[mitch stl]

I have a pair of Spendor S8es and would be interested in trading listening sessions if anyone local has a pair of SP1/2es.

I absolutely love my S8es but am somewhat curious to hear the comparable model from the Classic series as I know they have quite a following. I have a pair of the classic SP3/1s and find them a bit too forward in comparison to the S8es but that is hardly an even match-up.

[mitch stl]

Just an update. I see a number of people have read my original post, so I gather some of those same people might be interested in what happened.

While I never got a reply to this subject, I came across a pair of SP1/2Es at a price I couldn't resist. They arrived mid last week so I now have a number of days of direct comparison against my Spendor S8es.

The short story is the SP1/2Es are staying and the S8es are being sold. The SP1/2E bumps the level of midrange clarity and tonal "rightness" up another notch over the already excellent S8e. For they type of listening I do it is a worthy switch.

However, it wasn't a slam dunk. The S8e is superior on the low bass and I'd also give it the edge as the volume goes up. (I don't listen much past 85 dB.) I listen to a lot of acoustic (unamplified) classical, blue-grass and jazz, so that is the primary reason the SP1/2E wins. If pop/rock was the primary type of music I played there is little doubt in my mind I'd stick with the S8e. Simply put, they are both wonderfully musical speakers.

[MerRev]

that's just the luck- I thought you just bought the S8es.  I half considered your S5's (after all I am dubbed the speaker whore).    At least you know what means the most to you.  Crazy hobby for sure.

[Blackmore]

I have such great memories of hearing the 1/2 at Champagne Audio.  I always thought they were so true to the timbre of orchestral instruments.  I'd love to hear them again.  You've got to have some of us over to hear the Spendors.   

[mitch stl]

You're right about the S8es. I got them last September as an upgrade to the S5es. I'd actually tried to audition the classic series but almost no one carries them. Besides being hard to find, they are also expensive. (I think the SP1/2R - the latest model - is now about $5,000 without stands and is special order only.)

I got a pretty good deal on the SP1/2Es and the S8es are listed on eBay right now. I should be very close to even or perhaps a bit ahead when all is said and done. (The switch would have never taken place if it would have involved new money.)

The one final change I may make is perhaps go back to tube amps. Several years back I rebuilt a set of Dynaco Mk III monoblocks that, with some mods, were fantastic. The new S Spendors seem to like solid state while the classic series have always had a reputation of giving their best performance with tubes. I've still got all my electronic test gear so plan on keeping my eyes open for another project. Just like the speakers, I'd be looking for something that come out even on the money end.

[mitch stl]

Oh, and Blackmore, would look forward to having you over to hear them. (I'm in the Tower Grove area of the city.)

I'm a bit of a minimalist (not into special wires, tweaks and the like) but I like the way my system sounds. I'm straight music server into a Squeezebox/Lavry DA-10 for source, but I've got a pretty healthy collection (excess of 30,000 tunes) so should be able to find something for you to hear.

Just a matter of figuring out when. A Sunday afternoon will probably be best but not sure which one at this point. Will have to check with the powers that be.