The Spider PowerForce headphones advertise a “made for audiophiles by audiophiles” attitude, and they certainly fit in with common DJ headphones on the market today. The dark, “webbed” and black metallic exterior makes these stand out from the crowd, and are sure to turn heads. Considering myself an audiophile, I look for the flattest frequency responses in all of my listening devices. Headphones struggle immensely trying to fit this unaltered sound into a smaller speaker than stereo speakers provide. With 105 dB sensitivity and 40mm drivers, the Spider PowerForces go toe-to-toe with similarly marketed headphones available to consumers today.
How’s The Sound?
I might check my mixes on PowerForce headphones, but I would never mix on them. The mid-range of these headphones are as flat as any other in their price bracket (roughly $120 street), and they recreate a clean, crisp high end. The headphones extended frequency range goes from 10 Hz to 22 kHz, while most humans can’t hear outside of 20 Hz – 20 kHz. The extended high isn’t very noticeable, which usually comes across as airier when represented right. The low end is extremely boosted and noticeable in these headphones, a plus for any hip hop lovers, and the key feature of consumer brands like Beats by Dre. Due to this boosted low end, the low-mids became noticeably muddy in several reference tracks used. When trying out my own mixes and conforming them to these headphones, there were some amazing results in the low end, but the overall tracks came across as darker.
Audiophile Mentality
Audiophiles often seek the “Golden Cure” to poor audio quality, and they’re often prepared to pay for minuscule changes that are negligible to most ears. The key for many manufacturers is to find the perfect balance of cost to quality, and Spider has come in at the low end of pricing for high quality headphones. They do an amazing job at providing comfort for long periods of listening with cushiony padding. Their drivers are pretty standard for professional headphones as well. The quality could be improved by replacing some plastic parts with metal, but the addition of a long cable with locking feature, 1/4″ adapter, and great quality storage case provides plenty of features for the price. For those looking for a higher quality product (at a higher price point), Spider will be releasing their Moonlight headphones later this year.
Who Are These For?
If you’re looking for some daily listening headphones to replace your cheap ones, the Spider PowerForce are a great option. Hip hop and deep bass fans, save some money and avoid the Beats by Dre line, these push your low end with just as much force at a third of the price. There are dozens of options on the market for headphones, but the Spider PowerForce, and the Moonlights for that matter, will make you stand out from the crowd and provide hours of comfortable listening.
