Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Realistic and beautiful midrange and high frequency
- Cohesive sound presentation, well-extended in lower and higher frequencies
- Exemplary build quality
- Generous 88db sensitivity, making it a good match for either valve amps or solid state electronics
Product Considerations
- Likely to lose their prowess in the bass in a very large room
- The Spendor/Unison pairing was found to be somewhat soft and underwhelming
- Some may feel the mid-range is not as open and expansive
- Stands are very expensive for what is involved
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Buchardt S400 MKII: The Classic 3/1 stages larger, sounds more effortless especially in the bass region, and maintains bass control at louder volumes
- Vs Cabasse Murano: The Murano has more treble energy while the Classic 3/1 is more relaxed, the Murano has a little warmth whereas the Classic 3/1 is a lot warmer
- Vs Graham Audio LS6: Spendor offers a smooth and velvety midrange whereas the Graham Audio LS6 offers uncanny immediacy
Takeaway: The Spendor Classic 3/1 is a speaker that brings you to the very heart of the performance with warmth and richness combined with clarity and transparency. If one wants a speaker that gets the mid-range right, has excellent resolution, and good frequency extension in both lows and highs, this could be the speaker for you.
All
Classic 3/1
reviews
Manufacturer details
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Spendor loudspeakers are uniquely designed to flex and interact with the music, achieved via thin-walled cabinets with strategically placed viscoelastic damping pads, rather than heavy damping, to reduce blurring.
- The brand's drivers are designed and manufactured in-house, including specialized EP77 polymer cones, to achieve specific performance goals and seamless integration within their speakers.
- Their 'Linear Flow' port technology uses aerodynamically profiled baffles to create a tapered twin-venturi port, resulting in a low phase shift and improved bass agility.
Select products
A-Line Loudspeakers
- Positioning: The entry-level range in Spendor's lineup, offering compact and versatile loudspeakers.
- Description: Features energetic and engaging sound, making them ideal for small to medium-sized rooms. They use linear flow port technology, which enhances bass performance even when placed close to walls, setting them apart from the D-Line and Classic series that focus more on transparency and scale. This series is perfect for those with a moderate budget seeking a lively and fun listening experience without the need for extensive space or high-end amplification.
D-Line Loudspeakers
- Positioning: The mid-range offering, providing a balance of performance and sophistication.
- Description: Known for their dynamic and pure sound, they excel in clarity and resolution, making them suitable for audiophiles who value detail and precision. The D7.2 and D9.2 models incorporate advanced cabinet designs that minimize distortion, offering a more refined sound compared to the A-Line's focus on energy and the Classic's warmth.
Classic Loudspeakers
- Positioning: The high-end, premium range, embodying Spendor's traditional design and sound philosophy.
- Description: Delivers a warm and rich sound, capturing the essence of the original recording with a nostalgic touch. They include advanced materials like Kevlar composite drivers for enhanced bass and midrange clarity, distinguishing them from the more modern-sounding A-Line and D-Line.
Our take on the brand
Look inside the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
First up: our 5th-generation Linear‑Flow (twin‑Venturi) port used in our D7.2 and D9.2 loudspeakers. Inspired by aerodynamics research, even F1 diffuser tech, it enables controlled airflow with reduced turbulence, giving you bass that’s tight, accurate, and uncoloured - even in smaller rooms or loudspeakers placed close to a wall.
Second: Again, used in our D-Line series, our LPZ tweeter paired with EP77 polymer cones. The LPZ tweeter uses a stainless-steel front plate and precision micro‑foil to create a linear, phase-correct output-imagine the clarity of a finely focused camera lens. That, together with our EP77 polymer mid/bass cones and Kevlar bass units, delivers Spendor’s unmistakeable clarity, neutrality, and musical realism.
What's your approach to customer support?
We encourage customers to reach out to their authorised Spendor retailer or distributor as the first point of contact. They’re well-equipped to help with setup, basic troubleshooting, and warranty queries. Most issues are resolved quickly at that level, and it keeps things local and convenient for the customer.
If there’s a more technical issue that needs our attention, the dealer will liaise directly with us here at Spendor. From our UK facility, we offer practical, honest support, whether that means supplying a replacement part, giving technical guidance, or handling a product return.
What we believe sets us apart is our personal, no-nonsense approach. We're a close-knit team, and that allows us to respond quickly and thoughtfully. If something goes wrong, we aim to make it right with minimal fuss and maximum clarity.
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
I love this question! It’s hard to pick three, but here are our standing picks that can really show off what Spendor does best:
- “Hotel California” (Live – Eagles): Beautiful layering - acoustic guitar plucks, live room ambience, vocals - it’s a showcase for detail and atmosphere.
- “Royals” – Lorde: It’s all about that punchy, disciplined bass and beam‑straight vocals-excellent for revealing rhythm precision and the tweeter’s clarity.
- “Take Five” – The Dave Brubeck Quartet: Classic sax lines, brushed cymbals, piano timing-it tests imaging and rhythm on a new level.
What other products pair best with yours?
We design our loudspeakers to be honest and revealing, so we’re proud to say they work well with a wide range of quality electronics. That said, we’re always a little cautious about making specific recommendations. Taste in sound is personal, and what suits one listener may not suit another.
That said, over the years we've found that products from Naim, Cyrus, Exposure, Chord Electronics, and Auralic consistently complement our speakers. They bring out the musicality and natural balance that Spendor is known for, and together they create systems that are expressive, engaging, and a joy to listen to.
Used
Spendor
What if you spend more?
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Product Strengths
- Excellent build quality, featuring a blend of aluminum, leather, and wood veneer, or gloss paint.
- Detailed sound with excellent stereo imagery.
- Good detail and clarity.
- Wide and deep soundstage.
- Design features contribute to cabinet rigidity and reduced coloration.
Product Considerations
- May sound bright with the wrong amplifier or cables.
- May require a high-power solid-state amp.
- Needs quality amplification and may sound soft if underpowered.
- Requires stands, adding to the overall cost.
- Bass may not satisfy those seeking high-output bass without a subwoofer.
Takeaway: The 805 D4 is an excellent speaker that is beautifully built and delivers a detailed and engaging sound. It's a great option for those seeking a premium listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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Delivers performance beyond what is typically associated with its price.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Full-range sound, impressive bass response, and the ability to pressurize a room, often negating the need for a separate subwoofer
- Smooth, warm, and coherent midrange provides natural and engaging vocals and instruments for long listening sessions without fatigue
- Well-extended treble presents in a naturally smooth, enjoyable, and pleasing manner
- Excellent imaging and soundstage capabilities create a realistic and immersive listening experience
- Sound reproduction makes it a speaker that one can live with
- Connectivity options are available
Product Considerations
- Quality amplification with sufficient power and current is required to achieve optimal performance and control the woofer effectively
- The backplate for bass adjustment uses wood screws, making it easy to strip if not handled carefully
- Placement and setup, especially stand height and toe-in, are crucial for achieving the best high-frequency response, it can sound dull if not optimized
- May not be ideal for listeners who prefer a brighter, more forward sound signature or those who prioritize extreme loudness levels
- Grilles may cause micro-rattling at moderate to loud listening levels due to weaker magnets
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Totem Acoustic Manny 2 Signature: The Studio 2 has a more forgiving presentation, denser midrange, and stronger bass
- Vs Klipsch Forte 3: The Studio 2 offers a more natural tone, especially in the midrange and upper bass, along with greater soundstage depth
- Vs Vienna Acoustics Mozart Symphony Editions: The Studio 2 beats them in bass and midrange
- Vs Harbeth (SHL5 and Compact 7 XTs): The Studio 2 cannot be matched by the Harbeth's articulate bass response
- Vs Celestion SL6-S: The Studio 2 has deeper roots in the trunk, and they got high branches and leaves, but they don't go all the way up to the highest branches and leaves at the tippy top
Takeaway:
The Studio 2 is a well-built bookshelf speaker that delivers a smooth, full-range sound with surprising bass and clear imaging, making for an engaging listening experience. With the right setup and quality components, these speakers can provide years of musical enjoyment in a variety of room sizes.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Integrated technology allows direct high-resolution listening without extra devices
- The speaker uses the same Pascal Class D amplification and processing technology from Dynaudio's Pro line Core series
- Discrete amplification channel per driver: 110 watts for the tweeter and 280 watts for the woofer
- Dirac Live room correction is available, which can tune some of the annoying sounds of a garage, for example, using the soft dome tweeter
Product Considerations
- Running a digital coaxial cable from one speaker to the next results in the signal being sent at 24-96 kilohertz, which is a lower quality than what the master speaker receives (24-192)
- There is no HDMI arc or e-arc connection
- Drilling holes may be required to attach the speaker to stands
- Setting up the speaker with the app is not as quick or seamless as Bluesound
- A microphone is required to do Dirac room calibration
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs PSB Alpha IQs: Plays louder with a higher level of amplification
- Vs Dynaudio Core 7: The Core 7 has more power and a slightly better tweeter and woofer, but is not as aesthetically pleasing and needs a Bluesound Node
- Vs Dynaudio Evoke: It is similar to an Evoke speaker, but with a bigger woofer
Takeaway: The Focus recMsY5ljWopDD7UU is a sophisticated wireless speaker that pulls technology from Dynaudio's Pro line and features Dirac room calibration. It is ideal for someone looking for high-resolution listening without extra devices and who values sophisticated sound and aesthetics.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Generating a powerful sound in a (slightly) less imposing form factor than 1528 Towers, 1528 Monitors deliver a clarity and depth that outshines many floor-standing speakers. Feel every detail with stunning precision, deep bass, and a rich, immersive soundstage. Sleek, modern design and versatile settings ensure perfect sound tailored to your environment. Enjoy full-range sound without needing a subwoofer.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptionally well-built, described as monolithic and like concrete bricks
- The tweeter provides detailed highs, comparable to a good AMT tweeter, and performs effortlessly even at high volumes
- The midrange is special, with a carbon graphene construction for well-behaved out-of-band performance and high output
- The speaker's design allows for significant room gain, providing real bass extension below 20 Hz
- Immense potential, described to be a top shelf product
Product Considerations
- The image was a little high
- The speakers want power from a good amplifier to really open up
- The listener might not always be as emotionally convinced by the result as they perhaps should have been
- The speakers are large and may be obtrusive for most UK spaces
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- vs Paradigm Founder 120Hs: Similar to the Paradigm Founder 120Hs, which have active jumpers
- vs RBH SVTRs: The reviewer loves the RBH SVTRs, and these new speakers are being tested to see if they can be a game changer in the industry
- vs Spendor Classic 3-1: Arendal 1528 is neutral from top to bottom, while Spendor is warm from top to bottom
- vs Cabasse Morano: Cabasse Morano has some coloration, but the Arendal 1528 is dead neutral
Takeaway:
The Arundel Sound 1528 recMsY5ljWopDD7UU speakers are incredibly well-built with high-quality components that deliver an excellent listening experience. They are capable of filling large rooms with detailed sound and powerful bass.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Gorgeous sound is clear, smooth, detailed, and dynamic
- Elegant design is dashingly elegant, minimalist aesthetic, and painstakingly crafted for equal parts style and substance
- Impressive bass extension and output, described as deep and firm, surprising for their size
- Clear midrange makes voices sound purposeful, characterful, and entirely present
- Versatile connectivity with streaming and input options, including Chromecast, AirPlay 2, phono pre-amp, and HDMI ARC/eARC
Product Considerations
- Some reviewers experienced streaming and HDMI ARC reliability issues
- Input and control layout can be inconvenient and awkward
- Prototype unit had operational bugs
- No bass level adjustment is available, though it could be added in mobile app
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs KEF LS50 Wireless II—the KEF LS50 Wireless II is a similarly high-end option
- Vs PSB Alpha iQ—the PSB Alpha iQ is a more compact wireless speaker package than the Sonus Faber and is comparatively lighter on bass
Takeaway: The Sonus Faber Duetto speakers are well-suited for those seeking amazing sound and a beautiful design in one package. These speakers are easy to connect and use, and fill the room with rich, detailed audio.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional bass performance for its compact size, with bass that is fast, clear, and tight
- Multiple 'Master Tunings' offer customizable sound profiles, adapting to different room acoustics and user preferences
- A high-quality Purifi woofer and SB Acoustics tweeter contribute to clarity, detail, and low distortion
- A solid wood cabinet made in Denmark provides a luxurious look and feel
Product Considerations
- Bass output may diminish or be limited at high volumes to protect the drivers from damage
- A separate purchase of the Platin Stereo Hub may be required for full wireless functionality and room correction
- The 'Made in China' label applies to the electronics inside the cabinet
- While the A10 offers impressive bass, some may still prefer to add a subwoofer for a true full-range experience
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Buchardt S400 Mark II, the A10 is more transparent with greater inner detail, clarity, and top-end extension—and deeper, tighter bass—while the S400 Mark II is more relaxed and forgiving with harsh recordings
- Vs Buchardt A500, the A10 has comparable performance, with possibly a crisper sound in some instances
Takeaway: The Buchardt Anniversary 10 is a compact yet powerful speaker that offers a customizable listening experience. Its impressive bass and versatile tuning options make it a great choice for those seeking a high-quality audio solution in a small to medium-sized room.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Remarkable sound power and early directivity indexes make it a true point source speaker.
- Special sound quality for the price offers a level of performance not typically found in speakers at this price point.
- Very good neutrality is present when the speaker is turned off axis.
- It is a very versatile speaker to drive.
- The midrange presentation is very dead center and coherent.
Product Considerations
- The bass does not reach as low as some listeners might prefer.
- The speaker can get bright at times.
- Care should be taken to place it not directly on axis, because when placed directly on axis, it is no longer a neutral speaker.
- There's no stand included in the package.
- It is made in China, and construction can be suspect.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs PureAudioProject Duet 15, the SourcePoint 10 is more precise and focused, while the PureAudioProject has a bigger soundstage.
- Vs Fleetwood Deville SQ, they sounded more alike than different when in action, but SourcePoint was more extended from top to bottom and brought more lively dynamics and impact.
- Vs Klipsch Heresy IV, the SourcePoint 10 is the superior speaker in every way from build to sound, with more refinement and smoothness, and it seems just as dynamic as the Klipsch.
- Vs Dynaudio Special 40s, the SourcePoint 10 sounds much bigger, more dynamic, has much better bass, and fills a room with ease.
- Vs KEF LS50 META, the LS50 sounds smaller, leaner, and not as special in the vocal region.
Takeaway:
The SourcePoint is a speaker with a neutral sound that originates from a single point, and it has remarkable early directivity indexes. It is a speaker that offers very good performance for the money, but careful attention needs to be paid to its placement in the room.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Solidly built with an inert cabinet, contributing to overall performance
- Crazy linear/neutral sound from about 100Hz upwards
- The beryllium tweeter provides nuanced, airy, and extended highs with a hint of shimmer for realistic metallic instruments
- It creates a three-dimensional soundstage, making the speakers disappear sonically
Product Considerations
- It does not have a great deal of bass on its own and may require a subwoofer for full-range playback, starting its roll-off at around 100Hz
- While placement is flexible, a solid amplifier is required
- The styling might be an acquired taste and could be considered overcomplicated by some
- The high gloss finishes may not appear different from less expensive speakers, making it harder to justify the luxury price tag
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4: The S4B is more neutral/accurate, while the 805 D4 adds bass and treble energy
- Vs Focal Canta No. 1: The S4B outperforms the Canta No. 1, which has chestiness in its bass and midrange due to its cabinet
- Vs Revel Studio 2: The S4B reminded the reviewer of the Revel Studio 2, though the Revels had more bass
- Vs Focal Diablo Utopia: The Perlisten are a great alternative if the Utopias are outside of your reach and are a more neutral and less bright speaker
- Vs EgglestonWorks Nico Evo: The EgglestonWorks presentation is a little more mid-forward and less 3D than the Perlisten
Takeaway: The Perlisten S4b is a high-performing speaker that offers excellent clarity and a neutral sound, making it a great choice for audiophiles and home cinema enthusiasts alike. The speaker's ability to create a detailed and immersive soundstage can bring music and movies to life.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent wireless stability, pairing easily and remaining connected even with other wireless activity
- Big, confident, and enjoyable sound, with surprising bass extension for its size
- Aesthetically pleasing design, with unique and attractive finish options
- Versatile connectivity options through its media hub, including multiple digital and analog inputs, plus Bluetooth, AirPlay, and Chromecast
Product Considerations
- The absence of a dedicated streaming app may require reliance on third-party apps or external streamers
- The system could benefit from a slightly more refined sonic presentation, needing a touch more sweetness and natural warmth
- There can be some audible amplifier noise at idle/start-up, depending on proximity
- The base of the speakers can be quite large, potentially requiring dedicated stands for proper placement
- No wired subwoofer output
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to KEF LS50 Wireless II, the Capella will appeal to those who would rather have a more classic, wood-cabineted speaker on show than the ultra-modern aesthetic of the Brit boxes
- Compared to Triangle Borea BR03 BT, the Triangle Capella active speaker system is much more ambitious, with more advanced drivers and superior fit and finish
- Compared to Buchardt A10, the Triangle Capella and Buchardt A10 are more similar than different, but still pretty different, as they use the same concept
Takeaway: The Triangle Capella is a convenient and stylish all-in-one system that delivers a big and enjoyable sound. It's a great choice for those seeking hifi audio without the complexities of traditional separates.
Video review
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