Realistically, will the Spendor S 3/5 work for me?


Sonically, though I have never heard them, I believe they are quite in line with what I am interested in. But it's their size and low efficiency that I am wondering about and how they would work with my amp and in my room. My room is 13x22x8, which is what, a medium to large sized room? My amp is a 50 watt LFD Mistral integrated amp, which is not a power house nor is it a wimp either. I listen to Jazz, Classical, Ambient, vocals. I don't listen to music all that loud really, usually kind of a moderate volume, not soft but not blaring loud either. My listening position is about 10 feet from the speakers (certainly not nearfield obviously). I would use them with a well integrated sub.

My question is, given my room and my amp, music and listening habits, does anyone have a general sense if they would work for me? I once used a small pair of Paradigm Atoms while waiting for a new pair of speakers, which are similar in size to the S 3/5, and was very pleased with them in regard to volume but then again they have an efficiency rating of 89dB compared to the Spendor's 84dB. I know I would have some limitations with volume and all that, but realistically speaking, would I likely be underpowering them, possibly suffering as well from the room size, which could make them sound strained or even closed in? I like a warmer, more natural and laid back sound but I'd hate for them to sound too closed in due to lack of power and my room. I know going for another amp would likely alleviate the problem here but I really like this amp and would like to not get rid of it. Any insight would be appreciated much.
128x128figuy

Showing 2 responses by figuy

Thanks for the respones thus far, I appreciate it. My feeling was, as Sean and Kotta have eluded to, is they would likely work marginally. Viridian feels it just would not work, and I can understand this point of view as well. I must confess something. Right now I am in the middle of burning in a new pair the Meadowlark Swallows, their monitor version of the Swift and I just love them. I was torn greatly between these two speakers before deciding to go with the Swallow, so the S 3/5 has been in the back of my mind even though the Swallow's are superb. After reading so much about the S 3/5 and their midrange who wouldn't be dying to hear this speaker?

I had hoped to perhaps one day find a pair of the S 3/5 used and compare it to the Swallow and make a decision thereafter. But in time and through much research I began to realize that in all reality the S3/5 just might not work well in my situation. I thought I might pose the question to see if my thinking was right.

The Swallow's are fantastic by the way, what with their 1st order design, T-line and all, they have midrange magic as well. Definitely a versitile speaker, they are quick and have excellent attack, they can do all kinds of music too. Smooth and non-fatiguing and man do they disappear into a huge stage. I'd recommend them to anyone who likes the Harbeth-Spendor-Reynaud realm of sound. I once owned the Reynaud Twins. Maybe someday I'll give the Spendor's a try, for now though I think you guys have helped put my mind a ease a bit. Thanks.
Oh, I definitely was planning on buying a used pair, then sell them if they do not work out and lose little or nothing at all. I might still do this, this way I will know for sure. Yep, thus the way of Audiogon eh!! The only thing I am scared of is they will work and I'll love them, and then still love these Meadowlark's and be so torn!!