Dreadnaught Avel-Lindberg 1000VA Transformer Group Buy?

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  • This content has been removed.
  • RandyCroissant
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    I'm on the fence!! How much of an improvement?? $300 bucks is not chump change in my world
    Yamaha RXA1030, Yamaha CD-S2100, Yamaha AS-2200, Bluesound node 2i
    Polk SDA2btl highly modded
    Polk SDA 1C modded
    Polk CS350 LS x2
    Kimber 8TC
    Sony 55" Bravia
    Wish list SVS sub

  • 250GTLusso
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    Ah, LOL. The 250GT SWB are truly remarkable automobiles. If you ever get the chance to go for a ride in one, don't turn it down.
    HT
    Adcom GFP-565 Pre-amp, Adcom GFA-565 Mono Block Amps (Front), Adcom GFA-585 Amp (Side), Adcom GFA-555 Amp (Rear), Adcom ACE-515, Pioneer CLD-3070 Laserdisc, Sony CDP-605esD, Sony BluRay BDP BX59, Samsung 50" Plasma, Polk Audio SDA SRS 1.2TL Front (Walnut), Polk Audio SDA SRS Side (Walnut), Polk Audio SDA SRS Rear (Walnut).
    2 Channel (Living Room)
    Adcom GFP-565 Pre-amp (w/Big Sky Audio Upgrades), Adcom GFA-565 Mono Block Amps (w/Big Sky Audio Upgrades), Adcom ACE-515, Sony CDP-705esD, Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude, Polk Audio SDA SRS 2.3TL (Walnut), Polk Audio SDA SRS 2 (Walnut), STAX SR34 Electret Earspeaker System.
    2 Channel (Office)
    Adcom GFP-555 Pre-amp, Adcom GFA-555 Amp, Sony CDP-605esD, Adcom GFT-555 Tuner, Polk Audio SDA 1C (Walnut).
    2 Channel (Garage)
    Hafler DH-110 Pre-amp, Hafler DH-220 Amp, Sony CDP-505esD, Hafler DH-330 Tuner, Polk Audio SDA 2B (Walnut).
  • lightman1
    lightman1 Posts: 10,802
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    My Lusso is a 1/18th CMC... Lol can't afford the prancing horse off a real one.

    Psyche!!!
  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
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    I'm on the fence!! How much of an improvement?? $300 bucks is not chump change in my world

    I'd say it depends where you are with your SDA's. Some people bought them 30 years ago and haven't sunk another penny into them. Others have torn them down and rebuilt them, tweaking them out in all sorts of ways. I don't know which speakers you have, or what you're feeding them with. If I were to rank all the money I've invested into my SDA's, I don't think spending $300 on the iso transformer is at the top of the list in terms of sound quality improvements over stock, that award clearly goes to rebuilding the crossovers with modern components. Second place goes to TL'ing the crossover and using the RD-0198 tweeter. But I'd say the Dreadnaught is second only to those two improvements. Using the isolation transformer, at least to my ears, is a bigger sonic improvement than any of the damping techniques, better seating of the drivers, etc. with rings or hurricane nuts.

    Also, SDA's love lots of power. So if there's a question of whether you'd be better off investing in better power for your speakers or building a Dreadnaught, I'd say make sure you're running a nice amp to power them.

    But if you've got the rest of your system dialed in where you want it, and you can swing the cash, the Dreadnaught will definitely give you a nice boost over a straight SDA connection, even if you have an amp that can use the straight SDA cable.

    Also for what it's worth, I'm one of the people who started with an 800VA Dreadnaught, and then replaced the transformer with the model in this group buy, and there is no doubt that things got even better with the bigger transformer.

    Just my two cents.
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
  • lightman1
    lightman1 Posts: 10,802
    edited December 2016
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    Two cents!!?? That was about $1.58 worth of words there Mr Spindel...
  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,520
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    lightman1 wrote: »
    Two cents!!?? That was about $1.58 worth of words there Mr Spindel...

    Can you make change, all I got is a $10 :p;)
    2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
    Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
    Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
    Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC

    erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a
  • lightman1
    lightman1 Posts: 10,802
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    txcoastal1 wrote: »
    lightman1 wrote: »
    Two cents!!?? That was about $1.58 worth of words there Mr Spindel...

    Can you make change, all I got is a $10 :p;)

    Hang tight, Ron. I gotta find my abacus.....
  • 250GTLusso
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    Apologies that I missed a couple interested parties earlier, so here is latest updated list for the next group buy:

    1.) 250GTLusso
    2.) Drumsolo
    3.) vcwatkins
    4.) Nesmith98
    5.) nooshinjohn
    6.) honestaquarian (need confirmation)
    7.) RandyCroissant (you in?)
    8.)
    9.)
    10.)

    We are more than half way there!
    HT
    Adcom GFP-565 Pre-amp, Adcom GFA-565 Mono Block Amps (Front), Adcom GFA-585 Amp (Side), Adcom GFA-555 Amp (Rear), Adcom ACE-515, Pioneer CLD-3070 Laserdisc, Sony CDP-605esD, Sony BluRay BDP BX59, Samsung 50" Plasma, Polk Audio SDA SRS 1.2TL Front (Walnut), Polk Audio SDA SRS Side (Walnut), Polk Audio SDA SRS Rear (Walnut).
    2 Channel (Living Room)
    Adcom GFP-565 Pre-amp (w/Big Sky Audio Upgrades), Adcom GFA-565 Mono Block Amps (w/Big Sky Audio Upgrades), Adcom ACE-515, Sony CDP-705esD, Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude, Polk Audio SDA SRS 2.3TL (Walnut), Polk Audio SDA SRS 2 (Walnut), STAX SR34 Electret Earspeaker System.
    2 Channel (Office)
    Adcom GFP-555 Pre-amp, Adcom GFA-555 Amp, Sony CDP-605esD, Adcom GFT-555 Tuner, Polk Audio SDA 1C (Walnut).
    2 Channel (Garage)
    Hafler DH-110 Pre-amp, Hafler DH-220 Amp, Sony CDP-505esD, Hafler DH-330 Tuner, Polk Audio SDA 2B (Walnut).
  • This content has been removed.
  • motorstereo
    motorstereo Posts: 2,427
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    I'm on the fence!! How much of an improvement?? $300 bucks is not chump change in my world

    The first thing I noticed with my dreadnaught was my amp sounded like it was more powerful. Darqueknight explained that it did not make the amp more powerful but it lowered the noise floor enough to make it sound like it was. His great analogy was talking to someone in a room with other people talking vs. talking to someone in an empty room. I consider it a very noticeable and worthwhile upgrade even when using a single amp. I've since added a 2nd amp and now it's a vital part of my main rig. My amps are old and their S/N isn't that impressive. But with the dreadnaught background noise is now completely inaudible.
    Many thanks to DK for all his efforts on this wonderful upgrade.
  • RandyCroissant
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    Thank you nspindel and motorstereo for your in depth analogy. I'm in for one.
    Yamaha RXA1030, Yamaha CD-S2100, Yamaha AS-2200, Bluesound node 2i
    Polk SDA2btl highly modded
    Polk SDA 1C modded
    Polk CS350 LS x2
    Kimber 8TC
    Sony 55" Bravia
    Wish list SVS sub

  • Mr_Hz
    Mr_Hz Posts: 176
    edited December 2016
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    My experience is that upgrades are accumulative. Whether you are talking stereo hi-fi or cars... one upgrade begats another. My background is that not only am I upgrading 4 stereo systems, but I have a long history of euro sports cars and tinkering/upgrading a slew of Alfa Romeo sports cars. I approach upgrades in a holistic approach. One upgrade is not going to achieve satisfactory results in a multi-level system. So if you are talking a car with engine/suspension/brakes/driveline/exhaust... or a stereo where you are looking at power intake/interconnect/amp/speaker/source component... you have multiple variables to consider in the upgrade path. 'Bang for the buck,' and 'availability' are at the top of the list of any upgrade project. Since the upgraded 1KVA isolation transformer has shown reported sonic image improvements, and these 1KVA isolation group buys are few and far between... anyone considering upgrades should jump on this now, owning speakers that can benifet from this upgrade. Other parts for upgrade can be had on a 'as needed' basis, but the 1KVA isolation transformer is a rare item indeed.

    Strike while the iron is hot!

    Ron/Mr_Hz
    2.3TL's - Living Room
    CRS+'s (4.1 TL's) - Office
    SDA1C's - Famdamly Rm
    SDA1C's - Master Bedroom
  • RandyCroissant
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    I appreciate the expertise coming from you good people. Next thing on the list will be a housing for it, any and all thoughts welcome.
    Yamaha RXA1030, Yamaha CD-S2100, Yamaha AS-2200, Bluesound node 2i
    Polk SDA2btl highly modded
    Polk SDA 1C modded
    Polk CS350 LS x2
    Kimber 8TC
    Sony 55" Bravia
    Wish list SVS sub

  • monepolk
    monepolk Posts: 1,154
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    What's the count so far?
  • 250GTLusso
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    Currently we have 7 of the required 10 for a group buy.

    1.) 250GTLusso
    2.) Drumsolo
    3.) vcwatkins
    4.) Nesmith98
    5.) nooshinjohn
    6.) honestaquarian
    7.) RandyCroissant
    8.)
    9.)
    10.)
    HT
    Adcom GFP-565 Pre-amp, Adcom GFA-565 Mono Block Amps (Front), Adcom GFA-585 Amp (Side), Adcom GFA-555 Amp (Rear), Adcom ACE-515, Pioneer CLD-3070 Laserdisc, Sony CDP-605esD, Sony BluRay BDP BX59, Samsung 50" Plasma, Polk Audio SDA SRS 1.2TL Front (Walnut), Polk Audio SDA SRS Side (Walnut), Polk Audio SDA SRS Rear (Walnut).
    2 Channel (Living Room)
    Adcom GFP-565 Pre-amp (w/Big Sky Audio Upgrades), Adcom GFA-565 Mono Block Amps (w/Big Sky Audio Upgrades), Adcom ACE-515, Sony CDP-705esD, Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude, Polk Audio SDA SRS 2.3TL (Walnut), Polk Audio SDA SRS 2 (Walnut), STAX SR34 Electret Earspeaker System.
    2 Channel (Office)
    Adcom GFP-555 Pre-amp, Adcom GFA-555 Amp, Sony CDP-605esD, Adcom GFT-555 Tuner, Polk Audio SDA 1C (Walnut).
    2 Channel (Garage)
    Hafler DH-110 Pre-amp, Hafler DH-220 Amp, Sony CDP-505esD, Hafler DH-330 Tuner, Polk Audio SDA 2B (Walnut).
  • monepolk
    monepolk Posts: 1,154
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    Make eight.
  • amb426amb1
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    Count me in as well
  • 250GTLusso
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    Currently we have 9 of the required 10 for a group buy.

    1.) 250GTLusso
    2.) Drumsolo
    3.) vcwatkins
    4.) Nesmith98
    5.) nooshinjohn
    6.) honestaquarian
    7.) RandyCroissant
    8.) monepolk
    9.) amb426amb1
    10.) ......

    We just need 1 more! Hmmm. I might want 2 myself.

    Its has been suggested by honestaquarian that we move this to the WTB: Avel Lindberg 1KVA toroid (AV-047548) thread that I started on 1 December.

    Would that be the right thing to do?
    HT
    Adcom GFP-565 Pre-amp, Adcom GFA-565 Mono Block Amps (Front), Adcom GFA-585 Amp (Side), Adcom GFA-555 Amp (Rear), Adcom ACE-515, Pioneer CLD-3070 Laserdisc, Sony CDP-605esD, Sony BluRay BDP BX59, Samsung 50" Plasma, Polk Audio SDA SRS 1.2TL Front (Walnut), Polk Audio SDA SRS Side (Walnut), Polk Audio SDA SRS Rear (Walnut).
    2 Channel (Living Room)
    Adcom GFP-565 Pre-amp (w/Big Sky Audio Upgrades), Adcom GFA-565 Mono Block Amps (w/Big Sky Audio Upgrades), Adcom ACE-515, Sony CDP-705esD, Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude, Polk Audio SDA SRS 2.3TL (Walnut), Polk Audio SDA SRS 2 (Walnut), STAX SR34 Electret Earspeaker System.
    2 Channel (Office)
    Adcom GFP-555 Pre-amp, Adcom GFA-555 Amp, Sony CDP-605esD, Adcom GFT-555 Tuner, Polk Audio SDA 1C (Walnut).
    2 Channel (Garage)
    Hafler DH-110 Pre-amp, Hafler DH-220 Amp, Sony CDP-505esD, Hafler DH-330 Tuner, Polk Audio SDA 2B (Walnut).
  • monepolk
    monepolk Posts: 1,154
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    I'd like one.
  • 250GTLusso
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    I would like a case as well.
    HT
    Adcom GFP-565 Pre-amp, Adcom GFA-565 Mono Block Amps (Front), Adcom GFA-585 Amp (Side), Adcom GFA-555 Amp (Rear), Adcom ACE-515, Pioneer CLD-3070 Laserdisc, Sony CDP-605esD, Sony BluRay BDP BX59, Samsung 50" Plasma, Polk Audio SDA SRS 1.2TL Front (Walnut), Polk Audio SDA SRS Side (Walnut), Polk Audio SDA SRS Rear (Walnut).
    2 Channel (Living Room)
    Adcom GFP-565 Pre-amp (w/Big Sky Audio Upgrades), Adcom GFA-565 Mono Block Amps (w/Big Sky Audio Upgrades), Adcom ACE-515, Sony CDP-705esD, Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude, Polk Audio SDA SRS 2.3TL (Walnut), Polk Audio SDA SRS 2 (Walnut), STAX SR34 Electret Earspeaker System.
    2 Channel (Office)
    Adcom GFP-555 Pre-amp, Adcom GFA-555 Amp, Sony CDP-605esD, Adcom GFT-555 Tuner, Polk Audio SDA 1C (Walnut).
    2 Channel (Garage)
    Hafler DH-110 Pre-amp, Hafler DH-220 Amp, Sony CDP-505esD, Hafler DH-330 Tuner, Polk Audio SDA 2B (Walnut).
  • 250GTLusso
    Options
    We have the magic 10!

    1.) 250GTLusso
    2.) Drumsolo
    3.) vcwatkins
    4.) Nesmith98
    5.) nooshinjohn
    6.) honestaquarian
    7.) RandyCroissant
    8.) monepolk
    9.) amb426amb1
    10.) polk65

    I know there are more of you out there sitting on the fence. However, based on all of the feedback I have been reading recently in this thread, this is really a must have for any SDA owners.

    From a bang for the buck standpoint, you probably get more bang for the buck from a 1KVA dreadnaught than from $500 worth of interconnect upgrades.
    HT
    Adcom GFP-565 Pre-amp, Adcom GFA-565 Mono Block Amps (Front), Adcom GFA-585 Amp (Side), Adcom GFA-555 Amp (Rear), Adcom ACE-515, Pioneer CLD-3070 Laserdisc, Sony CDP-605esD, Sony BluRay BDP BX59, Samsung 50" Plasma, Polk Audio SDA SRS 1.2TL Front (Walnut), Polk Audio SDA SRS Side (Walnut), Polk Audio SDA SRS Rear (Walnut).
    2 Channel (Living Room)
    Adcom GFP-565 Pre-amp (w/Big Sky Audio Upgrades), Adcom GFA-565 Mono Block Amps (w/Big Sky Audio Upgrades), Adcom ACE-515, Sony CDP-705esD, Magnum Dynalab FT-101A Etude, Polk Audio SDA SRS 2.3TL (Walnut), Polk Audio SDA SRS 2 (Walnut), STAX SR34 Electret Earspeaker System.
    2 Channel (Office)
    Adcom GFP-555 Pre-amp, Adcom GFA-555 Amp, Sony CDP-605esD, Adcom GFT-555 Tuner, Polk Audio SDA 1C (Walnut).
    2 Channel (Garage)
    Hafler DH-110 Pre-amp, Hafler DH-220 Amp, Sony CDP-505esD, Hafler DH-330 Tuner, Polk Audio SDA 2B (Walnut).
  • Schurkey
    Schurkey Posts: 2,130
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    Toolfan66 wrote: »
    Should I be looking at making 10 cases??
    Twenty.
  • machone
    machone Posts: 1,588
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    Congrats on 10!
    The cases are nice!
    Mojo Audio Illuminati v3>>Quantum Byte w/LMS>>Rpi/PiCoreplayer>> Starlight 7 USB >> Mojo Audio Mystique v2 SE>>ModWright SWL 9.0 SE Signature>>Hafler DH-500 Amp+ (Musical Concepts Fully Modded)>>
    SRS 2.3TL (Fully Modded)...Velodyne Optimum 8 subwoofer
    1KVA Dreadnought

    Marantz SA 8005
    Pioneer PLX-1000 Turntable - Shure SC35C/N35X - V15III/VN35HE
    Yamaha TX-540 Tuner...Sony BDP-S570
    Sony PS4

    Separate subpanel with four dedicated 20 amp circuits.
    1. Amplification 2. Analog 3. Digital 4. Video

    "All THAT IS LOST FROM THE SOURCE IS LOST FOREVER"
  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
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    Larry, what about some sort of Polk/Dreadnaught logo on the front of the case?
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
  • DrumSolo
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    Toolfan66 wrote: »
    Should I be looking at making 10 cases??

    I got dibs on @Mr_Hz extra case
  • DrumSolo
    Options
    250GTLusso wrote: »
    We have the magic 10!

    1.) 250GTLusso
    2.) Drumsolo
    3.) vcwatkins
    4.) Nesmith98
    5.) nooshinjohn
    6.) honestaquarian
    7.) RandyCroissant
    8.) monepolk
    9.) amb426amb1
    10.) polk65

    I know there are more of you out there sitting on the fence. However, based on all of the feedback I have been reading recently in this thread, this is really a must have for any SDA owners.

    From a bang for the buck standpoint, you probably get more bang for the buck from a 1KVA dreadnaught than from $500 worth of interconnect upgrades.

    Fantastic, what are the next steps?
  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 52,406
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    nspindel wrote: »
    Larry, what about some sort of Polk/Dreadnaught logo on the front of the case?

    First off it would help to have the correct spelling, Dreadnought.
  • honestaquarian
    Options
    I suggest moving this over to @250GTLusso's wanted to buy thread.

    http://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/175134/wtb-avel-lindberg-1kva-toroid-av-047548#latest

    Someone who has been here longer than Steve has to step up and take over taking the orders from everyone.
    If no one else does I'll take it over,but I can't get one until I get my tax refund in February.
  • lightman1
    lightman1 Posts: 10,802
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    F1nut wrote: »
    nspindel wrote: »
    Larry, what about some sort of Polk/Dreadnaught logo on the front of the case?

    First off it would help to have the correct spelling, Dreadnought.

    Sheeze Looweez...the grammar police shows up.. glad we got that sorted out....