Description
Spendor S3/5R2
With a new bass‐mid drive unit and a new crossover network the S3/5R achieved what many thought impossible – new levels of transparency and imaging coherency, a more articulate bass delivery, while retaining the enjoyable fatigue free listening experience which so clearly distinguished the original Spendor S3/5 from other small loudspeakers. Today the S3/5R is also recognised as a small, versatile, modestly priced loudspeaker that consistently delivers a highly enjoyable listening experience and works well with a wide variety of ancillary equipment, from analogue to digital and tube to solid state. With the launch of the new S3/5R2, Spendor takes another huge step forward with this enduring classic design. The new Spendor S3/5R2 benefits from substantial technical advances which have been successfully proven in recent Spendor designs like the SA1 and other Classic R2 models. It maintains the charm and enjoyable music making qualities of the original S3/5’s while delivering significant improvements in low frequency articulation, dynamics, power handling, transparency and sound integration. Like its predecessors it has a fine technical performance and a natural even sound balance.
The S3/5R2 is a 2‐way infinite baffle stand‐mount design with a new 14cm Spendor bass‐mid drive unit. The drive unit has machined magnet pole plates to increase cone excursion and power handling, and to reduce thermal compression. The ep39 polymer cone with phase correction technology gives an even and extended high frequency response. This allows the crossover frequency to the tweeter to be set very high, beyond the frequency range in which the ear is sensitive to transition effects, which ensures seamless sound and a clearly defined stereo image. The new 22mm wide‐surround tweeter combines the extended frequency response of a small diaphragm with the low frequency characteristics of a larger diaphragm to give stable low distortion response over a very wide frequency range. A meticulously engineered phase linear crossover network integrates the drivers seamlessly.
The network is mounted on a non‐resonant panel. Single wiring via a pair of insulated gold plated terminals ensures uncompromised performance and consistent sound. High linearity audio grade capacitors and an easy to drive 8 ohm load guarantee complete compatibility with a wide range of amplifiers from solid state to the most esoteric tube designs. The S3/5R2 combines a ‘Classic’ Spendor thin‐wall damped cabinet panel structure with controlled bracing. The cabinet is now constructed using different panel thicknesses. Each panel is designed to have a specific resonant characteristic and the different natural resonances combine evenly to dissipate any vibration. The result is you don’t hear any unnatural sound from the cabinet.
High electrical driver damping and a non‐ported enclosure allows the S3/5R2 to be installed close to a wall. If you prefer not to use a stand it will sound excellent on an open shelf or wall bracket. The new S3/5R2 is an ideal surround/rear loudspeaker for combination with other Spendor loudspeakers. A special S3/5R2 wall, with wall bracket included, is available. It supersedes and out‐performs the highly regarded Spendor SR5.2 on wall loudspeaker. Spendor S3/5R2 is available in light oak, dark walnut, cherry and black ash natural veneer finishes.
Roksan K2 Amp
K2 integrated is designed and refined to what would be expected of amplifiers classified as hi-end and costing twice its price. The new K2 sounds far more accurate, more delicate and even more powerful than its award winning predecessor the Kandy L.III.
True dynamics and musical capabilities of the K2 enhance the enjoyment and provide insight to all types of music. The sound stage and musicians have the realistic ‘sound’ and ‘air’ about them that is achieved by the highest class amplifiers around.
Thanks to its superior design and use of highest quality components, the K2 sets a new standard for true hi-end entry level amplification. The new K2 integrated benefits from totally revised amplifier internals. The mains transformer and amplifier’s 3 AC/DC circuitry are now separated and moved to two sides away from the pre and amplifier main circuits thus dramatically reducing noise interference. After rectification circuitry, the power supply layout, distribution and tracking to different sections of the amplifier have been optimised and internal wiring minimised to ensure all sections work at their best.
Roksan K2 CD
Kandy K2 CD Player is an ideal source component that gives a gusty and impressive performance with excellent rhythmic control. The sheer weight of the dynamics provides plenty of attack, whilst the excellent ability to extract detail from the disc ensures each individual performer is easily distinguished. Vocal refinement combined with a realistic soundstage, uniquely create that centre seat experience.
