Полочная акустика — Spendor Classic 4/5

The Classic 4/5 is the smallest model in the Spendor Classic range, a sealed two-way mini monitor that the British maker presents as its own reimagining of the BBC LS3/5a. Spendor built LS3/5a-type monitors for many years, and its development work eventually moved the design far enough from the original that the company gave it a new name rather than keep the old designation. The outer dimensions stay close to the BBC reference. It is made at Spendor's plant in South Yorkshire, and prices have been listed at GBP 1,600 and USD 3,900 per pair.

Key specs that matter

Its two drivers, a 150 mm mid/bass unit and a 22 mm polyamide dome with a wide surround, divide the band at 4.2 kHz. Spendor quotes 55 Hz to 25 kHz, sensitivity of 84 dB at 1 W and 1 m, and an 8 ohm nominal impedance that reaches a minimum of 6.6 ohm. Spendor recommends 25 to 100 W of amplifier power, and 100 W is also the stated handling for unclipped programme. With its grille fitted the cabinet is 308 mm high, 188 mm wide and 165 mm deep, and one speaker weighs 5 kg. Veneers are real wood in cherry or walnut.

Engineering and use context

The enclosure is fully sealed, which Spendor calls infinite baffle loading. With no port, the low end rolls off gradually below the box resonance, and placement close to a rear wall matters less, which suits compact rooms, shelves and other confined spaces. The cabinet mixes thin panels for the sides and top with a thicker, more inert front baffle. Energy in the thin sections is passed into a viscoelastic pad that converts it to heat instead of letting it ring. The mid/bass cone is moulded from Spendor's EP77 polymer and carries a Kevlar composite stabiliser dome at its centre, while the tweeter is shared with larger Classic models such as the 3/1. A magnetic grille and small polymer feet come in the box, and a dedicated Classic stand is offered separately to set the drivers at seated ear height.

Pairing

By sensitivity the 4/5 is the least efficient model in the Classic line, so it asks more voltage from the amplifier than its larger siblings for the same level, though the high minimum impedance keeps current demand low. An integrated amplifier with power near the top of Spendor's recommendation leaves more headroom at normal listening levels. Because the box is sealed, it can also sit on a sturdy shelf or desk closer to a wall than a ported speaker would like.

Alternatives

The Spendor Classic 3/1 is the next model up, a reflex standmount with a 180 mm mid/bass unit and 88 dB sensitivity.