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Spendor Classic 100 - An itch I want to scratch!

I have an itch that just needs to be addressed.  Over the last 20 years, I've yet to try a classic BBC monitor or its progeny.  The Spendor Classic 100 seems like a winner.  I have hears some smaller Spendor monitors at AXPONA and was impressed at the openness and effortless sound--especially in contrast to so many modern speakers that sound forced, phony.  

These don't come up often in the used market.  Looks like I'd be doing a sight unseen/unheard purchase from an online retailer like Acoustic Sounds or Upscale.  

What can users tell me? All polite and reasonable opinions welcome!

FYI 

Music - wide variety: jazz, rock, folk, blues, world, some classical

Room 16 x 23 x 10' ceilings

jbhiller
larryi
4,570 posts
 

The 100’s are good with a wide variety of music types.  But, as compared to its smaller siblings, it is a bit more demanding of correct placement in a room and of the quality of amplifier to maximize its sound quality.  Care in placement is particularly important in smaller rooms because of the considerable bass output of the speaker; it can sound boomy if not carefully located.  They are certainly worth the effort.

jimmy2615
476 posts
 

I agree with Larry on room size.  I had the Harbeth 40.2 (similar speaker) in a room that was just slightly smaller than yours at 22 x 14.5 ft.  I felt the speakers were too big for the room.  I ended up with the 30.2s and thought they were a better fit. Instead of trying sight unseen and that at the most expensive model, why not pick up a used sp 2/3 or something like that to see if you like it in your room first.  They are great speakers!  I had the Spendor FL9 at one point (not BBC style) floorstanders and really liked the transparency and presentation of this brand.  They can be magical.  

jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,458 posts
 

Thank you both. Yes, your advice is well given and taken. Maybe I should go down a size. 

jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,920 posts
 

@jbhiller 

i had the sp100r2 which is the direct predecessor to the classic 100 -- i was so excited to find a pair as I wanted the big spendors back in my system after having the original sp100 years ago

i happened to have the harbeth mon 40.3s in house at the same time, was interesting to have them to both to directly compare, both are champs for midrange reproduction but notably different

the spendors have more treble air and less bottom end solidity compared to the mon 40 but there was a troublesome resonance at 2-2.5khz that lent voices and woodwinds a certain grit and hardness and siblance that i could not accept... i tried dsp of various sorts to try to tame but could not -- ultimately i gave up and sold them, despite my initial enthusiasm it was not to be

maybe this problem was corrected in the later classic 100 (it is a the crossover point between mid and tweet...)... maybe....

one person’s data point

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