Compare new and vintage Spendor speakers Bc1 v A6r

[@simonhenstock6244]

I recently started using a pair of vintage speakers (Castle Acoustics Richmond from February 1974) and I absolutely love them. It was a bit of a leap of faith because I could have bought a brand new pair of Klipsch or Elac speakers for the same price I paid for the fully refurbished ones I bought but I knew I would have regretted it if I had passed on the Richmonds so I made it happen. I enjoy watching your videos. There are all too few KZbinrs who offer detailed discussion of vintage equipment and all too many offering sponsored reviews of the latest gear. Keep 'em coming!

[@gordthor5351]

Simon Henstock I totally get what your saying and the Klipsch would have been right in your face and not even listenable. However, there are new speakers that are quite detailed and still silky smooth, but they tend to be quite expensive.

[@TheTrotkatz12]

Thanks again. Own Spendor BC1s for over 40 years. Love them.

[@jonathanbliss1945]

Another great video and really like your approach to helping us all buy good Hifi. It is such a minefield and very easy to get ripped off thinking that the latest is the best when the tech hasn't really moved on in some areas for 40 odd years. I thought I would just add my experience with Spendor speakers including BC1. When I first started back into buying HiFi some years ago the very first speakers I auditioned in a shop were the Spendor S5 and S6 floorstanders with Quad 909 amp (I can't remember the source). The S6 was bigger than the S5, but the S5 just sounded more enjoyable and more exciting to listen to. It was about 14 years ago now so I can't remember the detail, but the shop owner had to agree with me too, no way would you buy the S6 after hearing the cheaper S5. However, these S line of Spendors do have a reputation for being a little dull overall. So, you would want to partner them with brighter electronics if going for them. Which over the years I have found to be a bit of a pit fall personally. I try to go transparent all the way now, rather than partner bright with dark or vice versa, etc, etc. I then got to try a nice mint pair of BC1s at home a few years later, this time with a very warm sounding Electrocompanient ECI-3 integrated amp. My take on the bass sound was that there was too much cabinet resonance and it got in the way on all but the simplest of music. I remember playing acoustic Neil Young tracks that sounded spell bindingly magical though on this speaker/amp combination. So really suited that kind of music, I could have easily lived with it forever, I would say even better than Quad ESL 57s for this type of material. However, there were two other things I didn't like about the BC1s. They didn't have the capacity to really rock, i.e. complex music with the volume up. They kind of fell apart and sounded really constrained compared to what I was using at the time, which to be honest were studio monitors like Yamaha NS1000s and ATC, which are designed to go loud. I appreciate that these are a totally different design, but if you really want loud, these BC1s are not the best. Of course, there were downsides of these studio monitors too. ATCs were much cheaper back then, but are now stupid money even 2nd hand, so perhaps not such an attractive buy anymore anyway. They also sound lifeless like how you explain in another of your videos. Back to the BC1's, I thought the tweeter could be a little ragged sounding too on some material. It added to the fun of the speakers at times, but other times it was doing things it really shouldn't. I think they are an excellent buy if you do not play loud and will give a lot of inner detail compared to what else you can buy for the price. I also think they are well made and look nice and therefore, if you look after them will hold their value. Just thought I would put my take on them anyway. Keep the videos coming, really like them.

[@girishkukadia9916]

Really enjoy all your videos, keep them coming as you are very knowledgeable.

[@patl709]

I would have thought that the modern Spendor equivalent to the BC1 are the Classic 100 or Classic 1/2. Recently found this channel and I’m enjoying the content and Kevin’s enthusiasm for the subject 👍

[@eddielyons2563]

Nice video, I’d agree with the general description between the “old” and new sound. More often than not the new sound might be more refined and detailed, but ultimately a more boring and less engaging listen . Viva vintage audio!!

[@jasonahdjfhsdfg]

Lots of modern speakers sound so boring. I’ve got a pair of DM3s (B&Ws from the late 60s), the sound is certainly not what I would describe as accurate, but my word they incredible. The drivers are rare EMI ellipticals, they are so special.

[@kosiekoos9408]

You are absolutely right. Ive listened to too many modern soeakers like those award winning 685’s bw and walk away unmoved and confused. Vintage speakers are much more engaging. My plan is to fly t britain and leave with some bc1’s. And enjoy a holiday with the money ‘saved’

[@theoriginaldanalogue]

Thanks for the demo. They’re both a completely different school of thought. The BC1 uses a thin walled design deliberately made to flex but in tune with the speaker. This design is still being used in their speakers today - but has been refined. Along side this they have a more modern range such as the A range and D range. All excellent in their own right. The D7’s are wonderful but a little more analytical where the thin walled design is more coloured but in a nice way. There’s always a compromise with speakers. I rate all Spendors very highly.

[@64bakes]

You beat me to it. The thin wall design was a BBC design I believe. Many other manufacturers used it. Spencer Hughes (Spendor) and Dudley Harwood (Harbeth) were both ex-BBC engineers.

[@johndavidson5075]

I used to own the A6 model of Spendor and because of the high frequency roll off they were very dull and lifeless. The A6R was supposedly an improvement in that regard but it doesn’t sound like by much. Keep up with the videos, very refreshing. You’re a good bloke! John from Canada

[@namurlabs]

It's a great pleasure to hear and watch your videos from Argentina :)

[@richardnoden2979]

Just wanted to say thanks for your reviews... I purchased 2nd hand the Spendor BC1s and also the Sansui AU-317 amplifier which I use with an Arcam DAC / Stack streamer plus Arcam CD player ect ... My love for music has been reunited again with hours of listening enjoyment... I’m as a happy as Larry ... Top man I love your reviews keep up the good work 👍

[@stereoreviewx]

Great to hear Richard thanks

[@socksumi]

Excellent commentary on the old vs the new.

[@tonybrown8997]

Wonderful tàlks. Experience is everything for my folk . Tony. 1948 vintage

[@alexandervaneijken7741]

Dear Sir, I salute you on a really useful and enjoyable site. As to this comparison: It is really food for thought that a speaker dating 40 years back sound better(be it not very much) than a recent speaker of the same manufacturer. So why bother with new speakers at all? This is something you NEVER read about in the magazines. At last a reviewer NOZ influenced by ANY salesrap of a company- seller who lend their equipment for review on the assumption that the gear gets a good review.

[@garethparr649]

My dad had a pair of bc1s for years driven by mainly a suggy a 48 and always maintained that more modern speakers were arguably more detailed but the bc1s you never got tired of listening to them. Think that says it all really

[@stereoreviewx]

There is truth in that for sure K

[@fivish]

More detailed than BC1? Modern speakers are brash and boomy. Not nice.

[@paulgreen9752]

Hey up! A bit of a coincidence coming on here - Gareth's dad was my father-in-law and me and him went round all the HiFi shows at the time. For us, nothing compared with the Sugden A48 Mk11, linked up with BC1's. I bought my Spendors 40 years ago and they are still my main speakers in my HTS. I do help them out though with a Sub Woofer. Of course there are better sounding speakers these days but you would have to pay considerable sums for them. Absolutely nothing compares with the supreme mid-range and treble that they ensue.

[@markus.schneider]

Great video. I own the BC1, too. You should change the title of this video. If you include the keywords Spendor, BC, 1 and A6R more people can find it. Greetings from Germany.

[@drs-Rigo-Reus]

it appeared plywood (poplar) is the best cabinet material.The wadding is to show the woofer a bigger area than actually available, enhancing low bass. Not to absorb frequencies. MDF (called camelshit -''kamelenmist'' - in Germany) is a difficult material, only good for getting a smooth finish, but sound is deteriorated.

[@gianfrancomachelli7356]

The cabinet is the secret! The BBC recept: northern birch playwood with different thin panels. Crossover match very close tolerances to drivers, beautiful drivers

[@wim1983]

Think that the Spendor Classic line should be a more appropriate for comparisons?

[@milojenikolovski7522]

Many old speakers sound fantastic, sounds like todays HighEnd class, but in 70-th it was normal for speakers to sound great. Cabinets of speakers in the past was better to, modern cabinets are better only in crash test, to fancy to heavy, to costly, to complicated. Good speakers make you happy - very good definition, this is purpose of good music and good speakers / sound.

[@stereoreviewx]

i am in agreement my freind its just shocking how much time and money has been spent and so little progress .

[@deadbugdoug4158]

Would be interested to hear you compare and contrast spendor A6r to the tandoori Revolution r3 of same vintage, Style and size...??

[@kinglear5952]

Thank you for the help. Very nice of you.

[@AndyBHome]

I'm a big fan of big speakers for the kind of "full, room filling" sound they tend to deliver. I enjoy seeing videos like this one where things are put into perspective. Yes A may be less distorted than B, or there may be some imaging refinement in one over another. But is the bass stopping at 150Hz? I think that's a much bigger deal than some vague sense of 3D height which I truly don't understand how that's ever truly possible without a height channel. Okay I gotta stay on topic. So yes, this is a video I can take seriously and really appreciate. Thank you.

[@daverobinson1993]

I wonder if you ever come across van Der molen speakers from the 70:s , they have a lot of depth and space to the sound. They actually came with a very basic record deck and tuner. I believe the speakers were gas filled. The sound was incredible. I have looked high and low of this system still exists somewhere but had no luck.

[@stereoreviewx]

Yes strangely I remember a name or something like that name but I can’t pinpoint it either

[@daverobinson1993]

@@stereoreviewx Thank you for your reply. I really like your videos, they are so informative. Are you not doing anymore my friend?

[@Belcanto401]

Thank you for making this video. I own a pair of Spendor BC1 since 1975. Various manufactures have produced a great deal of speakers since 1978, but few sound nice to my ears than that of BC1.

[@stereoreviewx]

Well said!

[@fanlaz959]

@@stereoreviewx what is your opinion about spendor classic 100, especially with pop- rock music ?

[@socksumi]

If ever you get a chance, listen to Spendor's flagship of the period, the BC3, you're in for a treat. It's one of the finest vintage British speakers you'll ever hear. It's voiced differently than the BC1 sounding somewhat more analytical and up front and without the BC1's dip at crossover. But the BC3 still retains that Spendor trademark polished smoothness and lifelike quality in the midrange.

[@paulkelleway8032]

I love to know how an LNB Paralab 20 compares to the BC1, it’s a similar driver configuration and uses the bextrene mid / bass driver but the. Cabinet is transmission line. Anyone out there compared them?

[@torus186]

That old speaker will definately need the crossovers re-caping, the bass driver surround will start to weaken and the tweeter cooling fluid might have dried out. So if you are trying to compare a 2nd hand speaker that has not had these areas looked at and serviced with a new one I'd say if the 2nd hand one is better it will more than likely be in the mid range only. I have had my Ruark Talismans for 28 years and thought the sound had degraded. I tested my room response and had a massive role off of LF below 150Hz and even worse with the trable above 12K Hz.

[@zithulelemcunu8393]

Hi if you an Amp that connects 4 speakers can you connect 6. On a connect 100 watts 2 speakers and on b connect 4 x 40 watts each on a A class technics

[@michaelvincent8306]

I borrowed a pair of videoton minimax speakers from a friend because my speakers were faulty and was amazed how great they performed with poor recordings now I'm looking for a pair of speakers for a small room for my valve amp any recommendations great vid very informative

[@stereoreviewx]

Yes, video tone minimax a giant killer as they say back in the day

[@andrewwebb4635]

I think the Spendor BC1 was a derivative of the BBC LS6 ‘thin wall’ design of a large speaker with a big bas-mid unit, a tweeter and a super-tweeter. I had very similar Rogers Export Monitors for decades. They have a wonderful basic spacious and accurate sound but are ultimately let down by the thin wall construction. In the 1960s and 70s the BBC engineers favoured this because the vibrations from the cabinet wall allowed a sense of spaciousness and concert hall presence. This was true but the downside was a severe cabinet/speaker resonance at around 50hz below which they couldn’t be driven, at least with the amps I had then. So deep plucked strings and organ notes all went into a boomy mush which you eventually get fed up with. I tried all sorts of things to remove this resonance and was partially successful so ‘my Export Monitors’ eventually produced clear notes down to about 40hz. They were a lovely clear sounding and very detailed speaker for classical music apart from that bass problem but I’m not sure they were so good for pop. Eventually they got sold and replaced with floorstanding Missions which sounded better to me.

[@stereoreviewx]

Not sure exactly what I said in this video but for the record I do like the BBC ones a lot I think they’re a good secondhand purchase . You could put these questions down to preference personally I prefer the lively dynamics of the bouncing box Compared to the highly controlled modern cabinet without any any resonance . Which can sound choked Maybe these great residents free boxes only pay off when you’ve got a serious array of great drivers that don’t need any help

[@benjamingold6987]

Thoughts on vintage Spendor S8 speakers?

[@colincts]

Really enjoying your reviews, what would you recommend as the best amp to match BC1’s ?

[@stereoreviewx]

Honestly I wouldn’t particularly recommend anything they’re so easy to match with amps never seems to be a bad match

[@fivish]

I have used my BC1's with an Armstrong 626 then a Sansui R50 and now a Yamah RS202D.

[@DucksDeLucks]

BC1 is about as refine as it gets. Classic design.

[@fivish]

Cannot be improved upon, only copied.

[@FDKAUSW]

I have the same problem too. There are many new and much more expensive speakers than my Spendor 75/1. They play more precisely and differently, but against the 75/1 only "zobies", glass dolls without hearts, play on stage. I've heard a lot of speakers, but I just can't get away from my 75/1 ...

[@jianboo]

Thanks for the video, really good comparison there. Have you come across the bc1 with blue alnico driver versus the other? What do you think about them?

[@stereoreviewx]

I actually have a single BC, one with the red alnico driver As I remember, I had a bit more grip. But I think it’s a game changer?

[@jianboo]

@@stereoreviewx Thanks, I was told few hours ago that the blue alnico are limited to only 15 watts. And the recommended driver is the red alnico, ferrite then the blue.

[@andrewwebb4635]

Yes, it seems that you can get rid of too much resonance! Do you remember concrete pipe speakers!? They didn’t take off. However, I have noticed that more expensive speakers like Harbeth that sound wonderful on KZbin, at least, have thick heavy construction. My feeling is that MDF and chipboard may have more internal damping and may actually sound better than the equivalent thickness ply. I guess that the problem with cabinet resonance is that it’s out of the sound engineers control and might vary the sound in different rooms. This creates a market and reviewing problem. It’s interesting that the LS50 is literally stuffed with sound absorbing wadding. I like the curved cabinet of the Wharfedale EVOs - it makes sense to me to minimise the chance of internal standing waves. In the wonderful world of hifi, everything’s an interesting variable.

[@think2023]

How about vs Spendor SA500?

[@imp6990]

Nice review ! please tell me, i want to buy one pair of speakers and i want to choose betwen Spendor BC1 and B&W DM4. Wich one you think are better? thank you very much !

[@stereoreviewx]

Okay my friend so I would say the BC ones are superior they have more bass also they’re more expensive also. The DM fours are really great also has the same tweeters as the spenders it might depend on how big your room is or if you have really nice front end source amplification if you have some really good stuff in a big room get the BBC ones If you have a small room say 4 m x 4 m or smaller get the DM fours and you save some money. Basically you don’t want Lots of base in a small room you will just get kind of blurred sound.. They’re both great speakers really good good luck

[@imp6990]

@@stereoreviewx i very apreciate your kind help and info's. I dont have a big room, i have something like 3m x 4m. As amplifier i have already a technics sa-gx100 40wats per chanel. I think i will go to buy b&w. Thank you very much my friend !

[@holelight]

I want to know the sound difference between Spendor BC1 and B&W DM2 too. Same drivers but different design.

[@bartvanransbeeck1341]

The real bargain imho is the b&w dm4 , with 2 subwoofers ....amazing sound

[@davidhardaker192]

I've had both dm4 and the BC1. The dm4 is no match, although 2 of the drivers and the same as the BC1.

[@bikemike1118]

This newer speaker has a higher WAF....this is an important thing these days (not for me but many Hifi friends) unfortunately

[@is4084]

What should you look out for when purchasing vintage speakers such as the BC1's?

[@donjohnstone3707]

Make sure any original electrolytic crossover capacitors have been replaced with equivalent new ones, preferably metalized polypropylene capacitors which won't deteriorate over time. Almost all speakers with electrolytic capacitors, over 30 years old, have deteriorated and no longer operate at their original values, causing them to distort the sound and endanger the tweeters in particular. PS. It's not an expensive thing to do and can make old speakers sound like new again.

[@davidhardaker192]

​@@donjohnstone3707the BC1 doesn't use them . My advice is to check that the drivers, especially the bass, hasn't been replaced with an alternative one.

[@gordthor5351]

You can tell that the speaker on the left has had it's grills on while in the sun and it is lacquer finished. Cover the drivers (to avoid the UV light on the surrounds) and put it in a sunny window for a week or so and the light spots should even out. I like lacquer finish once it has ambered in the sun, but the down side is that any parts covered will be drastically lighter.

[@stereoreviewx]

Thanks for the info

[@andrewwebb4635]

It’s very interesting that you rate the modernist Spendor floorstanders as little or no better than the 1970s design. We all owe a great deal to those brilliant BBC sound engineers. One thing though, the wide boxy design is more obtrusive in modern rooms than the tall rather elegant 2010 design. The modern trend is to less obtrusive. These things matter in a family!

[@1jhnpennington]

Hi Kelvin, how far from the back wall would you recommend having the BC1s?

[@stereoreviewx]

Well, I would always say these things are so dependent on the circumstances iand the equipment, but having said that they are pretty bassey so you don’t wanna go too close to the wall would be my guess

[@1jhnpennington]

@stereoreviewx Much appreciated, thank you. Great to see you back, by the way 🙂

[@briancampbell7712]

I'm a true vintage fan and I would definately think those BC1 would pancake the other speaker A4

[@jeffbigbear1766]

Great, very useful talk.

[@mattiabruschi7154]

Appena preso le sp1 spendor collegate al rogue audio cronus magnum, sono fantastiche, potenza e raffinatezza e spazialita, tutto incredibile

[@drs-Rigo-Reus]

an 8" woofer is the starting point for serious bass. Below that its inferior, above that its a plus.

[@rationalmartian]

Sorry, but that is cobblers. Though it is a very common misconception held my many. Myself included for some years. It is possible to build a low frequency audio transducer, or woofer that has a low enough resonant frequency with a 6 or 6.5 inch cone. It is not however simply the driver. The cabinet itself, in most certainly box designs is used to control, to augment and damp, thereby extending the low frequency woofer output. In a properly designed cab it becomes in effect a physical filter analogous to an electrical version in a crossover. The size/design dictates the frequency and slope roll off in exactly the same way. The problem with size is volume level; especially as we become less sensitive as frequency falls. Which is dependent on "how much air is moved".Bigger cone moves more air. So one can use a second (or more) driver. Or use a driver with a longer excursion. However. As with most things, compromise comes in. With speakers especially it is all about compromise. The bigger the speaker, the more mass it has. It therefore suffers more from inertia. Often becoming flabby and not tight. Becoming more of an overwhelming, rather nondescript dull thumping or thudding, losing most of the detail and texture. Speakers are probably the most problematic of the components, not least because they directly interface with the room/environment they are in. They also tend to be large, more costly to build and transport. In the past especially, but still, the trend to smaller speaker enclosures/cabinets, has led to a higher frequency cut off. Many "designers" will over emphasise the mid and upper bass to fool the brain, and the person into thinking they are hearing serious bass, when in fact the thing likely cuts off just under 90 or so HZ. Many people have become accustomed to this and expect it. When you hear real, proper, low, controlled and tight bass, flabby faux bass just becomes aggravating. Murse carrying, hairbun wearing Advertising tossers, Bean Counters and Marketing Wanketeers have much to answer for.

[@festinger3]

3/8 inch ply was used, not 5/8 .

[@rompstar]

do you own any of the EPOS ? ES11, 12, 14 or 22 ? Review those please, I own the ES12 / and I LOOOOOVEEEE THEM!!!

[@stereoreviewx]

Yes I know about them I haven’t heard them and I do want to try them

[@rompstar]

@@stereoreviewx they are British too, so that’s why I asked ;)

[@mwizachavura8399]

My speakers (yamaha) are notoriously revealing when it comes to bad recordings, play good recordings they are fantastic, play poorly recorded songs, you will puke and I love that

[@beslemeto]

Spendor SP1 i said to be even better than BC1.Do you have any experience with them?

[@stereoreviewx]

I haven’t heard SP ones I mean they’re pretty identical in Drivers but younger. K

[@martindevon3204]

I use "it doesn't matter" by Allison kraus

[@stereoreviewx]

I will try it K

[@sky.london]

Work in broadcasting sound and always wanted to own a pair of BC1’s. Interesting to here your thoughts compared to something more modern. I will on a pair of BC1s one day. Just take us so much space compared to me NS10s I have at mo.

[@stereoreviewx]

yes gonna review bc1 properly soon

[@zjzozn]

Excellent stuff 👍

[@Evolved_ue7]

Probably just me, but the A series to me has a thumpy bass rather than musical, still sounds good, but the bass isn't for me .

[@stereoreviewx]

yes

[@fivish]

Do the research then make the video. My BC1's were £260 in 1980 and are still in daily use. Second hand value is £750 and new would be £3,200. They are still the best speaker for any money.

[@paulgreen9752]

As are mine :-)

[@djashjones]

I've got a set of Preludes

[@stereoreviewx]

They are good and not very well known

[@superdougie10]

Splain it too me Lucy, ........lol Right around 7:00 min....lol

[@jozefserf2024]

The main difference is that the BC1 has a better cabinet. Let's the music breathe.

[@stereoreviewx]

Yes the cabinet is part of the design nowadays they try to eliminate the cabinet completely Same thing with the Bang And Olufsen 3000 speakers it’s a great cabinet cheers K

[@reinhartfrais8549]

Thank you........... ............

[@tubenoise]

Bowers dm4 like BC1

[@stereoreviewx]

Yes a bit but not as good Bc1 ones are far superior

[@skumnjepf]

Vielleicht etwas zu viel Vorgelaber....

[@eray1965]

Talking too much..but just the need compare while by play and hearing differenties

[@griffincui]

stop talking, show some music

[@bunnit438]

How can you compare spkrs that way. The listeners need to hear them. What you describe is your opinion. Your ears may not be 100% at your age. So its a waste of your time posting this and viewers time !

[@stereoreviewx]

Well, this is what every reviewer is doing I promise you, the differences are so big, if I had cotton wool in my hair, I could still tell

[@bunnit438]

Please add sound clips next time, otherwise is like walking into hifi shop salesman talks all day about the sound but wont give you a demo 🤔🙄😄