Overview

The Spendor D9.2 is a 3-way, four-driver floorstanding loudspeaker positioned as an evolution of the D9 with updated cabinet damping and porting. It features twin 180 mm woofers, a dedicated 180 mm midrange, and a 22 mm LPZ tweeter in a hand-built, asymmetrically braced enclosure. Spendor (founded 1969) has long served studio monitoring and high-end domestic markets.

Scientific Validity

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Manufacturer specifications report a typical in-room response of 27 Hz–25 kHz, 90 dB/1 W/1 m sensitivity, 8 Ω nominal impedance (min 4.6 Ω), and crossover points at 500 Hz/4.2 kHz [1]. Independent, full spinorama/NFS data for D9.2 has not been published as of this writing. As context, Stereophile’s lab work on the related Spendor D7 showed above-average neutrality and benign impedance behavior for the brand’s designs, but those results cannot be assumed for the D9.2 without direct measurements [6]. Until third-party data appears, claims about distortion, directivity, and compression remain provisional based on catalog specs [1][6].

Technology Level

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The D9.2 uses an asymmetric-braced cabinet with Dynamic Damping, and a 5th-generation Linear-Flow tapered twin-venturi reflex port intended to reduce turbulence. Driver set comprises an LPZ 22 mm polyamide-dome tweeter, 18 cm EP77 polymer-cone midrange, and dual 18 cm Kevlar-composite woofers. Crossover networks are precisely matched on dual-layer boards. These are solid, rational engineering choices with some proprietary elements; they are competent rather than groundbreaking by contemporary measurement-driven standards [1].

Cost-Performance

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At 14,998 USD for the pair [5], you can achieve equivalent-or-better user-facing functionality and objectively strong measured performance for far less with the Arendal 1723 Tower S (3,199 USD/pair, direct) [2]. NRC anechoic measurements for the Tower S show a smooth listening-window response, controlled directivity, and low THD at 90/95 dB tests—evidence of high-fidelity reproduction at a much lower price [3].
Equivalence note: both are full-range passive floorstanders; independent lab data for the Arendal indicates comparable/better linearity and low mid/high-band distortion [3].
CP calculation: 3,199 USD ÷ 14,998 USD = 0.213 → 0.2.

Reliability & Support

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Spendor offers UK manufacturing with a 5-year warranty and established dealer support. While field failure statistics aren’t public, build execution and parts sourcing are consistent with premium British brands. Support depth varies by region; availability is strongest in the UK/EU.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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Targeting neutral reproduction via controlled cabinet behavior, disciplined porting, and conventional but well-implemented drivers is a sensible path. However, without publicly available third-party D9.2 measurements, it’s unclear whether the execution reaches the transparent benchmark that lower-priced competitors already demonstrate in labs.

Advice

Choose the D9.2 if you prioritize British craftsmanship and finish and are comfortable paying a premium absent modern third-party measurement evidence. If objective fidelity per dollar is the goal, short-list models with strong published lab data such as Arendal 1723 Tower S; also consider well-measured designs from Revel, KEF, etc., based on current availability and room needs [2][3][4].

References

[1] Spendor Audio Systems, “D9.2 Product Data Sheet (2023): technical specifications & cabinet/port design,” https://spendoraudio.com/wp-content/uploads/Spendor-D-Line-Product-Data-Sheets_D9.2_2023.pdf, accessed 2025-08-19.

[2] SoundStage! Hi-Fi, “Arendal Sound 1723 Tower S Loudspeaker” (review noting 3,199 USD/pair US price), https://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/1848-arendal-sound-1723-tower-s-loudspeaker, published 2024-02-01, accessed 2025-08-19.

[3] SoundStageNetwork (NRC), “NRC Measurements: Arendal Sound 1723 Tower S” (anechoic 2 m measured/1 m plotted; THD at 90 dB & 95 dB; listening window & directivity), https://www.soundstagenetwork.com/index.php?Itemid=153&catid=77&id=2969%3Anrc-measurements-arendal-sound-1723-tower-s-loudspeaker&option=com_content&view=article, created 2023-02-01, accessed 2025-08-19.

[4] Stereophile, “Revel Performa3 F208 Loudspeaker—Measurements” (on-/off-axis, impedance/phase; useful output <30 Hz), https://www.stereophile.com/content/revel-performa3-f208-loudspeaker-measurements, published 2014-07-03, accessed 2025-08-19.

[5] Upscale Audio (authorized dealer), “Spendor D9.2 Floorstanding Loudspeakers (pair),” 14,998 USD/pair, https://upscaleaudio.com/products/spendor-d9-2-floorstanding-loudspeakers-pair, accessed 2025-08-19.

[6] Stereophile, “Spendor D7 loudspeaker—Measurements,” https://www.stereophile.com/content/spendor-d7-loudspeaker-measurements, published 2015-03-09, accessed 2025-08-19.

(2025.8.20)