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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
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
@craig_co

don’t know where you are located... here is a set... unmolested... maybe a road trip to get them?

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649675252-spendor-s8-e-speakers-cherry-finish/
craig_co OP
15 posts
 
@jjss49 thanks, tempting! I’m in the DC area. I need to do something. Listening to Neil Young right now and those guitar solos are just ear shredders on these B&Ws. I might just have to send my son to community college and buy the Harbeths.
craig_co OP
15 posts
 
@chrisr I appreciate the offer. There’s a nice used pair here locally.
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
craig

just noticed these... a little more $ than s8e but they are mighty fine and in your backyard!

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa9893-spendor-fl10-full-range

would be an interesting alternative to a harbeth c7 or super 5, less $ than those, better bass response

good luck, happy hunting :)
rbstehno
1,432 posts
 
Totem if you like a more dynamic speaker. Totems are not edgy or bright sounding. I have owned and listened to British speakers and all are too dark for me except B&W, they are way to bright for me.

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