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Spendor SP2/3e Opinions?


Considering buying a pair of these, found some in solid condition at a great price. What are your thoughts on them? Which amplifier did you use with them?

I've found old threads claiming Harbeth's Compact 7 version is preferable, so please don't comment in that vein since the price on this is stupidly good and I'll never find Compact 7's anywhere near that price.

Also, for moderate volume listening, do you think a PP EL84 amp of 12-15 watts is adequate? These are a benign 8 ohm impedance and 88dB (claimed) efficiency, seemingly very tube friendly
greg7
jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 
A Dynaco ST35 (PP EL84's) would be a fine match! Ditto for a pair of Heath W5's (PP 6L6/5881/KT66) - these I have!
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
88dbm 12-15 wpc tube amp can work but you won’t be able to play at higher volumes without stress

having said that spendor 2/3e lovely organic warm smooth sounding speakers... esp good w vocals and classical, what may be lacking driven by a smallish tube amp will be bass tightness and depth, and perhaps some treble sparkle
paullb
113 posts
 
Years ago I ran SP 1/2e's with a Roger Majeski RM-10 and it worked great at moderate volumes. I think this would too.
jperry
2,432 posts
 
If you found them at a great price you should buy them.

The amp you have will be fine, and if you determine you really need more power you can change it later.
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,488 posts
 
I’ve a pair of SP2/2 and they’re wonderful. They’re transparent enough to respond easily to changes upstream. I run them on 35 watt vintage tube monoblocs which are work well. They do sound more powerful and controlled on a 75watt KT88 amp so they can go quite loud. I’m not sure 12-15 watts will bring them fully to life to be honest if you ever want to crank them a little.
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