Spendor S8e or Vandersteen 3A-Sig or ?

I have to cast a vote for the S8e's as well...though I too just sold mine after 3 years...just wanted to try something new (Merlin monitors).

In my small exposure to Vandy's I found them not to my liking, but have not lived with them.

Your musical taste stated above do fit Spendors to a "T".

Since I have owned neither I won't "talk my book" as many do about the system they own. I have heard both, many times and I would choose the Vandy's everytime. Especially with the refined and detailed music you describe listening to, the time and phase coherent nature of the Vandy's will be magical. I do like the Spendors, and they are a more impactful speaker and if you listened to more big orchestral or loud rock music then I would recommend the Spendors.

You will enjoy either of them, so good luck.

I also vote Vandy, but recommend you get rid of the silver I-C and speaker cables.

I would get used S 100s, available for under 3k. New ones, which look to use the same drivers, are approaching 10k. I use them myself.

a coin flip unless you own a cat.