2. amps-preamps
  3. 1303761910

Spendor S8e Amp Suggestions.

I'm looking to buy a new amp - likely tubes - to drive my Spendor S8e's. I've heard these speakers really sing with as little as 50 watts, so I'm comfortable that an amp with between 70 - 100 watts would do fine. For those of you driving the older style SP series speakers, please keep in mind that the S series is a very different animal. Could anyone comment on the following amps as mates to these speakers:

Cary v12 series - I've read that the SLI80 integrated is NOT a good match, but haven't heard anything about the V12.

ARC VT100 series

Mac MC275V

Any of the Prima Luna monos.

Any other great suggestions. Pre-amp is yet undetermined. I'm rebuilding this around the amp and speakers. I'll figure out the pre next. Thanks!
grimace
bri_an
6 posts
 
Lougiants: No criticism at all seen in your comments. There are many reports of Spendor Classic series working well with moderate to low powered VTLs. An audio engineer over in Audio Asylum reports good results with Spendor SP1/2, a larger speaker. So perhaps it is a matter of the Classic Series presenting a more benign load than the S series. I thought any somewhat related info might help the OP.
mizuno
59 posts
 
I have paired the spendors s8e with an LFD integrated amp and am in heaven. I have the lfd ncse but from what i hear the delight is similar with the lfd III or IV. lfd is a British design that seems to be optimized for british speakers like Spendor and Harbeth. Since i use the lfd, my spendors seem to completely disappear when I play music. amazing sound with great yet tight bass (important to spendor who may be a little loose on the bass side)

Another good choice would be the plinius or exposure 2010s.

The LFD will probably sound the most tube-like, despite being a SS amp.

FYI, my dac is the w4s dac
grimace OP
624 posts
 
And the answer is, these speakers are fine with tubes. Better than fine, actually - really, really good. I just hooked up a Cary V12R in 50W triode and they sound terrific. Lots of detail, nice air around the instruments. An all around good combination.
grimace OP
624 posts
 
...and it drives the crap out of the bass, even in triode.
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