Spendor S3/5 standard vs “SE” version????

I listened to both in the Spendor room at CES Vegas January 2003. The show conditions were pretty bad, so any nuances each monitor could convey were mostly lost, but I was able to discern differences between the two. All components upstream were Talk Electronics. In the environment I heard them, I felt the S3/5s sounded a bit bland. In contrast the S3/5SEs were much brighter and livlier.

Beyond that, I think how they would ultimately impress you depends on what you're searching for in a monitor, and what amplification you're planning on using them with.

Any Spendor dealers near you?

Gunbei, thanks for the input. Unfortunately there is no Spendor dealer near me.

I want to replace my Nautilus 805's which I find very bright (razor sharp quality) and unforgiving in my small room (9.4'x 15'x8'). On the other hand I would not like the sound to be too polite and slow.

Do you think the S3/5 SE's are as bright as the N805's? Did you find the S3/5 boring or slow?

I have:
Musical Fidelity A300 int.amp.
Musical Fidelity A3CD (transport) + Belca Canto DAC2
Analysis Plus cables/interconects.

Thanks.

The S3/5s are definitely verging on the boring and slow in my opinion. I have never heard the SE versions. The s3/5's sound is pleasant but in no way exciting. You'll either love the lack of edginess or be bored to death.
(I was driving with Densen B100, which is quite a dynamic and transparent amp).

I would urge you to include a Harbeth speaker in your selection if you are considering Spendor.