I've got a pair of Spendor SP1/2Es that I run with an Image Audio 65i (rather rare in the US, but 50 watts per channel with 6550 or KT88 outputs). I'd agree - the classic model Spendors work great with tubes and you don't need a tremendous amount of power for them to sound great. (If you're fond of headbanger volume, you should have a different brand of speaker.)
Spendor and Tubes
I thought that I would take a moment to dispel a common misconception about the large Spendor Classic speakers and low power tube amplification. I have been a Spendor Classic fellow since 1980 -- having briefly tried the Harbeth line as well (I prefer Spendor...YMMV). I have owned every speaker in the line and now run the SP100s in my living room and the 1/2Rs in my small dedicated listening room.
I have enjoyed both speakers immensely with the stupendous McIntosh MC352/C2200 combo. But it wasn't until I made the switch to Cary amps that I realized that the speakers, to my ears, sound best with quality tube gear.
The SP100s are now driven by a Cary SLI80 F1, all-triode, 40 wpc. An ACI Titan II sub resides in the corner. Meanwhile, the 1/2Rs by an older 11 wpc Cary SEI300 in a nearfield set-up. No sub required.
I have had audiophile friends with $$$ systems by to listen and they leave shaking their heads in wonderment and bewilderment at what they're doing wrong.
My point? Don't believe everything you read. Yes, the Spendors are a very stable 8 ohm load on an amp. But the synergy with the Cary gear (Morrow Audio SP4 & MA4 cables) is simply breathtaking. Not "sluggish" in the least. Plenty loud when needed. Sublime with all kinds of music from Bach to bluegrass to China Cat Sunflower.
Long live two channel!
I have enjoyed both speakers immensely with the stupendous McIntosh MC352/C2200 combo. But it wasn't until I made the switch to Cary amps that I realized that the speakers, to my ears, sound best with quality tube gear.
The SP100s are now driven by a Cary SLI80 F1, all-triode, 40 wpc. An ACI Titan II sub resides in the corner. Meanwhile, the 1/2Rs by an older 11 wpc Cary SEI300 in a nearfield set-up. No sub required.
I have had audiophile friends with $$$ systems by to listen and they leave shaking their heads in wonderment and bewilderment at what they're doing wrong.
My point? Don't believe everything you read. Yes, the Spendors are a very stable 8 ohm load on an amp. But the synergy with the Cary gear (Morrow Audio SP4 & MA4 cables) is simply breathtaking. Not "sluggish" in the least. Plenty loud when needed. Sublime with all kinds of music from Bach to bluegrass to China Cat Sunflower.
Long live two channel!
- ...
- 18 posts total
- 18 posts total