New Member Looking for SDA/RTA Speakers

fafner
fafner Posts: 115
edited February 2010 in Vintage Speakers
Hi...

I am new to the forum and live in Cincinnati, OH. I bought 3 pairs of SDA 2A's in the 1980's and still have 2 pairs of them as mains and surrounds in my Home Theater setup. I have always loved their warm full-range sound and wish I had not sold the 3rd pair.

I am looking for a pair of SDA's or RTA's that I can add as rears in my system. I tried two pairs of junk speakers and they made the system sound worse..not surprisingly I guess. I mostly use the system for movies and classical music/opera. No Rock here!

I have searched Craigslist and eBay for speakers close enough for me to take a day trip to pick up but have not found any. All I can find is newer model Polks without the passive radiators and and I am simply not ready to settle for something like that.

In the AVSForum, Ron Temple was very helpful in suggesting that I look for RTA's as well as SDA's and also suggested that I join this forum. So... here I am asking for help from anyone who can help me complete my "dream" HT system.

Thanks in advance for any help that is provided and have a great day.

fafner
Fronts - Polk SDA2B's
Center - Polk 350CS
Surrounds #A - Another pair of SDA2B's
Surrounds #B - Another pair of SDA2B's
Rears - Yet another pair of SDA2B's
Subwoofers - 2 M&K's
AVR - Denon 3808CI
Display - Sony 52KDL4100
Blu-ray Player - JVC BP-1
HTPC - Self built - Intel Quad Core I7 920@4.0ghz
Post edited by fafner on
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  • dpowell
    dpowell Posts: 3,068
    edited January 2010
    Welcome to the forum! I think your best bet is to just be patient. There have been a lot of SDA's for sale in recent months. I'm sure something will come along.
    ____________________________________________________________

    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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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,464
    edited January 2010
    Craigslist has a set of SDA-CRS right now...

    Google craiglook and you will find what you seek easily.
    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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  • smglbrth
    smglbrth Posts: 1,481
    edited January 2010
    Best advice around, "hurry up and wait"...
    Remember, when you're running from something, you're running to something...-me
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  • dpowell
    dpowell Posts: 3,068
    edited January 2010
    I always wondered if there was a way to search all craigslists cities and now I know. I can see where that would be a VERY dangerous tool to my wallet!
    ____________________________________________________________

    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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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited January 2010
    Welcome to yet another Queen City resident. Soon we might need more than one hand to count us.

    Have you considered something in the monitor line? M7's and M10's show up frequently in craigslist and ebay.
    _________________________________________________
    ***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

    2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
    SOPA
    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,464
    edited January 2010
    dpowell wrote: »
    I always wondered if there was a way to search all craigslists cities and now I know. I can see where that would be a VERY dangerous tool to my wallet!
    You're Welcome!!!:D
    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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  • cincycat13
    cincycat13 Posts: 887
    edited January 2010
    Welcome to the forums.

    http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/ele/1523744105.html (no association) if you go the monitor route the are close to you if still available.
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited January 2010
    Damn. Right in my neighborhood. And there's another local. Hadn't seen you around cincycat.
    _________________________________________________
    ***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

    2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
    SOPA
    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
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  • classic carl
    classic carl Posts: 652
    edited January 2010
    I have a pair of SDA CRS for sale in Erie, Pa. PM sent.
    Main System:
    Proton AA-1150 ~ Yamaha C-4 ~ Furman Elite-15 DMi ~ Sennheiser HD600 ~ Monitor Audio Silver RS8 & FB210 ~ Martin Logan Dynamo ~ Teac R-919X ~ Marantz CD5003 ~ Squeezebox Classic ~ Music Hall dac25.2 ~ Dual 1229/Acutex M312 III STR ~ Music Hall mmf-5.1/Goldring 1012GX ~ Music Hall Cruise Control 2.0

    Home Theater:
    Yamaha RX-V800 ~ Furman Elite-15 DMi ~ Marantz DV6001 ~ EPI M90 ~ Polk Audio RT35i ~ CS400i ~ (2) Polk Audio PSW450
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  • fafner
    fafner Posts: 115
    edited January 2010
    Thanks to everyone who has responded. I did not know about CraigLook. That was a great tip :)

    I had not considered the Monitor series simply because I have never heard them or really did any research on them. I certainly will see if I can get to the demo the pair of 10's that were referenced above (email sent to the seller.)

    I have patience to wait. I know that I would prefer Polks with passive radiators, but beyond that I am unsure whether I want to wait for SDA 2's or go with apparently more available Monitors or CRS. I would appreciate any thoughts anyone wants to share on this point.

    BTW, I forgot to mention that I have two M&K subs in my setup and wonder if that eliminates (or at least lessens) the benefits I would get from passive radiators in my rears. Again thoughts would be welcome.

    >Classic Carl: PM sent.

    Thanks again for the welcomes!

    fafner
    Fronts - Polk SDA2B's
    Center - Polk 350CS
    Surrounds #A - Another pair of SDA2B's
    Surrounds #B - Another pair of SDA2B's
    Rears - Yet another pair of SDA2B's
    Subwoofers - 2 M&K's
    AVR - Denon 3808CI
    Display - Sony 52KDL4100
    Blu-ray Player - JVC BP-1
    HTPC - Self built - Intel Quad Core I7 920@4.0ghz
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  • Ron Temple
    Ron Temple Posts: 3,212
    edited January 2010
    Welcome fafner...see you're already getting some good suggestions. Keep an eye on the Flea Market too. You never know when the next great deal will come by. This is the place for vintage Polk knowledge anyway.;)

    Combo rig:

    Onkyo NR1007 pre-pro, Carver TFM 45(fronts), Carver TFM 35 (surrounds)
    SDA 1C, CS400i, SDA 2B
    PB13Ultra RO
    BW Silvers
    Oppo BDP-83SE
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  • Backtothe80s
    Backtothe80s Posts: 45
    edited January 2010
    Welcome, fafner! The Polk forums will prove to be very helpful in your quest.
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  • classic carl
    classic carl Posts: 652
    edited January 2010
    http://albums.phanfare.com/isolated/R1bZ4sKB/1/4538907#imageID=91629262

    The above link will take you to the photos of my SDA CRS.
    Main System:
    Proton AA-1150 ~ Yamaha C-4 ~ Furman Elite-15 DMi ~ Sennheiser HD600 ~ Monitor Audio Silver RS8 & FB210 ~ Martin Logan Dynamo ~ Teac R-919X ~ Marantz CD5003 ~ Squeezebox Classic ~ Music Hall dac25.2 ~ Dual 1229/Acutex M312 III STR ~ Music Hall mmf-5.1/Goldring 1012GX ~ Music Hall Cruise Control 2.0

    Home Theater:
    Yamaha RX-V800 ~ Furman Elite-15 DMi ~ Marantz DV6001 ~ EPI M90 ~ Polk Audio RT35i ~ CS400i ~ (2) Polk Audio PSW450
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  • BuckeyeTim
    BuckeyeTim Posts: 483
    edited January 2010
    Hi fafner! Ohio here too, but more north central. I too am looking for a set of SDA's within driving distance (in as close to mint condition as possible).
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  • cincycat13
    cincycat13 Posts: 887
    edited January 2010
    dadgum...no wonder I can't find any minty vintage in my area...too many people looking:D Good thing I shoved those 2Bs from Dayton in my trunk that needed some work. Hopefully patience will pay off for all of us!
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  • fafner
    fafner Posts: 115
    edited January 2010
    Hi Buckeye Tim: There is a pair of SDA's on CraigLook in Alden, NY...just east of Buffalo...too far for me but perhaps within driving distance for you.

    fafner
    Fronts - Polk SDA2B's
    Center - Polk 350CS
    Surrounds #A - Another pair of SDA2B's
    Surrounds #B - Another pair of SDA2B's
    Rears - Yet another pair of SDA2B's
    Subwoofers - 2 M&K's
    AVR - Denon 3808CI
    Display - Sony 52KDL4100
    Blu-ray Player - JVC BP-1
    HTPC - Self built - Intel Quad Core I7 920@4.0ghz
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  • fafner
    fafner Posts: 115
    edited January 2010
    CincyCat: The Monitor 10's are still available. I am going to demo them today or tomorrow. Thanks for the link.

    fafner
    Fronts - Polk SDA2B's
    Center - Polk 350CS
    Surrounds #A - Another pair of SDA2B's
    Surrounds #B - Another pair of SDA2B's
    Rears - Yet another pair of SDA2B's
    Subwoofers - 2 M&K's
    AVR - Denon 3808CI
    Display - Sony 52KDL4100
    Blu-ray Player - JVC BP-1
    HTPC - Self built - Intel Quad Core I7 920@4.0ghz
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  • classic carl
    classic carl Posts: 652
    edited January 2010
    I know of another pair of SDA CRS with wood cabs in Erie. They might be CRS+
    I looked at them quickly, but cannot vouch for the actual condition because it was a while ago. This pair is at the same local tech shop that I bought my pair at. I did notice that they were still there last week when I stopped to pick up my Crown DC-300A. I can supply a phone number if anyone is interested. This guy has shipped Dahlquist DQ-10's to Hawaii, so shipping these would not be a problem, but expensive.
    Main System:
    Proton AA-1150 ~ Yamaha C-4 ~ Furman Elite-15 DMi ~ Sennheiser HD600 ~ Monitor Audio Silver RS8 & FB210 ~ Martin Logan Dynamo ~ Teac R-919X ~ Marantz CD5003 ~ Squeezebox Classic ~ Music Hall dac25.2 ~ Dual 1229/Acutex M312 III STR ~ Music Hall mmf-5.1/Goldring 1012GX ~ Music Hall Cruise Control 2.0

    Home Theater:
    Yamaha RX-V800 ~ Furman Elite-15 DMi ~ Marantz DV6001 ~ EPI M90 ~ Polk Audio RT35i ~ CS400i ~ (2) Polk Audio PSW450
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  • BB3
    BB3 Posts: 297
    edited January 2010
    I'll keep my eyes peeled for you, fafner.........By The Way Welcome To The Forum, fafner.

    Always A Pleasure To Have Another Fellow Ohioan Onboard.
    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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  • fafner
    fafner Posts: 115
    edited January 2010
    Well, I boutht the Monitor 10's that were available in my area: Thanks again CincyCat.

    They are still in my car but I will get them setup this evening. I am sure they will sound ok for me....at least in the interim until I can get another set of SDA's or even better a pair of CRS for my fronts. When (notice I did not say if) that happens, I can either use the 10's in my second setup or sell them and probably get all my money back :)

    Thanks again for all the welcomes. This a great forum and there seem to be a lot of fun as well as knowledgable members. So glad I joined!

    fafner
    Fronts - Polk SDA2B's
    Center - Polk 350CS
    Surrounds #A - Another pair of SDA2B's
    Surrounds #B - Another pair of SDA2B's
    Rears - Yet another pair of SDA2B's
    Subwoofers - 2 M&K's
    AVR - Denon 3808CI
    Display - Sony 52KDL4100
    Blu-ray Player - JVC BP-1
    HTPC - Self built - Intel Quad Core I7 920@4.0ghz
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  • cincycat13
    cincycat13 Posts: 887
    edited January 2010
    Congrats fafner! They looked clean on line, but I decided to try the 2Bs.
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  • BuckeyeTim
    BuckeyeTim Posts: 483
    edited January 2010
    Hi Buckeye Tim: There is a pair of SDA's on CraigLook in Alden, NY...just east of Buffalo...too far for me but perhaps within driving distance for you.

    Yeah, I see those in Ny, thanks. Good enough condition, but that is still a 300 mile drive...each way.
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited January 2010
    Welcome to Club Polk fafner! If the Monitor 10s don't work out the CRS are great for rears. I tried mine and was blown away. Too bad I just don't have space for them in my living room. NO, I'm not letting them go.;):D
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  • fafner
    fafner Posts: 115
    edited January 2010
    I added the Monitor 10's as rears to my HT setup last night and am very pleased with them. They have the sweet warm sound that I am used to from my SDA 2A's and the all around sounds seems pretty seamless going from my fronts to the surrounds to the rears. I look forward to playing some movies and concerts in the next few days to fully evaluate them.

    fafner
    Fronts - Polk SDA2B's
    Center - Polk 350CS
    Surrounds #A - Another pair of SDA2B's
    Surrounds #B - Another pair of SDA2B's
    Rears - Yet another pair of SDA2B's
    Subwoofers - 2 M&K's
    AVR - Denon 3808CI
    Display - Sony 52KDL4100
    Blu-ray Player - JVC BP-1
    HTPC - Self built - Intel Quad Core I7 920@4.0ghz
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  • BuckeyeTim
    BuckeyeTim Posts: 483
    edited January 2010
    Did you see the pair of 1C's in Fort Wayne for $400....look very tempting.
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  • fafner
    fafner Posts: 115
    edited January 2010
    BuckeyeTim wrote: »
    Did you see the pair of 1C's in Fort Wayne for $400....look very tempting.

    Yes, I did, but thanks. I'm thinking now I will wait to fine a pair of SRS's.

    fafner
    Fronts - Polk SDA2B's
    Center - Polk 350CS
    Surrounds #A - Another pair of SDA2B's
    Surrounds #B - Another pair of SDA2B's
    Rears - Yet another pair of SDA2B's
    Subwoofers - 2 M&K's
    AVR - Denon 3808CI
    Display - Sony 52KDL4100
    Blu-ray Player - JVC BP-1
    HTPC - Self built - Intel Quad Core I7 920@4.0ghz
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  • cincycat13
    cincycat13 Posts: 887
    edited January 2010
    http://dayton.craigslist.org/ele/1566491620.html

    painted black monitor 10s in Celina no stands for $100 if you need a garage speaker...
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  • fafner
    fafner Posts: 115
    edited January 2010
    cincycat13 wrote: »
    http://dayton.craigslist.org/ele/1566491620.html

    painted black monitor 10s in Celina no stands for $100 if you need a garage speaker...

    Kind of risky because paint might have gotten where it should not have....at least that would be my concern.

    fafner
    Fronts - Polk SDA2B's
    Center - Polk 350CS
    Surrounds #A - Another pair of SDA2B's
    Surrounds #B - Another pair of SDA2B's
    Rears - Yet another pair of SDA2B's
    Subwoofers - 2 M&K's
    AVR - Denon 3808CI
    Display - Sony 52KDL4100
    Blu-ray Player - JVC BP-1
    HTPC - Self built - Intel Quad Core I7 920@4.0ghz
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  • Fishtreker
    Fishtreker Posts: 1
    edited February 2010
    Hello, I just joined the forum, are you looking for a pair of SDA-2 speakers?
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  • fafner
    fafner Posts: 115
    edited February 2010
    Yes. Where aare you located?
    Fronts - Polk SDA2B's
    Center - Polk 350CS
    Surrounds #A - Another pair of SDA2B's
    Surrounds #B - Another pair of SDA2B's
    Rears - Yet another pair of SDA2B's
    Subwoofers - 2 M&K's
    AVR - Denon 3808CI
    Display - Sony 52KDL4100
    Blu-ray Player - JVC BP-1
    HTPC - Self built - Intel Quad Core I7 920@4.0ghz
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter