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Spendor A9
Flagship ST performance trickles down to new Spendor A9 speakers.
The Spendor A9 is a full-size 3-way floor standing loudspeaker. It has
the resolution, dynamic range, and low frequency extension to realize
the breathtaking realism which the finest sources can deliver from
well-recorded hi-resolution uncompressed audio source material.
The Spendor A9 loudspeaker sets a new standard for performance,
flexibility and value. At the heart of the A9 is a new 5 inch Spendor
mid-range drive unit. Based on technology developed for the highly
acclaimed Spendor SA1 mini-monitor loudspeaker, it features an ep38
polymer cone, an advanced motor system and a remarkably wide operating
bandwidth.
Based on technology developed for the Spendor ST loudspeaker, Spendor
has engineered a pair of 7 inch Kevlar cone bass drivers specifically
for the A9. They have magnesium alloy chassis, huge power handling,
vanishingly low out-of band radiation, and powerful electrodynamic
damping.
A new 1 inch wide-surround tweeter, with bi-elliptical acoustic lens
technology, 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 wide frequency range and
listening area.
Timing is fundamental to the musical experience. In conventional
loudspeakers rigid high density cabinet panels are mass-damped to reduce
cabinet-talk. Spurious energy is stored and released
slowly. This creates unacceptable blurring and slowing of the sound.
Spendor’s solution is Dynamic Damping. Small low mass constrained
polymer dampers at key energy interface points instantly convert any
spurious energy in the cabinet into inaudible heat. The result is a
naturally fast and engaging sound.
A new approach to low-frequency engineering with no damping of the main
acoustic volume, combined with a 4th generation Spendor linear-flow
port, guarantees consistent high quality bass in almost any listening
room, large or small, even if the cabinets are positioned close to a
wall.
"Amazingly clean and transparent sound, agility, seamless integration;
relatively unfussy about positioning. The A9 hasn't lost the naturalness
of past Spendor models, and it's that quality, more than any other, that
separates this floorstander from its rivals. There's much to impress in
this performance. Another excellent Spendor speaker. We're sure you'll
be impressed." - What Hi-Fi, Five Star Award, June 2010
The linear flow port panel, crossover network and high quality WBT
terminals are arranged in a mono-bloc which is anchored directly into
the cabinet to maintain an extremely rigid and resonance free structure.
A meticulously refined crossover network with high grade electrical
components, and low loss magnetics, integrates all four drivers
seamlessly in a phase aligned configuration. Internal cables are
high-grade silver plated pure copper with halogen free dielectric.
The Spendor A9 is a very efficient loudspeaker (90dB) and it is very
easy to drive. Input impedance never falls below 6.2 ohms and amplifier
loading is predominantly resistive. This ensures complete compatibility
with a wide range of amplifiers and cables.
 The
base of each A9 cabinet carries four machined steel stabilizer inserts.
These contribute to the neat appearance and good stability. The
stabilizers are secured directly into the main structure of the cabinet
so that micro-movement or flexing of the plinth and feet (which can blur
fine detail and destroy ambience) is eliminated.
With slim ‘A-line’ styling, a choice real wood veneers, cherry, wenge
and black ash, and a contrasting satin black lacquer plinth, the new A9s
will blend comfortably and confidently with almost any room décor.
Spendor A9 Wins Best Stereo Speaker Award
"The A9s can make the walls of your listening room disappear and
replace them with the inside of the grand church where the recording was
made. The sense of space is palpable, as is the precise positioning of
each of the instruments used. It'll make the hairs on your neck stand
up.
This might be a three-way speaker, but you'd never know the frequency
range was divided between so many drivers, so smooth is the transition
from bass to treble. A convincingly even tonal balance confirms
Spendor's skill at merging and balancing drivers. These speakers are
wholly transparent to the source and recording. Listen to something
gentle and they'll sound suitably polite, move to something aggressive
and they'll oblige.
The A9s are more than capable of kicking out basslines. They're taut,
fast and punchy. The Spendor A9s are an awful lot of talented speaker."
- What Hi-Fi 2010 Product of the Year Awards, Best Stereo Speaker
£3,000+
"the sort of speaker that gets handed down from father to
son, that's how good they are" - HiFi+, Issue 77, January 2011
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