Looking for some information about SDAs

TSWisla

Can someone give me a link or perhaps tell me the difference between the different SDAs (A, B, C, II??)? Thank you.

heiney9

That's a tall order......probably best to try and do a search or start looking through the Vintage Polk section. That's a very broad question and it gets technical and one could write a book on it.

If I had more time I might try to post some links but it's all here; every question you most likely have has been covered many times.

I know the search function isn't that easy to use but........try it. There's enough info here to fill up a weeks worth of reading.

Face

Here's some info:
http://polksda.com/

TSWisla

Thank you Face. I guess a quick question that I can ask is if there is a certain SDA-2x that I should stay away from? Thank you all again.

Tom

candyliquor35m

heiney9 wrote: »

it gets technical and one could write a book on it.

That's right Raife. Get to work on that

hmmm Polk might be interested in buying the copyrights and putting it online and having it published via paperback or ?

Face

I believe the SDA-2B is more desirable due to it being more upgradeable and also because of the pin/blade SDA interconnect.

heiney9

candyliquor35m wrote: »

That's right Raife. Get to work on that

hmmm Polk might be interested in buying the copyrights and putting it online and having it published via paperback or ?

Most of the info in the Compendium is from Polk so I doubt they would need to "buy" the copyright to their own words. I asked Raife about making it available electronically and he made a very good point. There isn't one thing in the compendium that isn't already posted here in the forum. He just assembled everything in one nice neat package.

zingo

TSWisla wrote: »

Thank you Face. I guess a quick question that I can ask is if there is a certain SDA-2x that I should stay away from? Thank you all again.

Tom

No, all SDA speakers are good speakers, peole just prefer different ones like anything else in life. Why do you ask if you should stay away from certain ones?

TSWisla

I have seen some models of SDA-2s selling for more than others and was just trying to figure out why. Thank you.

heiney9

TSWisla wrote: »

Thank you Face. I guess a quick question that I can ask is if there is a certain SDA-2x that I should stay away from? Thank you all again.

Tom

The earlier SDA's with side by side tweeters are less desirable than later models because Polk refined the SDA process and found it unnecessary to use a tweeter for dimensional signals.

The TL model's used a better stock tweeter and were the last generation of SDA's. All the tweeters (for any SDA model) have a silk upgrade available from Polk which sound much better and cures some of the slight shortcomings of original tweeters.

2B's and 1C's seem to be the more popular models you find FS. Both are excellent and are of the next to last generation SDA's.

1C's are a great middle line speaker that gives you just about all you could ask for in an SDA.

There that's a very general overview of SDA's.

TSWisla

You would rate the 1c as much better than the 2b?

heiney9

Personally yes, but many members feel the 2B gives up little. Really depends on cost I wouldn't pay a lot more for 1C's over 2B's; as the cost difference become larger the benefit diminishes.

The 2B's are the ones to get of the 2's unless you get stupid deal on 2A's. The cabinets are nicer on the 2B's not only cosmetically but internally as well.

TSWisla

If it is allowed in the forum, what would be a "good" price for 2bs or 1cs, respectively?

heiney9

TSWisla wrote: »

If it is allowed in the forum, what would be a "good" price for 2bs or 1cs, respectively?

That is a loaded question because depending on condition, location and how badly someone wants a pair the price can fluctuate alot.

2B's in very good cond. $250-350
1C's in very good cond. $400-600

Those of us used to buying in the Flea Market here have gotten some killer deals as well as some Craigslist buyers too.

I know some who bought 2B's for $100 or 1C's $225. Which is way below typical market prices, but hey the economy is poor so people can be motivated to sell cheap.

H9

MillerLiteScott

I paid $225 for 2B's craigs list @ 7miles from my house and $315 for 1C's on ebay that were @ 1.5 miles from my house. You have to find something local because shipping will add to much $ to the deal.

Patience will pay off.

heiney9

MillerLiteScott wrote: »

Patience will pay off.

This is the key. Not only that but you will have a better idea of what they go for and condition related issues, etc.

AN original owner perfect pair of SDA's typically brings alot more money. Also be sure to find out if the interconnect cable comes with the speakers. You can make one that works as good as the original since they aren't avail anymore, but this is a good negotiating tool. It also gives you an indication of how much the previous owner even knew about the speakers. SDA's are meant to be used with the cable in place.

TSWisla

That is the problem, I can't find any close to me!

candyliquor35m

Sometimes it takes years.

avguytx

I found 3 sets in one year. The SDA 1C's, SRS II's and SRS 2.3's. The 1C's I redid some things on them and they sounded great and the only reason I sold them is because I came across a pair of SRS II's locally for $200. The SRS 2.3's were in Austin and those I went and picked up for my best friend back in Arkansas. I kinda wanted to keep them in a way but it was his 40th birthday.

Yes, patience does pay off. You do NOT want to ship them if you can keep from it.

TSWisla

There sure seem to be a lot of Polk SDAs in TX!

Schurkey

TSWisla wrote: »

That is the problem, I can't find any close to me!

So...where are you?

TSWisla

A couple of more questions. The SDA IIs were less desireable than the newer models despite having more drivers? I know someone said that the extra drivers were not necessary, but did they really sound inferior? Are the tweeters in these hard to replace? Thank you again.

heiney9

TSWisla wrote: »

A couple of more questions. The SDA IIs were less desireable than the newer models despite having more drivers? I know someone said that the extra drivers were not necessary, but did they really sound inferior? Are the tweeters in these hard to replace? Thank you again.

All of the earlier SDA models (not just the II's) which had 2 tweeters side by side are a little less desirable. As stated in post #10 of this thread (see first sentence). Also as Polk did further R&D on the SDA's so each successive generation had several improvements. IMO, the later the generation the better.

Yes, to me the earlier SDA's do sound inferior because the additional dimensional tweeter can give you some funky sounds, not always, but on many recordings you get phasey type of sound. Many here who have earlier SDA's have disconnected the dimensional tweeter w/good results.

As far as the tweeters are concerned in all but the earliest models they are plug-n-play. Just remember to reuse the gasket from the original tweeters as the new tweets don't come with one.

H9

P.s. Also don't confuse SDA 2's for SDA SRS 2's; completely different speaker with the SRS 2's being the superior speaker and harder to find.

Marty913

TSWisla wrote: »

A couple of more questions. The SDA IIs were less desireable than the newer models despite having more drivers? I know someone said that the extra drivers were not necessary, but did they really sound inferior? Are the tweeters in these hard to replace? Thank you again.

Are the questions related to SDA SRS II or SDA 2? If you mean SDA 2's, they have a dimensional tweeter in addition to the traditional tweeter. Polk later dropped the dimensional after tests/feedback showed it was of little (if any) benefit and in fact could impart a "muddling" of the higher frequencies. Some on the forum have disconnected the dimensional tweeter. The SDA 2A's dropped the dimensional tweeter and one mid & repositioned the traditional tweeter between the remaining two mids.

I do not have 2A's but do have a pair of SDA 2's with the dimensional tweeter disconnected. I can't comment on which model sounds better (not able to compare plus better is VERY subjective) but I like the sound of my 2's and feel the "extra" mid is a big plus. On the other hand, the single offset tweeter is probably not a plus. The tweeters (and mids) are very easy to replace requiring only a screwdriver and a few minutes time.

edit: have to learn to type faster (or think faster). H9 covered it.

TSWisla

You guys are great, thank you.

Boywonder

If you are in the Chicago Area, be patient and religiously search craigslist, your local classifieds and the Polk Forum; you will find a pair of SDA's locally.

I am in So. Cal., and since last December (when this strange obsession reared it's ugly head) I've seen a pair of SDA 2A's, 2B's, 1C studios (I bought this pair) and two pairs of SRS 1.2TL's, not to mention lots of monitor 10's, 7's, etc. all on Craigslist or the local classifieds. I'm sure there have been lots more, but I'm presently Polk'd out with speakers(SDA-1C's, RTA-12's, 2X Monitor 10's), so I have not been searching too hard lately. The prices are usually very reasonable on Craigslist or your local classifieds.

Since you live near a large metropolitan area, I would avoid buying a pair that have to be shipped, as shipping SDA's can get expensive, and the drivers are easily damaged due to improper packing.

They will come up for sale locally, it just takes patience and tenacity.