Spendor SP 1/5 Monitors

Hi,

I have owned the Spendor 1/5. Bought a pair used from a Spendor dealer in 1998 or 1999. It was listed as a part of the Classic range but not wildly successful, discontinued maybe 7 or 8 yrs. ago. This was a relatively small speaker between the LS 3/5a and the Sp 3/1 (have owned both those as well). Someone (unofficially) told me this was a low production model designed mainly for the US & German markets, basically intended to be a larger LS 3/5a with a little more bass. It is a nice sounding small monitor, non-ported as I recall, if perhaps lacking a little of the LS 3/5a's magic. I've seen them relatively cheap here in the US, and wouldn't mind picking up another pair myself.

TLH

Hi Tlh28,

I listened to them all day yesterday, changing out my Epos M12's for the testing run. They sounded strong with the modest 50watt power amp I had 'em hooked up to. I was initially a bit concerned regarding what I have heard about the lower-than-usual efficiency of older Spendors, but these seem to light up just fine. Not quite the unbridled, energetic high-highs of the Epos, but that seems like it may be ideal for the vinyl system-in-the-making I got them for. I appreciate the info, Tlh28, and you're right, they are non-ported.

This was sent to me by a representative, Linda Kennedy, of Spendor in England. It explains the history of the SP 1/5. Ms. Kennedy writes:
"Thank you for your enquiry. The 15/2 superseded the 15/1 (which was the same as the SA1). The differences include change of tweeter from the Audax (discontinued) to the Vifa D25.
The 15/2 also had a rounded grille and bevelled hardwood front edge on the cabinet.
In 1995 the USA distributor was looking for a Spendor speaker with an entry level under $1000, so we made the 15/2 for the USA (40 prs) but called them the SP1/5 because we no longer wanted to designate models by numbers.
Shortly after this we introduced the 2000 Series, a range of speakers, which included models under the $1000 level and therefore SP1/5 was not made again.
regards,
Linda Kennedy"

Ok, there we go. I wonder if the "(40 prs)" means only 40 pairs were made for the US? Hmmm. Anyway, thanks to all for playing.
Cheers,
Jerry

I acquired a pair of SP 1/5's about a week or two ago, and, until that time, was not aware of the model number. Serial numbers are 151 and 152, They have black stained cabinets and black grill cloth with a flat black ground/silver letter  "Spendor" tag in the upper right corner.  Dimensions are 13"H x 8.5"W x 9"D.