Fair price for SDA 1C's?

dpowell
dpowell Posts: 3,068
edited November 2009 in Vintage Speakers
Found a pair of SDA 1C's locally about an hour from me. The guy is asking $450. They appear to be in excellent condition. Obviously the $500 pair of SDA's being sold on the forum are a higher end but are too far of a drive. Not sure what the 1C's are worth and if they would be a good first step into the world of SDAs.
____________________________________________________________

polkaudio Fully Modded SDA SRS 1.2TLs + Dreadnaught, LSiM706c, 4 X Polk Surrounds + 4 X ATMOS, SVS PB13 Ultra X 2, Pass Labs X1, Marantz 7704, Bob Carver Crimson Beauty 350 Tube Mono Blocks, Carver Sunfire Signature Cinema Grande 400x5, ADCOM GFA 7807, Panasonic UB420, Moon 380D DAC, EPSON Pro Cinema 6050
Post edited by dpowell on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
«134

Comments

  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited October 2009
    1c's in a mid size room are great. Definately worth $450 if in great condition.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,753
    edited October 2009
    That is a fair price, buy 'em.
    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

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited October 2009
    1Cs are great speakers...well worth 400-450. They are the most manageable of the SDAs....a bit more cabinet volume than the 2Bs, an extra tweeter and set of paired drivers. Give this speaker a bit more low end and more dispersion...and they are still a decent size that you can actually move around with one person...

    I'd say this is a great entry into SDAs...I would upgrade from 2Bs to 1Cs and possibly stay put for a while.

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited October 2009
    Jump on a good pair of 1C's and get into some tubes,pre,amp or both,,and they will give you many years of listening pleasure.Good luck,,keep us posted.
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited November 2009
    ^^^^+1^^^^^^ Update the tweets and XO and as George puts it," you will find majic"
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dpowell
    dpowell Posts: 3,068
    edited November 2009
    Thanks for the help! I was leaning towards a pair of LSi9's for my up and coming 2-channel rig until I saw these. Here's the link:

    http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/ele/1443757546.html

    It appears the seller runs the following website. I asked if he was a member of this forum and he is not.

    http://www.polksda.com/sda1c-studio.shtml
    ____________________________________________________________

    polkaudio Fully Modded SDA SRS 1.2TLs + Dreadnaught, LSiM706c, 4 X Polk Surrounds + 4 X ATMOS, SVS PB13 Ultra X 2, Pass Labs X1, Marantz 7704, Bob Carver Crimson Beauty 350 Tube Mono Blocks, Carver Sunfire Signature Cinema Grande 400x5, ADCOM GFA 7807, Panasonic UB420, Moon 380D DAC, EPSON Pro Cinema 6050
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dpowell
    dpowell Posts: 3,068
    edited November 2009
    One other question for you. The seller said that he is also getting ready to sell the following equipment. Anything here worth picking up?

    ADC Sound Shaper Stereo Frequency Equalizer/Spectrum Analyzer Model SS-412X

    dbx Model 3BX Dynamic Range Controller
    ____________________________________________________________

    polkaudio Fully Modded SDA SRS 1.2TLs + Dreadnaught, LSiM706c, 4 X Polk Surrounds + 4 X ATMOS, SVS PB13 Ultra X 2, Pass Labs X1, Marantz 7704, Bob Carver Crimson Beauty 350 Tube Mono Blocks, Carver Sunfire Signature Cinema Grande 400x5, ADCOM GFA 7807, Panasonic UB420, Moon 380D DAC, EPSON Pro Cinema 6050
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dpowell
    dpowell Posts: 3,068
    edited November 2009
    Sorry, another question. The seller tells me he was driving these with an Onkyo Integra M-506 RS (150 watts per channel, min.) but will be demoing them with a Sony HT AVR. The manual says these have a minimum impedance of 4Ohms, can an 8Ohm AVR drive them safely? If I pick up an Adcom GFA5500, will that be a good amp paired with Concealer's GTP-400 or SLC-505 to drive these?
    ____________________________________________________________

    polkaudio Fully Modded SDA SRS 1.2TLs + Dreadnaught, LSiM706c, 4 X Polk Surrounds + 4 X ATMOS, SVS PB13 Ultra X 2, Pass Labs X1, Marantz 7704, Bob Carver Crimson Beauty 350 Tube Mono Blocks, Carver Sunfire Signature Cinema Grande 400x5, ADCOM GFA 7807, Panasonic UB420, Moon 380D DAC, EPSON Pro Cinema 6050
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,215
    edited November 2009
    dpowell wrote: »
    .......can an 8 Ohm AVR drive them safely?
    No.
    dpowell wrote: »
    If I pick up an Adcom GFA5500, will that be a good amp paired with Concealer's GTP-400 or SLC-505 to drive these?
    It would be a whole lot better than what he has running them. Those speakers sound really nice when you introduce some tubes, FYI.

    As mentioned before, the price is fair. Good luck and happy listening.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,216
    edited November 2009
    dpowell wrote: »
    Found a pair of SDA 1C's locally about an hour from me. The guy is asking $450. They appear to be in excellent condition. Obviously the $500 pair of SDA's being sold on the forum are a higher end but are too far of a drive. Not sure what the 1C's are worth and if they would be a good first step into the world of SDAs.

    That is a fair price for nice cond. 1C's.

    They will mostly likely be your last step into SDA's. IMHO, the 1C is the classic SDA and for most applications/room sizes is the SDA to own.

    Go get them and don;t look back.

    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!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dpowell
    dpowell Posts: 3,068
    edited November 2009
    Thanks,
    I think since I can pick up the GFA5500 for $250, that will get me started and I will reconsider my 'I can never afford to get into tubes' attitude and look at that down the road. :D

    For clarification, are you refering to tubes in the pre amp, the power amp or both?

    Thanks.
    ____________________________________________________________

    polkaudio Fully Modded SDA SRS 1.2TLs + Dreadnaught, LSiM706c, 4 X Polk Surrounds + 4 X ATMOS, SVS PB13 Ultra X 2, Pass Labs X1, Marantz 7704, Bob Carver Crimson Beauty 350 Tube Mono Blocks, Carver Sunfire Signature Cinema Grande 400x5, ADCOM GFA 7807, Panasonic UB420, Moon 380D DAC, EPSON Pro Cinema 6050
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,216
    edited November 2009
    Be aware the Adcom GFA5500 is NOT common ground. But you can tie the negative speaker terminals together with heavy gauge wire without any issues. So yes, the 5500 would be a great amp for the SDA's.

    H9

    P.s. $250 is an oustanding price for a 5500. Be sure to listen to it if you can............that seems ridiculously low for that amp; they seem to sell in the $400-600 range.
    "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!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited November 2009
    OK-- you are armed with good information,, now go get em' and report back--thats an order,,ya' heah,, seriously--good luck,,let us know your impressions.:)
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,215
    edited November 2009
    dpowell wrote: »
    For clarification, are you referring to tubes in the pre amp, the power amp or both?
    It has been my experience that introducing tubes anywhere in the path will yield good results. Also, tubed gear isn't really as expensive as folks make them out to be. I have some real nice tube pieces I've assembled in my journey that sound better than any and all SS gear I have tried.

    Here's what I currently have.....

    Dodd MLP tubed pre- picked up for 1200 give or take, but a Dodd ELP would do you justice as well for around 300-350 if you can find one. Patience, patience, patience....

    Anthem1 tube amp- picked up for around 6 bills and will pair rather nicely with the SDA 1C's. I have heard the "magic" when these two were paired together on more than one system.

    Jolida JD100- picked up for 5 or 6 bills a couple of years ago. This player really needs no introduction to this board. Many a member has had or currently have this CDP.

    I started with introducing the Jolida into my rig. With just that addition, the results were very pleasing to my ears. It replaced a brand spankin' new [but broke in] Rega Apollo. I still to this day prefer the Jolida, especially with some 12AX7 Ei Gold pins.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mmadden28
    mmadden28 Posts: 4,283
    edited November 2009
    heiney9 wrote: »
    ..
    They will mostly likely be your last step into SDA's....

    H9

    Ha- yeah sure :p;)

    It never ends.....until you run out of money....
    ____________________
    This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

    HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
    2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
    Pool: Atrium 60's/45's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dpowell
    dpowell Posts: 3,068
    edited November 2009
    Thanks! That is some great advice and so many possible paths to head down. Nice to know that tubes aren't out of reach as I originally thought.
    treitz3 wrote: »
    Jolida JD100- picked up for 5 or 6 bills a couple of years ago. This player really needs no introduction to this board. Many a member has had or currently have this CDP.

    I'm currently planning to use my Denon 3910 for 2-Channel redbook and SACD. What would I potentially notice with an upgrade to the Jolida?
    ____________________________________________________________

    polkaudio Fully Modded SDA SRS 1.2TLs + Dreadnaught, LSiM706c, 4 X Polk Surrounds + 4 X ATMOS, SVS PB13 Ultra X 2, Pass Labs X1, Marantz 7704, Bob Carver Crimson Beauty 350 Tube Mono Blocks, Carver Sunfire Signature Cinema Grande 400x5, ADCOM GFA 7807, Panasonic UB420, Moon 380D DAC, EPSON Pro Cinema 6050
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dpowell
    dpowell Posts: 3,068
    edited November 2009
    george daniel wrote: »
    OK-- you are armed with good information,, now go get em' and report back--thats an order,,ya' heah,, seriously--good luck,,let us know your impressions.:)

    Just waiting to find out when I can leave the wife and kids (i.e 4 year old and newborn) home for a few hours......Probably this evening. I will report back.
    ____________________________________________________________

    polkaudio Fully Modded SDA SRS 1.2TLs + Dreadnaught, LSiM706c, 4 X Polk Surrounds + 4 X ATMOS, SVS PB13 Ultra X 2, Pass Labs X1, Marantz 7704, Bob Carver Crimson Beauty 350 Tube Mono Blocks, Carver Sunfire Signature Cinema Grande 400x5, ADCOM GFA 7807, Panasonic UB420, Moon 380D DAC, EPSON Pro Cinema 6050
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,215
    edited November 2009
    dpowell wrote: »
    I'm currently planning to use my Denon 3910 for 2-Channel redbook and SACD. What would I potentially notice with an upgrade to the Jolida?
    The loss of SACD. It's a redbook player only. What you would notice is spatial location clues that are more pinpoint verses "in a certain area", a naturalness to chimes and higher frequencies, better rolloff, smoother mids, no listening fatigue, voices with a bit more texture......these are some of the things that I notice when A/B'n the two players I have in my rig. There are more things like subtleties and nuances that you will notice as well.

    That said, it completely depends on what tubes you have running in the Jolida. The tubes can alter the sonic signature and affect any and all of the aforementioned and more. That's where tube rolling can come into play and where the fun begins.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dpowell
    dpowell Posts: 3,068
    edited November 2009
    heiney9 wrote: »
    Be aware the Adcom GFA5500 is NOT common ground. But you can tie the negative speaker terminals together with heavy gauge wire without any issues. So yes, the 5500 would be a great amp for the SDA's.

    H9

    P.s. $250 is an oustanding price for a 5500. Be sure to listen to it if you can............that seems ridiculously low for that amp; they seem to sell in the $400-600 range.

    Good to know about the common ground issue. The price is due to some more than noticeable cosmetic issues. No drops or dents, just lots of scratching making it less pleasing to look at. Not a big deal to me for where it will be located. I was even thinking I could do a bit of a restore job on it. I would like to have a listen to it before buying though.....
    ____________________________________________________________

    polkaudio Fully Modded SDA SRS 1.2TLs + Dreadnaught, LSiM706c, 4 X Polk Surrounds + 4 X ATMOS, SVS PB13 Ultra X 2, Pass Labs X1, Marantz 7704, Bob Carver Crimson Beauty 350 Tube Mono Blocks, Carver Sunfire Signature Cinema Grande 400x5, ADCOM GFA 7807, Panasonic UB420, Moon 380D DAC, EPSON Pro Cinema 6050
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,215
    edited November 2009
    Pssst, here you go....

    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstube&1262231575&/Anthem-Amp-1-EL-34--based-tube
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dpowell
    dpowell Posts: 3,068
    edited November 2009
    treitz3 wrote: »
    Pssst, here you go....

    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstube&1262231575&/Anthem-Amp-1-EL-34--based-tube

    Nice find and it looks like I'd have 3 sets of tubes to try out included with it.

    Forgive my ignorance here. Anthem's website shows this amp as being rated at 40wpc continuous. How does that provide enough power to drive the SDA's when I'm looking at 200wpc on the GFA5500? Are the output ratings different between SS and tube amps?
    ____________________________________________________________

    polkaudio Fully Modded SDA SRS 1.2TLs + Dreadnaught, LSiM706c, 4 X Polk Surrounds + 4 X ATMOS, SVS PB13 Ultra X 2, Pass Labs X1, Marantz 7704, Bob Carver Crimson Beauty 350 Tube Mono Blocks, Carver Sunfire Signature Cinema Grande 400x5, ADCOM GFA 7807, Panasonic UB420, Moon 380D DAC, EPSON Pro Cinema 6050
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,215
    edited November 2009
    This amp will satisfy the hunger that the 1C's require, without a doubt. It will actually surprise you how powerful this amp can get whilst listening to some beautiful sound. It may very well be the last tube amp you'll ever need. It has been said before that this amp is underrated. I agree.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited November 2009
    Just ask thsmith,, he just got an AMP 1--I had one,, Tom does now,,currently I'm running my 1C's with a 40 watt Quickie,and have no plans to change,, unless it's unseated by a 50 watt vintage VTL.If you wanna go large,,might i suggest a Cary 120S.Jerryj12 has one on his 1C's,, pm these guys and see how they feel/like.
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dpowell
    dpowell Posts: 3,068
    edited November 2009
    I've sent an initial request to the seller......Only $200 more than I was going to spend and that is by far the least expensive tube amp currently listed on AGon. I can use any pre with it I assume?
    ____________________________________________________________

    polkaudio Fully Modded SDA SRS 1.2TLs + Dreadnaught, LSiM706c, 4 X Polk Surrounds + 4 X ATMOS, SVS PB13 Ultra X 2, Pass Labs X1, Marantz 7704, Bob Carver Crimson Beauty 350 Tube Mono Blocks, Carver Sunfire Signature Cinema Grande 400x5, ADCOM GFA 7807, Panasonic UB420, Moon 380D DAC, EPSON Pro Cinema 6050
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited November 2009
    He, he,, after you get it,,we'll tell you about the cap upgrade that takes it up a notch--make way for another one in the hole,,,aieeeeeeeeeeeeeeee:cool:


    It's futile to resist,, give in to the glow:cool:
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,216
    edited November 2009
    dpowell wrote: »
    Nice find and it looks like I'd have 3 sets of tubes to try out included with it.

    Forgive my ignorance here. Anthem's website shows this amp as being rated at 40wpc continuous. How does that provide enough power to drive the SDA's when I'm looking at 200wpc on the GFA5500? Are the output ratings different between SS and tube amps?

    WPC mean nothing in a well designed high end amp. My Pass Aleph 30 puts out 30wpc and it is more than enough..........by far to play my 1C's to very high dynamic levels.

    The Anthem will be a better choice than the 5500, but we are all on a budget. Perhaps get the 5500 and add a tube pre and when you're ready move to something like the Anthem......... or if it's within you budget get the Anthem.

    Big factor will be what pre you're running. A poor pre or an AVR for a pre will never get the full potential out of the Anthem, fot that matter the 5500 either.

    Just food for thought

    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!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dpowell
    dpowell Posts: 3,068
    edited November 2009
    he he,
    My original budget was $300 for the LSi9's and use the rest of the gear I currently have in the office rig.

    Thanks to all of you who through no fault of your own suffer from the same disease I have (it's fun to spend other people's money-itis) I'm now looking at $900 for just the speakers and power amp. However, the thought that has occured to me is that I would easily spend some of that additional money down the road just on shipping costs to sell old gear and buy a 2nd round of new gear.

    I am hoping to sell my RT2000's and CS400i for somewhere between $350 and $400 and I can probably sell the HK AVR7000 I just picked up for a couple hundred so I'm getting close to not having to rob the bank account for this......

    Thanks again for all of the helpful suggestions.
    ____________________________________________________________

    polkaudio Fully Modded SDA SRS 1.2TLs + Dreadnaught, LSiM706c, 4 X Polk Surrounds + 4 X ATMOS, SVS PB13 Ultra X 2, Pass Labs X1, Marantz 7704, Bob Carver Crimson Beauty 350 Tube Mono Blocks, Carver Sunfire Signature Cinema Grande 400x5, ADCOM GFA 7807, Panasonic UB420, Moon 380D DAC, EPSON Pro Cinema 6050
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • concealer404
    concealer404 Posts: 7,440
    edited November 2009
    Mmmmm... that anthem would sound nice on a passive pre. ;)

    Did the new links work for pictures?
    I don't read the newsssspaperssss because dey aaaallllllllll...... have ugly print.

    Living Room: B&K Reference 5 S2 / Parasound HCA-1000A / Emotiva XDA-2 / Pioneer BDP-51FD / Paradigm 11se MKiii

    Desk: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / ISK HD9999

    Office: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / Dynaco SCA-80Q / Paradigm Legend V.3

    HT: Denon AVR-X3400H / Sony UBP-X700 / RT16 / CS350LS / RT7 / SVS PB1000
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dpowell
    dpowell Posts: 3,068
    edited November 2009
    concealer404 wrote: »
    Mmmmm... that anthem would sound nice on a passive pre. ;)

    Did the new links work for pictures?

    Thanks Ben, the links did work. I was just thinking the same thing........Hopefully I'll hear back from the seller soon.
    ____________________________________________________________

    polkaudio Fully Modded SDA SRS 1.2TLs + Dreadnaught, LSiM706c, 4 X Polk Surrounds + 4 X ATMOS, SVS PB13 Ultra X 2, Pass Labs X1, Marantz 7704, Bob Carver Crimson Beauty 350 Tube Mono Blocks, Carver Sunfire Signature Cinema Grande 400x5, ADCOM GFA 7807, Panasonic UB420, Moon 380D DAC, EPSON Pro Cinema 6050
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited November 2009
    LOL,, just think,, this thread started out with a question about pricing,, hold on,, it's a fast ride.:)
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter