers 20 years ago but opted for Energy Pro22 monitors instead...awesome, but the tweeters keep crapping out and they don't make them any more. Found these SDAs on Craigs list in Denver. I'm having a ball listening to all my stuff with the huge soundstage.

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42282

F1nut wrote: »

Contact forum member, DarqueKnight.

jimclass

I would like

DarqueKnight

jimclass wrote: »

I am a new SDA owner with a pristine pair of SDA 2As. I want to know where they fit in to the line of SDA speakers, and how they rate against other SDA models. Polk support sent me in search of "the SDA Compendium", but I don't see it posted, only mentioned. Is it a printed document? Is it available as a PDF file? How can I get one? email me at jphayek@aol.com

BTW, I almost bought the same speakers 20 years ago but opted for Energy Pro22 monitors instead...awesome, but the tweeters keep crapping out and they don't make them any more. Found these SDAs on Craigs list in Denver. I'm having a ball listening to all my stuff with the huge soundstage.

I sent you a PM with Compendium Ordering info. If you just want to know where your speakers fall in the series, do a search on "SDA Hierarchy" (use the quotation marks to narrow search results). There is also a list of SDA series speakers at the end of the SDA schematics thread in the Vintage Speakers section of the forum.

The table of contents for the Compendium can be found here: Compendium 2E

ABX

obxdive wrote: »

May I ask, what is the "SDA compendium"
Is this a sample CD or something?

It is a guy selling a well researched book, making little or nothing, that is well worth the small price.

jimclass

Thanks, DarqueNight for the Hierarchy info and Compendium info as well.

I have been surprised at the lack of "review" postings on the SDA 2A, being that there is such a plethora of SDA stuff online. Anyone out there have copies of professional reviews of the SDA 2A?

DarqueKnight

The SDA 2A was reviewed in the December 1986 issue of Stereo Review. This is the only professional review I am aware of.

You can order a copy of this review from Roger Russel: Roger Russel Reprints

Most libraries have past issues of Stereo Review on microfilm or microfiche that you can print out. However, the image quality is often poor.

jimclass

thanks once again!

jimclass

DK-
Went to my library in Denver and printed out the Dec 1986 Sterero Review article on the SDA 2A. Pretty sweet review. I also am sending you a check for the Compendium.

I have not seen anything in the forum about adding a subwoofer to enhance the low end with the SDAs. It seems like the low end is a bit sloppy, but I am not sure if it is the speakers fault or my room. I am looking for a deeper, tighter bass response without boomy-ness. Anyone?

heiney9

jimclass wrote: »

DK-
Went to my library in Denver and printed out the Dec 1986 Sterero Review article on the SDA 2A. Pretty sweet review. I also am sending you a check for the Compendium.

I have not seen anything in the forum about adding a subwoofer to enhance the low end with the SDAs. It seems like the low end is a bit sloppy, but I am not sure if it is the speakers fault or my room. I am looking for a deeper, tighter bass response without boomy-ness. Anyone?

No problem for me on the low end. Clean and tight is how I'd describe it. If it's not in the music you don't hear it. Gear choice will enhance bass as well as everything else (soundstage, presence, detail, correct bass).

I'll add I'm not a fan of subs for 2-ch they always sound disjointed, bloated and unnatural to me. My 1C's dig really deep on the right material and they aren't a bit sloppy or bloated at all.

H9

DarqueKnight

jimclass wrote: »

I have not seen anything in the forum about adding a subwoofer to enhance the low end with the SDAs. It seems like the low end is a bit sloppy, but I am not sure if it is the speakers fault or my room. I am looking for a deeper, tighter bass response without boomy-ness. Anyone?

Assuming there is nothing wrong with your speakers, the culprit for "sloppy" bass is most likely room interaction or equipment related.

Before looking at your room and equipment, check the following on your SDA 2A's:

1. Make sure the drivers, tweeters, passive radiator, and binding post plate are sealed without any looseness or air gaps. Sometimes the screws will become loose over time and have to be periodically tightened. If there are any loose screws, carefully tighten them. The threads in the wood baffle are easily stripped.

2. Make sure the rubber surrounds of the drivers and passive radiators is still soft and pliable. Some people have used cleaners that can cause the rubber to stiffen over time. The rubber should be as soft and pliable as a rubber glove.

3. Make sure there are no holes or cuts in the driver and passive radiator surrounds, and in the passive radiator surface.

4. Make sure all the drivers are moving freely. Gently press back and forth on the passive radiator. The 6-1/2" drivers should move in and out freely without a sound.

Some additional tips:

Polk recommends that SDA's be driven by high current amplifiers with high (above 200) damping factors. The current capability and damping factor of an amp will affect bass performance.

SDA's sound best in most rooms if they can be placed along the longest wall.

If your room configuration allows it, experiment with placing the speakers closer or farther from the wall behind them. The manual contains tips for placement. If a manual did not come with your speakers, Polk will send you one free of charge.

Some people successfully integrate subs with their SDA's, but you really should not need a sub for 2 channel music applications. They produce plenty of tight, clean bass with proper environment and associated equipment.

ben62670

jimclass wrote: »

DK-
Went to my library in Denver and printed out the Dec 1986 Sterero Review article on the SDA 2A. Pretty sweet review. I also am sending you a check for the Compendium.

I have not seen anything in the forum about adding a subwoofer to enhance the low end with the SDAs. It seems like the low end is a bit sloppy, but I am not sure if it is the speakers fault or my room. I am looking for a deeper, tighter bass response without boomy-ness. Anyone?

I have had a few different models of the SDA's, and the bass that these things put out is very tight, and clean. I hate to repeat what others have already stated, but for music a sub IMHO detracts from the quality of the music. With Movies the big booms, and rumbles added by subs is desirable.

hearingimpared

jimclass, positioning has transformed the bass coming from my SDA into deep tight bass that sounds like there is a really good sub-woofer in the rig. Right now I have my 1.2TLs 8" from the back wall. They are about 5' from the side walls. I have wall to wall carpeting and a big overstuffed couch 7 to 8' in front of the speakers.

BobMcG

jimclass wrote: »

It seems like the low end is a bit sloppy, but I am not sure if it is the speakers fault or my room. I am looking for a deeper, tighter bass response without boomy-ness. Anyone?

I have two living rooms in my house... in one I can use my SDAs for quality 2ch work, in the other... forget about it. Too boomy no matter what wall I put them on, how they're placed... no matter what I do. And that goes for any of my SDAs... small, medium or large. It seems they just don't like some rooms... err, or is it that some rooms just don't like SDAs???

jimclass

Thanks for the thoughtful reponses. I suspected the sub idea was unnecessary, but wanted to hear other's experiences. I look forward to reading in the Compendium when it arrives how the radiator actually works. I'll go through the aformentioned checking procedures, although I suspect the speakers are fine. I did some experimenting last night with the speaker placement; brought them 6 inches closer together (12 inches killed the SDA effect), then tried further or closer to the back wall. Right now they are 5 inches away. It is very subtle, but I think I have found the best position for the room ...so far. It is surprising to me how the distance apart can affect the spaciality so dramatically. BTW, I put on the Brian Wilson SMILE cd which I never was too crazy about, and on the SDAs it is a whole different animal. The soundstage is really well recorded and it is BIG. I put on Radiohead The Bends and it just sounded noisy; again, I think it is the room's fault.

HeadphoneAddict

DarqueKnight wrote: »

...Some additional tips:

Polk recommends that SDA's be driven by high current amplifiers with high (above 200) damping factors. The current capability and damping factor of an amp will affect bass performance.

SDA's sound best in most rooms if they can be placed along the longest wall.

If your room configuration allows it, experiment with placing the speakers closer or farther from the wall behind them. The manual contains tips for placement. If a manual did not come with your speakers, Polk will send you one free of charge.

Some people successfully integrate subs with their SDA's, but you really should not need a sub for 2 channel music applications. They produce plenty of tight, clean bass with proper environment and associated equipment.

I've also found that height placement makes a big difference. After we built a house in 2005, we moved them to the bedroom. My SDA CRS are on a 15 foot wall (8 foot ceiling) and to sound best the front grills must be about 22" from the wall, 12" from the ceiling, 10 feet apart, and angled down 15-20 degrees = sound stage eye leveland as wide as the auditorium.

Of course my wife objects because of shape and size of furniture, so they are only 6 feet apart, and 36" from the ceiling and don't sound the way they should. Time to buy new furniture (the wife stays)...

Also, this is my second post, and I need 8 more to PM DarqueKnight to buy a compendium. I have feedback under this same username at Head-fi.org http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=264077 and 100% feedback on ebay "larryganz"

If you wish to send me ordering info, I would appreciate it. I have PM and email turned on here at the forums.

HeadphoneAddict

Thanks DarqueKnight,

Don't want to post **** just to bring up my post count to be allowed to PM - I'll spend more time reading first.

Larry

F1nut

Welcome HeadphoneAddict,

Your approach to joining the forum is very much appreciated. Special K should take note.

DarqueKnight

HeadphoneAddict, your Compendium will ship out this afternoon. I will PM the tracking number later this evening. Thanks for your purchase.

ka7niq

ben62670 wrote: »

I have had a few different models of the SDA's, and the bass that these things put out is very tight, and clean. I hate to repeat what others have already stated, but for music a sub IMHO detracts from the quality of the music. With Movies the big booms, and rumbles added by subs is desirable.

My experiences with the SRS 2's in my room differ.
By themselves, they do not have adequate bass for my large room.
So, I use my pair of sub woofers.'
They blend seamlessly with my the SRS 2's, when they are hooked up.
I have some old Infinity Preludes PFR's hooked up right now.
They also blend well.
It is my experience that once gross response peaks have been eliminated from your subs, getting the level right assures a seamless blend.
Having remote control of your sub woofers level allows you to "get it right" for most every recording.

F1nut

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dudeinaroom

F1nut wrote: »

Quote:

ka7niq wrote: »

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wow you payed more attention to that post than I did