Spendor S8e Amp Suggestions.

That's the same response that the pairing with the SLI80 had, and they noted the brightness, but I have heard these speakers sound great with tubes. I'd really like to hear from people who are using the speakers in that setup. Reading theoretical measurements isn't exactly what I was looking for.

Assuming the S8e (which I owned for a few years) has an impedance curve similar to the S5e (quite likely), using a tube amp will be less than optimal.

Interestingly, I would say otherwise. Tube amps maintain a greater constant power output over a wider impedance range. This is why they are more often mated with Electrostatic speakers like Sound Labs which have a high impedance down in the lower frequency range.

From the experience as reported by Grimace, tube amps seem to work quite well here.

I had those speakers paired with Quicksilver midmono's (50 watt)and they are a perfect match.

Hi Grimace -
I have the SPendor S6e (understanding they do not go as low as the S8e).

I auditioned two all Tube Amps/Integrated Amps.
The Cary SLI-80 - Great Midrange, voice, and acoustic music - addictive. However, Bass was a bit light, slow - and I found that there was no snap or dynamics as compared to my Quicksilver pre and Classe Amp. So it was a no go for me as I do not listed to Krall, Ottmar Liebert and Holly Cole on every sitting.

Cayin A88T - smaller soundstage, sounded thinner then the Cary and Bass was light as well. I tried it as an Amp only being driven by my Quicksilver and I found it to be a slight improvement. But I quickly went back to my own set up. Still did not have the snap/dynamics that I needed and had some other shortcomings.

I have wanted to go to tubes - but for all the dealers I called/spoke with that carry Spendor (including the one I bought them from) say the same. Spendors need some drive and snap to sound their best and the vintage tube sound though will sound great at first may prove to be limited if you are listening to "harder" music. If you listen to "soft" music, acoustic, female vocals, chamber music then this is probably not an issue.

I'm using Spendor SP2/3s with VTL Tiny Triodes, output about 30 watts, with a passive pre, no less. Great sound top to bottom.