The misconception of the bigger SDA line

zarrdoss
zarrdoss Posts: 2,562
edited April 2009 in Vintage Speakers
I think most people get the idea because of their size and power handling that the bigger of the SDA line are made for partys or something, I dont think when Mr. Polk designed these he had that intention in mind, I dont think he made them huge and put the number of speakers on them for sheer volume but more for clarity, sure they get loud with the right amp ( and I do believe they require good clean power) but more importantly I think he wanted them to get sound great at any reasonable level but not to be constantly listened to at ear splittind range.
I have had some older CV 's (AL-1000) that did not sound near as good but would blow my 2.3tl out of the watter on sheer volume and take that kind of abuse day in and day out without blowing a thing.
Any thoughts?
Post edited by zarrdoss on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • megasat16
    megasat16 Posts: 3,521
    edited April 2009
    I don't know about the bigger SDA speakers but bigger CV can take quite abuse. CV to me is always about SPL than the SQ. It's very well suited for PA application.
    Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin:
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited April 2009
    I have reached over 120db with SRS's. I can't imagine any sane person wanting more than that. It did it pretty clean too.
    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
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • zarrdoss
    zarrdoss Posts: 2,562
    edited April 2009
    ben62670 wrote: »
    I have reached over 120db with SRS's. I can't imagine any sane person wanting more than that. It did it pretty clean too.

    but would you feel comfortable playing that for long periods of time?
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • zarrdoss
    zarrdoss Posts: 2,562
    edited April 2009
    Im not saying the sda lines wont get loud just saying their main pupose was clarity overall IMO
    Well got to go happy Easter everyone!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited April 2009
    Sounded very good during moderately long listening sessions. Now take a CV, or other speaker that is playing at 110db it may sound as loud, or even louder, but measure lower. The cheaper setup would make my ears ring. Go figure:confused:
    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
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • zarrdoss
    zarrdoss Posts: 2,562
    edited April 2009
    The CV's I had (the Al-1000) was actually a great sounding speaker power of 1000 watts and would get extremely loud, but just were not as pleasant to listen to, where the 2.3tl's I will be listening to and my gf will come ask why the hell I have it so loud but it does not seem loud to me till I notice I have to kinda yell for her to hear me.
    And ben, are you talking about Polk SDA's or ben SDA's I have seen pics of your homemade monsters! lol
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jrgoswick
    jrgoswick Posts: 159
    edited April 2009
    My understanding of the SDA's was to duplicate headphones with low end you could feel. BUT seeing a pair of 1.2's probably makes most people feel inadequate about their bookshelf speakers. You've also got to consider the fact that the only way to get stoopid SPL levels is my moving LOTS of air, the easiest way to do it is a crap load of drivers. The downside to that approach is the need for a high current amp to control that much moving mass accurately. The exception to the rule are horn loaded arrays, then you don't need stoopid power, you need to sit outside to enjoy them.

    Just a thought and opinion.
    Onkyo TX-SR705 AVR
    Onkyo M-501-Given to my father.
    Onkyo DX-C730 CD Changer
    Onkyo DV-BD507 Blu Ray player
    Onkyo CP-1036A turntable with Grado, Audio Technique, and Azden cartridges(GOT CARTRIDGE??)
    Polk Monitor 12's with RDO's and XO's
    Polk CS300 Center
    Polk Monitor Series 4 rears

    EBAY is like cocaine. At first you only look, next thing you know, your house is full of crap you have no idea why you own.:eek:
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • schwarcw
    schwarcw Posts: 7,341
    edited April 2009
    The real magic of the big SDA's (or any big speaker) comes out at low volume levels. The soundstage, depth, clarity and imaging all sound much better at low to medium volume levels. After that, the sound is a pure adrenaline rush with chest pounding bass, etc. But, it loads up the room and the magic of the image, clarity and depth are greatly diminished. IMNSHO.
    Carl

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • zarrdoss
    zarrdoss Posts: 2,562
    edited April 2009
    I just think some people get these because they see their size and think they will work good at the "frat" house, turn them up all the time and blow them when they should have got some CV or like speakers that are geared more for that very purpose.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rdupre
    rdupre Posts: 36
    edited April 2009
    My SDA 1C's are great at low volume levels. Clarity, depth, imaging.......beautiful!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter