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

The S3/5s are definitely verging on the boring and slow in my opinion. I have never heard the SE versions. The s3/5's sound is pleasant but in no way exciting. You'll either love the lack of edginess or be bored to death.
(I was driving with Densen B100, which is quite a dynamic and transparent amp).

I would urge you to include a Harbeth speaker in your selection if you are considering Spendor.

S3/5 and S3/5se are not the same speaker once you hear those. The S3/5se yields more resolution and a bit brighter side of the phases of the music. The S3/5se places itself on the side of 'standard hifi'. So it is your taste and, certainly, your system comes in heavily when you decide which one to choose.

I chose S3/5 because it produces classic/jazz vocal and solo violin/cello so well, the best I'd say. The S3/5 does very good job for chamber music as well. Since I have B&W matrix already, S3/5 over S3/5se was rather easy choice.

So the choice depends on what music you mostly hear. For instance, if you like to hear orchestral music, which is not very good idea with either S3/5 nor S3/5se, I'd suggest S3/5se. But, if not, you know.

Hope it helps.

Size of room is very important. I've found the 3/5 to be better in the near-field listening position and did a four day in-house audition of the 3/5SE. Found a slight upper midrange etch or glare and forwardness, but this was in my small 11 x 13.5 x 8 room. Have to say it does mate very well with my REL Strata III - seamlessly, in fact. Based on hearing the SE version, internet and mag reviews, and the opinion of a trusted friend (who's owned the standards for 3-4 years) I've just ordered a pair of 3/5s in rosewood. Would've bought used but after 4 weeks of checking A'gon didn't find any.

Hi,

I've never heard the SE version, but I just bought another pair of the standard S3/5s and love them. To me, they are "just right" and aside from their LF limitations, one of the best speakers period. However, I pretty much like all the Spendors, at least the Classic series; not everyone has the same opinion. The Spendor sound is a little fuller/warmer and not as bright/thin as most speakers on the market today. I find it sounds more like live music (classical/jazz/vocals). Spendors also have incredible resolution of low level musical information, but not "in your face" detail. The standard S3/5s work great in my 13/15 ft. room, even with a 27W triode amp. Too bad you can't audition in person.

TLH