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

Size of room is very important. I've found the 3/5 to be better in the near-field listening position and did a four day in-house audition of the 3/5SE. Found a slight upper midrange etch or glare and forwardness, but this was in my small 11 x 13.5 x 8 room. Have to say it does mate very well with my REL Strata III - seamlessly, in fact. Based on hearing the SE version, internet and mag reviews, and the opinion of a trusted friend (who's owned the standards for 3-4 years) I've just ordered a pair of 3/5s in rosewood. Would've bought used but after 4 weeks of checking A'gon didn't find any.

Hi,

I've never heard the SE version, but I just bought another pair of the standard S3/5s and love them. To me, they are "just right" and aside from their LF limitations, one of the best speakers period. However, I pretty much like all the Spendors, at least the Classic series; not everyone has the same opinion. The Spendor sound is a little fuller/warmer and not as bright/thin as most speakers on the market today. I find it sounds more like live music (classical/jazz/vocals). Spendors also have incredible resolution of low level musical information, but not "in your face" detail. The standard S3/5s work great in my 13/15 ft. room, even with a 27W triode amp. Too bad you can't audition in person.

TLH

The SE version uses the Classic Series' Scan-Speak tweeter, a very fine driver also used by ProAc. The S3/5 I believe uses a Vifa that to my ears is brighter (I own SP2/3s and have heard the S3/5 in my system).

I'm reviving this long-asleep thread because I've been wondering about the same thing, and the descriptions here (apart from Bojack's) are the opposite of the description and measurements in the Stereophile review of both speakers. Stereophile ain't my bible, but I'd been leaning toward the "se" because they'd described and measured it as the more laid back--and in my small room that's what I'm going for. Listening before buying seems unlikely for me, especially as both models have apparently been supplanted by the 3/5r. Of the three (plain, se, and r) I'll probably go with the plain or se to fit my price range used, whichever is the more reserved in the treble. Any input would be valuable. Thanks!

there is new version spendor s3/5R coming out or already in market. Should include with your consideration