Spendor D1 Bookshelf speakers
Famous for producing loudspeakers because the BBC LS3/5A's times back in the mid seventies, Spendor has created the D1 - the result is a small loudspeaker that's purposed to deliver extremely high-quality sound.
The D1s are built to operate rammed against a back wall or on a bookshelf, where loudspeakers'll get a welcome extra thump down below. Is the 22mm Spendor Linear Pressure Zone tweeter, which has a sequential geometry micro-foil.
Both units swap over at 4.8kHz via a crossover sporting high linearity plastic film capacitors and high saturation inductor centers. No series attenuating resistors are employed, and silver plated copper wiring is fitted. The rear terminals are of superb quality, but are non-bi-wireable.
Sound quality
Assuming you've got a decently strong amplifier, how huge this speaker sounds can't help but impress you. Direct comparison using the old SA1 shows the D1 is a bit better, but it is still bad by modern standards.
Run near the back wall, set up and toed-in only a touch, it offers an unforgettable sound. Aside from an obvious deficiency of 'thump' from the lowest octaves it shows absolutely no concessions to its diminutive measurements. It is smooth, nicely incorporated between the mid/bass unit as well as the tweeter, and yet has a spry and airy disposition that is bubbling with detail. Fed Kraftwerk's Tour De France Etape 3, you hear the leading edges, but not the genuine thunderous bass itself. This works surprisingly well, as it permits the listener's brain to fill in the differences.
Given a little hip-hoppy acid jazz in the shape of Galliano's Stoned Again, it sounds like it is on springs. Fantastically bouncy, the little carton imparts microdynamic accent and the song's every rhythmic inflection. Components of the mixture dash round the area, the loudspeakers throwing out a bewilderingly wide soundstage given their size. Things are balanced; vocals seem very intimate, with a fine feel to the singer's voice. Bass drums thunk with great speed and snares cut via the mix like the proverbial cutting implement. The lack of overhang in the cupboard, added to the drivers' inborn speed, implies that the music appears to be speeded up.
Feed the D1 with a well-recorded classical piece such as Karajan conducting the Berlin Philharmonic playing Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony and the air and space struck you're. The new tweeter is streets ahead of the prior dome fitted offering more penetration and feeling. The SA1's definitely isn't good, but the D1's is outstanding at the price, really we're not sure you will locate an HF unit that is better . It isn't a fancy ribbon design, but has much of the openness, sparkle and lustre - this is most welcome with ancient because it carries the subtle textures of the strings with refinement and delicacy.
Decision
The Spendor D1 is a vital audition in case you're reluctant to let your lifetime changes or spatially challenged.
