Budget Hunter: Spendor S8e vs Totem Hawk


I'm replacing a pair of B&W Matrix 804s with something less fatiguing and (hopefully) more musically involving.

A pair of Spendor S8e ($1200) and a pair of Totem Hawks ($1800) are for sale locally. I like what I've read about both. Before I drive an hour and a half in opposite directions to audition, I hoped I might get some insights from this group about any personal experiences you may have had. Likes and dislikes. My tastes in music runs the gamut but the human voice is the common thread through all of it.

The rest of my system is capable but modest. A Musical Fidelity A300 dual mono Integrated (150/250), MF A3 CD transport, Denafrips Aries II, Rega P2 and a Bluesound Node2i.

Thanks in advance!
craig_co
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@dekay thanks for that. I didn't realize all of that history was there. What a shame. These things were pristine last August.

Unfortunately, I'm probably going to have to pass on these. Who knows what happened.
Those Harbeths are no bargain. They came out in 2002 and they listed for $3200.00. Last year I bought a used pair of the 30.1 in Rosewood finish and paid 3 grand!
DO THE TOTEM COME WITH BEAKS? TOTEM MAKE THE BEAK FOR THESE SPEAKER TO IMAGE BETTER MAKE SURE IT HAVE SET OF BEAK OR OFFER LESS AND BUY BEAK ELSEWHERE.
The damage may simply have been cosmetic scratches or from something much more serious as attested to by the missing plinths. Why even take the chance as this deal isn't all that great and re-sale could be problematic. Take your time, choose wisely and good luck!