Documenting: My SDA-1c upgrades from start to finish

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  • audioluvr
    audioluvr Posts: 6,079
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    plastic_avatar wrote: »
    e5o6vv4xftgq.jpeg

    Dude. You need a haircut 😜
    Gustard X26 Pro DAC
    Belles 21A Pre Upgraded with Mundorf Supremes
    B&K M200 Sonata monoblocks refreshed and upgraded
    Polk SDA 1C's modded / 1000Va Dreadnaught
    Wireworld Silver Eclipse IC's and speaker cables
    Harman Kardon T65C w/Grado Gold. (Don't laugh. It sounds great!)

    There is about a 5% genetic difference between apes and men …but that difference is the difference between throwing your own poo when you are annoyed …and Einstein, Shakespeare and Miss January. by Dr. Sardonicus
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  • plastic_avatar
    plastic_avatar Posts: 747
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    audioluvr wrote: »
    Dude. You need a haircut 😜

    x7d95ho4y1xu.jpeg


    (If anyone here gets this one, I'm give them kudos.)
    The Thrifty Setups in Mah House Big thrifty stereo in the basement w/ my custom SDA-1C (built with help from kind forum members) * Beautiful 1966 MCM GE console upgraded w/ Bluetooth, Dual turntable, and Paradigm speakers in family room * Swanky 1980 Realistic system and great TEAC eq with dancing colored lights in the living room * custom 5B on a system for my Dad * Ye Olde college stereo in the garage
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  • plastic_avatar
    plastic_avatar Posts: 747
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    https://youtu.be/2NaPvB8CwOo
    The Thrifty Setups in Mah House Big thrifty stereo in the basement w/ my custom SDA-1C (built with help from kind forum members) * Beautiful 1966 MCM GE console upgraded w/ Bluetooth, Dual turntable, and Paradigm speakers in family room * Swanky 1980 Realistic system and great TEAC eq with dancing colored lights in the living room * custom 5B on a system for my Dad * Ye Olde college stereo in the garage
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  • xschop
    xschop Posts: 5,820
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    plastic_avatar wrote: »
    audioluvr wrote: »
    Dude. You need a haircut 😜

    x7d95ho4y1xu.jpeg


    (If anyone here gets this one, I'm give them kudos.)

    RHCP bandmember?

    Some snowflakes are jealous that you can modify at will and probably pissed that you don't subscribe to a bandwagon mentality. ...That's Kudos in my book.😉
    Don't take experimental gene therapies from known eugenicists.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 52,407
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    Wrong yet again, Rob.
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  • xschop
    xschop Posts: 5,820
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    Hey Jesse, long time no post. Did you quit the band?
    Don't take experimental gene therapies from known eugenicists.
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  • invalid
    invalid Posts: 1,559
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    Toolfan66 wrote: »
    ken brydson wrote: »
    F1nut wrote: »
    Do not use washers of any kind.

    Sometimes washers are needed....

    2w7hxxspwf9m.jpg


    Should have used Phase Plug Wheel Nuts and foam.

    Fixed it for you.
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  • xschop
    xschop Posts: 5,820
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    The cheap thin-steel backing rings proved faulty.
    Don't take experimental gene therapies from known eugenicists.
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  • plastic_avatar
    plastic_avatar Posts: 747
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    [squints]

    [reads responses]

    [glances over at the pool and grabs the chlorine]
    The Thrifty Setups in Mah House Big thrifty stereo in the basement w/ my custom SDA-1C (built with help from kind forum members) * Beautiful 1966 MCM GE console upgraded w/ Bluetooth, Dual turntable, and Paradigm speakers in family room * Swanky 1980 Realistic system and great TEAC eq with dancing colored lights in the living room * custom 5B on a system for my Dad * Ye Olde college stereo in the garage
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  • plastic_avatar
    plastic_avatar Posts: 747
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    3ixgn7zcjbk3.jpeg
    The Thrifty Setups in Mah House Big thrifty stereo in the basement w/ my custom SDA-1C (built with help from kind forum members) * Beautiful 1966 MCM GE console upgraded w/ Bluetooth, Dual turntable, and Paradigm speakers in family room * Swanky 1980 Realistic system and great TEAC eq with dancing colored lights in the living room * custom 5B on a system for my Dad * Ye Olde college stereo in the garage
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  • plastic_avatar
    plastic_avatar Posts: 747
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    [lifeguard whistle blows]

    And now, back to our irregularly scheduled program.

    I took off the washers, reinstalled everything, got the semi-rings put on, and installed my terminal plate.

    I'll do the same for the right speaker (gotta make gaskets, too), then I'll tackle crossovers.

    jwpk18nlkp3s.jpeg
    The Thrifty Setups in Mah House Big thrifty stereo in the basement w/ my custom SDA-1C (built with help from kind forum members) * Beautiful 1966 MCM GE console upgraded w/ Bluetooth, Dual turntable, and Paradigm speakers in family room * Swanky 1980 Realistic system and great TEAC eq with dancing colored lights in the living room * custom 5B on a system for my Dad * Ye Olde college stereo in the garage
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  • plastic_avatar
    plastic_avatar Posts: 747
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    F1nut wrote: »
    Your 2.3's are pin/blade. For the socket connect the blue wire to 1+ and the white wire to 1-. For your interconnect cable one wire gets connected to the 1+ and the other wire to 1- at both ends.

    Was trying to find the instructions for which wire to which bit on my SDA cable build for this week. I'll be finishing up getting everything installed and ready for the crossover teardowns/build-ups this weekend.

    Remembered I had this bookmarked from another thread.

    I was worried I needed to do something more than match the +/- on the plugs and receptacles, but they match right up.

    Realized after finding F1's entry again, I was overthinking it =)

    I used hot glue to fill the gaps on my terminal plate's backside , and a bead under the lip to make sure it was sealed and tight.
    The Thrifty Setups in Mah House Big thrifty stereo in the basement w/ my custom SDA-1C (built with help from kind forum members) * Beautiful 1966 MCM GE console upgraded w/ Bluetooth, Dual turntable, and Paradigm speakers in family room * Swanky 1980 Realistic system and great TEAC eq with dancing colored lights in the living room * custom 5B on a system for my Dad * Ye Olde college stereo in the garage
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  • plastic_avatar
    plastic_avatar Posts: 747
    edited January 2023
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    Done with the cable while I wait for the right side's mw to dry! Re-gluing all mah magnets as I go, to be sure all is good.

    *Not gluing my tweeter magnets until I redo the plates. I'm going to recenter all 4 at that time. They were all sloppy in fit and finish as a batch. I just want to make the back ends more even when I go for another round of fixes.

    kfwensgtm8ch.jpeg

    Made my gaskets and installed the tweets. Drilled out the Hurricane holes a little wider than on the left cabinet.

    Moving on to BH5.

    a5dnbjqzgzya.jpeg
    sdhckmcj987l.jpeg
    The Thrifty Setups in Mah House Big thrifty stereo in the basement w/ my custom SDA-1C (built with help from kind forum members) * Beautiful 1966 MCM GE console upgraded w/ Bluetooth, Dual turntable, and Paradigm speakers in family room * Swanky 1980 Realistic system and great TEAC eq with dancing colored lights in the living room * custom 5B on a system for my Dad * Ye Olde college stereo in the garage
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  • skipshot12
    skipshot12 Posts: 2,155
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    Looking good.
    Your attention to details will pay dividends...
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  • plastic_avatar
    plastic_avatar Posts: 747
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    pitdogg2 wrote: »
    That gasket material would have served the same purpose and been much easier to remove the binding cup.

    You are 100% correct.

    It was a whim since I had my glue gun out.

    Luckily, this stuff will pop off (fairly) easily.

    Honestly, I'm making a gasket for cabinet #2 today. I'll probably pop the plate off of speaker #1 and do the same when rewire time hits this year.

    The Thrifty Setups in Mah House Big thrifty stereo in the basement w/ my custom SDA-1C (built with help from kind forum members) * Beautiful 1966 MCM GE console upgraded w/ Bluetooth, Dual turntable, and Paradigm speakers in family room * Swanky 1980 Realistic system and great TEAC eq with dancing colored lights in the living room * custom 5B on a system for my Dad * Ye Olde college stereo in the garage
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  • plastic_avatar
    plastic_avatar Posts: 747
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    Let me explain why I went with the whim, @Toolfan66:

    I was worried the gasket material I used wouldn't seal good enough.

    Why?

    The contact area on the underside of the lip of my custom plates is uneven (because of the support style I used on the print). So, glue gun nearby, needed to throw some on posts and around the Neutrik connector for good measure, so why not see how well it works in lieu of a cut gasket?

    Hot glue works great!

    But, I sanded the area more on the right side plate and realized the foam would work just fine.

    Does it hurt anything? No.

    Is it fine either way? Yes.

    If you'd like to join in the fun with all the people who've helped me try things and learn, please do.

    There's no shame on my side for any mistake I make.

    From post #1:
    I will post updates over the next few months about my progress. I hope anyone with suggestions speaks up! I wouldn't be where I am in my project today if it wasn't for the help of a group of brainiacs this week.

    I hope this thread helps at least one person find their way to some new info they didn't know about, introduces them to the work of some of the great people here, and (selfishly) helps me do the best job I can on what I hope will be a pair of amazing speakers =)

    Wow, come next month it'll be a year since I started on these things!

    I've made some fine friends and meaningful acquaintances here over the past... wow, again... 14 years next month is when I decided to make an account.

    (Stealing that gif to use another time. Nice one.)
    The Thrifty Setups in Mah House Big thrifty stereo in the basement w/ my custom SDA-1C (built with help from kind forum members) * Beautiful 1966 MCM GE console upgraded w/ Bluetooth, Dual turntable, and Paradigm speakers in family room * Swanky 1980 Realistic system and great TEAC eq with dancing colored lights in the living room * custom 5B on a system for my Dad * Ye Olde college stereo in the garage
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  • xschop
    xschop Posts: 5,820
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    If that is PVA foam, it is very forgiving and fills in some of the largest and un-even voids(warped Polk plastic RDO plates and pitted fiberboard cut-outs). I like it so well, that I now glue it directly to the MW basket flanges as its makes installation with fasteners a breeze, does not permanently stick to mating surfaces, and makes an air-tight seal.
    Don't take experimental gene therapies from known eugenicists.
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  • plastic_avatar
    plastic_avatar Posts: 747
    edited January 2023
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    @xschop: Yep! PVA. I had to take out 2 drivers on the left cab last night (realized I put them in out of phase). Was surprised how well the gasket deformed and filled in spaces. Really great stuff.

    Now I've misplaced my little white SDA wire from the terminal to the Neutrik receptacle. Argh.

    I need to go out and pick up some more of that aluminized pipe wrap. I'm out, and need it for the 5B and... pipes!
    The Thrifty Setups in Mah House Big thrifty stereo in the basement w/ my custom SDA-1C (built with help from kind forum members) * Beautiful 1966 MCM GE console upgraded w/ Bluetooth, Dual turntable, and Paradigm speakers in family room * Swanky 1980 Realistic system and great TEAC eq with dancing colored lights in the living room * custom 5B on a system for my Dad * Ye Olde college stereo in the garage
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  • Gardenstater
    Gardenstater Posts: 4,932
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    aluminized pipe wrap...........Foam + Foil pipe wrap, like Frost King makes?
    George / NJ

    Polk 7B main speakers, std. mods+ (1979, orig owner)
    Martin Logan Dynamo sub w/6ft 14awg Power Cord
    Onkyo A-8017 integrated
    Logitech Squeezebox Touch Streamer w/EDO applet
    iFi nano iDSD DAC
    iPurifier3
    iDefender w/ iPower PS
    Custom Steve Wilson 1m UPOCC Interconnect
    iFi Mercury 0.5m OFHC continuous cast copper USB cable
    Custom Ribbon Speaker Cables, 5ft long, 4N Copper, 14awg, ultra low inductance
    Custom Vibration Isolation Speaker Stands and Sub Platform
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  • plastic_avatar
    plastic_avatar Posts: 747
    edited January 2023
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    New question:

    Need cleaning advice. Used Windex to clean cones, surrounds, and cabs. What do I try next, based on text below?

    - Speakers had candles on them. Oily waxy substance dripped onto cabinets, through grilles, and onto some surrounds.

    i got most of the brown, smokey residue off of everything, but the surrounds are discolored in places and a little.. smokey looking.

    Would love to find a butyl-friendly Armor All-like shine product.

    bt7wucwlzcab.jpeg
    And yes, a final dusting and wipe will happen.

    As an aside:

    Some people act like I'm ruining the Mona Lisa, when, really, I'm resurrecting Steve Austin ;)

    3a9l6vyxws3l.gif
    The Thrifty Setups in Mah House Big thrifty stereo in the basement w/ my custom SDA-1C (built with help from kind forum members) * Beautiful 1966 MCM GE console upgraded w/ Bluetooth, Dual turntable, and Paradigm speakers in family room * Swanky 1980 Realistic system and great TEAC eq with dancing colored lights in the living room * custom 5B on a system for my Dad * Ye Olde college stereo in the garage
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  • xschop
    xschop Posts: 5,820
    edited January 2023
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    Ive cleaned some of the nastiest crud off the cones with 70% isopropyl alcohol.
    Been wanting to try a type of product on these surrounds like my FIL used on this Avalanche's window seal trim. It made the oxidated plastic and rubber look new. Can't recall the name of it however.
    Don't take experimental gene therapies from known eugenicists.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 52,407
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    Yak urine blessed by 10 monks works the best.
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  • plastic_avatar
    plastic_avatar Posts: 747
    edited January 2023
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    Were it that easy, I'd be on it.

    I hate to waste my yak time on that, though...

    I recommend the movie Himalaya to anyone who like documentaries.

    https://www.vudu.com/content/movies/details/title/502504

    In the style of Nanook of the North, this movie is a 'directed' documentary. A fiction, but it documents a way of life that is largely lost to time.

    Recommended.

    Also, the documentary Aftershock on Netflix, for people with shorter attention spans. Unrelated, save for the mountains.

    (Seems a product called 303 is safe for butyl. I may grab some if the discoloration proves visually distracting.)

    [Lazarus needs new shoes]
    The Thrifty Setups in Mah House Big thrifty stereo in the basement w/ my custom SDA-1C (built with help from kind forum members) * Beautiful 1966 MCM GE console upgraded w/ Bluetooth, Dual turntable, and Paradigm speakers in family room * Swanky 1980 Realistic system and great TEAC eq with dancing colored lights in the living room * custom 5B on a system for my Dad * Ye Olde college stereo in the garage
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  • bcwsrt
    bcwsrt Posts: 2,685
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    plastic_avatar wrote: »
    ...

    Wow, come next month it'll be a year since I started on these things!

    ...

    Kinda curious ... how much more buffalo chicken pizza has been consumed on this endeavor?
    Brian

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  • plastic_avatar
    plastic_avatar Posts: 747
    edited January 2023
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    @bcwsrt: Ha! Well...

    More than expected [pats stomach], but less than I thought!

    Revised cost list = https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1PirDDHK8Tegb6nFD9gM5J-VHFHuABQ8txKexvQOeFvo/edit

    Less than $1000 there, but I used about $60 in filament for prototyping.

    Plus another $50 in misc. stuff I'm sure I don't remember.

    Let's call it $100 over budget at $1100.

    WHICH IS CRAZY FOR ME! But it's over a year, and a gift to myself as a hobby and post-unemployment Pandemic-troubles-end project, so... I'll forgive myself.

    I did buy a Yamaha p2250 and a back-up, so that was $400 in gas and purchases. Not exactly a speaker cost, but I got them because of the 1C, soooo... that's a grey area in the budget.

    If I can equalize out some costs, I'll grab coils while the dollar is strong, but that's the cap (unless I play with another dome for the Wuhans...).

    I never ends, does it?

    Annnnd... I'll need to budget for veneer or paint, and grille cloth, if I want to make them as pretty as they should be.

    They turned out to be in waaaaay rougher shape than anticipated. But that's o.k., It's good experience.

    This week, gonna ebay the old plates and cable to put a little bit back into the budget.
    gr38d6iewxgn.jpeg
    The Thrifty Setups in Mah House Big thrifty stereo in the basement w/ my custom SDA-1C (built with help from kind forum members) * Beautiful 1966 MCM GE console upgraded w/ Bluetooth, Dual turntable, and Paradigm speakers in family room * Swanky 1980 Realistic system and great TEAC eq with dancing colored lights in the living room * custom 5B on a system for my Dad * Ye Olde college stereo in the garage
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 52,407
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    Seems a product called 303 is safe for butyl. I may grab some if the discoloration proves visually distracting.

    JHC, something is seriously wrong with you!!!

    Clean the cones and surrounds with original Windex. Spray it on a soft cotton cloth and wipe in a circular motion. Do NOT use anything else, PERIOD.
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  • plastic_avatar
    plastic_avatar Posts: 747
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    They're as clean as Windex will get them.

    I wouldn't use the 303 (or similar) on the cones, but I'd love to have the surrounds look consistent *if it won't damage them*.

    303 pops up every now and again as safe for butyl.

    One of my hats is photographer-who-adores-symmetry, and I really want the surrounds as evenly toned as possible.

    The candle smoke and residue really did a number on how they look.
    The Thrifty Setups in Mah House Big thrifty stereo in the basement w/ my custom SDA-1C (built with help from kind forum members) * Beautiful 1966 MCM GE console upgraded w/ Bluetooth, Dual turntable, and Paradigm speakers in family room * Swanky 1980 Realistic system and great TEAC eq with dancing colored lights in the living room * custom 5B on a system for my Dad * Ye Olde college stereo in the garage
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