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Apparently I missed this comment as I recently traded an A1-I for four SL3000 tweeters and two MW6503 mids. A few Polkies said I got ripped off because A1-I's sell for upwards of $250 and the drivers were worth about half that. I think they were jealous THEY didn't make the deal, and I'm OK with it as we needed the drivers for Zack's 1.2tl's. Anyway, you have several options for driving your SDA's with common ground amps: 1. the previously mentioned A1-I SDA Non-Common Ground Amplifier Interface ($150-250) 2. running without SDA and using sonic holography to achieve a similar effect (free if you use your C-11) 3. build an interface using a stock cable and these instructions: http://polksda.com/A1_Interconnect.pdf ($30-50) FYI: We're using a recapped M-1.5t to drive them and the bass is surprisingly punchy in Zack's 500 sf bedroom. We haven't tried bi-amping them yet as there are a few caps in the right crossover that I need to replace 1st. Thanks for the info Dom!! I will probably end up making my own A1 with those instructions. I did see your post abut trading your A1 and wished I had voiced more about my desire to have one. Looks like I can build my own eventually now. Your point about using SH instead of SDA is one I have been pondering lately. I may put up a separate post about it. When I first got my 1.2's set up, I wasn't sure if I should use SH along with SDA. I have found that some songs actually sound pretty darn good with both on, however others sound shallow and almost like a karaoke track with the vocals pulled way down. My only issue with going SH only and removing the SDA cable is that I feel that SH can cause some distortion at higher volumes, which is where my volume normally is when I am listening. SDA however does not cause any distortion at high levels. I also wonder if not powering the SDA drivers would cause a situation where there is less pressure, which could then possibly cause less bass due to the passive driver not moving as much?? Have to admit I am not familiar at all with how these SDA speakers truly work.

Maybe some Definitive Technology BP2002. Can be found pretty cheap as most are looking for the BP2000. Have a side firing sub and built in amp. Small footprint. Current EBAY link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Definitive-Technology-speakers-BP-2002-/221841281975?hash=item33a6c553b7 Picure:

Well, looks like a partial decision was made today. Just picked up a pair of Polk SDA 1.2TL's that popped up only about 45 minutes from me on CL. Wood on cabinets has some wear, so I will probably end up refinishing them. All drivers seemed to be working well when I auditioned them. As an added bonus, the tweets have already been upgraded to the RD0198-1's!! Bad news is I love my M-500t's and can't use them with these. Came with the standard Polk interconnect cable. I guess there is another cable from Polk called an A1, and an aftermarket cable called a dreadnaught that will allow an inverted amp to be used, but I will have to do me some research on that. For now will power the low end with a fully recapped M-1.5t and the top with a soon to be MKII'd M-1.0t. Will hopefully have them hooked up for some listening by tomorrow as I have lots going on today. Will report back on thoughts when I can give them a few test runs. Main reason for going with the Polks was firstly because they were the first to become available close by, and secondly that parts and drivers are very easily found if needed since I like to crank er up . I'm sure if I come across some ALS, AL-III's or Kappa 9's at a decent price I will snag them up to listen and compare (and probably keep, who am I kidding). And now for the picture or it didn't happen:

I'll tell you when I get my MKII done in August.....can't wait

PM from Gene on this topic: Those are kinda like the miniature version of the IRS Series. They got real good reviews, never got a chance to hear them but if they sound like the IRS then I'm sure you will be real happy. I would check for ribbon buzz, you can spot it with piano music or classical guitar music. My go to is a track from M83 "Midnight City" in the first 45 seconds of the song you can tell if the ribbons have a buzz or not. If you have never heard the song before familiarize yourself with it before using it as a test track. Good luck and post up photos and impressions when you get them. Thanks Gene. Just downloaded Midnight City from M83 for testing out the EMIM's. Never heard of that band. Song was not what I expected at all!! Everyone says use piano or classical music so that's what I was expecting. Actually kind of a cool sounding track.

Thanks for the info and link. I will post many detailed pics when I get them. Was going tonight but now it has been delayed until tomorrow morning.

Lots of talk about EMIM delamination all over the internet. Can't seem to find a good picture or description of what this looks like or what to look for. Someone said the diaphragm will look wavy, while others said this is normal??

PM from Gene on this topic: Those are kinda like the miniature version of the IRS Series. They got real good reviews, never got a chance to hear them but if they sound like the IRS then I'm sure you will be real happy. I would check for ribbon buzz, you can spot it with piano music or classical guitar music. My go to is a track from M83 "Midnight City" in the first 45 seconds of the song you can tell if the ribbons have a buzz or not. If you have never heard the song before familiarize yourself with it before using it as a test track. Good luck and post up photos and impressions when you get them.

Heading out to pick some of these up. Look extremely clean and all EMIM's are said to be rebuilt 10 yrs ago. Woofers have been refoamed. Seems to be a deal on them so I'm gonna try em out. Will be bi-amping with an M-500t on top and 1.0t on bottom. Both are scheduled to be MKII'd in a few months. Not sure if I should stick with the Infinity x-over and EQ that comes with them or go another route?

Welcome to the site Billy. As others have mentioned, great choice on the 4.0 for powering the Polks. That amp is a powerhouse and should drive them well. Anyone that gets large speakers shipped on a pallet and then leaves the boxes in his bedroom belongs here

You're a lucky man!! Today is actually my wife's birthday. I can only imagine the look I would get if I brought her home some Polk SDA SRS mega towers for her special day . Only good thing about it would be that I would be spending the night in the bar

Great band Dennis. Thanks for the reminder.