[drphoto]

Has anyone heard any of the Spendor speakers?

There seems to be quite a few on the used market at reasonable prices. (maybe that's a bad sign)

I like the sound of ProAc. Are these similar? The first 'high end' system I heard in college that hooked me on audio had the classic Rogers BBC monitor that I believe is now produced by Spendor.

There are no dealers for them anywhere near where I live.

[Cens]

Spendor has been around for a long time (since the late 1960s, I think) and has sold enough speakers that there will nearly always be some up for sale.   Its "Classic" line, while not everyone's cup of tea, is truly classic, from the SP-100 down to the SP-3/5.  Glorious and natural mid-range, although not necessarily the most extended top or bottom ends.

Spendor did make a version of the BBC monitor, and one of its Classic models is the current version of that (although I'm not sure whether it still meets BBC standards).  Can't recall which one, but I think its the SP-3/5.  Had a pair of 3/5s (the last version) for a bit and loved them except for their lack of bass extension.  

Spendor FL-9s have been about the only constant in my main system over the past many years, dutifully sounding good in various all-tube, tube-SS, and SS-only set ups.    

Regards,

Chris

[Mike82]

The Spendors are very fine speakers for classical, jazz, acoustic--- basically anything except hard rock and disco/hip hop. For as many as have been sold, there really aren't that many used ones out there for sale. They tend to be a tad forgiving of front end nasties and aren't too idiosyncratic in their behavior.  

Go to ecoustics.com. There you will find a bunch of Spendor reviews archived.  Enjoythemusic.com also has reviews in their archives of the SP1/2, S3/5, SP2/3, S5 and their sub.  Bob Neill did an excellent review of the SP1/2 in contrast with the Harbeth Monitor 30. Bob also discussed their behaviors with different amps.

Another speaker of that style is the Harbeth, which I use.  I used to own the Spendor SP1, but I kinda like the Harbeth a bit better.

[Cens]

The Spendors are very fine speakers for classical, jazz, acoustic--- basically anything except hard rock and disco/hip hop.

Maybe I've been listening to Spendors too long, but mine have no problem playing hard rock, disco, rap, electronica, etc.   I caveat this with a note that it does matter what you're driving them with.  They need some power to rock.  Low-powered tube amps can sound great through Spendors on jazz, etc. but run out of steam on tougher music.  

Regards,

Chris

[taketwo]

Spendor FL-9s have been about the only constant in my main system over the past many years, dutifully sounding good in various all-tube, tube-SS, and SS-only set ups.

Yes I agree. Spendors doesn't seem to be too picky about the type of amplification. They have a house sound which stamps its authority over the amp. You either like it or you don't but most people who has heard them love it.