Spendor
Loudspeakers

    Pick a speaker, any speaker, and I guarantee you’ll be able to find those who love it and those who hate it. It’s easy to get into trouble when recommending a speaker. The plethora of brands and models multiplied by the vast range of personal references, virtually insure you will offend some and befriend others.

     A very few speakers that I have come across in my thirty years in this business, have possessed the ability to fall into the graces of most all who listen. I’m not exactly sure why, maybe it’s an even handed tonal presentation, maybe it’s low distortion, or possibly a specific frequency response curve. Who knows, maybe all of the above. For whatever reason, there are indeed a very few speakers that seem to be almost universally accepted.

      As you might have guessed by now, I think Spendor fit’s into that exclusive club. Yet more than just being non-offensive, the Spendor’s have a genuinely likeable quality along with some real performance attributes. These designs are well respected for their superb recreation of all things spatial; they do the sound staging thing to a T. Resolution of lo-level detail is sparkling and, above all, a tonal palette that is musically satisfying. Oh yes, they do the rhythm and pace thing too.

       Spendor has been around for thirty-odd years. Founded back in the 1960’s by Spencer and Dorothy Hughes, it grew out of expertise gained in the engineering department of the BBC. The company has designed and marketed a number of outstanding speakers over the years, gaining a worldwide reputation for quality with models like the classic LS3/5.

      In 2001 the company was acquired by Philip Swift, founder of the renowned Audiolab brand, with the intention of modernizing the designs to meet with contemporary expectations. Many of us long-time Spendor fans were apprehensive, feeling that the so-called modernization meant discarding the qualities so prized in their past designs. That turned out not be the case, and Mr. Swift has done an excellent job of melding the past strengths with new innovation. The Spendor “S” Series speakers are an extension of past superb designs; and carry forth the philosophy and performance that have made this brand so popular.

       The "S" Series models employ the unique Linear Flow port technology to eliminate turbulence of port "chuffing," and predictable low frequency response. The Spendor drive units feature stiff, light polymer cones with proprietary damping to reduce coloration. The dynamically damped enclosures dramatically reduce cabinet re-radiation levels. 

           Each model delivers a balanced energy output to guarantee a consistent sound and a vivid seamless sound stage in a diversity of living environments. This technology is complemented by elegant modern styling. Whether you listen to music or film, stereo or surround sound, there is a Spendor loudspeaker system to match your individual lifestyle. Each model is calibrated and matched to broadcast reference standards + 1.0dB. 

S3e

This two-way stand or bookshelf speakers offers amazing performance for the size. The Spendor S3e shares the same advanced technology and design principles as our larger loudspeakers. At the heart of the S3e is a 140mm Spendor bass-midrange driver with our new ep38 polymer cone and thermally engineered magnet plates to ensure absolute linearity at any playing level. The S3e will sit happily on either a stand or bookshelf which makes it easy to place in your listening room.

• 60 Hz to 20 kHz

• 86 dB sensitivity

• 8 Ohm impedance, 6.8 minimum

• Linear Flow Reflex porting

• 6.5" W x 10.2" D x 13.4" H

• Cherry, Maple or Rosenut real wood veneer (Cherry pictured, see samples below)

• Five Star rating - What Hi-Fi?

• Stands optional

• $1499pr

S5e

The Spendor S5e is the ideal solution for everyone who demands superb sound from a compact floor standing loudspeaker. The S5e has two individual 140mm Spendor drive units. One driver handles the midrange and upper bass, the second driver covers very low frequencies (and is engineered to match the 3D linear flow port). The result is a small loudspeaker which delivers convincing punch and weight and a surprisingly 'big' sound. The Spendor S5e has excellent efficiency and an easy to drive load so you don't need a big powerful amplifier. The linear flow reflex technology allows placement close to a rear wall and the bass without excessive boom.
     An amazing value!

• 50 Hz to 20 kHz

• 87 dB sensitivity

• 8 Ohm impedance

• Linear Flow Reflex porting

• 6.5" W x 10.4" D x 31" H

• Cherry, Maple or Rosenut real wood veneer (Maple pictured, see samples below)

• See the Stereophile review in the September 2004 issue

• Stereophile Product of the Year 2004

• $2199pr

S6e

The S6 delivers great sound from a slim cabinet. Like all the 'S' series loudspeakers, stunning looks are enhanced with an elegantly profiled, acoustically engineered grille. The S6 will enhance the style of any room, while filling it with wonderful music.

• 48 Hz to 20 kHz

• 88 dB sensitivity

• 8 Ohm impedance

• Linear Flow Reflex porting

• 7.75" W x 12" D x 35" H

• Cherry, Maple or Rosenut real wood veneer (Cherry pictured, see samples below)

• $2499pr

S8e

Here is serious power handling for dynamics and punch thanks to a special bass-mid drive unit combined with our new 'linear-flow' bass reflex loading. The result is a brilliantly detailed and vibrant sound with deep articulate bass that always remains natural and well balanced. From Dance to Dvorák the S8 is an amazingly versatile loudspeaker.

In her Stereophile review, Sallie Reynolds writes: "So at the risk of sounding naive and overblown, I'm going to give you my true thoughts on the Spendor S8e: buy it. For $3000 you are, I swear it, getting as close as a whisker to $30,000 in sound, glorious, house-filling sound."

• 43 Hz to 20 kHz
• 8 Ohm impedance
• 89 db sensitivity
• Linear Flow Reflex porting
• 9" W x 12.75" D x 36.75" H
• Cherry, Maple or Rosenut real wood veneer (Cherry pictured, see samples below)
• Rated a "Best Buy" by What Hi-Fi?
• $3299.00pr

S9e 

The S9 has to be heard to appreciate the grand scale of its superbly integrated sound. Whether you play loud or soft, music or film, the S9 has an uncanny ability to convey the energy and emotion of the performance. The bass is rock solid, treble delicate and airy, and the mid range captivatingly realistic. Often you'll feel you could reach out and touch the performers.

• 40 Hz to 20 kHz +/- 3dB. -6dB at 28Hz
• Nominal 8 Ohms impedance, 6 Ohms minimum
• 90dB sensitivity
• Linear Flow Reflex porting
• 9.7" W x 15.2" D x 39.6" H
• Cherry, Maple or Rosenut real wood veneer, (Cherry pictured, see samples below)
• $5499.00pr