My SDA 1C Studios sang for the first time

dpowell
dpowell Posts: 3,068
edited November 2009 in Vintage Speakers
All I can say is WOW!....and I don't even have them properly positioned yet. (I say that because I know better things are to come and because Ben will read this and comment again about they are all wrong :) ).

After starting the 2-channel journey about a month ago, I finally settled on a temporary preamp. 'Settled' because I was going to have a nervous breakdown if the 1C's sat silent much longer. :eek: I spent some time looking for a tubed pre but I didn't want to settle for a cheap one. Instead, I decided for the time being to go with a B&K Reference 10 which I picked up in pristine condition for a very reasonable price. I wanted a pre with a remote and I always wanted to try a B&K product. It arrived yesterday.

Just to satisfy the SDA guru's here, I did move the 1C's another 3 feet apart but they are still poorly positioned in the room and about 6 feet apart. Still, my mouth dropped when I heard them for the first time powered by the Anthem 1. I heard such a smooth rich bass that I have been wishing I could get out of the RT3000's for so long. The vocals were so realistic. I can't imagine what the upgraded tweeters and x-over mods must do for them.

I am so glad that the Polkies who contributed to my previous thread encouraged me to get the tube amp. Last night with the lights off, the warm glow of tubes and the sounds of sweet tunes filled the room......
____________________________________________________________

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
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  • dpowell
    dpowell Posts: 3,068
    edited November 2009
    BTW, bought the audio rack with black glass shelves on craigslist for $30. :D
    ____________________________________________________________

    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
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  • concealer404
    concealer404 Posts: 7,440
    edited November 2009
    Nice choice on the preamp. :)
    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
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  • Pycroft
    Pycroft Posts: 1,960
    edited November 2009
    I like your rack....

    I mean, your tubes are HOT!...

    I mean...

    Great setup and congrats! Never heard any of your gear, I'm experiementing in 2 channel myself, and enjoying every second...I'm sure you are too!

    James
    2 Channel/HT:
    Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
    Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
    Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
    Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
    TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
    Harman Kardon HK354
    Sony SACD Player
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,215
    edited November 2009
    The bliss has only started my friend. ;)
    ~ 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. ~
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited November 2009
    Eh,, that kinda looks like an Amp 1,,am I right?
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,215
    edited November 2009
    George, George, George......you must be at stage one of getting old :eek: . You were one of the ones that helped him make the decision to get it. Yes, it's the Anthem1.

    Remember, we talked of this at Polkfest? ;)
    ~ 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. ~
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited November 2009
    Tom, Tom, Tom,, I thought that I did,, but since I'm getting old and forgetful,I take nothing for granted these days, LOL,, just tell me that he was not at PF and I'll reduce my anxiety level.;)
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,215
    edited November 2009
    All is well. I'm just dogging you because you are younger than me. I'm the old **** who can't remember. ;)

    PS...he was not at PF.
    ~ 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. ~
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,463
    edited November 2009
    If you think it sounds good now, proper positioning will blow you away. Congrats on the setup.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,333
    edited November 2009
    nooshinjohn wrote: »
    If you think it sounds good now, proper positioning will blow you away. Congrats on the setup.

    Agreed!!! Nice start none the less.

    Congrats:cool:
    Polk Audio SDA 2.3tl Fully Hot Rodded. 😎

    SVS SB16 X2

    Cary SLP-05/Ultimate Upgrade.
    Cary SA-500.1 ES Amps
    Cary DMS 800PV Network
    OPPO UDP 205/ModWright Modification
    VPI Scout TT / Dynavector 20x2
    Jolida JD9 Fully Modified

    VPI MW-1 Cyclone RCM

    MIT Shotgun 3 cables throughout / Except TT, and PC’s
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  • dpowell
    dpowell Posts: 3,068
    edited November 2009
    treitz3 wrote: »
    All is well. I'm just dogging you because you are younger than me. I'm the old **** who can't remember. ;)

    PS...he was not at PF.

    Sure wish I could get to a Polk Fest some year. Seems nothing exciting happens out here on the west coast.
    ____________________________________________________________

    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
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  • dpowell
    dpowell Posts: 3,068
    edited November 2009
    BTW, if anyone sees a deal on a tubed pre please let me know. I'm not in a big rush now but it really don't know good brands from bad and that makes looking a bit more complex. Currently on the list to look for is a Dodd ELP. Suggestions welcome.
    ____________________________________________________________

    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
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited November 2009
    I might have a tubed pre mthat I'll be selling if the Adcom SLC "unseats one",, if you let me/us know your budget,then you'll have multiple "eyes" out there.:)

    Just a thought,, while you are waiting on a tubed pre,, a new set of caps and resistors will bring them to another leve with the gear that you currently have,you might ask,,can you hear a difference between a pair of stock and re-capped 1C's--Heck yes. Good luck and have fun.
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • BB3
    BB3 Posts: 297
    edited November 2009
    This is a beautiful thing. Congrats dpowell.
    BILL(BB3)
    Sony 52in.XBR6
    Sony 32in.XBR6
    Anthem AVM50V
    Anthem PRE-2L
    Sonic Frontiers SFCD-1
    Carver C-9
    Carver C-19 PreAmp
    Carver C-16 PreAmp
    2-Carver Silver 7-T's
    4-Carver TFM55's
    2-Carver TFM35's
    1-Carver TFM25
    Carver 490T
    Denon DCD1560
    Sony BDP-S350
    Sony PS3
    Nintendo Wii
    Panasonic DMK23DVR

    Speakers :

    PolkAudio SDA-SRS
    PolkAudio SDA-SRS 1.2TL
    PolkAudio SDA-CRS+(Compliments Of Mr. Jim Thomas"jtgranby")
    PolkAudio RTA-15TL
    PolkAudio M3
    3-Velodyne F-1500's
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  • dpowell
    dpowell Posts: 3,068
    edited November 2009
    george daniel wrote: »
    I might have a tubed pre mthat I'll be selling if the Adcom SLC "unseats one",, if you let me/us know your budget,then you'll have multiple "eyes" out there.:)

    Just a thought,, while you are waiting on a tubed pre,, a new set of caps and resistors will bring them to another leve with the gear that you currently have,you might ask,,can you hear a difference between a pair of stock and re-capped 1C's--Heck yes. Good luck and have fun.

    I'm going to give you a range for budget on the Pre. I understand from previous threads that the pre is even more important than the power amp in terms of the final sonic output so I'm willing to wait and dedicate some $$ to one. At first I was looking at a $200-$300 price range for a used entry-level but there doesn't seem to be much in that range that is well-known and I don't want to mess with that. Jesse though a Dodd ELP might go in the $300 - $400 range but wasn't 100% positive of it. I would be very comfortable in that range. Long-term if I have time to save some nickels, I would consider $400 up to $1000 for a "I'll have it for a long time" tubed pre. Hope that helps.

    Who here on the forum would be good for upgrading the x-overs? I am not a soldering guy and I just can't see myself learning how to solder well enough to trust my skills on a job like that.

    When I talked with thsmith about setting the bias on my Anthem, he indicated that the parts alone will run about $300. How much should I start saving for the project parts and labor?
    george daniel wrote: »
    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:

    George, that quote was from the original thread when I was making the decision to buy the Anthem 1. Were you referring to upgrading the CAPS in the power amp or in the SDA's?

    BTW, just a side note, I've been a member on this forum for 4 years now and reading so many posts have convinced me out of numerous audio 'comfort zones' to try something new. Each time I had the same doubt in the back of my mind; how can it get better? Will I notice the difference? Will it be worth the $$? So far this forum hasn't steered me wrong and every upgrade has been worth it 110%. What it has done now with several upgrades under my belt is eliminated most of that doubt and made the primary hinderance to trying new gear my wallet.:eek: Has there ever been a news story about a Polkie robbing a bank or holding up a convenience store because he/she needed a new audio fix? :D

    Thanks!
    -doug
    ____________________________________________________________

    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
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  • dpowell
    dpowell Posts: 3,068
    edited November 2009
    treitz3 wrote: »
    George, George, George......you must be at stage one of getting old :eek: . You were one of the ones that helped him make the decision to get it. Yes, it's the Anthem1.

    Remember, we talked of this at Polkfest? ;)

    Tom, Just wanted to say thanks again for pointing me in the direction of the Anthem on Agon. BTW, the condition of the amp is fanstastic. You, George and Jesse provided me the nudge out of the Solid State nest. :)
    ____________________________________________________________

    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
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited November 2009
    Doug,, if you go with sonicaps,300 dollars is about right for the 1C's,, however,alot of folks here are using the Clarity caps with apparently good results.Ben can turn your crossovers around in a day if you are interested,as I saw him today and he is between jobs/projects. Next,, peek inside the Anthem,andd see what caps you have,they are located on the circuit board,just behind/beside the output tubes.I used the PIO caps,,others,Mundorf,,not a necissity, but it will give you a little more"liquidity",especially in the mids.Sounds like you are having a good time,,have fun.:)
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited November 2009
    Second Ben if you do not feel comfortable changing the caps and resistors in your XOs.

    I would say my expereience level was quite low but careful study and prep makes for a fairly easy job.
    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
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