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

Options
1…1112141617…30

Comments

  • xschop
    xschop Posts: 5,833
    Options
    I was left inundated with copious amounts of newly imparted knowledge...Thanks for the meme-ories.
    Don't take experimental gene therapies from known eugenicists.
    · Share on Facebook
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Options
    This content has been removed.
  • plastic_avatar
    plastic_avatar Posts: 747
    Options
    If you ignore the dust I kicked up that got on everything, you can see the stains on the cabinet and the discoloration on the surrounds.

    sy8l69sl1bqu.jpeg

    Interesting bit from a thread on diyaudio.com:
    EscritorJuan
    Member
    2017-05-04 2:00 pm
    #12
    I emailed Albert Von Schweikert about what I should use to treat the rubber surrounds on my Von Schweikert VR-5 HSE Speakers, and he wrote back the following:

    Hello Juan,

    All of the VR-5 HSE speaker components use Kurt Mueller rubber surrounds that have a twenty year warranty. The Germans know how to make good parts! The Audax midrange and SEAS woofers use these special rubber compounds for a very long life, estimated to be more than 30 years. If you treat all of the butyl rubber edges, they will not crack or dry out for an estimated 50 years!

    Buy the liquid made by CAIG from Parts Express; we use it to protect the foam rubber surrounds of the VR-5SE and VR-5 Anniversary models, as well as the VR-9SE Mk2 and VR-11SE Mk2. It works very well!

    Cheers,

    Albert Von Schweikert
    President, Chief Design Engineer

    Unrelated:

    The gasket for the terminal plate works pretty good.

    m9mcqojwuuna.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
    · Share on Facebook
  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 52,406
    edited January 2023
    Options
    Ok, I owe you an apology concerning the surrounds. I thought you were talking about the naturally occurring oxidation of the rubber that leaves them kind of funky looking.

    Windex will not remove those stains and I doubt anything will. I think the best you can hope for is to blend/cover them up. Of course, keeping the grills on will hide all those sins and since they were voiced with the grills on that is how one should listen to them.
    · Share on Facebook
  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 52,406
    Options
    The 3 ingredients of the Caig product.

    MINERAL OIL - self explanatory

    CHLORINATED FATTY ESTER - such things as palm and coconut oil

    LIMONENE - citrus oil
    · Share on Facebook
  • plastic_avatar
    plastic_avatar Posts: 747
    edited January 2023
    Options
    F1nut wrote: »
    Of course, keeping the grills on will hide all those sins and since they were voiced with the grills on that is how one should listen to them.

    [nods]

    Sins were not as readily visible until the major cleaning began, here at the end =(

    I've got fabric on my list, I just love looking at these and the Monitor 12 naked. They look so frakking cool. And they're worth enough to me to refinish the cabinets at a later date.

    Next purchase(s), maybe CAIG and definitely fabric!
    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
    · Share on Facebook
  • Gardenstater
    Gardenstater Posts: 4,937
    edited January 2023
    Options
    I can't stand listening to my 7Bs with the grills on, especially after all the veils to clarity have been removed from the mods I have done. The inside edge of the grille is 3/4" particle board with no roundover. Can you say diffraction? Doesn't show up so much on a frequency response graph but we do hear the effects. Besides that it negates the effects of my 1-3/4" radiused roundover frame I have put on my speakers, which absolutely do work wonders with the imaging.
    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
    · Share on Facebook
  • plastic_avatar
    plastic_avatar Posts: 747
    Options
    I imagine I'll have dual mode: grills on to save my sanity, grills off when I can listen in the dark ;)

    I'm going to try all the things, eventually. Including your edge treatment experiments. They're all easy and reversible, so no harm.

    Since I know a builder now (who has a bona fide shop), I may just make new cabinets one day.

    Again, I never went into this with the expectation to ever get back the money I invested in myself. Except in self fulfillment =)
    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
    · Share on Facebook
  • skipshot12
    skipshot12 Posts: 2,154
    edited January 2023
    Options
    As far as trying to get back a uniform black I use this...
    xwnb5mhhzd4u.jpg

    Adam's Polishes products are fantastic and it's all I use on my original paint & interior MK3 Supra.
    I used this on the back of my SDA SRS's and they came out great.
    Just be sure to clean the surface to be treated well first, try in an inconspicuous small spot to see if you want it that black.

    Would be easier to a better job if your drivers aren't installed.
    Plus, mask off any edges or places, with blue painter's tape, you don't want the black to get on... wood, cloth etc.

    This is how the speakers came out after the Adam's black trim restore....
    nlbnfbv4e2s4.jpg

    After the Adam's I used some P21s wax for a protective coat.
    The wax is on top of the speaker on the right...

    Not recommending this on the surrounds as this is not something I've tried.
    · Share on Facebook
  • plastic_avatar
    plastic_avatar Posts: 747
    Options
    @skipshot12

    Wow!

    That is the kind of thing I was looking for last week!

    I was trying to find a colored wax to try (the back of the right speaker has a lot of wax staining). This is perfect! Thank you!

    [goes to check it out]

    Oh, and pictures of your Supra or it's not real ;)

    [So says a Supra and late 80's and early 90's Japanese sports car fan]
    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
    · Share on Facebook
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Options
    This content has been removed.
  • plastic_avatar
    plastic_avatar Posts: 747
    edited January 2023
    Options
    Try some goo gone on the cabinet stains. Naptha on a rag will also remove candle wax. Don't ask how I know. Then clean off the Naptha with something safe.

    I'll try the Goo on the stains before I use the Adams' stuff.

    Naphtha as a last resort. [laughs]. I haven't messed with that in a looooong time.

    [where's my Zippo...]
    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
    · Share on Facebook
  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 35,562
    Options
    Mind you, I'm not suggesting this for surrounds :# -- but boiling hot water will quickly melt wax and take it away from... pretty much anything that won't mind contact with boiling hot water. In the case of total immersion, the wax'll just float to the surface (since it's immiscible with water).

    :|

    · Share on Facebook
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Options
    This content has been removed.
  • skipshot12
    skipshot12 Posts: 2,154
    edited January 2023
    Options
    plastic_avatar wrote: »
    @skipshot12

    Wow!

    That is the kind of thing I was looking for last week!

    I was trying to find a colored wax to try (the back of the right speaker has a lot of wax staining). This is perfect! Thank you!

    [goes to check it out]

    Oh, and pictures of your Supra or it's not real ;)

    [So says a Supra and late 80's and early 90's Japanese sports car fan]

    Bahahaaaaa...
    My two mistresses,

    40bz18iq4eks.jpg
    s5q0c8zu0pki.jpg
    Had to get creative with the WY license plates to denote their birth years.
    · Share on Facebook
  • Clipdat
    Clipdat Posts: 13,104
    Options
    Both are absolutely gorgeous. Simply stunning. <3
    · Share on Facebook
  • Jstas
    Jstas Posts: 15,018
    Options
    mhardy6647 wrote: »
    Mind you, I'm not suggesting this for surrounds :# -- but boiling hot water will quickly melt wax and take it away from... pretty much anything that won't mind contact with boiling hot water. In the case of total immersion, the wax'll just float to the surface (since it's immiscible with water).

    :|

    I've used a heat gun and a blue paper shop towel for wax spills. If the wax spill is on something that doesn't like heat, a hair dryer on high will get hot enough to melt wax but typically leaves heat sensitive materials alone.

    I use the blue shop paper towels because they are more absorbent, especially with chemicals and they will wick hot wax up quicker before soaking through the towel.

    When most of the wax is up, lighter fluid on a regular paper towel will get rid of the rest of it and has less of a chance of being destructive to whatever surface you are cleaning. The stuff in the bottles like Ronsonol is usually just naptha and maybe a light machine oil. So it's stronger than alcohol but not as strong as more aggressive solvents like gasoline or ether or acetone. Lighter fluid leaves an oily residue, though but, Windex will clean that right up.
    Expert Moron Extraordinaire

    You're just jealous 'cause the voices don't talk to you!
    · Share on Facebook
  • Clipdat
    Clipdat Posts: 13,104
    Options
    Nice RE71Rs on the VR4. Would love to throw it around some corners.
    · Share on Facebook
  • skipshot12
    skipshot12 Posts: 2,154
    Options
    We went with the stock sleeper Supra look, for personal reasons... 😬
    But, she pulled 525hp & 560ft/lbs to the rears.
    Stock original motor, trans & diff

    3mnuch40nd5v.jpg

    · Share on Facebook
  • Clipdat
    Clipdat Posts: 13,104
    Options
    Very clean.
    · Share on Facebook
  • skipshot12
    skipshot12 Posts: 2,154
    edited January 2023
    Options
    Thank you.
    Clipdat wrote: »
    Nice RE71Rs on the VR4. Would love to throw it around some corners.
    Someone recognizes track tires...
    Had the same tires on the Soup, once worn out I went with the Toyo R888's. Prefer the 71R's.

    Run both on open track days down @ HPR.
    2.55 mile road course.

    If anyone's interested in cars... my brother and I @ Supras in Vegas 2021. Had a great time.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUcVSre8GgE&amp;t=529sTrack day @ Vegas Speed World.
    We're @ 4:06, 6:37 behind a 700+ hp white MK4, 6:50, 7:27, @ 8:12 Maroon MK3 Supra 7MGTE dynoed @ 1400hp.

    Apologies on the high jack of your thread p_a. Got a little carried away 🤪
    · Share on Facebook
  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 35,562
    Options
    pitdogg2 wrote: »
    mhardy6647 wrote: »
    Mind you, I'm not suggesting this for surrounds :# -- but boiling hot water will quickly melt wax and take it away from... pretty much anything that won't mind contact with boiling hot water. In the case of total immersion, the wax'll just float to the surface (since it's immiscible with water).

    :|

    Yep a sponge and dish gloves are your friend.

    hey, now -- let's not get too personal here!!!

    :#B);)

    · Share on Facebook
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Options
    This content has been removed.
  • plastic_avatar
    plastic_avatar Posts: 747
    Options
    @skipshot12

    Hijack away!

    New sub-thread topic = hot turbos from 1985-1995

    Seriously, it's not a hijack. It's why you knew to recommend the product you did =)

    @nooshinjohn

    Sheer fabric where I can see the goods = awesome, and I will see how it fits my budget.

    @the-rest-of-you-lot

    Rubber gloves, heat guns, boiling water, sponge baths... I'm not 100%, but some of you guys might've learned about wax removal under non-hobbiest circumstances... I mean, I'm thankful, but had no idea there were so many options to try on my problem ;)
    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
    · Share on Facebook
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    edited January 2023
    Options
    This content has been removed.
  • audioluvr
    audioluvr Posts: 6,079
    Options
    You can also use an iron on a low heat setting and a couple paper towels to soak up wax. Again test in an inconspicuous area to see what setting works best.
    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
    · Share on Facebook
  • plastic_avatar
    plastic_avatar Posts: 747
    Options
    audioluvr wrote: »
    You can also use an iron on a low heat setting and a couple paper towels to soak up....

    All these are going to come in super handy. No lie. And, honestly, not just for this. It's like the cleaning tip videos I love on YouTube =)

    An example of what I have to deal with on the back of the right speaker:

    0qo35vsjdmta.jpeg
    It's like his wife threw wax at this 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
    · Share on Facebook
  • Jstas
    Jstas Posts: 15,018
    Options
    She probably dropped a candle that was hot and the wax splattered when the candle hit the ground.
    Expert Moron Extraordinaire

    You're just jealous 'cause the voices don't talk to you!
    · Share on Facebook
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Options
    This content has been removed.
  • plastic_avatar
    plastic_avatar Posts: 747
    edited January 2023
    Options
    LOL

    I should print that and paste it to the inside of the cabinet.

    It's a little frustrating that I didn't really comprehend the finish damage and the stains until after 9 months in.

    Over the past 2 months, as I started to really dig in, it's been a little bit of

    'Jeezus, I'm pretty much re-doing everything... What was my budget again?'

    Super fun year, though. Learning a lot, with everyone's help. And I mean that.

    The kicker will be, and I may have said this:

    What if I hate the SDA effect?

    Wouldn't that be hilarious?
    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
    · Share on Facebook