Speaker Review

SPENDOR A1 SPEAKERS: YOU MUST TAKE THE A-LINE

Looking to balance price with design and feature quality, Paul Rigby reviews Spendor’s new stand-mounts , the A1 speakers

Stand-mounted speakers are arguably the most popular variant of speaker design on the market. Partly because of cost, partly because size is important to those with little space to spare and partly because the speakers tend to provide excellent value for money.

This is all well and good but not particularly exciting. Stand-mounted speakers are ten a penny. Everyone does them.

Even so, when certain brands announce a new stand-mounted design, you really can’t help but sit up and take notice. Spendor is certainly one of those.

Founded in the late 60s by BBC engineer, Spencer and Dorothy Hughes – the ‘Spen’ and ‘Dor’ – in the name. The company started it’s life with its iconic BC1 which became the monitor of choice for broadcasters and recording studios worldwide. Since then, the company has never looked back and has gained an enviable reputation along the way for quality sound and design.

Spendor corrals its speakers into a varying ranges including the Classic series, the D-Line and, in reference to the speaker under review, the A-Line.

Focused on value for money and lower budget designs, the A-Line  tends to be slimmer and compact than other Spendor loudspeakers, using the new EP77 polymer cones and three veneer finishes: black ash, dark walnut and natural oak.

The 2-way stand-mounted A1, under examination here, spans 305 x 165 x 178mm and weighs 5kg. It includes a 22mm tweeter with an intriguing diaphragm profile.The tweeter has a protective mesh grille. The front also sees the 150mm mid/bass unit.

The A1 cabinet has thin low-mass side panels. Each panel is bonded to a visco-elastic damping pad which dissipates any  energy into inaudible heat.

SOUND TESTS

I began by spinning a beautifully mastered and pressed vinyl version of The Fall’s Frightened from a first pressing of Live At The Witch Trials.

In this sound test, the A1 speakers hit the ground running. So many positives hurled themselves at me, it was tough to write them all down. First of all, there is a delicious contrast between the vocal and the dominant drums. The latter provides an efficient power, a slightly dry, punchy, hard firm suite of lower frequencies that provide a transient speed that emphasises the mobile nature of this still massy – for the price and size – lower frequency.

The above is then combined with the organic nature of the vocal. Mark E. Smith – he of the languorous bitterness and the cutting edge comments – is present there with plenty of intricate texture. Smith’s voice is full of nuance. His vocal inflections are plentiful and a less than excellent speaker will miss most of them. Not the Spendors. The A1 speakers followed the vocal line with some ease, hanging off his vocal chords with aplomb.

The wide ranging, open and airy soundstage confirmed the low noise nature of this design. In fact, I had to raise the gain on my pre-amp by three clicks to reach the same volume, which added to the detail and penetration into the core of the mix. Treble was sensitive yet confident, especially during cymbal taps, while the shy organ riffs were informative and quietly confident instead of missing in action, as with many other speakers of this price point. The bass guitar too, another shy entrant into the soundstage, could be followed by the ear with ease.

I then changed the music to jazz and Gogi Grant’s version of the standard, By Myself.

I was happy to hear how the Spendors handled the vibrato-rich delivery of Grant. Some speakers at this price point can sound a little confused with the slightly nasal frontal area of the delivery with that vibrato reverb. Not the A1 speaker which held firm, added control but enough freedom for Grant to vocally express herself fully, adding emotion and sensitivity to her performance.

The instrumental separation within the orchestral background was wide enough to allow each instrument or bank of instruments room to manoeuvre, giving the ear a rounded appreciation of each. Brass instruments combined their wholly metallic effect with an organic resonance that added soul to the music while the percussion provided a delicate treble and an efficient beat which remained complex yet never blurred or smeared.

Also impressive was the upright bass which not only could be followed throughout the track. The Spendors were able to translate the resistance of the strings. The definite ‘twang’ from the plucked strings were a feature.

For Japan’s 12” version of I Second That Emotion, featuring David Sylvian’s textured and expressive vocal style, that delivery was presented effectively here. His elaborate vocal movements, twists and turns were illuminated by the Spendors, which helped to add a richness to the delivery.

The bass guitar was also relatively shy on this too but the A1 speakers spotlighted it without resorting to clinical behaviour to allow the ear to pick it up without undue effort while the open and airy soundstage added a sense of dynamic reach for the saxophones, percussion and synth runs.

CONCLUSION

OK, look, I’ll cut to the chase with this one. These are stand mounted speakers, a little over £1,000. Even at this price point, you often hear compromises in emphasis, some do great bass and iffy mids, others are vice versa, some offer the looks but no sound quality, some sound great but look like a 5 year old’s school project and so on. You know the sort of thing, I’m sure.

The A1s somehow look, feel and sound ‘right’. This review really took 30 seconds. I couldn’t help it. After that time, I had to nod and say “Yes” to myself. The A1 speakers will have you mentally nodding and giving the thumbs up. They exude plenty of confidence and security. You know that these speakers will give you quality sound and no nasty surprises. I’ve yet to hear any speaker in this size/price point which is superior. The A1 has it all.


SPENDOR A1 SPEAKERS

Price: £1,095

Website: spendoraudio.com

Tel: 01323 843474


GOOD: airy soundstage, low noise, informative mids, revealing bass, build

BAD: nothing

RATING: 8


REFERENCE
Rega Planar 3
Ortofon 2M Red MM cartridge
Trichord Dino phono amplifier
Rega Brio-R integrated amplifier
Spendor S3/5R2 speakers
Acoustic Energy Radiance 1 speakers

Harmonic Resolution Systems Noise Reduction Components
All vinyl was cleaned using an Audio Desk’s Ultrasonic Pro Vinyl Cleaner

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73 Comments

  • Reply
    Geoffrey
    7th October 2017 at 5:11 pm

    Hello Paul,

    Lovely review. It’s very rare when speakers are just right. Not perfect, but right. How would you compare them with your acoustic energy radiance speakers?

    Best regards

    Geoff

    • Reply
      Paul Rigby
      9th October 2017 at 9:15 am

      I’d say that the Spendors have the edge, Geoffrey.

  • Reply
    Dave hattey
    21st October 2017 at 2:18 pm

    I love my Spendor s3/5r2s Imaging is surprising. No grunting bass,but what is there ,is quality bass.

    • Reply
      Paul Rigby
      23rd October 2017 at 4:36 pm

      Absolutely agree, Dave. Thanks for that.

  • Reply
    Dermot
    22nd October 2017 at 12:19 pm

    Hi Paul,

    It’s a rarity when a hi fi component/system sounds right. You could spend a lifetime getting to that nirvana state. It’s a good yardstick to use when the ‘system’ finally sings after endless demos, reading countless reviews etc etc. This new Spendor A range seems to have taken everyone by surprise not only for it’s affordability but obviously it’s slightly uncharacteristic (for Spendor) sound. I’ll be heading up to the city to hear the A4 floorstander’s which I gather are rather special. Here’s what my dealer had to say about them and he’s not easily impressed :

    ‘Another speaker that knocked me out is the new Spendor A4 – very different to the older models, producing a big vibrant sound but still retaining the smooth response Spendor are famous for.’

    Oh and nice review too 🙂

    Dermot

    • Reply
      Paul Rigby
      23rd October 2017 at 4:35 pm

      Thanks for your considered opinions, Dermot. Appreciated. Thanks for the kind words too 🙂

  • Reply
    Dermot
    24th October 2017 at 12:14 am

    You’re welcome Paul. Thank you too 🙂

  • Reply
    Nick
    23rd November 2017 at 8:31 pm

    Hi Paul, I have Spendor S3/5r as the Front end of my Linn/ Naim system. I noticed a big improvement when a changed amp from Nap140 to a pair of Nap135’s. The A1 look very appealing but I do like a grille on Loudspeakers like the classic S3/5r but I believe the A1 come without them.

    • Reply
      Paul Rigby
      24th November 2017 at 10:30 am

      Hi Nick – I’ll ask the owner of Spendor about that – I’ll get back to you ASAP.

    • Reply
      Paul Rigby
      27th November 2017 at 10:59 am

      Hi Nick – this is from the owner of Spendor – as promised, “To preserve its clean modern look and transparent sound the Spendor A1 is not supplied with a conventional grille. The A1 tweeter is protected by a small mesh grille, so a full size grille is not normally required. A full size acoustically engineered black cloth covered grille is available as an optional accessory price £125.00 per pair.”

  • Reply
    Nick
    27th November 2017 at 5:43 pm

    Hi Paul, thank you for contacting Spendor, I’m pleased that a covered grille is offered as I prefer the classic look. I know that S3/5r2 are no longer produced by Spendor but are still available at £800 ( including grilles ) in limited wood veneer finishes at some Hi Fi shops. Thanks again for a very informative review.

    • Reply
      Paul Rigby
      27th November 2017 at 5:55 pm

      No problem Nick – I sometimes still use the S3/5R2 speakers myself as a reference so I understand your point there. Thanks for your kind words.

  • Reply
    Tom
    11th December 2017 at 4:05 am

    Nice review, however, I’m a little surprised and disappointed that you didn’t compare the A1’s to your reference Spendor S3/5R2’s. Why? I would have very much liked to know what the differences are for these two similar models. If the small price difference is worth it or not. Thanks.

    • Reply
      Paul Rigby
      11th December 2017 at 11:35 am

      I did Tom, if you look at the bottom of the review, you’ll see those very speakers in my reference section. Whenever you see this list at the bottom my reviews, then each unit takes a full part in the review itself.

    • Reply
      John ingham
      24th May 2020 at 9:34 am

      Hi how do these compare to the new evoke ten have to be placed v close to back wall
      Thanks john

      • Reply
        Paul Rigby
        25th May 2020 at 9:14 am

        In short, John, I don’t know. And I don’t know anyone else who has tested the 10s either. I have a friend who has heard the 20s and they can sound very smooth in the mids. A bit too smooth maybe? I don’t know. So maybe that sonic character would transfer to the 10s too.

      • Reply
        John ingham
        25th May 2020 at 7:28 pm

        Hi thanks for getting back I have same system as some one else a couple of years ago that is cyrus 7 amp 7CD CD player with dynaudio audience 52 speakers would a1 be an upgrade or is a better amp k3 simaudio 240i be a better way of upgrading
        Regards john

        • Reply
          Paul Rigby
          26th May 2020 at 10:14 am

          Thanks for your question, John. I think, as a by the by, the modern version of your speakers would be the company’s Emit 20s but I do think that the A1s would be an enhancement to those, yes. That said, you do need to look further up the chain first when contemplating upgrades so the 240i would be a great initial choice.

  • Reply
    PETER JASZ
    11th December 2017 at 4:26 pm

    Most interesting review. But summed up concisely, particularly for those in the business long enough.

    I suppose it’s safe to say that no ‘break-in’ was required ? Which is good, because my recent purchase of another marvelous, compact stand-mount (Reference 3A ‘Dulcet Be’ SE) took a sold 300 + hours before it settled into the glorious music-making machine that it is.
    ( I do understand (and have experienced) some models that do not require ‘break-in’ -that I’m assuming is the case here ?

    Otherwise, a nice review from a well known and respected brand.

    peter jasz
    ( P..S> Typo: “You now the sort of thing, I’m sure.” )

    • Reply
      Paul Rigby
      11th December 2017 at 9:16 pm

      Hi Peter – I demand that the company ‘break in’ every product I review. I want the company to send me a product that’s ready to review and that they are happy with. Otherwise I’m wasting my time and yours. What’s the point of sending me a product that’s half cocked? How can the company be sure that I’ve broken it in properly? How can I? The entire ‘break in’ argument has no absolutes, there’s far too may variables. As I reviewer, I shouldn’t have to even deal with it and I won’t. Thanks for the heads up on the typo – appreciated.

    • Reply
      Paul Rigby
      11th December 2017 at 9:37 pm

      Hi Peter – two replies to the same comment? Got to be some kind of record. On reflection, I think I’ll add a note…somewhere on this site, to effect of my first reply. Just to prevent any confusion on the break in thing. Thanks for bringing this to my attention.

  • Reply
    John
    20th March 2018 at 10:46 pm

    Nice review! How would these sound with some aging Cyrus equipment (7 amp, 7Q CD) do you think? It’s a long way to my local hifi shop as I’m in the Highlands so it’s helpful to get as much info as I can before I make the long journey south for an audition. I gather from your Cryus ONE review you’re not a great fan of old Cyrus stuff..?

    • Reply
      Paul Rigby
      21st March 2018 at 8:12 am

      Many thanks for your comments, John.

      Re Cyrus – it was more to do with their design aesthetics rather than their sound quality which was fine. Their newer stuff just moves the design and facilities up-to-date. I think this had more to do with a shortage of cash/investment, at that time. Yes, the A1 speakers would fit nicely, the midrange articulation that the A1 excel at will display the Cyrus sound well.

  • Reply
    Cobwatch
    2nd October 2018 at 1:33 pm

    I have not yet been tempted to replace my 9 year old mk1 Uniti. I have tried many speakers with it and currently i am running Wharfdale Diamond 220 which i picked up for £99. At this price this is a fine speaker.They are temporary until i make a final decision. I have tried 14 speakers so far, with a price range from £160-£1500. This has only confirmed my opinion of the mk1 Uniti, that the amplification is overrated, and the CD replay underrated. I have heard the entirety of the new Uniti range. The Atom has amplification that slightly improves on my mk1 despite having less rated power. The Star amp is a big improvement, but the cd player is less good. The Spendor A1 are the speakers that have pleased me most thus far. I have only one other speaker to audition, the Kralk BC30 mk2, with very similar spec and price to the A1.

    • Reply
      Paul Rigby
      2nd October 2018 at 1:37 pm

      Thanks for your comments, Cobwatch and your insight re the Naim kit.

  • Reply
    Cobwatch
    2nd October 2018 at 2:18 pm

    Dear Paul…The Nova is spectacular as an amplifier, a jump on again over the Star. It is so good that as a stand alone amp the price is fair, you can consider everything else a bonus…but my old Uniti does beautifully well with 8 ohm speakers. It just could not manage the ATC 7/11 properly and was soon running hot, although they sounded quite good while it lasted.

  • Reply
    STEPHEN CHAPMAN
    12th April 2019 at 2:12 pm

    Hi Paul i`m looking for a l speaker for my small listening room (11×8 feet) and the spendors look like they may fit the bill.
    Would they work well with a Roksan Caspian m2 ?
    regards
    Steve.

    • Reply
      Paul Rigby
      12th April 2019 at 2:28 pm

      Thanks for the question Stephen – what’s your budget on this, please? But to answer your question: yes 🙂

  • Reply
    STEPHEN CHAPMAN
    12th April 2019 at 10:05 pm

    Hi Paul thanks for the reply.Budget i could go up to £2000 if some thing really blew me away. Rest of my system is a decent spec LP12 with a Cadenza bronze feeding a Trichord Diablo with NCPS. Current speakers are Acoustic Energy radiance 2`s.
    In my small room bass sometimes becomes bloated hence my search for a small room friendly speaker.
    Regards

    Steve

    • Reply
      Paul Rigby
      14th April 2019 at 12:12 pm

      Hi Stephen – quick observation. As good as it is and it is very nice indeed, the Trichord is a bottleneck in your system and should be high up in your upgrade list. Really, I’d upgrade that first to a top flight model before the speakers because it’s nearer the source.
      If you’re determined to go for speakers then, a bit above your limit, are the Dynaudio Special Forty speakers at £2.5k, the cheaper Neat Iota Alpha are small floor standers that wouldn’t cause too much hassle in a smaller room, KEF’s R3 is under your limit too as well as the Spendor A1 speakers. Did you have your eye on any particular brand yourself?

  • Reply
    STEPHEN CHAPMAN
    14th April 2019 at 12:29 pm

    Hi Paul that’s given me food for thought. Always thought the Trichord would take some beating. I also have an Icon audio stereo 40 mk.3 amp and had considered a valve phono stage at some point. Some suggestions to point me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.
    Regards
    Steve

  • Reply
    Jason
    9th July 2019 at 2:49 pm

    Hi Paul, thanks for the great review. I have two questions for you if you have a minute and are still watching the comment thread.

    1) Your review is extremely positive, but the score was an 8 out of 10. What were the downsides keeping it from a higher score? (I assume that 10 isn’t a perfect speaker because no speaker is perfect, and that price is always a factor into scoring)

    2) I was thinking of the Spendor A1 for a nearfield desktop setup (mostly low to moderate volume) – good idea or bad idea?

    Thanks!!!

    • Reply
      Paul Rigby
      9th July 2019 at 6:18 pm

      Hi Jason – no, no downsides. Please see the Ratings explanation here which may clarify things a bit: https://theaudiophileman.com/reviews-explained/.
      2: Near field? No – I wouldn’t go there. I can advise if you want that too but I’d use the A1s as a specialised stand-mounter.

      • Reply
        Jason
        10th July 2019 at 2:58 am

        Hi Paul! Thanks for the response! I was looking for warmer sounding nearfield speaker that are less wallet destroying than a Herbeth. 🙂 I just assumed that since the A1 were small and sealed that they would be ideal for desktop audio. Do they just sound “off” when up close? And is there a speaker under $1700 US that you would suggest for that kind of application? Thanks!!!!

  • Reply
    Paul Rigby
    23rd September 2019 at 10:44 am

    Thanks for your kind words 🙂

  • Reply
    Dirk Silverans
    29th September 2019 at 12:28 am

    Hi Paul. After reading your and many other favourable reviews on the Audiolab 6000A amplifier I bought it a few weeks ago and now I want to upgrade my old Q Acoustics 1010i’s speakers. My speakers are wall mounted (rather high) and about 4 meters apart in a 20m² room and I also have a Jamo subwoofer. Would these Spendor A1’s be a great match for the Audiolab 6000A ? In a more budget friendly category I’m also considering the Dali Oberon 1 or Elac Debut B 5.2. Thanks for your great reviews and appriciate it if you could give me some advise. Regards, Dirk.

    • Reply
      Paul Rigby
      30th September 2019 at 1:16 pm

      Hi Dirk – yes, the 6000A will run the A1 speakers without a problem. And I’d go for the A1s too, from the list you provide.

  • Reply
    Allan
    10th December 2019 at 7:12 am

    Hi Paul,
    Love reading your reviews. They focus on what’s important: How a product sounds and “feels” Instead of a lot of high tech gibberish. Much appreciated!
    I am looking for new speakers to go with my Simauido Moon i240 Amp, and have mostly been looking in the direction of Sonus Faber Sonetto II. But now I have been offered a set of Spendor A1 at a VERY reasonable price, and I wonder if they might be a good choice. Since you’ve reviewd both, I thought I’d ask you wich you would choose? I have one “problem” I am not able to give my speakers a lot of rear breathing room, they would take up to much space in my living room, and as such, rear vented speakers are usually a no go. How about the A1’s? Are they able to stand 30-50 cm. from the rear wall without “bass boom”? problems? I also sit quite close, about 3 meters from the speakers.. So, anyway, your thoughts would be much appreciated 🙂 /Allan

    • Reply
      Paul Rigby
      10th December 2019 at 12:05 pm

      Both are excellent, Allan but if you’ve got a deal in the offing, go for the A1 speakers, you won’t be disappointed.

      • Reply
        Allan
        10th December 2019 at 1:08 pm

        Thank you. My only concern is the relatively low sensitivity of the A1 (84 dB) My amp is “only” 2×50 watts.. The Sonus Faber has a 90 dB sensitivity.. I was offered a set of A1’s for 600£, 2 months old, full waranty..

        • Reply
          Paul Rigby
          10th December 2019 at 2:39 pm

          I’ve never found the sensitivity to be an issue, I must admit Allan. Is it possible to request a quick over-night demo of the A1s you have on offer there to possibly settle any nerves?

          • Allan
            10th December 2019 at 4:05 pm

            No, sadly not.. oh well, it’s a decent price, guess I can’t go totally wrong. Not quite as pretty as the Sonus Fabers though🙄

  • Reply
    N MURALI DHARAN
    7th January 2020 at 6:36 am

    Hi Paul,
    Can the Rega Elex R be able to drive the A1, in a room of size 11×12 feet mounted on stands my sources are Vinyl, CD and Allo Digione Media player , TT is Technics SL1200, CDP is Cambridge Audio CDP cum DAC 720C.
    A reply will be highly appreciated. My music tastes are Rock, Disco and some Jazz.

    • Reply
      Paul Rigby
      7th January 2020 at 12:17 pm

      Thanks for your question. In short, yes, you shouldn’t have any problems.

  • Reply
    N Quarmby
    18th January 2020 at 6:34 pm

    Hi Paul I’m replacing my old b&w110i speakers for the Splendor A1, my interconnects are signiture tuned Array to a Marantz cd63 mk2 Ki, project RPM5. 2 m red with chord chorus 2 & rumours 2 speaker cable.
    The amp is an older Jvc AX-R742 is that the weak link on my system?
    & should I look to replace that with a nice marantz amp ki ruby or lower down model or any other suggestions
    regards
    Neil

    • Reply
      Paul Rigby
      19th January 2020 at 12:58 pm

      Hello Mr Quarmby – the answer is “yes” to that question. Your choice of a new amp depends on your budget (do you have a figure?) and the appeal of Marantz to you as a listener. I’m guessing you’re a Marantz fan and, if that’s the case and you like the look of the amp then go for it, by all means. Part of the enjoyment of hi-fi is giving in to aesthetics and tech lust 🙂 If your heart is set on a particular product, I’m all for feeding that. Are you able to secure a demo? I would travel some distance to secure one if you can.

  • Reply
    N Quarmby
    20th January 2020 at 6:58 pm

    Hi Paul,
    My budget is £2500 roughly,
    I like marantz as there good looking & sound nice but would welcome a few other suggestions please.
    I like the rega elicit r but no phono stage, basin I’m told are great but not slit to look at.
    Thanks
    Regards
    Neil

  • Reply
    Neil
    25th January 2020 at 7:30 pm

    Hi Paul,
    I demoed the Splendor A1, superb, detailed, with great vocals & lovely tones.
    I have some early Foundation speaker stands but only 17″tall, if I modify them professionally to 24″ will that be ok or maybe getting epos K5 stand or B&W series 7?
    I’ve used blue tax on the top plate previously but wondered if the 9mm gel isolation pads are better?
    Can I also ask I’m using chord Rumours 2 speaker cable terminated, but wondered when funds availible would the signature be much of an improvement, or wait & replace amp in a few years instead?
    Many thanks,
    Kind regards
    Neil

    • Reply
      Paul Rigby
      27th January 2020 at 12:11 pm

      Hi Neil – never used Foundation stands. As long as there’s no flex (they look at a bit slim in the photos I’ve seen), they’re rock solid stable and don’t wobble, then sure. The pads sound intriguing – which ones are you looking at? Yep, the Signatures would be a good choice.

      • Reply
        Michael Brown
        11th February 2020 at 10:38 pm

        Hi Paul
        Looking for some new standmounters for my Rega Brio 2017. Had Dynaudio Emit m10’s and liked their size and sound but wondered if I could improve on the combo. Would the Spendor A1’s fit the bill?

        • Reply
          Paul Rigby
          12th February 2020 at 11:54 am

          Hi Michael – sure, the A1s are excellent speakers and would work well with the Brio.

  • Reply
    Joel Lopata
    14th April 2020 at 11:05 pm

    Hi Paul,
    A bit late to the party, but happy to join from Toronto, Canada.
    I just picked up a 2017 Rega Brio and a pair of the Spendor A1s in Black ash.
    Am currently running them in and figuring out positioning. Currently set them up at 2 ft from the back wall on stands. Starting to sound niiice as the bottom end opens up.
    Thanks for the review. It played a part in my decision.
    Any suggestions for optimization are welcome!
    Joel

  • Reply
    Daniel
    7th September 2020 at 8:15 am

    Based on this review, and another, purchased a pair of these. The review is spot on, these sound fantastic, and surprisingly dynamic for their size. Paired with sub, they are perfect for my small space.

  • Reply
    Stephane
    18th September 2020 at 9:39 pm

    Hi Paul,

    Thank you for the in-depth review. What stands would you recommend for these? (any specific model or brand).
    Stephane

    • Reply
      Paul Rigby
      21st September 2020 at 9:04 am

      That depends on your budget, Stephane. Do you have a figure in mind?

  • Reply
    Stephane
    22nd September 2020 at 4:47 am

    Hi Paul,
    Actually, I will move to the Spendor A2, the ‘bigger brother’. Alhough they are small floorstandera, they seem to have a lower bass response and my room is probably too big for the A1. Your review was helpful as I did not know Spendor before.
    Thank you

    • Reply
      Paul Rigby
      22nd September 2020 at 1:05 pm

      Glad to be of help, Stephane.

  • Reply
    Rafael Pagán
    16th December 2020 at 3:46 am

    Hello Paul. I would like to know your opinion regarding the Spendor A1 using the Audiolab 6000a
    Would they be a good match? Thanks in advance.

    Rafael

    • Reply
      Paul Rigby
      16th December 2020 at 10:35 am

      Hi Rafael – yep, technically, there should be no issues there.

  • Reply
    Julien Fournel
    9th February 2021 at 10:01 am

    Hello Paul,

    I’m looking for small bookshelf speakers to combine with a Roksan Kandy K3 amplifier. I currently have small 11L Quads that are very pleasant to listen to, but sometimes a little dry and with a slightly weak bass base. I am nevertheless very attached to it and I am therefore looking for a model with a fairly equivalent sound signature, but with more bass seating, more transparency and clarity in the midrange / treble, and a little more relief as well, everything while remaining of course soft and soothing to the listening. I would add that these speakers are positioned on a piece of furniture 40 / 50cm from the ground, and about 10-15cm from the rear wall, with a spacing of about 2m50 between the 2. I have successively tested Dynaudio Emit 20 (very boring !!), Kef R300 (much too overwhelming bass) and Q acoustics 3020i (excellent for the price, but a lack of relief I find and a perfectible mid / high clarity). So I checked among Spendor A1 or Quad S2. Do you think this is a coherent choice with regard to what I expect?

    • Reply
      Paul Rigby
      9th February 2021 at 6:47 pm

      Hi Julien – the 3030i speakers are superior to the 3020i if you need a low cost option. The A1s are recommended, as you’ll find in the review plus the Martin Logan 15i and Cabasse Surf speakers for under £1k.

  • Reply
    Alan Dean
    15th February 2021 at 2:52 pm

    Hi Paul thanks for this review, very informative and professional. I am looking to do a upgrade to my hi-fi to a budget of £2k. I thought about the Spendor A1s as I prefer bookshelves.

    My current speakers are Dynaudio Emit 10s and a REL 5 subwoofer. My amplifier is a Rega Brio. Other equipment is a Chord Mojo, Marantz 6006 CD player that I use as a transport, a Pro-ject Stream Box S2 Ultra and Chord Clearway interconnects and speaker cables. My listening is almost wholly classical. I don’t do vinyl. Can you identify any bottlenecks here? I want to be confident that the Brio is capable of driving any new speaker. I will upgrade the amplifier in a year or two.

    Thanks again for your reviews

    • Reply
      Paul Rigby
      16th February 2021 at 9:15 am

      Hi Alan – apart from the fact that I have issues with a sub in a 2-channel system (buy hey, that’s my problem, if you like it then go for it) then I would upgrade the 6006 to a dedicated transport. Right tools for the job and all that. Especially as you don’t do vinyl. That makes your transport critical. Plus a quality coax cable, I hasten to add.

      • Reply
        Alan Dean
        18th February 2021 at 1:31 pm

        Thanks Paul I appreciate the feedback. Needed some guidance on priorites, and you’ve done that – thanks

      • Reply
        Alan Dean
        18th February 2021 at 1:53 pm

        Just to refer to the addition of a sub in a 2-channel system you mentioned. My listening consists of almost wholly classical music. Most of the time I’m not really aware of the sub. Where it does come into its own is when presenting instruments such as kettle drums (Mahler’s 4th Symphony), the double bass in Schubert’s The Trout Quintet and for example Shostakovich’s 4th Symphony where there is a driving drum pace. Whilst with pop (and this is not a criticism) there is often just a persistent heavy bass with no discernable instrument.

  • Reply
    GrantV
    1st April 2021 at 8:06 pm

    Hi Paul, really enjoyed your review. Have you listened to the new Classic 4/5? How do they compare to the A1? Thanks

    • Reply
      Paul Rigby
      2nd April 2021 at 11:47 am

      I haven’t Grant – colleagues do tell me that they’re rather civilised, though 🙂

      • Reply
        Rickie Miyake
        19th June 2021 at 6:52 pm

        Trying to read between the lines, by “civilised” would that mean more subdued or sedate in sound character compared to the A1’s? I’m in the U.S. so I would like some clarification. Thanks!

        • Reply
          Paul Rigby
          21st June 2021 at 11:32 am

          To me ‘civilised’ means well behaved and orderly and doing the right thing and not sonically surprising you in a bad way and respecting your music without the threat of blooming or blaring or offering nasties and being a perfectly acceptable design to introduce to your mother without any fear of embarrassment.

          • Rickie Miyake
            22nd June 2021 at 2:44 am

            Well that helped clarify things. Not the way it would have been explained here in California but I get what you’re saying. Thanks!

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