Why does Spectral have such a cult following


I've never thought their stuff sounded that special. They have very few dealers and they don't advertise at all. I'm not saying it's bad gear. I just don't understand why some people act like it's the holy grail.
taters
I hear what you're saying, and I have to agree. There used to be a high end store in Philly called Chestnut Hill Audio, and they were all believers. I listened a few times on their preferred Vandersteen speakers (this was about 15 years ago) and was left unimpressed, although I thought that it sounded smooth.
I think that part of the mystique is that it isn't very common, and especially when it first came out, the look of it was very beautiful (from the front) and different. Also, with the involvement of the respected Keith O. Johnson, and it's 0 to infinity bandwidth, it just seemed very different; almost like the amplifier of the future. As it turns out after all these years, I think that it is just another very high quality brand, well engineered and built with it's own sonic flavor and positive attributes that is just right for some audiophiles.
The way they handle the promotion of their products is unique. They don't seem to seek out reviews. Not only that, they seem to give some reviewers a hard time.

Everything has to be special. Must use their preamp with the amp, and only MIT cables.

Special terms, 2C3D.

Paired with only very expensive, "special" speakers, Wilson, Avalon.

Simply put, they create this pain in the a**, ultra high end, we know best image, and some people respond to it. Its like a cult. Just to be fair, I have heard their equipment many times, and while not for me, I thought it was OK. I'm not trying to suggest they don't make good products, just why they have a cult like following.
Roxy54 and Zd542,
You said it well, we all have our taste. I don't like the sound of their
components but I understand that others could find it ideal. For certain
there are those who wouldn't like what thoroughly satisfies me. A horse for
a course.
Not a fan either, always left me cold. Dealers who have the line push them first over all other equipment. A big yawn for me...