SDA Center Channel... let the fun begin!

13

Comments

  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,982
    edited June 2009
    Looks good John.
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,877
    edited June 2009
    TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »
    Looks good John.
    Thanks Larry! Looks is one thing but sound is another. As I said, in an audio environment it sounds pretty good, but as a center for movies, the dynamics are terrible at this point. There is an audio repair shop that specializes in crossover setup here in town and it will be headed there in the morning.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2800 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

    How many flies need to be buzzing a dead horse before you guys stop beating it?
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited June 2009
    Nice work John!
    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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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,877
    edited June 2009
    When I finish the cabinet off, I will be sealing one of the two ports on the back as it sounds much better that way, and I think once the mids are set at the proper crossover points everything will be fine.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2800 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

    How many flies need to be buzzing a dead horse before you guys stop beating it?
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited June 2009
    Careful John,

    You might start getting 'orders' from all of us who run SDA/SRS speakers!

    That's a nice looking center. God you guys MOVE fast. I'm gone for a week and a NEW center is already fabricated!

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,877
    edited June 2009
    I have taken the speaker to an audio shop here in town to work out the crossover bugs and will report back as soon as I get it back. I will provide the crossover values so others can try this as well... I also have an extra csi-a6 cabinet and some drivers...
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2800 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

    How many flies need to be buzzing a dead horse before you guys stop beating it?
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,877
    edited June 2009
    I will have the center back in a couple days. The crossover was so far out of spec for this thing it isn't even funny. He did a volume measurement for the cabinet, researches the specs for the 1.2tl's, tested the drivers, and all the other stuff I don't have the tools to do. He says this thing should rock when I get it back. I will post a list of components when I get it back.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2800 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

    How many flies need to be buzzing a dead horse before you guys stop beating it?
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  • Ender
    Ender Posts: 603
    edited June 2009
    Man, I wish I had an audio shop close by that I could talk to about building speakers. :(
    SDA 1C, SDA 2A, SDA SRS 2, CMT-340SE, Swan M200MKII, Swan D1080MKII, Behringer MS40

    Outlaw Audio M2200 x2, GFA 555 II, BGW 750C

    GDA 700, Outlaw Audio Model 990, Sansa Fuze, X-Fi Platinum Fatality
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,877
    edited July 2009
    does anybody have an extra Signature Reference badge laying around?
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2800 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

    How many flies need to be buzzing a dead horse before you guys stop beating it?
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,877
    edited July 2009
    I just got the center back, but it still is not as dynamic as I would like, so back it goes next week for some more tweeking...:(


    John
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2800 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

    How many flies need to be buzzing a dead horse before you guys stop beating it?
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  • megasat16
    megasat16 Posts: 3,521
    edited July 2009
    Do you know anyone who can make a square peg fits into a round hole? I guess using drivers in the wrong enclosure would be something like that....:)
    Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin:
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited July 2009
    You have the wrong woofers.
    "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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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,877
    edited July 2009
    any suggestions on woofers? My guy tells me it is only a matter of finding the right crossover point for them, but am open for suggestions.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2800 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

    How many flies need to be buzzing a dead horse before you guys stop beating it?
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited July 2009
    6510's, they're used in the RTA8L, which is a ported enclosure like yours. They still may not be perfect, but a better match.

    What caps are you using, the original Polks?
    "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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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,877
    edited July 2009
    I will look for a pair of them... The center is back at the shop already. He came and took it so he can work with it while I am out of town. I do not know what is in it yet.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2800 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

    How many flies need to be buzzing a dead horse before you guys stop beating it?
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited July 2009
    John

    Have you tried a SDA CRS+ as a center channel? I've use it with great results. It'll save you alot of time and money. You could also TL it and run the RDO-198 tweeter.
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,877
    edited July 2009
    It is way to big for my fireplace mantle, but if anyone has a couple 6510's I would be grateful...
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2800 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

    How many flies need to be buzzing a dead horse before you guys stop beating it?
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited July 2009
    leroyjr1 wrote: »
    John

    Have you tried a SDA CRS+ as a center channel? I've use it with great results. It'll save you alot of time and money. You could also TL it and run the RDO-198 tweeter.
    Are you using both woofers?
    "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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  • Conradicles
    Conradicles Posts: 6,325
    edited July 2009
    nooshinjohn wrote: »
    It is way to big for my fireplace mantle, but if anyone has a couple 6510's I would be grateful...

    John, I know it's probably been said, but what about changing the room around?

    That way you are not as limited. I struggled with my H/T room for 3 years, then I finally broke down and said...OK Everything is getting changed...it took a lot of work but my room is 100% better now.

    MOVE THE TV!

    ...and don't say you can't because you can.

    Enjoy.
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited July 2009
    Face wrote: »
    Are you using both woofers?

    Yes I'm using both woofers
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited July 2009
    How did you wire them up, did you make any changes to the crossover?
    "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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  • Shicks18
    Shicks18 Posts: 397
    edited July 2009
    john, just buy another 1.2tl and lay it on it's side. that will make a good center. =P
    TV: LG 55LW5600
    Pre: Marantz SR6001
    Front Amp: Parasound HCA-1000A
    Center Amp: Marantz MA500
    Mains: Polk LSi9
    Center: Polk LSiC
    Sub: HSU VTF-3 MK-2
    Games: Xbox360 and PS3
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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited July 2009
    Shicks18 wrote: »
    john, just buy another 1.2tl and lay it on it's side. that will make a good center. =P

    Or....

    You could get another 1.2TL and mount it on the wall above your TV.

    Now THAT'S a center channel!!:p:eek:
    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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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,877
    edited August 2009
    I have spent the past couple days making adjustments and listening to the center channel and I am pleased to report that it works beautifully. Whether i am listening to the news, sporting event, or 5.1 audio, the center is more than able to keep up with the big polks, It is clear, dynamic and precise, and serves as an invisible bridge to left/right, and holds dialog locked in the center where it belongs. I will be happy to provide crossover specs and have a few extra parts around for someone that is wanting to try one for themselves. It will take about two weeks for me to recover the cabinet in walnut veneer and post up some pictures of the finished speaker, but I am so happy that I kept with it as it is worthy of being called an SDA Center channel...
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2800 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

    How many flies need to be buzzing a dead horse before you guys stop beating it?
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited August 2009
    Any more pics?

    I was wondering, for those of you running SDAs in a HT configuration....doesn't the SDA effect kinda get in the 'way' of a dedicated CENTER channel?

    Just curious....as I've never tried it.

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,877
    edited August 2009
    the key to it for me, is to have the center channel wrap into the left and right. It should almost not be heard at all. The reason I wanted to do this is to give the SDA's a more focused center point for tv watching and movies, especially for those that are outside the sweetspot, and so far it is working quite well. I am thinking of tweeking one of the drivers to deliver a bit more bass, but other than that, I really enjoy the sound. Having an RDO-198 delivering the highs really does provide the focus I have been looking for. I will post up some pics just as soon as I am able to finish the cosmetics, as for now it looks no different than it did a month ago.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2800 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

    How many flies need to be buzzing a dead horse before you guys stop beating it?
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  • bsoko2
    bsoko2 Posts: 1,449
    edited August 2009
    John, I was looking for the same effect for movie watching and now have achieved it with a Paradigm CC390 center. With my setup now I have quit tweaking it. The only thing left to do now is to do an upgrade on the 2.3 crossovers. Glad you're happy with your setup.

    Bill
    My 2012 HT Room - http://www.avsforum.com/t/1416077/bsoko2-new-ht-june-2012
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited August 2009
    Very nice work John. Congrats!
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • NotaSuv
    NotaSuv Posts: 3,871
    edited August 2009
    bsoko2 wrote: »
    John, I was looking for the same effect for movie watching and now have achieved it with a Paradigm CC390 center. With my setup now I have quit tweaking it. The only thing left to do now is to do an upgrade on the 2.3 crossovers. Glad you're happy with your setup.

    Bill

    Heard the 390 last weekend and it sounded fantastic..actually good enough to make me pick one up for the wifes TV room, a very very nice center.........
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,877
    edited August 2009
    the adjustments have been completed with the speaker and the surround processor. I have been listening to various sources over the past couple days and I am convinced this center is just what I have been needing to effectively bredge the distance between the TL's in a 5.1/7.1 setup. The soundstage remains focused and dialog tightens up for movies, but it does so discreetly and without calling attention to itself. For music, it is both musical and detailed. I am very pleased with the results.:D

    So pleased that I am going to call it the CSRS 1.2TL;)

    I will post pictures of it when the walnut veneer is applied and the speaker is finished cosmetically
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2800 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

    How many flies need to be buzzing a dead horse before you guys stop beating it?
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