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

Showing 7 responses by yogiboy

I have owned those Spendors. They are an excellent speaker. I doubt that you would go wrong with them. If they are in good condition $1200 is a great price. Here is a review!
https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/spendor-s8e-loudspeakers-1
@jjss49
Good catch. Those should have bottom plinths with spikes! No photos of the rear?
@craig_co
Take a look at the speakers in the review. The plinths are attached to the bottom and the badge is at the bottom and not where they are located on the ones that you are looking to buy. Take my advice and pass on those!
Those speakers should have grills. I think you should pass on them. Take a look at the sold listings on HiFi Shark. Those speakers are not worth $1200.
https://www.hifishark.com/search?q=spendor+s8e
@jetter 
Those speakers should have the inserts to attach the grills. I owned those speakers about ten years ago!
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!