Spendor Classic 2/3: A Legacy Revisited with Brilliance

Introduction

For decades, Spendor has been a cornerstone in the world of high-end loudspeakers. The British brand, renowned for its meticulous approach and commitment to quality, has built a solid reputation among discerning audiophiles. The Classic 2/3, heirs to a long line of iconic speakers, are no exception. Inspired by ideas developed by the BBC's engineering department in the 1960s, they embody the very essence of Spendor's know-how. But can they stand out against high-end alternatives from brands like Harbeth?

Timeless Design and Thoughtful Construction

From the first glance, the Classic 2/3 stand out with their elegant and timeless design. Their imposing size (54 cm high) is a testament to the quality of the components they house. For optimal sound reproduction, a sufficient distance from the walls is required.

The attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the construction. Spendor takes a unique approach by opting for thin cabinet walls, favoring low-frequency flexibility, and a strategic use of viscoelastic damping pads. This technique helps control resonances and provides a solid foundation for the speakers.

Cutting-Edge Speakers for Exceptional Sound Performance

At the heart of the Classic 2/3 are their cutting-edge speakers, the result of Spendor's rigorous research and development. The new 21cm mid/bass driver, developed in-house by Spendor, features a fiber-reinforced polyamide cone and a diecast magnesium chassis. This combination guarantees optimal rigidity and exceptional sound performance, with precise and detailed reproduction of mid-range frequencies.

The 22mm surround dome tweeter, while having been around for a few years, still delivers excellent performance and wide dispersion, allowing for precise and detailed reproduction of high frequencies. The package is completed by a carefully tuned and refined crossover filter, ensuring a smooth transition between registers for a homogeneous and harmonious listening experience.

Easy-going and Immersive Sound Nature

The Classic 2/3 are characterized by an easy-going and immersive sound nature that draws the listener into the music rather than shouting for attention. They may not shine in a quick comparison at a dealer, but their considerable charm reveals itself over time. Most modern competitors sound smaller, leaner, and more aggressive in comparison.

The tonal presentation is fairly even, with less warmth in the mids and lows than previous generations, while still retaining an absence of overt aggression. This characteristic doesn't go so far as to suppress the fire of tracks like Wonderwall by Oasis, where the 2/3s show surprising attitude, but it does make bad recordings and inferior electronics a bit more palatable.

The Classic 2/3 demonstrate impressive sonic authority and an ability to deliver dynamics, both subtle and large-scale, with remarkable grace. There's a beautiful fluidity in the way these floorstanders transition from silence to loud volume, coupled with a sense of effortless ease that most competitors struggle to match. The large mid/bass drivers manage to move a lot of air without sounding forced or straining, even at high listening levels.

An Exceptional Sound Experience for Demanding Audiophiles

The Spendor Classic 2/3 are high-end speakers that cater to discerning audiophiles seeking an exceptional sound experience. They stand out for their timeless design, thoughtful construction, and cutting-edge speakers. If you're looking for high-performance and versatile speakers that will accompany you for many years to come, the Classic 2/3 are an excellent option.

Conclusion

The Spendor Classic 2/3 are high-end speakers that excel in their outstanding sound quality, elegant design, and high-quality construction. They offer a listening experience that will captivate both discerning audiophiles and music lovers alike.