Polk SDA 2 Question

Polk Newbee

Hi,

I need some help from the resident Polk Audio SDA 2 experts. Can someone confirm if Serial numbers in the 14000 range are correct/accurate for Polk SDA 2 series speakers.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated it. Also can the serial number identify (14000 range) identify whether they are SDA 2A, 2B, or 2C?

I am a newbie (very excited about the chance to get a set) and have not seen a photo yet.

Thank You.

NJPOLKER

I do believe you are going to have to do a little better than that. Pictures and or a better description will help big time!

Welcome to the forum.

Polk Newbee

At this point, that is all the information I have.

My hope is to see the speakers and make decision/purchase. I was hoping some SDA 2 guru (there appears to be many of you) might have a serial number database for the SDA 2 series.

Thanks

JohnLocke88

I don't know if anyone actually has the Serial #s cataloged.

Once we see a picture, should be super simple.

Polk Newbee

I will keep you posted and cross your fingers for me. I am very excited that I may get a chance at a set of SBA 2s.

Thanks Again.

NJPOLKER

Hey Pal
Just relax a minute and let the guys help you out. The single tweeter dual driver and passive are more loved than the multi tweeter/driver models. Do some searches before you go too far. Just my opinion. Good luck

george daniel

You might wanna try pushing in the passives and watch to see if the mids extend and fade slowly,push the outer of the mids to make sure there is no "scraping" sound(bad driver).The pin/blade version(interconnect) is the more desirable because it can/may be upgraded to the "tl" version.That should get you going,,BTW,see if the owner has the interconncect cable,,not a deal breaker though.Good luck.

Hamatym

My set of SDA 2B's have a serial numbers of 21668 & 21752 if that helps? and are the Pin/Blade version

ben62670

I make custom pin blade cables for $45 that are better than stock if you need one.
Ben

headrott

ben62670 wrote: »

I make custom pin blade cables for $45 that are better than stock if you need one.
Ben

Hey Ben, where do you get the blade connectors from to make these? I need one for an AI-1 I am going to make. Thanks a lot for your help.

Greg

ben62670

For the A1 I use the pin from an RCA plug with a spade on the ground. Have you seen the thread on making an A1 with the large toroidal transformer? What amp are you using?
Ben

headrott

I am using an Aragon 8008bb amp with 3.1TLs. Still up in the air about it being common ground though. I read it was, but when I first turned it on, I got a repeating thud, thud, thud.....thud, thud, thud coming through my speakers. I was told to disconnect the SDA cable and this solved the problem. No more thud. I assumed it needs an AI-1 cable. I then more recently was told that the resistance on the negative posts are very high (they are) at 20.5 ohms, and that this may cause the thud. But, again I was told it is a common ground amp.

For the cable, I am looking to do 2 spades on the transformer (yes I have seen Raife's excellent write up of the dreadnought) end and one spade and one blade on the speaker end. I am just looking for a single high quality blade connector to attach an (approximately) 8 AWG wire to.

ben62670

Trust me you do not want to use a spade in the stock hole. It is to close to the pin. Use the pin from an RCA, and a spade on the speaker ground. 8 gauge wire is way to heavy for that progect. 14ga is ideal. I have builtr a few of these;)
Ben

ben62670

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=77251
Just some options here. I fallowed DK's design and used a different cable system, and connectors. This A-1 can be used with any pin blade SDA's.
Ben

headrott

I rewired the pin connector to a Cardas CCRR binding post I added, I was going to use a spade to connect to the (lower) negative binding posts for the blade connection, but I have jumpers with spades already connected and banannas for the speaker wires (they're full already). So, I need to use the blade connection for the AI-1 cable (blade connection) and I am going to use a spade for the pin connection (on the new binding post). But I need to find a high quality blade connector. Why is 8 AWG wire too heavy? (Actually it's an 11AWG wire with the 2 leads soldered together).

ben62670

It is too heavy weight wise for using a pin. Also 11ga is overkill for an A1. partsexpress.com has decent blades.

headrott

Overkill? Is there such a thing?;) I was searching for a blade there, but couldn't figure out what section they are located under. Is it just a male quick disconnect? Also, you recommend 14 AWG? Have you compared between differnet wire guages? Thanks again Ben.

Greg

ben62670

16ga, 14ga, and doubled up 14ga. The 16ga was actually fine, but the 14ga fit the RCA better than the 14ga. Also the 16ga just looked cheesy;) Stock I think was 20ga. The purpsoe of heavy ga wire is current arrying capability, and bass heavy apps. The heavy bass is not cancel with the SDA IC.
Ben

headrott

What is the frequency range that the SDA cable carries?

Also, can you send me a link to where the blade connectors are located at partsexpress.com please? Thanks again Ben.

Greg

ben62670

The cable carries 50hz-2-2.5khz. Sorry about the wild goose chase. PE doesn't carry the gold plate male faston:(

headrott

That's pretty low on the frequency range, so wouldn't a heavier ga wire be better?

ben62670

My AQ CV4's are 15ga and are full range. Heavy ga is over rated. You are better off using a better lower ga wire than a cheap heavy ga wire.
Ben

headrott

I gotcha. I used the Supra Classic 4.0 (11AWG) wire to do my "normal" SDA cable and it worked well. I was going to use The Goertz python MI2 cable for the SDA cable, but was told it was overkill. I find this speaker cable to be extremely good, but I've never used AQ, Kimber, or any of the other really "known" name brands. I just want this to be the last time I wire the AI-1 cable box (i.e to do it well the first time).

ben62670

One thing for sure(which surprised me)is that the IC cable is more important than you would think. Some AQ 14/2 wire is only a $1 a foot and is pretty nice stuff. Better than the price would indicate. My friend rewired his Carver Amazings with it and was very impressed. Also take a look at Cardis offerings. I personally use silver plated copper for SDA IC's. Some don't like silver speaker wire. I used to actually sell some silver speaker cables, but synergy was an issue. It lacked the weight good bass has in some systems so I stopped selling it. This is actually adventitious in the SDA IC;)
Ben

Polk Newbee

Thanks Everyone. I saw/purchased the speakers today and they appear to be SDA 2As - single tweeter dual driver and passive. The cabinets are not in the best shape, but the drivers are and the grills are near perfect. The seller also had the interconnect cable.

All I can say is WOW!!!!!!!! These speakers are absolutely incredible sounding. My next questions for the team is should I replace the tweeters? There seems to be a lot of discussions about replacing the tweeters with the newer version available from Polk. Advise?

Thanks Again.

Polk Newbee

Speaker Photo

Polk Newbee

After further review, these appear to be SDA 2B real wood versions

ben62670

Congrats. I detect some excitement:) Now do a little research to get them set up with proper room placement. Be prepared for a long journey my friend;)
Ben

dacoupedeville

You will love the 2b`s. I did and do.

headrott

You asked about upgrading the tweets. Redo the crossovers and TL the 2Bs, then add some RDO-198-1 tweets for these. You will be happy you did.:)

F1nut

Also the 16ga just looked cheesy Stock I think was 20ga.

All my stock SDA IC's are 16 gauge.