Audio T Verdict
The Spendor Classic 2/3 are large two-way standmount speakers with the warmth, openness and natural tonal balance that define the Classic range.
Their substantial 22cm bass and midrange driver produces a powerful, room-filling sound while retaining the clarity and subtlety required for voices and acoustic instruments.
A 22mm polyamide-dome tweeter provides smooth, well-integrated high frequencies without pushing detail unnaturally forward.
The single-port reflex cabinet reaches a quoted 35Hz in-room, giving the Classic 2/3 considerably more bass weight and authority than most conventional standmount designs.
They require substantial stands and enough room to breathe, but reward careful positioning with an unfatiguing, spacious and deeply involving performance.
Spendor Classic 2/3 Standmount Speakers
The Spendor Classic 2/3 are substantial passive standmount speakers designed for medium and larger listening rooms.
Each cabinet contains a 22cm polyamide-fibre reinforced bass and midrange driver, a 22mm polyamide-dome tweeter and a single front-facing reflex port.
They are supplied as a stereo pair in Cherry or Walnut real-wood veneer and are designed and manufactured in the UK.
Stands and Amplification Are Required
The Classic 2/3 are passive speakers and require a suitable external amplifier.
Spendor recommends its dedicated Classic 2/3 stands for the intended listening height and mechanical support. These are available separately and are not supplied with the speakers.
Large 22cm Bass and Midrange Driver
The Classic 2/3 are built around a proprietary 22cm polyamide-fibre reinforced polymer cone driver.
Its large radiating area allows the speaker to move plenty of air, delivering impressive bass weight and dynamic scale without requiring a separate dedicated bass driver.
The driver also covers the vocal and instrumental midrange, helping preserve the coherence and directness associated with a carefully developed two-way design.
22mm Polyamide-Dome Tweeter
A 22mm polyamide-dome tweeter handles frequencies above the 3.6kHz crossover point.
Its compact diaphragm is designed to provide smooth, extended treble while integrating naturally with the large bass and midrange driver.
The result is an open presentation that reveals detail without introducing unnecessary brightness or fatigue.
Single-Port Reflex Cabinet
The front reflex port works with the large cabinet volume and 22cm driver to produce a typical in-room response extending down to 35Hz.
Front porting can make the speakers more accommodating than a similarly sized rear-ported design, although their substantial bass output still benefits from careful positioning.
The cabinet incorporates an enhanced structure and elastomer panel damping to control unwanted vibration while preserving the lively, natural character of the Classic range.
Dedicated Stands and Positioning
At 543mm tall and 14.5kg each, the Classic 2/3 need substantial stands rather than lightweight universal supports.
The dedicated Spendor stands position the drive units at the intended listening height while providing a rigid, low-mass open structure beneath the cabinets.
Begin with the speakers positioned symmetrically and away from room corners. Wall distance, spacing and toe-in can then be adjusted to balance bass weight, stereo focus and soundstage depth.
Give Them Space to Breathe
The Classic 2/3 produce deeper and more substantial bass than most standmount speakers.
Audio T's listening experience found that placing them well into the room with relatively modest toe-in can produce excellent depth and tonal balance, although the ideal position will depend on the room.
Amplifier Matching
Spendor recommends amplification between 25W and 200W per channel.
The 88dB sensitivity and 8-ohm nominal impedance make the Classic 2/3 relatively accommodating, while the stated 6.8-ohm minimum should suit a broad range of capable valve and solid-state amplifiers.
Amplifier quality, current delivery and control remain more important than headline power alone, particularly when reproducing demanding music at higher levels.
Two-Pair Speaker Terminals
Two pairs of gold-plated precision binding posts are provided for single-wire or bi-wire connection.
For conventional single-wire use, the terminal links must remain fitted. They should only be removed when using a correctly configured bi-wire or compatible bi-amplifier arrangement.
Check the Terminal Links
Make sure the links are securely fitted before using a single speaker cable.
Do not connect separate amplifier channels without first confirming the correct wiring arrangement.
Classic 3/1 or Classic 2/3?
Choose the Classic 3/1 When
- The room is small or medium sized
- A more compact cabinet is required
- Close-wall positioning is important
- An 18cm driver provides sufficient scale
- Easier handling is a priority
Choose the Classic 2/3 When
- The room can accommodate a larger speaker
- Deeper bass and greater weight are required
- A 22cm driver suits the system
- Greater room-filling scale is important
- Substantial dedicated stands can be used
The Spendor Classic 3/1 provide much of the same tonal character through a smaller and more placement-friendly cabinet.
Classic 2/3 or Classic 1/2?
Choose the Classic 2/3 When
- A cohesive two-way design is preferred
- 88dB sensitivity suits the amplifier
- A smaller cabinet is easier to accommodate
- 35Hz bass extension is sufficient
- You want the lower purchase price
Choose the Classic 1/2 When
- A dedicated three-way design is preferred
- A separate midrange driver is important
- Deeper 30Hz bass extension is required
- The room can accommodate the larger cabinet
- Greater scale and separation are priorities
The Spendor Classic 1/2 add a dedicated EP77 midrange driver and deeper bass within a larger three-way design.
System Matching
Well Suited To
- Medium and larger listening rooms
- High-quality integrated amplifiers
- Valve and solid-state amplification
- Turntable, CD and streaming sources
- Vocal, acoustic and orchestral music
- Listeners who value long-term musical comfort
Check Before Buying
- Dedicated stands are not included
- Each cabinet weighs 14.5kg
- Space is required for suitable positioning
- Speaker cable is not included
- Terminal links must be configured correctly
- The large cabinets are not bookshelf speakers
Spendor Products and Audio T Guides
Key Features
- Large two-way standmount speakers
- Supplied as a stereo pair
- Single-port reflex-loaded cabinet
- 22cm bass and midrange driver
- Polyamide-fibre reinforced polymer cone
- 22mm polyamide-dome tweeter
- 3.6kHz crossover frequency
- Enhanced cabinet structure
- Elastomer panel damping
- 35Hz to 25kHz in-room response
- 88dB sensitivity
- 8-ohm nominal impedance
- 6.8-ohm minimum impedance
- 25W to 200W recommended amplification
- Two pairs of gold-plated binding posts
- Cherry or Walnut real-wood veneer
- Removable magnetic grilles
- Designed and manufactured in the UK
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Spendor Classic 2/3 sold as a pair?
Yes. The Audio T product contains two speakers.
Do they contain an amplifier?
No. They require a suitable external stereo amplifier or power amplifier.
Are they standmount or floorstanding speakers?
They are large standmount speakers designed for substantial dedicated supports.
Are the dedicated stands included?
No. Spendor's dedicated Classic 2/3 stands are recommended but supplied separately.
What drivers are fitted?
Each speaker uses a 22cm polyamide-fibre reinforced bass and midrange driver with a 22mm polyamide-dome tweeter.
Are they sealed or ported?
The Classic 2/3 use a single-port reflex-loaded enclosure.
What is the frequency response?
Spendor specifies a typical in-room response of 35Hz to 25kHz.
What amplifier power is recommended?
Spendor recommends between 25W and 200W per channel.
What is the nominal impedance?
The nominal impedance is 8 ohms, with a stated minimum of 6.8 ohms.
How sensitive are they?
Spendor specifies a sensitivity of 88dB for one watt measured at one metre.
Can they be bi-wired?
Yes. Two pairs of binding posts are fitted. The terminal links must remain in place for conventional single-wire use.
How large are they?
Each speaker measures 543mm high, 273mm wide and 338mm deep.
How much does each speaker weigh?
Each Classic 2/3 weighs approximately 14.5kg.
Which finishes are available?
Cherry and Walnut real-wood veneers are available, subject to stock.
Are magnetic grilles included?
Yes. Removable magnetic grilles are supplied.
Where are they manufactured?
The Spendor Classic 2/3 are designed and manufactured in the UK.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Demonstrations with suitable valve and solid-state amplifiers
- Direct comparison with other large standmount speakers
- Amplifier and system-matching guidance
- Dedicated stand and listening-height advice
- Room-positioning and bass setup support
- Single-wire and bi-wire connection guidance
- Home demonstrations may be available
- Part exchange may be available on suitable equipment
- Ongoing system and setup support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss matching the Spendor Classic 2/3 to your amplifier, stands and listening room.