What Hi-Fi? Verdict
The SP1s are enjoyable performers but are up against a lot of top-quality competition at this price level
Pros
- +
A fast and engaging presentation
- +
expressive midrange
- +
entertaining balance
Cons
- -
Lack a little refinement
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Regular readers would be forgiven for spotting something familiar about Edwards Audio’s new speakers, the SP1s. Understandable, as these compact standmounters are loosely based on EB Acoustics’ EB1s, an old favourite of ours.
Let’s not overstate it, though. Despite the two products sporting the same mid/bass driver, and being pretty much the same size, the tweeter, crossover and certain elements of the cabinet are different.
Tonally, they’re a tad on the lean and bright side, so avoid aggressive-sounding partners, particularly as the treble exhibits just a hint of coarseness.
And they’re up against some tough rivals – especially Tannoy’s DC6s and KEF’s R100s – and it’s these rivals’ sheer quality that costs the SP1s a star.
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