Audition of SDA-SRS

neighbor
neighbor Posts: 15
edited February 2010 in Vintage Speakers
hello i am new to the forum.i need some advise on what to look for when i go tomorrow to audition a pair of 1986 sda-srs,how will i know if all tweeters,& mids are working properly? thay look very well cared for from all of the pictures, but i would like to go in knowing what and how to audition them properly.he is asking 1100.00,that is a lot of money and i wouldl like to save my self a possible heart break by knowing, with the help of all you experts what and how to look for any possible troubled spots. i thank you all very much ahead of time for any good advise you can give me. thanks neighbor
Post edited by neighbor on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • smglbrth
    smglbrth Posts: 1,481
    edited January 2010
    Welcome to CP!

    Sorry I can't give you tons of info on those models since the last time I heard them was in 1988 when I auditioned them at the "shop" back then. There are many, many others here who will be better informed and I'm sure you'll get tons of info soon.

    Be sure to post pics if you get 'em!
    Remember, when you're running from something, you're running to something...-me
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • wayne3burk
    wayne3burk Posts: 939
    edited January 2010
    You should put you location in there and see if any "serious" polkie in your neighborhood is willing to tag along :)
    Yamaha RX-V2700, EMI 711As (front), RCA K-16 (rear), Magnavox Console (Center & TV Stand), Sony SMP-N200 media streamer, Dual 1249 TT =--- Sharp Aquas 60" LCD tellie
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited January 2010
    Are you referring to the SRS's here in Milwaukee?

    I talked to the guy A couple days ago about the condition of all the drivers, tweeters, and speaker overall. He stated everything worked and looked great. I'm actually going by his house Saturday. If you are seriously interested them let me know, I'll back down.

    I'll send you my Phone number if you have any questions of need me to tag along.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mopar paul
    mopar paul Posts: 277
    edited January 2010
    Many times you can tell how well something has been taken care of just by looking at it. Are the grilles torn up or stained by animals? Are the drivers all nice & shiny still & free of rips/tears? I know this may sound obvious but we are sometimes overwhelmed by emotion when looking at something we want badly.
    When you listen to them take the grilles off ans listen to each driver and make sure none exhibit a rattle or vibration sound. It is critical they have not been overdriven by BAD power! Also make sure they are set up properly-distance from the wall can vary bass output greatly, so keep this in mind. There are lots of thing you can do to make them even better than they are, but that cost money. See if you can offer cash and save a few dollars, just be polite-it never hurts to ask. Good luck, your looking at legendary speakers there.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • neighbor
    neighbor Posts: 15
    edited January 2010
    hello lee,yes i am very interested in them and would be honored if you could accompany me to audition them.i have left my phone no#s on your voice mail,please give me a call or i will try again to get a hold of you. thank you very much neighbor.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jimbo1421
    jimbo1421 Posts: 772
    edited January 2010
    You can do the tests described in this sticky:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=85837

    Jim
    5.1 System:
    TCL R613 55" 4K
    Front: SRS-3.1TL
    Center: CS400i
    Surround: Monitor 10B
    PSW10 subwoofer
    Onkyo PR-SC886P Pre/Pro
    NAD T955 5 channel power amplifier
    Technics SL-1710 MK2 turntable
    Audio-Technica AT14Sa cartridge
    Parasound P3 pre-amp
    Oppo BDP-103 Blu-Ray
    2014 MacBook Pro 2.8 GHz

    2.0 Office System:
    Monitor 10A (Peerless)
    Outlaw 1050 receiver
    Parasound HCA-1000A power amp
    MacPro
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited January 2010
    leroyjr1 wrote: »
    Are you referring to the SRS's here in Milwaukee?

    I talked to the guy A couple days ago about the condition of all the drivers, tweeters, and speaker overall. He stated everything worked and looked great. I'm actually going by his house Saturday. If you are seriously interested them let me know, I'll back down.

    I'll send you my Phone number if you have any questions of need me to tag along.

    Club Polk at its best !

    Welcome to CP Neighbor
    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
  • chandler9a
    chandler9a Posts: 878
    edited January 2010
    good luck with the audition and welcome to the club. let us know what you think of them!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dbaldus
    dbaldus Posts: 730
    edited January 2010
    Damn, you beat me to the punch! I just talked to Mike and he mentioned that "someone" was coming to listen tomorrow morning... I'm assuming that someone is you, neighbor? ;)

    If you could report back on your impressions of the speakers (and whether or not you got them), I would REALLY appreciate it. I'm looking at driving 5+ hours from Minneapolis to audition a pair of speakers that I haven't even seen, so if you end up not getting them, let me know why not as it might help me decide whether or not to make the long trip!

    Thanks,
    Derek

    2-channel
    Squeezebox Touch| MSB Analog DAC | Audio Research Ref 40 Anniversary Edition| Pass Labs X350.8 | Wilson Audio Sasha 2

    Home Theater
    Arcam AVR 550 | GoldenEar Triton One | GoldenEar SuperCenter XXL | GoldenEar Aon 3 | JL Audio Fathom F113v2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited January 2010
    dbaldus wrote: »
    Damn, you beat me to the punch! I just talked to Mike and he mentioned that "someone" was coming to listen tomorrow morning... I'm assuming that someone is you, neighbor? ;)

    If you could report back on your impressions of the speakers (and whether or not you got them), I would REALLY appreciate it. I'm looking at driving 5+ hours from Minneapolis to audition a pair of speakers that I haven't even seen, so if you end up not getting them, let me know why not as it might help me decide whether or not to make the long trip!

    Thanks,
    Derek


    I don't think they'll be available after tomorrow.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dbaldus
    dbaldus Posts: 730
    edited January 2010
    leroyjr1 wrote: »
    I don't think they'll be available after tomorrow.

    I can always hope... been looking for so long... :p

    2-channel
    Squeezebox Touch| MSB Analog DAC | Audio Research Ref 40 Anniversary Edition| Pass Labs X350.8 | Wilson Audio Sasha 2

    Home Theater
    Arcam AVR 550 | GoldenEar Triton One | GoldenEar SuperCenter XXL | GoldenEar Aon 3 | JL Audio Fathom F113v2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bluecomet
    bluecomet Posts: 1,118
    edited January 2010
    I had the original SRS speakers. I traded them for SRS 1.2tl's a couple of months ago, mainly because I have a set of SRS 1.2 speakers which are very similar to the originals. They have the same tweets but are easier to drive at 6 ohms. If you do go for the originals you will notice they emphasize bass, which is good for rock music. Remember they are 4 ohm speakers and need a 200 watt amp to make them really sing. You will not drive them with a regular AVR at you local best buy. You will need a good external amp. If you think the tweets are a little annoying don't worry the replacement RDO's correct that problem and really enhances these speakers. Just some advice from a guy who's been there. You might get lucky if the intereconnect cable is a pin/blade configuration because they are really SRS 1.2's. I got lucky with that one. Good luck.
    Polk HT system 1: LSIC, LSI25 mains, LSI F/X rears, Lsi F/X rear centers,
    Yamaha RX-V2500 System, Carver A753 3 channel amp.

    Polk HT system 2: , SRT system with f/x 1,000's rear speakers on 7.1 system currently using Onkyo TX-RZ820 receiver, powered by Sunfire Grand Theater amp

    Polk Speaker collection: SDA SRS 1.2tl x 2, SRT system, SDA SRS 2 P/B, SDA 2A, SDA 1C Studio, SDA CRS+, Monitor 7B & 4, SRS 3.1tl, RTA 15tl, LS90, LSI 9
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited January 2010
    Welcome to Club Polk neighbor! I purchased a pair of SDA/SRSs in 1984-85 and drove them with NAD 2200 PEs and they were great. I had to sell them due to a divorce but now own the 1.2TLs. If you've never heard SDAs before you are in for a real treat.

    Heavy suckers and huge. Make sure if you buy them that you transport them on their backs.

    Good luck.

    BTW leroy mighty Polkie of you to bow out if neighbor wants them. I commend you sir!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited January 2010
    dbaldus wrote: »
    I can always hope... been looking for so long... :p

    Me and neighbor are going to look at them in the morning and if they're in good overall condition and he passes I'll get them and hold them for you. PM me your number and I'll call you if he passes, but from the pictures and numerous phone calls to Mark I think they're in excellent condition. I'd rather someone here get them instead of someone else just trying to make a quick flip.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Big Dawg
    Big Dawg Posts: 2,005
    edited January 2010
    Welcome to Club Polk, Neighbor, and good luck to you and Leroy in the morning.

    Please report back with pictures!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dbaldus
    dbaldus Posts: 730
    edited January 2010
    leroyjr1 wrote: »
    Me and neighbor are going to look at them in the morning and if they're in good overall condition and he passes I'll get them and hold them for you. PM me your number and I'll call you if he passes, but from the pictures and numerous phone calls to Mark I think they're in excellent condition. I'd rather someone here get them instead of someone else just trying to make a quick flip.

    I really, really, REALLY appreciate that and can't thank you enough.

    You have a PM with my number.

    2-channel
    Squeezebox Touch| MSB Analog DAC | Audio Research Ref 40 Anniversary Edition| Pass Labs X350.8 | Wilson Audio Sasha 2

    Home Theater
    Arcam AVR 550 | GoldenEar Triton One | GoldenEar SuperCenter XXL | GoldenEar Aon 3 | JL Audio Fathom F113v2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • OldmanSRS
    OldmanSRS Posts: 419
    edited January 2010
    If you buy them, be aware that some of the SRS1.2's (mine included) have the positive and negative speaker terminals wired in reverse. The speakers will play and play in-phase but the SDA will not function. I went 15 years with no SDA and never realized it.

    Greg
    '65 427 Shelby Cobra
    '72 Triumph TR-6
    __________________
    '88 Polk SDA SRS 1.2, with upgraded XO caps and Erse SDA inductors
    '86 Polk SDA CRS+
    '84 Polk Monitor 10A (Peerless tweeters)
    '05 HSU VTF-3 Sub (Original OEM)
    '20 HSU VTF-3 Sub (three more, 100% cloned)
    '93 Carver TFM-35
    '88 Carver M-1.0t
    '88 Adcom GFT-555
    '88 Adcom GFP-555
    '88 Adcom GFA-555 (upgraded/restored)
    '88 Adcom GFA-555 (a second one upgraded/restored)
    '05 Onkyo DV-555 media
    '89 Fosgate 360 Digital Space Matrix
    '89 Fosgate 360 Digital Space Matrix, internal surround amp bridged to drive only a center channel
    '91 Kenwood Basic M1D Amp
    '89 Pioneer Laser Disc media
    '89 Sony SuperBeta HiFi media
    One PGA2310 based custom built remote volume control
    Four Polk T-15's
    Four Polk TSi-200's
    Four Polk TSi-100's
    Two Polk CS-10's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • wutadumsn23
    wutadumsn23 Posts: 3,702
    edited January 2010
    Good on ya Lee, great example of what I have come to see more and more here at Club Polk. Let us know how it goes and where they end up. Of course, as the Club Polk motto goes "pics. or it didn't happen". Good luck guys.

    -Jeff
    HT Rig
    Receiver- Onkyo TX-SR806
    Mains- Polk Audio Monitor 70
    Center- Polk Audio CS2
    Surrounds- Polk Audio TSi 500's :D
    Sub- Polk Audio PSW125
    Retired- Polk Audio Monitor 40's
    T.V.- 60" Sony SXRD KDS-60A2000 LCoS
    Blu-Ray- 80 GB PS3


    2 CH rig (in progress)
    Polk Audio Monitor 10A's :cool:

    It's not that I'm insensitive, I just don't care.. :D
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dbaldus
    dbaldus Posts: 730
    edited January 2010
    So.... what happened?!!

    2-channel
    Squeezebox Touch| MSB Analog DAC | Audio Research Ref 40 Anniversary Edition| Pass Labs X350.8 | Wilson Audio Sasha 2

    Home Theater
    Arcam AVR 550 | GoldenEar Triton One | GoldenEar SuperCenter XXL | GoldenEar Aon 3 | JL Audio Fathom F113v2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited January 2010
    He bought them. They looked outstanding and the owner almost cried when we left.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bluecomet
    bluecomet Posts: 1,118
    edited January 2010
    I am happy for neighbor but feel bad for the original owner. Why did he sell them. Money problems? Selling speakers because you want to is one thing. Selling speakers because of tough circumstances is another.
    Polk HT system 1: LSIC, LSI25 mains, LSI F/X rears, Lsi F/X rear centers,
    Yamaha RX-V2500 System, Carver A753 3 channel amp.

    Polk HT system 2: , SRT system with f/x 1,000's rear speakers on 7.1 system currently using Onkyo TX-RZ820 receiver, powered by Sunfire Grand Theater amp

    Polk Speaker collection: SDA SRS 1.2tl x 2, SRT system, SDA SRS 2 P/B, SDA 2A, SDA 1C Studio, SDA CRS+, Monitor 7B & 4, SRS 3.1tl, RTA 15tl, LS90, LSI 9
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited January 2010
    bluecomet wrote: »
    I am happy for neighbor but feel bad for the original owner. Why did he sell them. Money problems? Selling speakers because you want to is one thing. Selling speakers because of tough circumstances is another.


    Size. He bought Bose
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited January 2010
    leroyjr1 wrote: »
    Size. He bought Bose

    LOL!!! Congrats neighbor, you are in for some great times.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,464
    edited January 2010
    leroyjr1 wrote: »
    Size. He bought Bose


    Now I am crying for him....WAAAAAAAAA:eek:

    Congrats to Neighbor Dude, and thanks to Leroy for going with him... Good karma for you bro!
    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
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cincycat13
    cincycat13 Posts: 887
    edited January 2010
    Congrats to neighbor on a great buy...and Kudos to leroyjr1 for riding along. I still thank the guy that upgraded to Bose from the RT5000p system in my house. Large speakers can be a challenge in a small space, but I still search for some locally to experience that challenge. For now I can rebuild some 2Bs and listen to a sweet upgraded 7B set up while I work thanks to Ricardo. ... back to the Cruzan Premium ...
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bluecomet
    bluecomet Posts: 1,118
    edited January 2010
    The guy sold original SRS speakers for Bose. I no longer feel bad for the guy. In the immortal words of Mr. T "I pity the fool".
    Polk HT system 1: LSIC, LSI25 mains, LSI F/X rears, Lsi F/X rear centers,
    Yamaha RX-V2500 System, Carver A753 3 channel amp.

    Polk HT system 2: , SRT system with f/x 1,000's rear speakers on 7.1 system currently using Onkyo TX-RZ820 receiver, powered by Sunfire Grand Theater amp

    Polk Speaker collection: SDA SRS 1.2tl x 2, SRT system, SDA SRS 2 P/B, SDA 2A, SDA 1C Studio, SDA CRS+, Monitor 7B & 4, SRS 3.1tl, RTA 15tl, LS90, LSI 9
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • maandjojo
    maandjojo Posts: 293
    edited January 2010
    Bose, ugh!

    Joe
    Joe
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • eeagle
    eeagle Posts: 226
    edited February 2010
    Bose over Polk SDA is usually a bad case of WAF (Wife Acceptance Factor)...Lucky my wife likes their looks; but I must admit I usually wait for her to be away before they really get played to their fullest.

    My very first set of SDA 1A's were purchased from a person "upgrading" to Bose.

    I think Bose does great things for the aftermarket of Polk's Vintage line.
    SDA SRS 1.2
    Adcom GFA-5802
    Adcom GFP-750
    Sony DVP-NS999ES
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • wutadumsn23
    wutadumsn23 Posts: 3,702
    edited February 2010
    cincycat13 wrote: »
    Congrats to neighbor on a great buy...and Kudos to leroyjr1 for riding along. I still thank the guy that downgraded to Bose from the RT5000p system in my house. Large speakers can be a challenge in a small space, but I still search for some locally to experience that challenge. For now I can rebuild some 2Bs and listen to a sweet upgraded 7B set up while I work thanks to Ricardo. ... back to the Cruzan Premium ...


    LOL, fixed it for ya. Seriously though awesome speeks neighbor and great karma for Lee for going with you and helping you out.

    -Jeff
    HT Rig
    Receiver- Onkyo TX-SR806
    Mains- Polk Audio Monitor 70
    Center- Polk Audio CS2
    Surrounds- Polk Audio TSi 500's :D
    Sub- Polk Audio PSW125
    Retired- Polk Audio Monitor 40's
    T.V.- 60" Sony SXRD KDS-60A2000 LCoS
    Blu-Ray- 80 GB PS3


    2 CH rig (in progress)
    Polk Audio Monitor 10A's :cool:

    It's not that I'm insensitive, I just don't care.. :D
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter