spendor SA1 vs B&W805s

[stpierre76]

In the market to buy new speakers.heard how good the 805s are but not have the chance to audition the spendor SA1.Could anybody let me know if they have ever done a direct comparison.I am more interested in detail and pin sharp stereo imagining than bass so it would be great to know if the spendor do come close to the 805.thank you ikn advance

 

[Anonymous]

I have not auditioned this comparison,

I have the Spens and can confirm that they have the qualities you describe, but it all depends on what amp you have to drive them.

My Supernait is fast and pacy so it suits the SA1s perfectly, but both the B&Ws and the Spendors need an amp with a fair bit of grunt to get the best out of them, the 805s more so............

 

[Anonymous]

Electrically the Spendor SA1s are a pretty easy load with no nasty impedance characteristics. They're low in sensitivity so need some Watts if you want volume but they depend more on a high quality amp than a powerful one to hear their best. I'd be surprised if the B&Ws present such an easy current load.

The B&Ws are going to provide you more bass and will probably sound a bit more lit in the treble. The Spendors are smoother and I think this can put some people off. Both are excellent and deserve an audition to see how you like your music!

 

[Bodfish]

If you're in the market for a small high quality standmount I'd suggest you try and have a listen to Harbeth's P3ESR...unsurprisingly 😉

 

[rocketride]

I had a chance to compare Harbeth P3ESR and Spendor SA1. None of them are bass kickers but SA1 had a more realistic high and mid

frequencies and they like to be positioned close the rear wall.

Ams used during comparation were Naim XS, Exposure 3010s2 and Creek Destiny.

B&W? Not my cup of tea.

 

[MUSICRAFT]

stpierre76:In the market to buy new speakers.heard how good the 805s are but not have the chance to audition the spendor SA1.Could anybody let me know if they have ever done a direct comparison.I am more interested in detail and pin sharp stereo imagining than bass so it would be great to know if the spendor do come close to the 805.thank you ikn advance

Hi stpierre 76:

I'll need to know about the rest of your equipment, room, what you generally listen to, etc. however in the meantime in addition to the SA1 and 805s speakers i will suggest that you also consider ATC's SCM11's or SCM19's.

The ATC's are low distortion designs (the SCM19's even more so with the SLMT mid/bass drive unit). The ATC's are capable of revealing excellent levels of detail and overall have a clear, precise, uncoloured, neutral, natural and powerful presentation.

Btw, i have listened to SA1 v 805s and i preferred the SA1's as they were far more coherent.

Thanks

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[Anonymous]

Am looking at the same speakers in the distant future.

What about the wilson benesch square ones as well for a trial?

Do the atc 19's have a smooth presentation to go with the neutral one? As ATC seem to be an excellent speaker for the money.

 

[MUSICRAFT]

potboyslim:
Am looking at the same speakers in the distant future.

What about the wilson benesch square ones as well for a trial?

Do the atc 19's have a smooth presentation to go with the neutral one? As ATC seem to be an excellent speaker for the money.

Hi potboyslim

I find the ATC speakers neutral presentation show up the tonal qualities of the connected components for what they are worth. I also believe their speakers offer excellent VFM that can punch well above their weight. Their state of the art professional studio drive units have massive performance potential such as the SLMT mid/bass unit used in the SCM19's which btw is a sight to behold.

Thanks

Rick @ Musicraft