Before you do any subwoofing, you should use at least 2. The newer S series RELs should be more than enough. I wouldn't bother with the Stentor. New RELs are faster and tighter.
Spendor D9.2 vs. Harbeth super hl5 plus xd + REL Stentor III vs. Spendor Classic 100?
I am thinking of purchasing one of the following:
1). Harbeth SHL5 plus XD + REL Stentor III Reference Subwoofer due to lack of bass and low octave in bass.
2). Spendor Classic 100 - The bass is a bit noticeable and aggressive.
3). Spendor D9.2.
My living room where the system will stand is: 5.5 meters x 8 meters, a standard ceiling of 2.7 meters and the entire construction is a 20 cm block. From the living room comes a 25 meters kitchen. The speakers I choose can stand up to about 1 meter from the front wall.
Anyone who has heard of at least 2 of them or a previous generation and can have an opinion on a comparison between them?
Thank you very much for your help.
50 responses Add your response
So the Spendor D series sound quite different from the Spendor classic. To me the D series is much preferable, but others prefer the classic series. I started with D7 (absolutely love it - settled on after demoing over 20 competitors, see my early posts if you want details), then acquired classic SA1 and D1 bookshelves for other systems (still own and love all of them), and will be building my main system now around D9.2. So yeah, I’m a Spendor fanboy you could say. The differences in sound between classic and D series that I can speak to mostly come down to the tweeter. D series uses the LPZ tweeter that is purely an in-house 100% Spendor design that gives them a modern, lively sound. Great sparkle up top, tons of detail, neutral not bight, but a modern sound. Not forward like Paradigm Persona or Bowers 80xd3 series or even Focal. The tweeters on all of those are much more forward than the LPZ of Spendor D series, just to keep things in perspective. But LPZ still has all the detail, and I love that about them. Note they do take hundreds of hours to break in and can sound bright during break in so be aware of that. The tweeters in classic Spendor are typically third party soft domes that Spendor specs, and are great in their own right. More laid back but for some that is better. Since you are also interested in Harbeths perhaps you may be one. For my tastes Harbeth house sound a bit too laid back but that is just me (to be fair very little experience here, just heard couple times at dealer don’t even recall model - so I can’t offer any opinion of model you’re considering). To each their own. I have never heard the large classic Spendors, only the bookshelves (plus all of the A line). Obviously some of the larger classics have bigger cabinets and that will affect bass. Again, D series uses the most advanced porting system in comparison to A line or classic, which they talk about the ports being inspired by F1 race cars (seems a bit hyperbole but whatever). I love the D’s. Some who love the historical Spendor sound prefer the classic line and consider the D line too much of a departure from the tried and true. For me the D is in the perfect sweet spot. All the beautiful midrange Spendor is acclaimed for but now with the top end to match |
Hello Normans, thank you very much for the quick answer. Regarding the Herbets speakers...I had a Rel Stantor III 20 years ago and it was excellent. As mentioned, I'm not a "bass head" type, a little extra bass is enough for me. The Rel Stentor III offered to me is externally and internally 10/10 and an opportunity financially. In the past, Rel was considered very good musically, today a little less, what do you think? I accept the fact that the Spendor Classic 100 needs real estate / air to breathe, do not know if 1 meter will suffice? Not sure it will fit properly in my living room and a little skeptical about it. |
I don't really see the Spendor D series sitting comfortably with the Harbeth or Classic Spendor speakers. The D series floor standing speakers are, to my ears, "Spendors" in name only: otherwise they are simply modern speakers and sound like it. I don't find any particular continuity from their classic sound, no particular "Spendor magic" in the mids that sounds like Spendor. Which doesn't mean someone can't like their mids of course...they just aren't the same. The Harbeth and classic Spendors have at least something in common - that rich midband and classic box tuning which seems to give vocals in particular an organic presence, weight and roundness. I owned the Harbeth SuperHL5 plus, and still own a little pair of Spendor S3/5s and even those share that similar trait. I've been eager to hear the newer Spendor classic speakers but they are rare as hens teeth for audition. |
prof +1 I heard Classic 100 and D7 in same system same day; there was no comparison, the Classic was so much better on all fronts. I heard the SLH5 in a very different space/system, and found it a little bright. Quite unlike the 40.2's that I ended up with. I'd rank the 40.2 just a tad above the Classic 100. Some people manage to put 40.2's in remarkably small spaces. If you have a full meter behind from the back of the cabinet, and good space to both sides, I would think it could work. The other speaker I would rank #3 was the Vienna Acoustics Liszt. |
Hello I listen to 2,000 CD’S, most of them jazz. In addition, I have an integrated amplifier Luxman L-509X and a CD player LE PLAYER 3+ by Métronome. I prefer precise and high resolution speakers that have control low bass-smooth midrange-detailed treble, with internal imagery and attacks, high-pitched sound and instrument simulation. |
I heard the SLH5 in a very different space/system, and found it a little bright. Quite unlike the 40.2's that I ended up with ... Some people manage to put 40.2's in remarkably small spaces. If you have a full meter behind from the back of the cabinet, and good space to both sides, I would think it could work. It just goes to show how we all hear differently and ultimately prefer different things; I demoed the SLH5+ and 40.2 in the same smallish (maybe 13 feet x 18 feet) room and found the SLH5+ tweeter to be lacking in resolution and speed for my tastes. I liked their midrange but overall found they lacked the musical excitement I was used to hearing with my current speakers at the time (Magicos) and ultimately live music. The 40.2 I much preferred and thought it offered more detail and certainly moved more air (and they didn't lack excitement driven by a big Pass amp). In the ~13 foot wide room I found neither speaker imaged much to the sides though, but then a larger room would likely help with this. The Harbeth dealer thought I could likely make the 40.2 work in my room which is 12x17 but said it would take a little work and $$ to allow my room to handle their bass. At 5.5m wide you have a lot more room to handle the big box speakers than I do (although I did live with massive Cornwall IIIs across my 12 foot wall for a little time before realizing they were just too big...). I thought the D9 didn't have the same midrange magic of the Harbeths, but I did like their midrange more than the 804D3 and Kef Ref1 which I compared them to at a different dealer's showroom. I ultimately purchased D9s. Maybe Magico to Harbeth is too much of a jump in sound signature for one to make...; I like to think of the Spendor D series as a sweet spot between these two sound signatures. Not affiliated in anyway with the seller and have never heard Spendor Classic speakers but this pair have been for sale for a very long time and look like they would be a very fun speaker to listen to :) https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649600975-spendor-sp200-audiophile-speakers/ |
The spendor classic 100 would be the best choice of the three but if you can find a good used spendor s 100 you would absolutely love them they would be great for your space. The other thing i will mention is that the large spendor monitors need a lot of time to not sound bass heavy because of their crossover design but once they are warmed up they are magical. |
OP, as you can tell by the diverging opinions on the thread, you really need to hear each of them with your music choice and preferably in your system to know. What I would say from personal experience is that the Spendor D series definitely requires thought and care with equipment and cable matching. The rest of your system from source to amp better be on point, because the Spendor D will let you know when something is not right. You will be handsomely rewarded when you get it right, even with lower quality recordings. That type of transparency is its strength, but to some who prefer having that warm glow type of sound no matter what song or music genre, or want speakers to be forgiving of subpar components, Spendor D is definitely not it. The D series will have more neutrality, speed, extension, transparency and bass definition than the Classic series. The Classic will be more mid-range centric, more body to the sound and a bit more tubby and less articulated bass. |
I am also considering new speakers and some of those mentioned above by the OP. I heard D7's at a friend's home (driven by a Krell integrated amp and playing Quboz) and felt the speakers had unnaturally forward highs, though the midrange was nice and bass was also strong and taut. This coming from an owner of Epos M22 old flagships with the famous metal dome tweeter. I would think a Spendor classic or Harbeth would have a more balanced sound. |
I spent a fair amount of time listening to the D7 when I first got back into stereo 5 years back. The D7 did a lot of things right. Then I heard an older pair of Spendor BC1 Monitors and knew that midrange sound had some magic that the D7 didn't. Of the Harbeth line I did like the HLs best but not enough to want them. Ended up with some older Tannoy monitors which I liked best. |
@tomer_tsin , I prefer precise and high resolution speakers that have control low bass-smooth midrange-detailed treble, with internal imagery and attacks, high-pitched sound and instrument simulation.You answered your own question. Without doubt you need the Spendor D series. You need to take suggestions with a grain of salt - personal preferences matter. All of us here are recommending what "we" liked, not "you". Based on that one line of description I can "suggest" the D series. Best would be for you to compare yourself. Good luck. |
Like so many former SP100 owners have said before me, I regret selling mine. They are not for everyone but to my ears they had a wonderfully natural musical sound when driven with a quality tube amplifier. I have never heard the Classic 100 but if it sounds anything like the SP100 that wound be my choice. |
@tomer_tsin I prefer precise and high resolution speakers that have control low bass-smooth midrange-detailed treble, with internal imagery and attacks, high-pitched sound and instrument simulation. spendor d9 - focal sopra/kanta - martin logans - upper b&w's - proacs with dome tweeters -- driven by solid state amps with a chord front end you will be in heaven ... 👍 |
What OP said he/she wants: I prefer precise and high resolution speakers that have control low bass-smooth midrange-detailed treble, with internal imagery and attacks, high-pitched sound and instrument simulation. ------ To me OP’s desired sonic traits align better with Spendor D series than classic Spendor or Harbeth. If anything that description of preference points away from classic Spendor or Harbeth, based on my experience. Just sayin’. YMMV ----- |
for those who may not know the history of spendor, there are few key points, in short form, that are worth noting: - the hughes family spencer dorothy and son derek owned and ran the company from inception in 1969 to 2000... they developed all sp series speakers, descendants of the bc-1, one of the initial bbc speaker commissions - derek was technical director after dad spencer died too young - in 2000 the company was sold to philip swift (who founded uk audiolab electronics), swift invested in the company and developed the modern a and d series speakers, to his sonic tastes, which, if you recall audiolab’s sound, was more upfront and lively -- he did this while smartly maintaining and incrementally improving the classic series (the original line) with modernized materials for drivers etc etc - swift is a good businessperson, expanded cabinet and driver manufacturing, serving other makers... - the surviving son derek hughes is no longer affilliated with spendor the company, has worked for years as independent contractor/consultant and was most recently involved the with the lovely stirling broadcoast bbc ls3/6 - basically an up-market spendor sp1/2 with modernized drivers for better power handling and slightly greater resolution understanding this helps understand why today’s spendor has their classic and modern (a/d) lines, and why there is such a divergence of sound signature and presentation here is a useful article for those that are interested ... https://www.spendoraudio.com/wp-content/uploads/Hi_Fi_Choice_Insider_feature.pdf |
I listened D9 and D7 on Montreal Show. I remember D9 was driven by Chord amplifier and Chord Blu2/Dave CD source. The sound was very bright, scratchy and unnatural. It was modern sound that is exactly opposite to typical Harbeth/Spendor sound that I like. If you like a real Spendor sound get SP100 or HL5. If you like Focal or B&W sound you can consider D9. |
Something to consider: https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649713712-harbeth-monitor-401-rosewood/images/3150225/ |
@tomer_tsin, You have received many well thought out responses. Given your musical taste (Large CD library of jazz, me to😊) High quality Luxman and Metronome components (Good taste) It screams for the Spendor Classic in my humble opinion. Is it at all possible for you to actually audition or some how hear these contending speakers ? Based on what you wrote, you re searching for it would suggest the Spendor D series. But your music and equipment choices/taste lead me to believe that the Classic is the way to go. Best of luck to you. Charles |
for those who may not know the history of spendor, there are few key points, in short form, that are worth noting: The newest A series sounds more similar to the older Classic series than it does the D series. |
Hello, I have the Harbeth super hl5+, I still have several other speakers but this one stands out. But it took me 5 years to get the most out of it. First you need a lightweight open stand and tomake the story short I finally bought the Vertex aq pico blocks to put on top of the speakers.. Hallelujah, now I have a speaker so accurate, realistic and so well balanced from top to bottom. You will not need a sub! My records never sounded better, but your cd player is a really nice component too. Happy listenings! Greetings from Europe. |
Hello, I didn't have the chance to hear the Spendor 100, but I owned the Spendor 9.2 and I now have the Harbeth Super HL5+ XD, The Spendor 9.2 speakers have great qualities, among them: spacial presentation, dynamics, efficiency, speed, and they provide deep bass, and solid imaging as well. I didn't like their tonal caracter though, to me they sounded somewhat thin and dry across the board more so in the mid bass area, I now own the Harbeth and to me they are better on the tonal and timber side of things, they are less efficient but it isn't a serious issue for me, I run/ran both pairs with a Melco/Aqua streamer and DAC respectively and Luxman CF-6 and MA-600 separated preamp and amp. I use them in a secondary system and for the money they are a tough act to follow, they took 300 hours of break in to lead to their full potential, |
Hello everyone, Let me thank you all, your advice is very helpful, even though I have received diverse and conflicting opinions from each other - that's fine. I listened neatly twice to the new model for the Harbeth SHL5plus XD, twice for the outgoing model Harbeth Super HL5 plus 40th Anniversary and several times for the Spendor D9.2. I did not listen neatly to the harbeth M40.3 xd (new) and the Spendor Classic 100. Today I listened to the Spandor 9.2 and its twitter sounds a bit slightly sandy-grained to me, if a little more energy than desired, so... the speakers right now are the Spandor Classic 100. I spoke and received a warm recommendation on PIEGA 711 What do you think? |
Good sound doesn’t change over time; products do. Ignore the hype from people selling merchandise, especially regarding speakers. The REL Stentor III remains a titan in the world of “sub-bass speakers.” Take what you hear from the “newer is always better” crowd with dual left and right grains of salt. |
Hello everyone, Thanks to everyone for the effort, it is not understood by me. I’m currently staying with the Spendor Classic 100 maybe the TI. I understand that stands matter, should you go for the original (terribly expensive)? Be honest with those who have the Classic 100 (important), can you recommend better speakers up to $13,000-12,000, I would love to hear? Tomer |
You can get a gently used pair of Harbeth M 40.2 or 40.2 Anniversaries with stands for $9.5 to $11.5K. There's also a mint pair of Rosewood Harbeth 40.1's listed on US Audio Mart for $7.5K. I've owned 40.1's twice and currently own 40.2 Anni's.... great speakers! No subwoofer required and your room size is adequate. I use Sound Anchor stands, but have also successfully used Skylan. Many options to choose from... and you don't have to spend a ton... just get the proper size for the speaker you choose. |
@alexberger It was discovered that the bright sounds for Spendor comes at the hands of their previous incompetent distributor who would take brand new speakers to shows without breaking in. I speak from experience that the Spendor D series is neither scratchy or bright. They are fast and transparent though, so if there is a single cable that is subpar in your system, it will tell you. |
Tomer if you want good stands at a reasonable price look at Sound Anchors. http://soundanchors.com/ |
