SDA Binding Post Upgrade

[F1nut]

Due to popular demand and Justin deleting the original post, here we go again.

I upgraded the stock binding posts on my SDA SRS 2.3TL's to Cardas gold plated posts, the short length type. Here is the info as best as I can remember it.

First remove the binding post plates from the back, there are four screws. The wires are connected to the crossover by a quick connect, just reach up inside and disconnect. There is a hot glue type material on the back of the plate that must be removed, I did this by gently prying up from the edges. You will note that each wire has a color band on it, make a drawing of what goes where for reference. Remove the wires by unscrewing the nuts and then remove the posts. The Cardas posts are larger than the stock ones and they have a shoulder. I placed the new posts over the old holes and marked a outline of the new posts. I then used a Dremel tool to enlarge the hole, being very careful not to round out the hole. IMPORTANT: You must leave the sides flat for the shoulders on the new posts. I used a fine small half round file on the flat sides and the curved area to get the right shape and size. The following pics are of the front and back of the stock units.

[F1nut]

This is the plate after enlarging the holes. Note the flat sides of the holes for the shoulder of the Cardas posts.

[F1nut]

Now install the Cardas posts with the white washer and nut, do not over tighten the nut. I soldered the wires back in place using Cardas Q-E solder, it's expensive stuff, but I never used a better solder. Be careful not to overheat the posts as you will melt the plastic binding post plate. I then used hot glue to seal the back of the plate, be sure to cover everything including the back of the interconnect post. You want a air tight seal. The Cardas posts do not come with the usual red + and black - markings on them. This seemed stupid to me and for the cost of those babies they should have them, so I went to a local hobby shop and got some pin stripe tape. I think adding the tape finishes the job nicely.

I forgot to mention that you have to cut off the original ends on the wires and use a wire stripper to expose about a half inch of wire, twist the end and then solder to the post.

Materials:

Cardas gold plated binding posts, type CCGR short. $38.00 each
Cardas Q-E solder, 1 lb. $32.00
Red pin strip tape. $5.00
Black pin strip tape. $5.00
Hot glue gun and sticks.

Tools:

Screwdrivers
Wrenches
Dremel tool set
Razor knife
Small fine half round file
Solder gun, the big heavy-duty kind
Wire strippers

Sources:

Sonic Craft at www.soniccraft.com. Binding posts and solder.
Hobby City at 301.421.5977. Pin strip tape.

My thanks to Tour for shrinking the photos.

[har_navalta]

Hey Jesse,

Pictures are too shrinked, I can't see the details...:D

Har

[F1nut]

Blame Justin!!!

[har_navalta]

Tips to accept the attachment without shrinking the pictures.
1. If your pic has a large background you may want to crop the pictures first that way you will eliminate unnecessary
pixel of your pictures.
2. There are many ways to eliminate some of the pixel of your
pictures without shrinking it. You must know your programs
eg. Photoshop, Corel Photo-paint and others.

Har

[Tour2ma]

Jesse,

Just for the nearsighted har, I resent the pics full size this time. Earlier ones were 1/2 size.

You should be able to substitute the bigger ones.

[dorokusai]

Very nice upgrade, I look forward to doing the same thing on mine. Those binding posts just flat out look better, let alone perform better.

Has anyone done a Cardas upgrade on RTi's or another Polk speaker?

[dorokusai]

Just an updated note.

In regards to the soldering iron selection, you really need a minimum of 60watts IMO....the heavy duty, 100w type is not really needed. Keep in mind that the Cardas posts are multi-plated and hardcore, so alot of steady heat will be needed with either choice. I find the wand type Weller to be much easier to operate and use.

I use a base station 60w Weller, and it will burn a hole in your house, let alone loosen a connection.

Just a thought, go and get your modify on!