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Thoughts and experiences on the Spendor SP100 R2

Seeking input from knowledgeable folks who have had or heard the large Spendor SP100 R2 speakers, or their predecessors or successors. I have had smaller Spendor SP2/2’s in the past, really enjoy their excellent mature sound, nothing flashy but sounds very real and easy to listen to.  Currently have the Epos M22 three way floor standers driven by a Naim Nait XS2 integrated.  I know the Spendor S100 series of large-box 3 ways have been the top of line model for the ’classic’ line, which they have continued to manufacture since a long long way back.  I guess they have periodically updated the speaker.

I would appreciate input on these speakers (there is a very nice condition set I can purchase used from the owner locally) and how they might compare to larger Harbeths, ATCs, Grahams, Wharfedales, even Devores and Klipsch’s (in the $6000-10,000 per pair range).

Also any input on suitable amp power and type to drive these Spendors would also be of help.
troidelover1499
noromance's avatar
noromance
10,208 posts
 
I'm a 2/2 owner. I've heard the SP100 and it was very nice. More of the 2/2 sound in every area. It needs some room around it and a bigger room if you're going to play loud. I believe the R2 is re-voiced for better detail. While easy to drive, you might need something bigger than the Nait.
noromance's avatar
noromance
10,208 posts
 
I'm sure they'll be fine with solid state amplification but they will reward you with tubes. 35 watt 6L6/EL34 would be a good start and sweet as a nut. 
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,331 posts
 
Successive iterations of the S100 have moved gradually away from the classic Spendor (British) sound, though even in the latest one, the Classic 100, a lot of it remains.  If they're in good shape and a good price, I'd jump on them.  The R1 may be a little more euphonic, but then you're getting into aging drivers, aging crossover components, etc.
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
the spendor sp100 is the ONLY speaker i ever regretted selling, and i have been at this pursuit since the early 80’s - if the price of this pair of r2’s is anywhere near reasonable, you would be well served to buy them and enjoy them (these almost never appear used) - these are not headbanger speakers - but for any acoustic, vocal, orchestral, pop or jazz music they are among the very best ever - for the balance of all traits valued by music lovers - clarity, tonality/timbre, rhythm, top to bottom coherence, full range response, midrange tactility and warmth, detail presented in a natural way - there have been various reviews over time by the leading reviewers touting their excellence, just search online and you will find

you do need proper stands and a room large enough to run these speakers well away from room boundaries or the bass response may overwhelm

other great thing about the big spendor is their (relatively) high efficiency and benign load, so reasonable powered, lovely tube amps can do the job

it is true what @twoleftears says... the successive revisions of the spendor sp series (now called ’classic’) from inception to present have led to a gradual, subtle treble lift and some damping of the bass - highly analogous to what harbeth has been doing with its speakers in .2 and .3 and ’anniversary’ and now their heavily marketed xd versions... basic character of the speaker is the same (no one will ever mistake these for a focal kanta, magico a3 or wilson sabrina and their sizzly, hyper hifi nature) but the sound is being ’modernized’ at the margins for more perceived clarity and speed and absolutely volume capability
chuck929
19 posts
 
I bought a demo pair with stands from a dealer in my area last year and love them. They do everything extremely well with no listener fatigue ever. Maybe not headbanger speakers but I do listen to a good deal of album rock on them. Outstanding on acoustical music of course, and spooky good imaging on ambient. No buyers remorse here.
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