Spendor S3/5 standard vs “SE” version????

I'm reviving this long-asleep thread because I've been wondering about the same thing, and the descriptions here (apart from Bojack's) are the opposite of the description and measurements in the Stereophile review of both speakers. Stereophile ain't my bible, but I'd been leaning toward the "se" because they'd described and measured it as the more laid back--and in my small room that's what I'm going for. Listening before buying seems unlikely for me, especially as both models have apparently been supplanted by the 3/5r. Of the three (plain, se, and r) I'll probably go with the plain or se to fit my price range used, whichever is the more reserved in the treble. Any input would be valuable. Thanks!

Mfm6--I recently bought but ended up selling the standard S3/5 because I found its sound very similar to how you describe the S3/5R. I found the treble fatiguing even at 50-60dB and figured it was probably because of my room. The highest highs rolled off, but the octave below that seemed very forward. I did, however, find the bass to be more natural in my (larger) room than you describe. I could definitely see why people love them: vocals were positively alive and stringed instruments had a lot of presence and body. In the end, my ears just didn't enjoy their emphasis. Glad to hear the SEs have been winners for you! I have some different speakers on the way now but will definitely give the SEs a listen if I get a chance down the road.