What will slap around


my Spendor sp100's in the used market at $3-$4k range. I have been very happy with the Spendors over the last few years, but have the urge for something different. I really don't want to take a backward step and I am reluctant. And actually will only consider something different if it is an obvious improvemnt to my system.
Room is 16'x24' with a one way vault from 8' to 12'. A staircase is on one 16' wall, and a half wall with 4' door opening on the other 16' side. System is on long wall and low side of vault.
Would prefer some thing that can fill the room a little more and make images larger, more life like. Want to maintain or better quality of midrange and tonality of Spendors. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

Chris
chrisliv
I used to sell the Spendors back in the day. They had that typical British sound with great mid-range and a narrow sweet-spot. Great speakers, all in all.

You said you wanted to try something "different". Have you auditioned the Gallo Reference 3.1s? They have a completely different presentation, sweet-spot is huge. But the mid-range is spot-on and it and the top-end is to die for. And one big advantage they have over the Spendors (besides the enormous sweet-spot) is that they are very "fast" - transients are lightning quick like a planar.

They might be a little less than what you quoted (3-4k), but that's a good thing, right?

-RW-
Based upon your criteria I don't think that any speaker will do what you describe. Switching to the 9/1 will give you a slightly bigger sound and will keep all the positive elements of the SP100s. Surprisingly, they can be had used for less than $2,500. The bigger Harbeths are better overall speakers, but even on the used market they go for quite a bit more than your budget. You might also consider Monitor Audio Studio 50s (very hard to find on the used market).

I've owned S100s and now own a pair of 9/1.
Have not heard Gallo's RW. They do look a little spooky. I would like to see them up close. You are so right about limited sweet spot with sp100. So, you think Gallo's and 9/1's for that matter, have as much presence or more than sp100's? Interesting. Good to hear from guys who are actually familiar with the Spendors. 61, I will have to look up info on M.A. studio 50. Thanks.
Everyone shows the Gallos with their burqas [g] off, but I keep mine on all the time. In this configuration, they are simply elegant looking. If you opt for the black ball version, the speakers disappear inside the grilles.

And yes, I think the Gallos have a better presence than the Spendors. From the lowest octaves right on up, they are better in every way. The Gallos are truly superb speakers...

-RW-