Life After SDA?

2

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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited February 2010
    Sure makes wonder why I have a fully hotrodded pair of SDA CRS+, that have in original form, never even seen speaker cable sitting in my closet for almost 3 years. I guess a couple other things came up. I'd be more likely to break out my DQ10 before them anyways.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,755
    edited February 2010
    DQ10

    That's one speaker I hope to never hear again.
    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

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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited February 2010
    That's shocking coming from you :rolleyes:
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited February 2010
    dorokusai wrote: »
    Sure makes wonder why I have a fully hotrodded pair of SDA CRS+, that have in original form, never even seen speaker cable sitting in my closet for almost 3 years. I guess a couple other things came up. I'd be more likely to break out my DQ10 before them anyways.

    Hey man, I'll be happy to take them off your hands. By hotrodded do you mean it has the 4.1TL upgrades?
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited February 2010
    I have no interest in a unicorn speaker but otherwise hotrodded and .....no, they're nice and warm right now in there boxes.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,217
    edited February 2010
    dorokusai wrote: »
    I'd be more likely to break out my DQ10 before them anyways.
    F1nut wrote: »
    That's one speaker I hope to never hear again.

    Actually I have a friend who rebuilds the X-overs . He's done several pairs and I have to say the DQ10 has it's faults but they can be an enjoyable speaker. Not SDA's by any stretch, but they have their own magic.

    He has since moved on to Maggies and won't look back. But I do agree a 20 year old DQ10 in std stock form is not all that great and in some instances can hurt.

    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!
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  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,092
    edited February 2010
    I will, again, disagree with my good friend F1.....I seriously dig the Dahlquists. Given the right gear...they can sound magical. The highs CAN be harsh and they aren't real lease-breakers, and they need a LOT of power....but the midrange transparency can rival that of a good planar/stat...

    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
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  • Hypnotoad
    Hypnotoad Posts: 44
    edited February 2010
    The right gear is the key, my main system didn't really shine until I got the SDA's.

    I had tried a Yamaha CR-1020, a Cambridge Audio 540P, Technics SL-1200Mk2 all were okay but not up to the Luxman, ProJect Tube Box II, Project Perspective.

    There wasn't a lot in it with my previous speakers though, until I got the Polk's then it became magical.
    ProJect Perspective II Turntable & Benz Micro Ace
    ProJect Tube Box II & Philips/Amperex tubes
    Luxman L-430 Integrated
    Polk SDA 1C's
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,217
    edited February 2010
    The thing that amazes me about SDA's and even Classic Monitor series is the farther up the audio chain you go, the better and better they continue sound. There doesn;t seem to be a point where that ends. Many speakers just stop sounding better at a certain level of gear but that doesn't seem to be the case with the classic Polks especially with new caps/resistors and the RD0's.

    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!
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  • PolkMaster1
    PolkMaster1 Posts: 847
    edited February 2010
    comfortablycurt wrote: »
    I've never owned any speakers better than my SDA's, but that's simply because I haven't gotten anything different yet.

    A lot of people will say that you have to spend 8-9000 dollars to get anything better, but I can't say I agree with that. I've heard speakers in much smaller price ranges that I think sound better than SDA's. They simply don't have the SDA effect.

    The SDA's big drawback to me is in accuracy, and a slightly muddy(at times) bottom end. The high end through the RD0-194's has a touch of harshness to me at times as well.

    The big thing to me with the SDA's, is how unique sounding they are. There aren't any other speakers out there with the SDA effect. I've never heard a speaker with a wider soundstage. I'll upgrade my speakers eventually, but I'll always have a pair of SDA's around.

    FWIW, I think the LSi series smokes the SDA's as far as actual sound quality goes. The high end is MUCH smoother, the mids are punchier, low end is tighter and more focused. They just don't sound "larger than life" like the SDA's do. The SDA's do have a distinct warmth in the mid-range that the LSi's can't match though.

    Try a better wire. It will make all the difference in the world!!!
    Statistics show that 98% of us will die at some point in our lifetime.

    The other 2% will work for WalMart.
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  • PolkMaster1
    PolkMaster1 Posts: 847
    edited February 2010
    SMP wrote: »
    So ... I'll bite. No one on this forum who has ever owned an SDA loudspeaker from Polk has bought another speaker that they thought was an upgrade?

    Not me. There is nothing worth more than an SDA.
    Once you go SDA - you NEVER go back.
    Statistics show that 98% of us will die at some point in our lifetime.

    The other 2% will work for WalMart.
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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited February 2010
    PolkMaster1 wrote: »
    Try a better wire. It will make all the difference in the world!!!

    I don't think my problems lie in my cabling...but thanks anyway.:)
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
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  • PolkMaster1
    PolkMaster1 Posts: 847
    edited February 2010
    Talweh wrote: »
    well, I'm pretty new here, and also new to SDA ownership, but from what I have gathered hanging around here, most of us aren't loaded, and it costs a LOT of money to find a better speaker. If I'm wrong, I'm sure some(every)one will correct me...

    Instead of spending money on new speakers - upgrade the crossovers, tweeters (if applicable to your SDA model), and the external wiring (speaker wire, interconnects), add Mortite as speaker sealent, dampen the speaker baskets with mortite. The benefits with all these upgrades will sound like you bought a new speaker. Even if you bought a new speaker 3 times the price of an SDA, it will not have the features of the upgrades I listed above. You are much better off performing a DIY project and it will sound better and save lots of money in the long run.
    Statistics show that 98% of us will die at some point in our lifetime.

    The other 2% will work for WalMart.
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  • PolkMaster1
    PolkMaster1 Posts: 847
    edited February 2010
    comfortablycurt wrote: »
    I don't think my problems lie in my cabling...but thanks anyway.:)

    Go on... take a chance!!! :D
    Statistics show that 98% of us will die at some point in our lifetime.

    The other 2% will work for WalMart.
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  • PolkMaster1
    PolkMaster1 Posts: 847
    edited February 2010
    dorokusai wrote: »
    There are a bunch of better loudspeakers. For me it was Magnepan.

    For me it was a Radio Shack loudspeaker. NOT!!! :D
    Statistics show that 98% of us will die at some point in our lifetime.

    The other 2% will work for WalMart.
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  • PolkMaster1
    PolkMaster1 Posts: 847
    edited February 2010
    PolkMaster1 wrote: »
    Instead of spending money on new speakers - upgrade the crossovers, tweeters (if applicable to your SDA model), and the external wiring (speaker wire, interconnects), add Mortite as speaker sealent, dampen the speaker baskets with Dynamat. The benefits with all these upgrades will sound like you bought a new speaker. Even if you bought a new speaker 3 times the price of an SDA, it will not have the features of the upgrades I listed above. You are much better off performing a DIY project and it will sound better and save lots of money in the long run.

    Correction in bold from my previous statement. Do NOT use Mortite as dampening on your speaker baskets, use it to replace the speaker dampners by re-sealing your drivers.
    Statistics show that 98% of us will die at some point in our lifetime.

    The other 2% will work for WalMart.
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  • SMP
    SMP Posts: 13
    edited February 2010
    I'm glad I stirred the pot a bit. Thank you all for your responses. I think it was Michael who asked what am I looking for in a loudspeaker. I'm not really sure. I'm in the process of upgrading all my electronics so I was just curious about how SDA/SRS stacked up to all the new speakers twenty five years later. I've been thinking of packing my SDA's up and driving them over to my local dealer and just listening to them compared to Definitive Technology, Quad L Series, Vandersteen 2ce, Thiel, and B&W. I have the new RDO tweeters and have replaced the mid range drivers. The only thing I haven't done and don't know how to do is replace/upgrade the crossovers. I guess the dealer can do that for me as a repair if I find that no other speaker really grabs me.
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited February 2010
    I would take a pair of hot rodded SDA's over any DefTechs or B&W's.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited February 2010
    SMP wrote: »
    The only thing I haven't done and don't know how to do is replace/upgrade the crossovers. I guess the dealer can do that for me as a repair if I find that no other speaker really grabs me.

    I have always liked vandersteens - I would be surprised if the others you mentioned stand up to the SDA's. The biggest thing the newer speakers will have is a more "modern" look and improved WAF. I would love some SDA SRS's in my living room, but my wife would be less than thrilled with the option.....

    One other thing I wanted to mention is that ben62670 here on club polk will upgrade the crossovers for you as well if you wanted to ship them to him. Just letting you know there are other options than your local dealer as well....
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited February 2010
    McLoki wrote: »
    I have always liked vandersteens - I would be surprised if the others you mentioned stand up to the SDA's. The biggest thing the newer speakers will have is a more "modern" look and improved WAF. I would love some SDA SRS's in my living room, but my wife would be less than thrilled with the option.....

    One other thing I wanted to mention is that ben62670 here on club polk will upgrade the crossovers for you as well if you wanted to ship them to him. Just letting you know there are other options than your local dealer as well....

    . . . his price is very, very reasonable.
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  • dagame27
    dagame27 Posts: 576
    edited February 2010
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    . . . his price is very, very reasonable.

    Ah damn it! I've been getting the upgrade bug lately and you are not helping!
    ChrisPreamp: Anthem Pre 2L (Jan-Phillips Green) Processor: Marantz SR7012 Amp: B&K 200.5Streaming: Bluesound Node 2IDAC: Eastern Electric Minimax Plus4K Bluray: Panasonic UB820Mains: Von Schweikert VR2Center: Von Schweikert LCR15 Subs: 2 SVS Sb13 Ultra (HT Only) Analysis Plus Cables
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited February 2010
    dagame27 wrote: »
    Ah damn it! I've been getting the upgrade bug lately and you are not helping!

    Go for it man. It is one of the best upgrades you can do.
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  • dagame27
    dagame27 Posts: 576
    edited February 2010
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    Go for it man. It is one of the best upgrades you can do.

    It's coming soon. I am probably going to do the RD0's first. I did it in the 2A's I used to have and really liked the improvement. The only thing that will suck is going without my speakers for awhile, as it is currently my only pair.
    ChrisPreamp: Anthem Pre 2L (Jan-Phillips Green) Processor: Marantz SR7012 Amp: B&K 200.5Streaming: Bluesound Node 2IDAC: Eastern Electric Minimax Plus4K Bluray: Panasonic UB820Mains: Von Schweikert VR2Center: Von Schweikert LCR15 Subs: 2 SVS Sb13 Ultra (HT Only) Analysis Plus Cables
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,334
    edited February 2010
    Send your crossovers to Ben, you will get the job done right and you would be helping a polkie out.
    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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  • dagame27
    dagame27 Posts: 576
    edited February 2010
    TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »
    Send your crossovers to Ben, you will get the job done right and you would be helping a polkie out.

    When I do it, I probably will, as I am not very skilled in that area. I honestly did not know Ben did SDA crossover work. I have bought some of his cables in the past and been more than pleased.
    ChrisPreamp: Anthem Pre 2L (Jan-Phillips Green) Processor: Marantz SR7012 Amp: B&K 200.5Streaming: Bluesound Node 2IDAC: Eastern Electric Minimax Plus4K Bluray: Panasonic UB820Mains: Von Schweikert VR2Center: Von Schweikert LCR15 Subs: 2 SVS Sb13 Ultra (HT Only) Analysis Plus Cables
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,334
    edited February 2010
    dagame27 wrote: »
    When I do it, I probably will, as I am not very skilled in that area. I honestly did not know Ben did SDA crossover work. I have bought some of his cables in the past and been more than pleased.

    He did my crossovers, and I am running his cables in my whole system except my speaker cables. Now if I can get him to do some cables for my tonearm on my TT.;)
    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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  • Jebtha
    Jebtha Posts: 3
    edited February 2010
    I replaced my SDA-CRS's with a pair of Definitive Tech Mythos ST's. As I mentioned in another thread I only made the change to get away from the geometric constraints of the SDA speakers in our relatively small living room.

    The Def Techs are definitely an upgrade, though probably a more fair comparison would be to the SDA-SRS. I don't have the precise ears of an audiophile, but the Def Techs have great dynamic range and really put the listener 'right there', particularly for some of the weird stuff I listen to like church organ music. I really like the bass response at low volumes, also -- it's always there and just a little bit tactile. The SDA's had better stereo imaging, though (of course). I also like the relatively low power demand due to the powered subwoofers, which allows me to run up to four sets of speakers on one 125W Adcom power amp and still get the big sound.

    So overall a nice upgrade, but for a LOT more money as others have noted. I just wish I had a room appropriate for my CRS's so I could continue to enjoy them as well :(.
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,217
    edited February 2010
    ^^ Sounds great...........but I think you'll agree comparing a bookshelf speaker to a large floorstander really isn;t a fair comparison. But I get where you are coming from

    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!
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  • Jebtha
    Jebtha Posts: 3
    edited February 2010
    heiney9 wrote: »
    ^^ Sounds great...........but I think you'll agree comparing a bookshelf speaker to a large floorstander really isn;t a fair comparison.

    Absolutely. If someone wants to 'loan' me a pair of SRS's, I'd be glad to A/B them. Might be a while before you get them back, though!
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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited February 2010
    Jebtha wrote: »
    Absolutely. If someone wants to 'loan' me a pair of SRS's, I'd be glad to A/B them. Might be a while before you get them back, though!

    lol...If someones loaning out a pair of SRS's, put me second in line!!
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
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