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Searching for the ideal vintage bookshelf speakers.

Greetings Gentlemen. I am looking for the ideal pair of vintage bookshelf speakers. My "listening room" doubles as library and design studio. It is approximately 12 x 30 x 8 feet with wood floors, one small rug, several wooden cases lining the walls, and no drapes.

The speakers will sit horizontally atop two bookcases which are against one of the 12-foot wide walls. Maximum speaker dimensions: 31h x 16w x 12d inches. I will not be buying a subwoofer, so I want speakers that can deliver the broadest and clearest dynamic range possible.

My preference is for sealed box or front vented three-way speakers. I have selected the following prospects: Altec 874A Segovia, Acoustic Research 11, Harbeth Super HL5, KLH Model 5, Rogers Export Monitor, Allison Four and Spendor SP-1.

If you have direct experience with these speakers, I would highly value your thoughts regarding 1) quality of cabinet construction 2) clarity and naturalness of sound 3) warmth vs brightness of tones 4) open vs tight sonic image 5) listener fatigue value and 6) speaker preference for tube or solid state amplification.

I listen to a wide variety of music: medieval, renaissance, swing, beebop, blues, Scandinavian folk, Celtic, organ, opera and orchestral, and a good helping of classic rock.

Many thanks for your ideas. Best wishes.
unclechoppy

Showing 2 responses by yashu

yashu's avatar
yashu
196 posts
 
Can't comment on all - but I do own and continue to use a pair of Spendor SP1 in my second system.  I recently set them up after a number of years in storage.

They are absolutely wonderful.  A full, rich musical presentation that I can listen to for hours on end. I have them on small stands, and they perform well with all types of music. Never any fatigue.

In my main system I alternate between Dynaudio C1, and believe it or not rebuilt Quad ESL57.  While a case could be made for newer technology, I just can't imagine any more enjoyment than I get from my "vintage" speakers.
yashu's avatar
yashu
196 posts
 
Your requested specifics on Spendor SP1:

1.  Thin walls but solid.  Fine workmanship.  Mine still look great.
2.  Extremely natural realistic presentation.  Vocals are marvelous.
3.  No brightness.  Leans towards warm, musical with sufficient detail.
4.  Wide open soundstage - however you can pinpoint specific instruments in small combos, etc.
5.  No listener fatigue.  I listen for hours to all types is music.
6.  I always used a SS amp.  Have heard they work well with tubes.

Hope this helps

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