Front ported vs rear ported speakers

[Jasonovich]

Spendor 4/5 Classic. Some bloke’s review

So the positioning compromises obviously remain. The speakers are too high (unless I stand up, which would be weird), and the chimney breast is blocking proper integration between the two units. Plus the way they’re supported on hollow shelves is no doubt detracting from the sound. But they’re still genuinely a joy and I can’t stop listening to them. They have made me realise just how good my AEs are, which are front and slot ported, interesting given recent comments. But the Spendors have also laid bare their limitations. I’ll start with a couple of minor cons. The Spendors are super transparent (I think that’s the right word), so crappy or old digital recordings can sound a bit crappy and old. They’re defo a bit bass light, which I was fully aware of and it was part of the deal, but that’s probably being slightly exacerbated by the compromised positioning. Can’t wait to hear them on proper stands in my new place. Lots of pros of course. Resolution and clarity are different level, they reveal so much more detail that I hadn’t heard before. Bass might be light but it’s so tight and melodic. Soundstage is much wider / deeper, even with the compromised position. These little fellas just ‘sing.’ And they’re so wonderfully rhythmical. Re-listening to my music library and hearing stuff in a different way is very addictive. Plus they’re beautifully made and I’m loving the retro look more than I thought. And I got £100 off due to the 3 week lead time, result!

I recall when I was an impoverish student, my pinup from the centre pages of WHF 80's edition was the Spendors. You know those massive floor standing speakers you wish you could afford but you still haven't paid the landlady's rent for last week.

It's great they're still with us today and haven't departed from their traditional design philosophy and ethos.
They kind of remind me of the John Smiths for the high end, plain and simple, no nonsense but beautifully crafted.

View: https://vimeo.com/781044151/02fd08bf93

 

[Gray]

I recall when I was an impoverish student, my pinup from the centre pages of WHF 80's edition was the Spendors. You know those massive floor standing speakers you wish you could afford but you still haven't paid the landlady's rent for last week.

It's great they're still with us today and haven't departed from their traditional design philosophy and ethos.
They kind of remind me of the John Smiths for the high end, plain and simple, no nonsense but beautifully crafted.

View: https://vimeo.com/781044151/02fd08bf93

The Spendor Prelude large standmount speakers I bought were £200 new.
Even allowing for inflation, that was a good price.
I subsequently briefly owned the (£750) S3/5R model.

I think of the original Spendor in the same way that I think of the original Quad - great British companies (I got handwritten replies from the owners of each, in response to questions).

Spencer Hughes' wife was called Dorothy, both names made up the name SpenDor.

 

[Jasonovich]

The Spendor Prelude large standmount speakers I bought were £200 new.
Even allowing for inflation, that was a good price.
I subsequently briefly owned the (£750) S3/5R model.

I think of the original Spendor in the same way that I think of the original Quad - great British companies (I got handwritten replies from the owners of each, in response to questions).

Spencer Hughes' wife was called Dorothy, both names made up the name SpenDor.

Ooooo SpenDor, I never knew that. Gray you're the kind of guy we need to have around the pub quiz!

My new Matrix Mini i-4 plus remote, just arrived - 15 mins ago, excited as a circus seal whose about to be fed!

 

[Gray]

Ooooo SpenDor, I never knew that. Gray you're the kind of guy we need to have around the pub quiz!

My new Matrix Mini i-4 plus remote, just arrived - 15 mins ago, excited as a circus seal whose about to be fed!

Gray is full of useless info - get us on 70s pop music and we've won the quiz.

A new week brings another gadget for Jason.
Enjoy it 👍

 

[bartlett23]

I might have to send these speakers back…It’s half 11 on a Monday night and I’m listening to Tracy Chapman 🤦🏻‍♂️

 

[DougK1]

I might have to send these speakers back…It’s half 11 on a Monday night and I’m listening to Tracy Chapman 🤦🏻‍♂️

You were warned Beauty can indeed be very addictive. So chuffed for you

 

[Jasonovich]

I might have to send these speakers back…It’s half 11 on a Monday night and I’m listening to Tracy Chapman 🤦🏻‍♂️

Fast Car?

If you send them back, let us know, if you found a suitable alternative?

 

[bartlett23]

You were warned Beauty can indeed be very addictive. So chuffed for you

Exactly, I don't even particularly like Tracy Chapman!

 

[bartlett23]

Fast Car?

If you send them back, let us know, if you found a suitable alternative?

They're not going anywhere But they sound so good, it can be a bit of problem on work nights! Now I just need to stop myself from upgrading my streamer....

 

[Stuart83]

They're not going anywhere But they sound so good, it can be a bit of problem on work nights! Now I just need to stop myself from upgrading my streamer....

Lol the bug is caught.
It's a fun journey not a destination for me.

I've given up saying my hifi is complete.
It's the room now I've turned my attention to fitting acoustic foam.

 

[bartlett23]

Lol the bug is caught.
It's a fun journey not a destination for me.

I've given up saying my hifi is complete.
It's the room now I've turned my attention to fitting acoustic foam.

yes, bug well and truly caught! but i think the next upgrade will (hopefully) be speaker stands in my next place. think they would make more of a difference than upgrading my streamer in my current set up.

 

[bartlett23]

***SPEAKER UPDATE*** So, I had a bit of brainwave. Why not get some stands anyway, and a spare set of cables, and keep them in the cupboard until the other half goes out for the evening! It's a bit like living in a hi-fi shop (what's not to like?!) but these little Spendors finally sound like they're supposed to. Which is totally amazing. Hope everyone's doing well!

 

[Messiah]

Nice!

 

[Gray]

That's great 👍
Do you think she'll notice a fitted carpet when she gets home? 🙂

I do apologise for boring you and I know you've ruled it out, but it's just that I know how much more focussed your sound could be.
(You did say there was a possibility in the new house, so I haven't given up hope).

 

[Al ears]

That's great 👍
Do you think she'll notice a fitted carpet when she gets home? 🙂

I do apologise for boring you and I know you've ruled it out, but it's just that I know how much more focussed your sound could be.
(You did say there was a possibility in the new house, so I haven't given up hope).

A large rug would work wonders.....

 

[Gray]

A large rug would work wonders.....

Don't you start 🙂

I can't help it - speakers in rooms with completely bare, hard floors 😱
....makes me cringe almost as much as seeing a woman kiss a dog on the lips.
Some things are just wrong - they're talking about making smacking kids illegal in England....they need to get their priorities right and ban important wrongs 😉

 

[Revolutions]

While you’re at it with the rug, you may as well ditch the tv. Then there’s no reason why that lovely setup in the photo can’t proudly stay there permanently.

 

[Fandango Andy]

***SPEAKER UPDATE*** So, I had a bit of brainwave. Why not get some stands anyway, and a spare set of cables, and keep them in the cupboard until the other half goes out for the evening! It's a bit like living in a hi-fi shop (what's not to like?!) but these little Spendors finally sound like they're supposed to. Which is totally amazing. Hope everyone's doing well!

The Spendors are superb speakers, glad you are getting the chance make the most of them.

Going back to your original question, did you see this article?

Exposing the fallacy behind the design of small speakers

Why are so many small speakers not fit for purpose?

www.whathifi.com

It makes me wonder, as most people have to compromise on their speaker positioning, rather than make the best speakers for the perfect room, why don't more manufacturers develop speakers like this?

 

[davidf]

Something I've been talking about for the past 8 years...

Larsen design their speakers to be used right up against a wall and to not create boom. Although their looks are a bit marmite, and despite how good they sound, and their ideal placement flexibility, it doesn't make them appealing to the U.K. public, even though they are a small footprint and don't stand very high.

You'd think the U.K. public would be all over something that doesn't take up much space and works in their particular scenario. But no, they tend to choose speakers that are rated 5 stars from (ironically) this magazine.

 

[Al ears]

Something I've been talking about for the past 8 years...

Larsen design their speakers to be used right up against a wall and to not create boom. Although their looks are a bit marmite, and despite how good they sound, and their ideal placement flexibility, it doesn't make them appealing to the U.K. public, even though they are a small footprint and don't stand very high.

You'd think the U.K. public would be all over something that doesn't take up much space and works in their particular scenario. But no, they tend to choose speakers that are rated 5 stars from (ironically) this magazine.

The fact there is only one dealer listed in the UK obviously doesn't help. (Wonder who that is....)
Must say I have always been interested in these.

 

[Fandango Andy]

Something I've been talking about for the past 8 years...

Larsen design their speakers to be used right up against a wall and to not create boom. Although their looks are a bit marmite, and despite how good they sound, and their ideal placement flexibility, it doesn't make them appealing to the U.K. public, even though they are a small footprint and don't stand very high.

You'd think the U.K. public would be all over something that doesn't take up much space and works in their particular scenario. But no, they tend to choose speakers that are rated 5 stars from (ironically) this magazine.

"their looks are a bit marmite" I don't know, I think they would blend into most British homes! 😉

 

[manicm]

Something I've been talking about for the past 8 years...

Larsen design their speakers to be used right up against a wall and to not create boom. Although their looks are a bit marmite, and despite how good they sound, and their ideal placement flexibility, it doesn't make them appealing to the U.K. public, even though they are a small footprint and don't stand very high.

You'd think the U.K. public would be all over something that doesn't take up much space and works in their particular scenario. But no, they tend to choose speakers that are rated 5 stars from (ironically) this magazine.

John Larson passed on in July and they announced that production of new speakers would stop until further notice. Wonder what happens now.

 

[bartlett23]

The Spendors are superb speakers, glad you are getting the chance make the most of them.

Going back to your original question, did you see this article?

Exposing the fallacy behind the design of small speakers

Why are so many small speakers not fit for purpose?

www.whathifi.com

It makes me wonder, as most people have to compromise on their speaker positioning, rather than make the best speakers for the perfect room, why don't more manufacturers develop speakers like this?

I hadn’t seen that, no. But it’s basically the exact journey I’ve been on, thank you! And had those Epos speakers been around a few months ago, I probably would have bought some!

 

[bartlett23]

That's great 👍
Do you think she'll notice a fitted carpet when she gets home? 🙂

I do apologise for boring you and I know you've ruled it out, but it's just that I know how much more focussed your sound could be.
(You did say there was a possibility in the new house, so I haven't given up hope).

Haha. I hadn’t seen no idea carpets made such a difference!

 

[Fandango Andy]

I hadn’t seen that, no. But it’s basically the exact journey I’ve been on, thank you! And had those Epos speakers been around a few months ago, I probably would have bought some!

It's mad that small speakers are still sometimes called "bookshelf" speakers. I have a pair of Tannoy's that are tiny but are useless on a shelf (I tried). They need about 60cm space behind them and a serious amount of toe-in.