Upgrade from Spendor SP 1/2, what's next?

I've owned various models of the Spendor Classic Series, including the 1/2e which is a fabulous speaker. It was replaced in my system by the Audiokinesis Jazz Modules which are floor standers. I think these would more than meet your needs sonically, but without knowing your budget can't say if they are in your price range.

If you are willing to wait it out and want to stay in the Spendor family, I would keep my eye out for a pair of 9/1 floor standers.

Thanks for the responses so far. I would peg budget at no more that $5k and I'm a big believer in buying used (which is the best part of audiophile disease--let someone else take the first hit on the depreciation, hehe).

Like I said, I do love the Spendors so it's gonna take something spectacular to impress me. The Spendors were rather difficult to place in the room, however. I think the 9/1s might be too big.

I'm still not quite sure what you're looking to improve in terms of sound quality.

Also, what was difficult about placement? The SP1/2 has fairly tight dispersion characteristics and is less sensitive to side wall asymmetry than many other speakers when one is in the sweet spot. If a room is difficult for Spendors, it is likely going to be problematic for many other speakers, though the anomalies may be different in character.

I think the answers you receive will improve if people have a better of idea of the improvement you're seeking.

You love the speakers, & you're using a moderate power tube amp (I think--I'm not that familiar w/Cayin's), in a fairly large room.

Merlins. Merlins love tubes. The VSM's, or maybe the TSM's would work for you. I haven't heard SP 1/2's, so can't compare.....

I think maybe Mlsstl has hit the nail on the head. That is, I'm not sure what I'm after because the speakers I have are the only ones I've spent a lot of time listening to. None of my friends have systems to speak of. I guess what I'm hoping is that the suggestions I get here will help me decide where to begin so I can narrow the auditioning down to a reasonable number.

In terms of placing the Spendors, I had to move them to the long wall. There is no effectively no side wall interference. They are nearly 3 feet from the back wall. I like what the Spendors provide in terms of mellow midrange, but I could go for a bigger sound--a wider soundstage, I think. Sometimes, too much of the sound is still trapped in the speaker.