A slightly different take on the Dreadnought

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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 29,744
    edited December 2013
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    My plates are predrilled for speak on connectors and the two corresponding holes, no gasket needed.
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 29,744
    edited December 2013
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    ....
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • Inspector 24
    Inspector 24 Posts: 1,308
    edited December 2013
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    Noob question, why is a massive transformer needed?? And what does it do when run inline with the speaker wires?
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  • Unknown
    Unknown
    edited December 2013
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    This content has been removed.
  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited December 2013
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    Trey, if you recall the ones you sent me were drilled for three binding posts. If I sent them back to you, could you drill a wider hole for the speakon post plus the mounting screws?
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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  • michael1947
    michael1947 Posts: 775
    edited December 2013
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    "some use it on common ground devices to get greater SDA effect." With this being true is there any benefit to the A-1 Dreadnought with use of a common ground amp? Also, I have heard the A-1 Dreadnought cannot be used on earlier SDA-SRS (blade-blade) such as mine and now that I have all of the parts ready to assemble am I barking up the wrong tree? Do I sell off the parts or install new crossovers ...already have modified crossovers installed.
    Main Family Room: Sony 46 LCD, Sony Blue Ray, Sony DVD/VCR combo,Onkyo TXNR 708, Parasound 5250,
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  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited December 2013
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    Yes, I use mine with a common ground amp. Many of us jumped on the Dreadnaught bandwagon after DK did a write up about improvements he found. I definitely noticed big improvements when I started using it versus a straight cable.
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 29,744
    edited December 2013
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    Unfortunately I am not set up to do that type of modification to the plate with CNC accuracy without additional cost. I can enlarge the hole and apply additional holes for the mount but you will need a gasket most likely...

    Shoot me an email vr3mods@gmail.com about this and lets see what we can work out...
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 52,406
    edited December 2013
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    I like the idea of a right angle connection at the speaker for added strain relief,

    Not needed at all. Those MIT Shotgun cables I'm using are massive and weigh quite a bit. I've got zero issues. Your Signal cables will be fine with the straight connector.



    And what does it do when run inline with the speaker wires?

    The isolation transformer does not run inline with the speaker cables. It is used with the SDA cable.



    Also, I have heard the A-1 Dreadnought cannot be used on earlier SDA-SRS (blade-blade) such as mine and now that I have all of the parts ready to assemble am I barking up the wrong tree?

    Wrong tree, it can't be used with blade/blade SDA's.
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  • zane77
    zane77 Posts: 1,696
    edited December 2013
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    I got the new plates from Trey to replace the cups and he had predrilled for the speakon connectors on the plates and the fit was perfect. So the new plate with it drilled for four binding post and the speakon connectors was perfect and I used Speakons on my Dreadnaught too. These are really clean and with the locking feature is perfect for this use.
    Home Theater
    Onkyo PR-SC5508 Sharp LC-70LE847U
    Emotiva XPA-5 Emotiva XPA-2 Emotiva UPA-2
    Front RTi-A9 Wide RTi-A7 Center CSi-A6 Surround FXi-A6 Rear RTi-A3 Sub 2x PSW505
    Sony BDP-S790 Dishnetwork Hopper/Joey Logitech Harmony One Apple TV
    Two Channel
    Oppo 105D BAT VK-500 w/BatPack SDA SRS 2.3 Dreadnought Squeezebox Touch Apple TV
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  • Inspector 24
    Inspector 24 Posts: 1,308
    edited December 2013
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    I think this starts to explain it, but I'm still a bit mystified.

    Kind of like saying a turbocharger makes more power, but I've no idea how it actually works.

    Maybe I need a ground up technical explanation? Maybe a thread jack?
    pitdogg2 wrote: »
    creates common ground for non-common ground devices for SDA's...
    Not all SDA's benefit from this device.
    some use it on common ground devices to get greater SDA effect.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 52,406
    edited December 2013
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    Maybe I need a ground up technical explanation?

    It provides superior ground isolation for the SDA drivers.
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  • Inspector 24
    Inspector 24 Posts: 1,308
    edited December 2013
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    Ah ha! Ground isolation between left and right channels? From the amp?

    Do SDA's have something like this from the factory and this is just a massive external upgrade or an add on?
    Up
    LSi15 LSiC - RX-V3000

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    Parasound HCA-3500 - HCA-2003A - Marantz SR7005
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  • zane77
    zane77 Posts: 1,696
    edited December 2013
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    The SDA's need a common ground amp in order for the dimensional drivers to work. For those of us with non-common ground amps this is a way to get the signal to the dimensional drivers. Polk accomplished this with the AI-1 interface cable that included a much smaller transformer than the Dreadnaught transformer. People have reported improved sound using the Dreadnaught with common ground amps, I can't comment on that as my BAT is non-common ground.
    Home Theater
    Onkyo PR-SC5508 Sharp LC-70LE847U
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    Sony BDP-S790 Dishnetwork Hopper/Joey Logitech Harmony One Apple TV
    Two Channel
    Oppo 105D BAT VK-500 w/BatPack SDA SRS 2.3 Dreadnought Squeezebox Touch Apple TV
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  • drumminman
    drumminman Posts: 3,396
    edited December 2013
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    I use the 1000VA dreadnought with my common ground amp, and the improvement is not subtle. I can highly recommended this tweak.
    "Science is suppose to explain observations not dismiss them as impossible" - Norm on AA; 2.3TL's w/sonicaps/mills/jantzen inductors, Gimpod's boards, Lg Solen SDA inductors, RD-0198's, MW's dynamatted, Armaflex speaker gaskets, H-nuts, brass spikes, Cardas CCGR BP's, upgraded IC Cable, Black Hole Damping Sheet strips, interior of cabinets sealed with Loctite Power Grab, AI-1 interface with 1000VA A-L transformer
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  • motorstereo
    motorstereo Posts: 2,427
    edited December 2013
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    I have the Polk standard interface interconnect on my 1.2s. It was a noticeable upgrade soundwise from the standard non interface connector using my common ground amp. I'm thinking it'll be a worthwhile upgrade going from the Polk standard to the dreadnought. That's something that I'm really hoping to do someday.
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  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited December 2013
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    F1nut wrote: »
    Not needed at all. Those MIT Shotgun cables I'm using are massive and weigh quite a bit. I've got zero issues. Your Signal cables will be fine with the straight connector.

    Ok so in that case, what I need is 2 each of:

    http://www.parts-express.com/neutrik-nl2fx-speakon-connector-2-pole-cable-mount--092-198

    http://www.parts-express.com/neutrik-nl2mp-speakon-connector-2-pole-panel-mount--092-059

    http://www.parts-express.com/neutrik-scdp-0-sealing-gasket-for-d-size-connectors-black--092-094

    Correct?

    Do the chassis connectors include the screws I'll need?

    Appreciate all the advice!
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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  • zane77
    zane77 Posts: 1,696
    edited December 2013
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    The neutrick connectors do not come with the scews you need to mount them to the chassis, Home Depot or Lowe's will have all the hardware the\at you need.
    Home Theater
    Onkyo PR-SC5508 Sharp LC-70LE847U
    Emotiva XPA-5 Emotiva XPA-2 Emotiva UPA-2
    Front RTi-A9 Wide RTi-A7 Center CSi-A6 Surround FXi-A6 Rear RTi-A3 Sub 2x PSW505
    Sony BDP-S790 Dishnetwork Hopper/Joey Logitech Harmony One Apple TV
    Two Channel
    Oppo 105D BAT VK-500 w/BatPack SDA SRS 2.3 Dreadnought Squeezebox Touch Apple TV
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  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited December 2013
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    Ah easy enough.
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited December 2013
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    Those are the correct parts though?
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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  • zane77
    zane77 Posts: 1,696
    edited December 2013
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    Those parts will work perfectly, just add the ward ware to month them.
    Home Theater
    Onkyo PR-SC5508 Sharp LC-70LE847U
    Emotiva XPA-5 Emotiva XPA-2 Emotiva UPA-2
    Front RTi-A9 Wide RTi-A7 Center CSi-A6 Surround FXi-A6 Rear RTi-A3 Sub 2x PSW505
    Sony BDP-S790 Dishnetwork Hopper/Joey Logitech Harmony One Apple TV
    Two Channel
    Oppo 105D BAT VK-500 w/BatPack SDA SRS 2.3 Dreadnought Squeezebox Touch Apple TV
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  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited December 2013
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    I'm guessing you typed that from your cell phone! I take it you meant "hardware to mount them." :lol:
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 52,406
    edited December 2013
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    nspindel wrote: »
    Ok so in that case, what I need is 2 each of:

    http://www.parts-express.com/neutrik-nl2fx-speakon-connector-2-pole-cable-mount--092-198

    http://www.parts-express.com/neutrik-nl2mp-speakon-connector-2-pole-panel-mount--092-059

    http://www.parts-express.com/neutrik-scdp-0-sealing-gasket-for-d-size-connectors-black--092-094

    Correct?

    The 4 pole versions are superior, they are built better and have a higher current rating. Why aren't you doing both ends?
    Do the chassis connectors include the screws I'll need?

    No, you will need M3 (metric) screws, nuts and lock washers for the panel mount. Fastnel carries them in stainless steel. They are cheap and there's no minimum order.
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,250
    edited December 2013
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    zane77 wrote: »
    Those parts will work perfectly, just add the ward ware to month them.
    nspindel wrote: »
    I'm guessing you typed that from your cell phone! I take it you meant "hardware to mount them." :lol:

    Sometimes "smart" phones are pretty stupid. :smile:
    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
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  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited December 2013
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    F1nut wrote: »
    The 4 pole versions are superior, they are built better and have a higher current rating. Why aren't you doing both ends?

    Ok, I will grab the 4-pole versions. Thanks for the tip. Not doing both ends because the Dreadnaught is already built with binding posts - using Speakons on the Dreadnaught side would mean drilling holes large enough to accommodate them, when the chassis already has holes drilled for the 4 binding posts. On the Dreadnaught side, I'm using bananas, which works just fine. I think the big advantage of using the Speakon connector will be on the speaker side, so I can eliminate the need for the spade.
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited December 2013
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    F1nut wrote: »
    No, you will need M3 (metric) screws, nuts and lock washers for the panel mount. Fastnel carries them in stainless steel. They are cheap and there's no minimum order.

    Ok great, thank you!
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited December 2013
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    Thanks again Jesse, ordered the 4-pole versions - NL4FX and NL4MP, along with the SCDP gaskets from Parts Express.



    I'm thinking these are what I need for the fasteners?

    http://www.fastenal.com/web/products/details/40924

    http://www.fastenal.com/web/products/details/40247

    http://www.fastenal.com/web/products/details/40142
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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  • vcwatkins
    vcwatkins Posts: 1,992
    edited December 2013
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    Trey,
    Do you have more of the round 4-bp/1-speakon-hole plates like in your pic above (for 1.2's)? I need a pair, but didn't see them listed on your site. Scratch'n'dent is okay as well, if available.
    Thanks,
    Craig
    Beach Audio: Rega RP6 (mods) - AT33PTG/II - Parks Budgie SUT - PSAudio NPC * Eversolo DMP-A6 * Topping D90iii * Joule-Electra LA-100 mkIII * Pass Aleph 30 * MIT S3 * Polk SRS 2.3tl (mods) * PSAudio PPP3
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 52,406
    edited December 2013
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    nspindel wrote: »
    I'm thinking these are what I need for the fasteners?

    Those screws are too short.

    Using the SKU's

    XM2510016A20000
    MN2510000A20000
    ML6330000A20000
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 29,744
    edited December 2013
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    I have them available. They are new stock too :)

    Contact through the forum is very spotty for me. vr3mods@gmail.com

    Talk to you soon! :)
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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