Review: Spendor SP-2.3 Speaker


Category: Speakers

I listen primarily to jazz music, although I also listen to modern pop/alternative rock on occasion. I use various recordings for testing, but almost always use Patricia Barber's "Cafe Blue" (audiophile pressing) since it is so well recorded.

I have had the Spendors now for about 4 months, and they replaced Thiel CS2.3 speakers. I find the Spendors invite me to listen to more music than any other speaker I can name. No, they do not create the largest soundstage, nor offer the most detail, nor have the widest frequency response (although they are in no way "thin" sounding), but they present music in such an enticing fashion with no apparent frequency anomolies that they reward earnest listeners with a reproduction of music most true. Perhaps because its designer did not focus on designing a speaker that does all the audiophile "stuff",like create an airy soundstage or pinpoint instrument locations, hat the focus remained on creating music in an exciting, but accurate manner.

In the end, what I think the Spendors do so well is reproduce instrument tone and create a coherent soundfield in which instruments do not sound hollow, distant or shrill.

Although I have sold much audio equipment over the past few years, the Spendors are keepers in my book because they do what all great gear should do: make you want to explore more music each time you sit down to listen.

Associated gear
LFD Mistral LE Integrated Amp; Meridian 507 CD Player; LAT cables

Similar products
Thiel CS 2.3; Reference 3A; Paradigm Reference 20
128x128tasos1
Nice review Tasos1, I think your description captures the essence of the "Classic" pieces of the Spendor line.
Thanks for a very informative review.
While I have not heard them in a while I have always liked the sound of every Spendor speaker I have heard. They are not exactly sold at bargain basement prices and their prices have escalated a lot over the years, but I guess to get the midrange they offer in a cone speaker with a nice cabinent, you do not have too many other options.
While I have never owned Spendors, I am now at a point where I would like to audition them again.
Due to downsizing my system and other lifestyle considerations I need a speaker that must be placed close to the rear wall. Is it true that the SP2/3 is probably the only Spendor speaker that will work best is this regard? Also, did you happen to audition any speakers by Vienna Acoustics or Proac before deciding on the Spendors?
Did the Thiel 2.3 work with LFD Mistral LE? I'd think that power marginal for the 2.3. Might result in thin sound.