This thread has been quiet for a while, but at one point someone asked others with the Spider to post their impressions. I just got one on Monday, put it in Monday night, but couldn't listen until today. My reactions are more or less in line with Cello's, it was a significant change in the sound, across the frequency spectrum, and it was evident right from the very first cymbal hit on track 1 of the first CD I put in.
Strangely enough, though, my overall reaction is that my system seems to sound more 'analytical' or 'etched', and less emotionally involving (to me anyhow). For 3 hours today I sat there with that 'hmmmmmmm........' perplexed look on my face. By most audiophile standards, it was better, but.....I couldn't convince myself that I really LIKED it better. More listening is needed, under better conditions (I had just shoveled out my 20x60 driveway for the 3rd time in 24 hours). My system (which I finally got around to posting after more than 2 years on here) is oriented toward resolution and detail, maybe too much of a good thing with the Spider? Well, these are just quick first impressions anyhow.
Strangely enough, though, my overall reaction is that my system seems to sound more 'analytical' or 'etched', and less emotionally involving (to me anyhow). For 3 hours today I sat there with that 'hmmmmmmm........' perplexed look on my face. By most audiophile standards, it was better, but.....I couldn't convince myself that I really LIKED it better. More listening is needed, under better conditions (I had just shoveled out my 20x60 driveway for the 3rd time in 24 hours). My system (which I finally got around to posting after more than 2 years on here) is oriented toward resolution and detail, maybe too much of a good thing with the Spider? Well, these are just quick first impressions anyhow.