Spendor D9.2 vs Proac D48r

Spendor D series are none of those things (pipe and slipper, etc.) either, even if traditional Spendor (e.g., classic line) might be. Spendor D series is a whole new animal to the old Spendor stereotype, and as owner of D7 and D1 one that hits the perfect sweet spot for beautiful midrange and quick, brilliant highs that are possible now with the fully Spendor in-house developed and manufactured LPZ tweeter (just as all Spendor drivers are custom and manufactured in house with D series). I also own the SA1 earlier series before D series and I can see why Spendor had developed that reputation previously, but it does not apply to D series, and for me the new modern sound is a sound I much prefer. Chose D7 after auditioning around 20-25 other speakers couple years ago from $5-10k range USD (though did not have opportunity to hear ProAc, unfortunately, so cannot compare).

Here's a different perspective.  I listened to Spendor Classic 100 and Spendor D7 back to back, same day, same room, same system.  The Classic 100 stomped all over the D7, not just in the bass, where one might expect that, but also in the midrange and the treble.  The upper midrange /lower treble sounded particularly pinched and undernourished when compared to the presentation given by the Classic 100.

You are welcome @dallyd31 

The Spendor classic series sound fantastic indeed.  I find they tilt to the warm, smooth side of the spectrum though. Bass is big for a smallish box

I have the D7’s and have to agree that they absolutely need break-in time, after which the highs soften noticeably. The other issue is that oddly, the drivers seem to need to warm up. I usually will start them playing for 20 minutes or so in the listening room before entering to enjoy—otherwise yes, the balance is tilted towards high with a relative deficit in midrange warmth. I can see this being an issue at a show if they are played cold...assuming this isn’t all entirely my imagination!