Late post. The Spendors, all big Spendors, devour power. The more quality tube power you can feed them the better. Forget their power rating, feed them plenty. Things just get better. I would look at some strong monblocs and stick with tubes. Spendor and great tube gear is one the best sounds out there, no doubt. You just need to power them up to have them shine.
Suggestion for preamp - Spendor's & Cary
I have moved from an integrated amp (Creek 5350 SE and/or modified Scott 299B) to separates. I purchased a Cary CAD 808 (Rocket 88) and need some help with choosing a pre-amp. Speakers are Spendor SP 9/1’s. I am presently using a borrowed Luxman tube pre-amp (I have to give that back) I like the Luxman but don’t have anything to compare it to. I find I sometimes push the volume pretty far. I listen to everything but mostly folk, rock, acoustic blues. I like acoustic guitar music with simple arrangements and I like to occasionally get the blood stirring with something that really jumps.
I love the detail and soundstage I have heard from tubes but don’t feel as though I have realized the capabilities of the large Spendors with their 12” drivers. Spendors are 90db efficient.
Price range about $1,000.00 or less.
Thanks in advance for thoughtful comments and advice.
I love the detail and soundstage I have heard from tubes but don’t feel as though I have realized the capabilities of the large Spendors with their 12” drivers. Spendors are 90db efficient.
Price range about $1,000.00 or less.
Thanks in advance for thoughtful comments and advice.