Some of the biggest audio places carry..

Amen to the plea for rational debate without insults! As someone who grew pretty old before the Internet came along, I've often wondered, "What's happened to civility?" Is it supposed to be cool to be as insulting as you can manage to be? It's nice that many in this Audiogon forum think not.

mburnstein.If you have something Inteligent to add do so.What i need to grow up because i state a true fact.

Phil, I would like to hear what speakers you think are a lot better for a lot less money.

TBONEPHILE.....stop sticking up for spectral in all these threads and go out and buy the stuff already or at least try it out. How much back up do you need? just make a decision and post the results because I really want to hear what you think of spectral. And PHILL knock it off. Or at least tell us what you have and why it's so good (in a dignified manner) So you at least have something of value to add to the conversation. If you present your knowledge in a mature way we may see your points.

Spectral in my mind is the most detailed and "accurate" stuff out there. Spectral systems resolve more detail then anything else made. They are as neutral as you can get. They don't add any euphonius quality to the sound as Conrad-Johnson do. But because they are so anaylitcal, their not the most pleasing things to listen to. You hear everything, but theres one thing thats lacking from Spectral gear and thats tamber. This is the reason why people switch to tubes, because of the more life like tone that comes with tubes. I think a good alternitve to Spectral is Goldmund. Goldmund is just as much an engineering marvel (Spectral gear have bandwidth of DC-15mhz Goldmund is also very close both of them are VERY FAST with rise times of around 240 NANOSECONDS) but the Goldmunds have the tonality that is missing from the Spectral. If you are an audiophile it is good and well to buy Spectral as they are terrific value for the price. They are engineered by Keith O Johnson, who does all the reference recordings, which are also recorded on custom made Spectral gear. (explains why they sound so neutral, but so like lifeless) And the parts quality is much better then an equivilent priced Levinson or Krell. Infact the Spectral SDR-2000 D/A which sells for $8800 has the same parts cost as the $15,590 Mark Levinson 30.6. So thats just food for thought