Cheap tweak on my SDA 1C's

kawizx9r

Ok well what I'm doing is not in anyway new to the audio world, nor is it regarding SDA's. I've seen the threads on conradicles new "black beauties" (props to ya theyre beautiful!) along with Darqueknights (you're definitely a man of wisdom and I enjoy your reading your posts) so I decided to take it upon myself to work on my SDA's I've just acquired about what....3 weeks ago? Currently applying MD's high density foam tape to the basket of my drivers, yes it's the cheap mans version since I'm on a tight budget, that I picked up at Home Depot. Also got some mortite caulking cord from there, and will be applying it in place of the stock seals. I'll be posting some pics up later, but right now I'm going to apply the mod to my left speaker only and as soon as tomorrow comes I will begin the comparison. This should be fun!

kawizx9r

3 more drivers to go, jeez no moral support come on lol. I do like the fact that the caulk is very flexible and proves to provide a very tight seal between driver and cabinet. Cant wait to hear what they sound like

Conradicles

Search Vibrapod...seems like another cheap tweak but I have no clue if it will actually work.

Enjoy those SDA's and tubes!

Fongolio

Good luck and am interested in hearing about the results.

kawizx9r

Well, heres a pic of the mid driver and thought I'd add one of the "intimidating" crossover lol. The drivers were a B**** to pull out, these speakers really were virgins because the seals were so dam tight. I kind of laughed to myself though after pulling out the bass radiator, I remember reading on another forum about someone complaining that their speaker was the victim of a cruel joke or defect (he had a cs150) and didnt know that one of the bass drivers was actually a passive radiator when he opened it up to check it out.

Wanted to add, looking at the internal wiring I'm half tempted to just rewire everything with some thicker and better quality speaker wire....am I thinking too much already?

kawizx9r

Time to hear the output now am I right. Well I immediately noticed a "lack" of bass soon as I dialed in at around 1 o'clock on the volume, not necessarily a lack of but it sounded less boomy. I decided to switch it up between different styles of music such as Metallica, Tool, Bon Jovi, Styx, Sade that I generally listen to. As I turned the music up all I said was wow, where there is a shortness of bass at very low volumes, makes up for it at much higher volumes. The bass came in harder, quicker, and much more accurate as I A/B'd the stock speaker with the modded speaker. I had some intentions of utilizing these as part of my HT, but now I think I want to dedicate them primarily for music and with a simple mod using caulk and tape it's really made them even more music-friendly. I even threw on some rap and when it comes to bass-heavy music the differences are night and day. If you're considering doing this mod for your SDA's or any sealed enclosure for that matter, and listen to your music at moderate levels then by all means I recommend this mod as it is very budget friendly. If you're worried you might not like the mod, or listen to music at much lower volumes I wouldn't be worried since this stuff is really easy to take off and can be set back to stock condition. As for now I've got another enclosure to tape and seal up

george daniel

Nice writeup,,, you seem very excited, as well you should be,, it's only gonna' get better,, now from looking at your pic's,,I have one question,,, Whatcha' gonna' do to those crossovers? That is where the fun really begins. Looks like you are on your way,,good luck,have fun,and most of all,,enjoy.

hearingimpared

+1 ^^^^^^

vmaxer

I spent most of the day yesterday doing my SDS SRS 1.2tl's.. I used Dynamat Xtreme and Mortite. I played them a couple hours and them installed a set of Ben's silver IC's I bought used here on the forum...

I am very happy with all of the changes!!! You wouldn't think there would be a noticable difference with the Dynamat and Mortite, but there is!!

kawizx9r

I'm just glad with the results. On a further note, I also applied caulk cord to the rear speaker terminal, so if you do the same go for it just keep in mind the plastic is rather flimsy so careful not to overtighten your screws. As far as this mod goes, I kind of think of it as having better control of your drivers. With a bigger air leak, the drivers return to their normal position much quicker and could cause extreme movement of the drivers (at higher volumes) that in the end result to audible distortion. Definitely a must-do for those seeking something a bit more natural, but if you like that slightly more boomy, artificial bass then by all means leave them stock or go buy a blose.....LOL J/k about the bose we all know those should be sold at walmart anyway!

kawizx9r

Doing the last driver now on the 2nd speaker along with the speaker terminals next....I just realized my tweeters/stereo drivers just turned 21 5 days ago. Stamped July 21 1988, except the dimensional drivers which are stamped August 21 1988, just thought Id share!

kawizx9r

Conradicles wrote: »

Search Vibrapod...seems like another cheap tweak but I have no clue if it will actually work.

Enjoy those SDA's and tubes!

Very interesting, something I might have to take up once I move to a bigger place and have the work tools available. If I do perform it in the later future, do expect pictures+review and steps I took to achieve this.

And thanks, love my moscode...youre running SS right? Should get your ears on some tubes!

vmaxer

Conradicles wrote: »

Search Vibrapod...seems like another cheap tweak but I have no clue if it will actually work.

Enjoy those SDA's and tubes!

I use these on my turntable and the difference is amazing:cool:

kawizx9r

Well the above statements stand, and just wanted to add that imaging sounds a bit better to my ear (I guess it was being overwhelmed a tad bit by the boominess that was once present) and it sounds as if I were running a more powerful amp in regards to bass frequencies. Next mod out with the SL2k's, in with the RD0's