Looking at some SDA(s), should I????

Windwalker
Windwalker Posts: 46
edited January 2008 in Vintage Speakers
Local person has some for sell, 250-asking price
He says they are SDA2, then e-mailed back that they are just SDA
Picture he sent shows 1 tweet at top, 2 mids in center, and PR at bottom
Black, appear to be in decent shape
Has interconnect cable
Some of the worst wrongs get righted on three cords
Post edited by Windwalker on
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  • sda2mike
    sda2mike Posts: 3,131
    edited January 2008
    sounds like sda2b...studio??? see if he'll take 200 and run with 'em;)

    take the 50 bucks you saved and upgrade the tweeters..i assume they haven't been already
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  • nms
    nms Posts: 671
    edited January 2008
    Take them. Those sound very similar to mine (SDA 2A). 200 is what I paid and I consider it a very reasonable price :)
    My system

    "The world is an ever evolving clusterf*ck." --treitz3
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited January 2008
    they will be either SDA 2A or SDA 2B go check em out at least...
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • Windwalker
    Windwalker Posts: 46
    edited January 2008
    Looking more closely at the pic he has, of the back, it appears to say SDA 2

    Can I make a longer interconnect cable?
    I'd actually like to run a\the cable in between my joist and maybe have a plug on the wall to connect them with

    How much would re-doing the tweeters cost?

    Would be driving these with a Yahama HTR5460
    How would\do these sound if the interconnect is not used

    Currently I have some 5JR(+) Had em since new, boy do I REALLY like the sound of them.
    And some R50s that I recently got from Frys(can't say that I'm real impressed with em), My little 5jrs seem to have more imaging and to me just a better sound
    Some of the worst wrongs get righted on three cords
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited January 2008
    every model of SDA 2 will only say SDA 2 so you can't go by that.. the driver layout will be the clincher on what model they are.

    how long of an interconnect cable do you really need? I think the standard one is like 18 or 20 feet long. you wouldn't want to place your sda's any farther apart than that..
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited January 2008
    the SDA's still sound really, really good even without the interconnect cable.. i'm currently running mine without the cable.. i run it both way.. depending on what suits my fancy at any given time.

    for Club Polk members the cost of each tweeter is $48 with free shipping I believe. it's a no brainer for most people
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,734
    edited January 2008
    You're only using half the drivers without the cable.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • Windwalker
    Windwalker Posts: 46
    edited January 2008
    danger boy wrote: »
    every model of SDA 2 will only say SDA 2 so you can't go by that.. the driver layout will be the clincher on what model they are.

    how long of an interconnect cable do you really need? I think the standard one is like 18 or 20 feet long. you wouldn't want to place your sda's any farther apart than that..

    Here is pic Speaker

    Any help Identifying


    As far as the IC cable, I'd prefer to NOT have it running across the floor and was going to route it under through the walls under the floor(have basement so easy to get to) an maybe find\make a wall plate and use a patch cable from speakers to wall plates
    Some of the worst wrongs get righted on three cords
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited January 2008
    Welcome to Club Polk. Buy them. Running them without the IC is like having sex with your sister. It is still sex, but it just ain't right;)

    Ben
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • daboyz
    daboyz Posts: 5,207
    edited January 2008
    ben62670 wrote: »
    Welcome to Club Polk. Buy them. Running them without the IC is like having sex with your sister. It is still sex, but it just ain't right;)

    Ben

    What is it with you and sex today?;):D
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  • Windwalker
    Windwalker Posts: 46
    edited January 2008
    ben62670 wrote: »
    Welcome to Club Polk. Buy them. Running them without the IC is like having sex with your sister. It is still sex, but it just ain't right;) Ben

    But I'm from the south :D
    Some of the worst wrongs get righted on three cords
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited January 2008
    daboyz wrote: »
    What is it with you and sex today?;):D

    There is a lack of... I may act like a fool sometimes with my post, but my Grandmother instilled a bunch of stinking morals in me that keeps me from having casual sex, and the lies associated with it. I despise dishonesty. When I was younger a girl said that she didn't want to be a one night stand. So me being the nice guy that I am I offered to be a 2 night stand. Only got it once:D I was 18 at the time.
    Ben
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited January 2008
    to me it those looks like SDA 2B's studio version because they are black.

    SDA's without the cable my only be using half the drivers.. (no SDA driver running), but trust me.. the SDA's without the cable are no slouch. sometimes the SDA effect can be to overwhelming on some music.

    for SDA purists, try em once in a while without the interconnect cable.

    as has been said before.. the SDA"s have a wide soundstage, but not a deep soundstage.
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,204
    edited January 2008
    danger boy wrote: »
    to me it those looks like SDA 2B's studio version because they are black.

    SDA's without the cable my only be using half the drivers.. (no SDA driver running), but trust me.. the SDA's without the cable are no slouch. sometimes the SDA effect can be to overwhelming on some music.

    for SDA purists, try em once in a while without the interconnect cable.

    as has been said before.. the SDA"s have a wide soundstage, but not a deep soundstage.

    Sorry Al, but SDA's are meant to be heard with the cable in place. If the SDA presentation is too much change the recording, that's the culprit. I don't find my SDA's to be lacking in depth of sound stage actually just the opposite, very deep and wide. :)

    Just another SDA owner's perspective

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • nms
    nms Posts: 671
    edited January 2008
    heiney9 wrote: »
    Sorry Al, but SDA's are meant to be heard with the cable in place. If the SDA presentation is too much change the recording, that's the culprit. I don't find my SDA's to be lacking in depth of sound stage actually just the opposite, very deep and wide. :)

    Just another SDA owner's perspective

    H9

    The one thing I've heard that was really weird on the SDAs was some George Winston piano stuff. I'm guessing they recorded it with 2 mics, one over the bass end and one over the high end, so you get this paino that is spread out all over the room - very bizarre, and not fun to listen to. On regular speakers it's a great recording.
    My system

    "The world is an ever evolving clusterf*ck." --treitz3
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited January 2008
    nms wrote: »
    The one thing I've heard that was really weird on the SDAs was some George Winston piano stuff. I'm guessing they recorded it with 2 mics, one over the bass end and one over the high end, so you get this paino that is spread out all over the room - very bizarre, and not fun to listen to. On regular speakers it's a great recording.

    there you go... now unplug the interconnect cable and listen to George Winston again. i bet it will be very pleasing now. :D

    I love all the pair's of SDA's i've ever owned.. only 3 at this point.. each one had their strengths and weaknesses, but the overall effect of the SDA could be overwhelming on some recordings. solution: listen to the same recording without the SDA cable.. you still get an amazing wide soundstage.. and some of the imaging comes back.

    you do have to admit guys.. SDA technology isn't or wasn't perfect. it was a fad if you will, for true stereo listening.

    ok. let the stoning begin. :p
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • Windwalker
    Windwalker Posts: 46
    edited January 2008
    Beside the clearly written SDA 2 on the back of these, how else can I tell exactly what model they are?

    Thanks
    Some of the worst wrongs get righted on three cords
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited January 2008
    a while ago one of the members here compiled a book called the SDA compendium. it was the bible for all SDA owners.. I believe it was a best seller, and has since sold out.

    Maybe someone has an extra copy and you could buy it from them. Not sure though. It had pictures and discriptions and schematics of all the different models of SDA's.

    invaluable for any SDA owner.
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • Windwalker
    Windwalker Posts: 46
    edited January 2008
    So NO clear way just by looking
    Am sure the guy that's selling them won't let me take a screwdriver to them and start trying to look at boards and such-darn pick owners
    Some of the worst wrongs get righted on three cords
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  • nms
    nms Posts: 671
    edited January 2008
    Windwalker wrote: »
    So NO clear way just by looking
    Am sure the guy that's selling them won't let me take a screwdriver to them and start trying to look at boards and such-darn pick owners

    If they have 2 mid range drivers, a single sl2000 tweeter, a planar (flat) passive radiator, and real wood on the top and bottom they are SDA 2Bs. If the speaker complement is the same but they are laminated/vinyl, they are 2As. If they are black (studio version) they are 2B studio versions (2B is the only SDA 2 that came in studio according to polksda.com).

    This page has lots about SDAs: http://www.polksda.com/list.shtml

    Take a look at my system if you want a pic of 2As with the grills off.

    Hope this helps.
    My system

    "The world is an ever evolving clusterf*ck." --treitz3
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  • Marty913
    Marty913 Posts: 760
    edited January 2008
    Here are two pictures. As you can see, there is really no way to tell. I believe the SDA 2A if black were real wood. Not so sure on the SDA 2B Studio's. Left picture is a 2A from 1986-87 Black Wood, right is a 2B from 1989. Maybe the serial number would give us a clue.

    There were a few rare wood black SDA 2'a.
    Sony 60'' SXRD 1080p
    Amp = Carver AV-705THX 5-Channel
    Processor = NAD T747
    Panasonic BD35 Blu-Ray
    Main = SDA-1C Studio with RD0s, spikes, XO rebuild, rings, I/C upgrade
    Center=Polk CS10, Surround = Athena Dipoles, Sub= Boston 12HO
    Music/Video Streaming = Netgear NEO550
    TT = Audio Technica
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  • nms
    nms Posts: 671
    edited January 2008
    ... But to be perfectly honest it doesn't really matter - they will sound good. You should get them - for $200 you won't regret it (I sure haven't). And if for whatever reason they don't suite you, you can probably get close to $200 on here selling them to somebody else.

    And yes, IF I am not mistaken you can make a longer interconnect cable out of regular speaker wire and maybe re-use the ends?
    My system

    "The world is an ever evolving clusterf*ck." --treitz3
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited January 2008
    If you can get them even for $250 you can still sell them $300 if they are in decent shape:)
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • Marty913
    Marty913 Posts: 760
    edited January 2008
    nms wrote: »
    ... But to be perfectly honest it doesn't really matter - they will sound good. You should get them - for $200 you won't regret it (I sure haven't). And if for whatever reason they don't suite you, you can probably get close to $200 on here selling them to somebody else.

    And yes, IF I am not mistaken you can make a longer interconnect cable out of regular speaker wire and maybe re-use the ends?
    ben62670 wrote: »
    If you can get them even for $250 you can still sell them $300 if they are in decent shape:)

    Absolutely right. Buy them immediately. Plain SDA 2's were selling on EBay last summer for $300 with $125 shipping and the black ones are currently higher (better living through better decorating, I guess).:D
    Sony 60'' SXRD 1080p
    Amp = Carver AV-705THX 5-Channel
    Processor = NAD T747
    Panasonic BD35 Blu-Ray
    Main = SDA-1C Studio with RD0s, spikes, XO rebuild, rings, I/C upgrade
    Center=Polk CS10, Surround = Athena Dipoles, Sub= Boston 12HO
    Music/Video Streaming = Netgear NEO550
    TT = Audio Technica
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,204
    edited January 2008
    Windwalker wrote: »
    So NO clear way just by looking
    Am sure the guy that's selling them won't let me take a screwdriver to them and start trying to look at boards and such-darn pick owners

    They are SDA 2B's and it's hard to tell in the photo but they look to be the lesser expensive "studio" version. The regular version had real wood end caps and the cabinet structure was slightly better.

    They are considered 4th generation SDA's and the Studio version was avail in 1987 and 1988. Driver compliment: (1) sl2000 tweeter and (2) 6.5" drivers (1) 12" passive radiator.

    Weight was 80lbs for the regular version and 65lbs for the studio version (each). There are no markings on the back of the speaker from the factory to distinguish which SDA 2 it is. You need to go by cabinet and driver configuration.

    The SDA cable should also be pin/blade for this generation of SDA's.

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • Windwalker
    Windwalker Posts: 46
    edited January 2008
    Well went and checked them out and have to say they're just TOO FRICKIN big
    I mean my lord who needs all that, he!! what kind of place do you people have for music rooms?

    It was all I could do to stuff one in the front seat of my 92 Prelude, I go back tomorrow for it's sibling :cool:

    Can't say too much about them yet-They do have wood end-caps(black), paint is peeling off the top of one, just a touch, covers are solid(some mildew), drivers are still all one piece-will take additional picture tomorrow-a bit too much trouble to smuggle into the house tonight. They just need to suddenly appear to make explaining a tad easier
    Some of the worst wrongs get righted on three cords
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  • nms
    nms Posts: 671
    edited January 2008
    Congrats man! Your life (and wife) will never be the same! :D

    That's all I'm gonna say. I highly doubt you will regret your decision!
    My system

    "The world is an ever evolving clusterf*ck." --treitz3
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,204
    edited January 2008
    Windwalker wrote: »

    Can't say too much about them yet-They do have wood end-caps(black), paint is peeling off the top of one, just a touch, covers are solid(some mildew), drivers are still all one piece-will take additional picture tomorrow-a bit too much trouble to smuggle into the house tonight. They just need to suddenly appear to make explaining a tad easier

    If the paint is peeling and they are end caps then someone painted them. Those end caps should be either oak or walnut. To my knowledge they never made "non-studio cabinet" versions in black.

    They can be stripped and brought back to the original finish.
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • Windwalker
    Windwalker Posts: 46
    edited January 2008
    nms wrote: »
    Congrats man! Your life (and wife) will never be the same! :D

    That's all I'm gonna say. I highly doubt you will regret your decision!

    No wife :p
    Some of the worst wrongs get righted on three cords
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited January 2008
    heiney9 wrote: »
    If the paint is peeling and they are end caps then someone painted them. Those end caps should be either oak or walnut. To my knowledge they never made "non-studio cabinet" versions in black.

    They can be stripped and brought back to the original finish.

    high 5, finally someone making sense.. i knew they were 2B's. but does anyone listen to me??? :rolleyes: :p
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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