2. speakers
  3. 1227040195

What will slap around

my Spendor sp100's in the used market at $3-$4k range. I have been very happy with the Spendors over the last few years, but have the urge for something different. I really don't want to take a backward step and I am reluctant. And actually will only consider something different if it is an obvious improvemnt to my system.
Room is 16'x24' with a one way vault from 8' to 12'. A staircase is on one 16' wall, and a half wall with 4' door opening on the other 16' side. System is on long wall and low side of vault.
Would prefer some thing that can fill the room a little more and make images larger, more life like. Want to maintain or better quality of midrange and tonality of Spendors. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

Chris
chrisliv
rlwainwright
1,904 posts
 
I used to sell the Spendors back in the day. They had that typical British sound with great mid-range and a narrow sweet-spot. Great speakers, all in all.

You said you wanted to try something "different". Have you auditioned the Gallo Reference 3.1s? They have a completely different presentation, sweet-spot is huge. But the mid-range is spot-on and it and the top-end is to die for. And one big advantage they have over the Spendors (besides the enormous sweet-spot) is that they are very "fast" - transients are lightning quick like a planar.

They might be a little less than what you quoted (3-4k), but that's a good thing, right?

-RW-
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,217 posts
 
Based upon your criteria I don't think that any speaker will do what you describe. Switching to the 9/1 will give you a slightly bigger sound and will keep all the positive elements of the SP100s. Surprisingly, they can be had used for less than $2,500. The bigger Harbeths are better overall speakers, but even on the used market they go for quite a bit more than your budget. You might also consider Monitor Audio Studio 50s (very hard to find on the used market).

I've owned S100s and now own a pair of 9/1.
chrisliv OP
6 posts
 
Have not heard Gallo's RW. They do look a little spooky. I would like to see them up close. You are so right about limited sweet spot with sp100. So, you think Gallo's and 9/1's for that matter, have as much presence or more than sp100's? Interesting. Good to hear from guys who are actually familiar with the Spendors. 61, I will have to look up info on M.A. studio 50. Thanks.
rlwainwright
1,904 posts
 
Everyone shows the Gallos with their burqas [g] off, but I keep mine on all the time. In this configuration, they are simply elegant looking. If you opt for the black ball version, the speakers disappear inside the grilles.

And yes, I think the Gallos have a better presence than the Spendors. From the lowest octaves right on up, they are better in every way. The Gallos are truly superb speakers...

-RW-
More to discover