Bit of a tangent, but to compare them against another speaker, I also had a home demo of ATC SCM11 over the weekend, as when I bought the 4/5’s (following a store demo), the ATC’s were a very close runner up at the time. So again, for the sake of curiosity, I thought a home demo was sensible.
I’d say the ATC’s have three main advantages.
They are perfect in the bass region. Like the 4/5’s in terms of articulation, tightness and integration, but they dig a little deeper. Not much deeper, but noticeable all the same. On funk records, they are incredible. Still, it’s quite amazing how big and authorititive the 4/5’s sound in comparison (say 90%), despite being half the cabinet volume.
They also pick out and project a bit more detail across the frequency range, most noticeably in the mids. Little intricacies pop out of the mix, which can be surprising at times.
Lastly, I’d say they have a more solid-sound, in the sense of no cabinet coloration.
However, the ATC’s are also somewhat more forward. That extra, precise detailing in the mids can be a bit tiring and the treble is subtly more pronounced and less silky than the 4/5’s. So in essence, they are less forgiving on brighter, rougher recordings. The 4/5’s are just as detailed, but smooth rough edges a bit, and the soundstage (and details) stand a bit further back, meaning they are a more comfortable, inviting listen. It’s not that the ATC’s are rough sounding – they’re really well balanced and neutral. Treble is of a decent quality, it’s just that the 4/5’s are particularly smooth.
Tonally they are pretty similar – voices and instruments sound fantastic on both. The Spendor’s edge it on realism and emotional response.
Nearfield, at say 6ft away, the 4/5’s come into their own and disappear more, whereas the ATC’s are a bit forward for my tastes. I find more comfortable listening to the ATC’s 8ft away, but at that point the perceived bass drops off to below what the 4/5’s offer (from 6ft away), and are no longer as involving.
Lastly, the 4/5’s are much more slimline and domestically friendly, with nicer cabinet finish. They ATC’s a pretty large and imposing in comparison in my bedroom setup.
They’re equally talented in my view, but have subtle difference. Overall, personal preference is for the 4/5’s, but it’s close.