2. speakers
  3. 148409-123090

Replacing Vintage Spendors is not as easy as I thought

I have a pair of 1989 era Spendor SP1 s and was thinking of updating them as I have heard of the vastly improved technology and materials used by current speaker manufacturers.  So off I have been listening to new speakers, many of which come advertised as natural sounding, or neutral etc. My search has been a bit constrained by my Leben tube amp which is a modest 32 watts. I have heard Harbeth, Aerial Acoustic, Devore, new Spendors, Totem and a few other brands all of which lack the natural vocal qualities of my SP1s.  Some are more dynamic but at the expense of more fatiguing treble.  I have limited my search to the 5000-7500 range but am coming up empty handed.  I am sure if I was ready to spend 15,000 +  I could find a good upgrade, but college tuitions preclude such an expenditure.  Anyone out there with any suggestions?
Thanks
MP
rivinyl
reubent
7,054 posts
 
.....or maybe you just prefer the sound of your old speakers. Nothing wrong with that. If you prefer the old speakers, no reason to part with $5000 - $7500 or even $15000. 

BTW, I stumbled upon a pair of Infinity RS1.5s, vintage 1980, a few years ago. Brought them home, promptly sold off my more expensive speakers, and have been living happily ever since.

My suggestion: Don't worry, be happy!
jond's avatar
jond
5,911 posts
 
Agreed if you like your speakers that much keep them, Spendor makes great speakers and the SP1 is a classic. If you must have something new check out Audio Note, the AN-J, my current speaker, is right in your price range. 93db sensitivity it's easy to drive and very organic sounding. Whatever you decide good luck and happy listening.
inna
7,358 posts
 
Yeah, keep your speakers. Perhaps upgrading your source and/or cables would make more sense.
If you want to try something different - not British sound - I suggest you try Kharma. Used, new is too expensive. No idea how they would work with your amp, probably depends on model, you room, how loud you listen, what you listen to. But 32 good tube watts is not little.
gregm
3,409 posts
 
I second jsautter above, what your ears are rejecting is the tweeter attack of contemporary speaker design.
Having said this, new Spendors 2/3 or the smaller Harbeths are an evolution of your own spkrs sound.
Otherwise, try the smaller ATC models, the SL 20 or the 40. Great midrange (as you’re used to hearaing)
audioconnection
1,271 posts
 
Take a listen to the Vandersteen Treo CT
 I have a pair of 1989 spendorSP1s and understand what is engaging you.
Also, bring in your amp with you.
The Treo CT offers an exciting level of finesse that when used even with a 20WPC Quicksilver Tube amp their even-handed impedance load allowsTube amp's to perform well and have most scratching their head after a listen.  
 Best JohnnyR 
More to discover