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

I currently have a pair of original SP 1/2's and am upgrading from a Cayin TA-30 to a Cayin a88t to drive them. Listen mostly to classical and jazz vocals and love the sweet mellow warm sound. I'm considering trying a new speaker and was thinking of going to a floor stander. What Spendor floor standing speaker (or other maker) would you recommend? The room is 20' x 14' with 10' ceiling, wood floors, minimal furniture.
mikewdc
nolitan
865 posts
 
For the spendors to come alive, a good s/s amp is more recommended that the Cayin amp. I have friends with Cayin amp on spendors, while the midrange is ok, the dynamics and details kinda suffers a lot.
Suggest you consider a good 100-150w s/s amp for the Spendors. To begin with, they have a smooth sound to them so tubes can be omitted. YMMV
fin1bxn
140 posts
 
I have owned the Spendor SP1/2e and loved them. Used a Pass x250 amp and also a Rogue Stereo 90. The had the midrange magic, excelent top end and tight bass. But they couldnt handle low octives. If you get a subwoofer with a crosover that might work. I wouldnt and didnt do it. After many speaker auditions I bought a pr of used Revel F52's They wond have the depth of midrange (Could be my cabling) but they are oustanding in every other way. Top to bottom, imaging, bass response is awsome my tuned room is 11 x16 with an opening in back to another room
ojt212's avatar
ojt212
2 posts
 
I've had the SP1/2e for 10 years and run them with many amps. They always deliver musicality. Had the with Naim 135, 72 and loved it........until I used an old Scott 299 while the Naim gear was in the shop. At this point, I use the Spendors with Radio Craftsmen c500a. It is amazing how loud 10 wpc is on the Spendors! The nicest thing about these is that you will love them with whatever amp you have now as they are not a demanding load, but if you ever buy something better, the Spendors will deliver.
chashas1
596 posts
 
Neither are floor standers, but your obvious progression is Harbeth next, then to Audio Note.
krisjan
100 posts
 
Don't know if the OP is still looking but I had the Spendor 1/2E's in my system for about 4 years and they are excellent speakers with really only one weakness - they don't do the bottom octave. Since I listen to classical music (lots of orchestra) the bottom octave is essential for the most realistic sound. I tried and tried to get a subwoofer to integrate but was never successful. So, my upgrade was to Vandersteen 3A Sigs. The Vandy's do everything the Spendor's did in the mids and high (i.e. supremely natural and musical) but add the missing bottom end that the 1/2's didn't render. I've had the Vandy's now for several years with no urge to change.
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