Headphone Heights: REVIEW: Spider PowerForce Headphones by steve6

Model:	PowerForce
Category:	Headphones
Suggested Retail Price:	$129
Description:	full circumaural headphone
Manufacturer URL:	Spider
Model Picture:	View

Review by steve6 on August 10, 2012 at 11:10:04
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for the PowerForce

SPIDER POWERFORCE HEADPHONES
These new headphones play loud and clear at a price point of just $129.

WHAT’S IN THE BOX
Full-size circumaural stereo headphones, two cables (9- and 4-foot) with cable lock, 1/4-inch adaptor, carrying bag.

SOUND QUALITY
This new offering from Spider (www.spidercable.com) is a highly efficient headphone that reproduces all genres of rock and pop music with impressive fidelity and gusto. But there’s much more: Any number of popular headphones in this price range will play loud and spew out tons of bass, but the PowerForce separates itself from the rest of the class because of a pleasing amount of detail and a real soundstage.
I tested the PowerForce with the widest possible array of musical selections, tossing everything I could think of their way via iPod, computer soundcard and a stereo receiver – rock and pop, dance/electronica material, even a rap selection or two. But I didn’t stop there: I plumbed the depths of my jazz and classical CD’s and downloads as well. What I discovered was a pleasant consistency in the presentation: Everything came across with earnestness and sincerity. I was excited to be listening to music again. You name it: Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Rush, DJ Tron, Hank Williams, Charlie Parker and yes, even a symphony or two took on a fresh, new life. There’s a definite “wow” factor with the PowerForce. In comparison, my faithful Grados and an old pair of mid-level Sennheisers seemed to be left wanting.

PORTABILITY AND BUILD QUALITY
Not everyone will like the PowerForce’s looks, but I think they’re very cool and contemporary; several people have specifically praised their unique appearance. They’re easy to fold up for transport, and the construction seems quite durable.

COMFORT AND SOUND ISOLATION
These isolated more exterior noise than I would have expected. And once I got them properly adjusted, it was easy to forget that I was wearing headphones. They are light and quite comfy.

CONS
It’s hard to find a single nit to pick about the PowerForce, especially considering its price. I would take these over Beats or Soul any day, simply because they were engineered with music in mind. But, as with their looks, not everyone will appreciate the bold, forward sound. Like all things in audio, it’s a matter of personal preference and what you listen to. Solo acoustic guitar? Probably not. But pop, rock and whatnot? Absolutely.

CONCLUSION
There’s a lot to like here. If bass is your thing, you’ll hear all you want. But you’ll also realize that there’s a lot more going on in your favorite tunes than just the thump. You might even feel like you’re really hearing the music for the first time.

Product Weakness:	Nothing at this price point
Product Strengths:	Bold, loud and clear

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: 100 watt
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): n/a
Sources (CDP/Turntable): CDP, soundcard, iPod, Outlaw stereo receiver
Speakers: n/a
Cables/Interconnects: n/a
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Various
Room Size (LxWxH): n/a x n/a x n/a
Room Comments/Treatments: n/a
Time Period/Length of Audition: Two weeks
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): n/a
Type of Audition/Review: Home Audition

Amplifier:	100 watt
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	n/a
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	CDP, soundcard, iPod, Outlaw stereo receiver
Speakers:	n/a
Cables/Interconnects:	n/a
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Various
Room Size (LxWxH):	n/a x n/a x n/a
Room Comments/Treatments:	n/a
Time Period/Length of Audition:	Two weeks
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	n/a
Type of Audition/Review:	Home Audition