Spendor, Meadowlark, Audes, in contention 2+K used


Hello all,

Concidering some speakers to replace my current B&W Matrix 801 s2's. I like the Matrix series far better than the Nautilus line and so have decided not to concider newer B&W's inspite of the increaced resolution of the Naut. series. To my ears it comes at the expense of midrange warmth and has an analytical sound that the Matrix TS-26 tweeter and 5" Kevlar driver doesn't exhibit, and I feel it's price to performance is not very good. Of course the Matrix 801 is not perfect either and although good sounding cries out for better resolution to go along with its great dynamics. Somethig Id like not to lose too much of. The bass on the 801 can be glorious on large classical works which I love...but gets in the way of itself at times on lighter jazz and doesn't have the transient quickness of smaller woofers. I have done most all the things I can( Upgraded Van Alstine xover fix) wall and corner/ceiling treatments..positioning of spks/ dedicated stands/ toe/no toe/ My room allows very good positioning flexability at 21x26. Mild use of Dacron Fiberfill in the port(very light so as to not lose bass completely)..this actually does very well concidering a front port, tightens the bass, decreaces the bloat if you will) and the addition of the powerful Plinius really helped here. with true bi-wired runs from the amp.

So I have need of opinions hopefully from owners of Spendors..specifically the "S" series or newer "E" such as the S8e, Meadowlark Osprey's or Hot Rod Shearwaters and the Audes Blues speakers, to name some Im thinking about ..all of which are very highly regarded and reviewed, albiet different sounding im sure. Im not looking to keep a similar overall sound like the 801's. but striving for smooth mids and highs and punchier bass with good dynamics. Imaging and soundstaging are also very important to me...but first and foremost is resolution with tonal accuracy and not too forward or aggressive,at the expense of that last bit of bottom octave, which I can give up (really dont have now :) any way)
My system is posted here on the gon..but basically consists of a ARC LS15 with Siemens 7308's driving a Plinius SA 250 balanced with Transparent Super Balanced cable. Front end is VPI/JMW10/Dynavector 17d2MkII/ ARCPH3 SE(Siemens 7308's also) SDS/ Digital is Wadia 23 trans/ECD1 24/192 most all cabeling is RSA Poiema! (which I love)

Give me some thoughts Ladies and Gents! Lots of great speakers at the 2-2.5K price points. Pre owned is prefered(you just get more of a speaker for less $$ than new at new prices) wait...is that a Yogi-ism?)

Thanks! PS...I know about the Audes clear out at great prices! seen here on the gon)-Could that be the one?
Ken
kehut

Showing 1 response by goheelz

Ken,

Very nice looking system! I'll bet it sounds great. Given your stated listening preferences, and your interest in Spendor, you may wish to keep the Spendor SP1/2E on your list. Used, you can find them at a price within your budget. They won't give you the last ounce of bass, but I personally love the sound, even with my rather humble electronics (for now). Vinyl is a pleasure with the Spendors (I am using a vinyl rig quite similar to yours: VPI Aries/JMW9/Dynavector 17d2MkII to Linn LK1/LK2). How do you like the Plinius?

Good hunting,

Jim