64 replies to this topic

[Stump]

Does anyone here have this combo???I understand it is for sale for just under $4000.As they dont have a demo pair in Adelaide I would like some NON-Salesmen views... Also do all Stax models need transformers for 240V

http://www.avhub.com.au/index.php/News/Hi-Fi/stax-headphone-special.html

[peterpan]

hi stump,
i have the sr-404 and srm-006t, which i believe are the older model but in the same style as the ones you are looking at, and you are welcome to listen to them anytime if you want.
and yes they all need an amp/transformer? to work. be nice to hear them with that nice sony sacd player you have?
cheers
peter

[hens]

You can buy them much cheaper online... the combo should set you back under 2k...

As for the transformer question, the answer is to work in aus they do... BUT, some of them have internal selectable switches.

[Stump]

Hey Peter
I got the idea after talking with you.i didn't realize your setup was STAX.I like the idea of making use of the balanced Sony.If its not boxed up Ill like to catch up for a listen.regards the transformer HEN I have found its not switchable so maybe all units need a transformer which would mean online would save some money.
Cheers For the Reply ..
Eamonn

[peterpan]

Hey Peter
I got the idea after talking with you.i didn't realize your setup was STAX.I like the idea of making use of the balanced Sony.If its not boxed up Ill like to catch up for a listen.regards

hi Eamonn,
i have just set the stax up to listen to from the pc with some hirez files and flac files and they sound nice but id be interested to listen to them with your sony as well, so be happy to bring them over one day and
see what you think of them. they do have a balanced input and should sound great on some sacd music.
send me a pm when you have some time
cheers peter

[AAG]

I don't have them yet, but in about a week I will

I heard the combination at a local hi-fi shop a fortnight ago. I was auditioning headphone amps for my Beyerdynamic T1 cans and on a whim I had a listen to a pair of Sennheiser HD-800s, and then on another whim the Stax 507+600LE combination. As a result I put all my existing headphones and head amps on ebay the next day and sold the lot to finance the Stax gear.

The SR-507s are very nice - I also heard the 303 and 404 headphones (they didn't have the newer 307 and 407 cans) and IMO the 507s are superior. Better bass and midrange especially, clearer, and better build. Some of the lower model Stax cans are known for making a creaking sound when you move. The 507 don't.

Stax is presenting the 507+600LE as a "pair" and it's a good match. I also listened to them on a 006t amp and it was similar, but the 600LE seemed to have a tad more drive. I've since found out that it has a higher voltage swing than the 006, and that might be the reason. Different valves too (ECC99 vs 6CG7) which can be driven a bit harder.

Also heard the 507s on the 323 amp, and it sounded darn fine. The 323 is the smallest solid state in the Stax lineup (well, apart from the little 252 amp) but it has the second highest level output of their amps, and seemed to get a real grip on the bass and treble.

Either the 323 or the 600LE would be my amp of choice (from what I have been able to hear - they did not have a 727 amp). It would come down to finances and musical taste - if you like acoustic music, jazz, electronica, chillout, chamber music, folk etc then the 600LE has nuance, delicacy and texture that the 323 didn't quite manage. Conversely if you like rock, metal, prog, big orchestras etc then the tightness and bass grip of the 323 might be better suited. These aren't absolutes, however, and I'm sure either amp would work wonderfully in either setting - it's only on repeated A/B listening that you really hear any difference. The 600LE also costs twice as much as the 323, and that could be significant. The 323 also has just one input, whereas the 600LE has 3 (2 x RCA ; 1 x XLR) and RCA outputs.

Don't buy locally. While I hate to take business from Aussie retailers, the local Stax prices are a joke. The SR-507 is $825 from Japan, including shipping and insurance etc. The 323 amp is about $750 and the 600LE amp about $1,500.

I also had a quick listen to the SR-007 cans, but I didn't think they were being driven properly. The sound was very distant, and not as satisfying as the 507s, but I think it was the 007 amp that was driving them. I'm led to believe that the top shelf Stax cans need a much more capable solid state amp to really get up on their feet - something like a Blue Hawaii that can pump out around 750V rms as opposed to the Stax 007's 340V. Then again, that's a $5,000 amp!

If you buy from Japan you will definitely need a 240-100V stepdown transformer (which can be bought OS or locally). There is no downside to using one. I don't think it is possible to rewire the Stax amps for 240V anymore, or if so it is difficult. They cut the transformer leads short on the domestic stock specifically to stop us doing this.

Edited by AAG, 27 April 2011 - 11:41 PM.

[Stump]

AAG
Thanks for taking the time for the STAX info.The 507+600LE sounds like the good value setup I would like.Ill catch up with Peter for a demo of his setup and look forward to some more feedback once your set arrives.
Cheers Eamonn

[hens]

Once you hear a good stax setup its hard to go back to normal dynamic headphones... They sound very "effortless"

Check out ebay, audiocubes2 and pricejapan. Keep in mind though that all these options will require a setup down converter as it would seem as though that model of amp does not have the wiring necessary to convert them to 230v operation.

If you are serious about going a more dedicated stax setup. I would recommend looking at the KGSS amp from headamp, or looking 2nd hand for one of the 7 series stax amps.

[AAG]

AAG
... look forward to some more feedback once your set arrives.
Cheers Eamonn

The SR-507 headphones arrived this morning by courier. I ordered them through PriceJapan last Thursday - not bad. As I'd never dealt with them before I ordered the headphones alone first off to see what their service was like. Now I get to admire the cans for a week until the amp arrives (just about to order).

[Stump]

Hey AAG
Peter came over with his Stax SR-404 and SRM-006t setup and we went through about 6 CDs.First impressions were to turn the volume right up.It didn't give the loud boom sound I would expect from headphones.As I went through the CDs the volume came down as I realized these are not headphones but Head Speakers.So as Im not a Boom Bass fan Im happy to say these are to my taste.They are not closed speakers so there is a lot of sound leakage which I suppose is why they sound like they do.Im sure you could listen for hours with these without any discomfort or ringing in the ears.Although I haven't listen to other head phones except for my beats dr dre I am sold on the Stax Head Speaker system.Id say Ill order the same set as yourself within the next month.
Cheers Eamonn

[AAG]

Hey AAG
... Im sure you could listen for hours with these without any discomfort or ringing in the ears.Although I haven't listen to other head phones except for my beats dr dre I am sold on the Stax Head Speaker system.Id say Ill order the same set as yourself within the next month.
Cheers Eamonn

Good one, Eamonn, glad to hear you found the right cans - welcome to the Stax mafia :-)

Your impressions are the same as my initial feelings, although I was already used to open headphones as I had Beyerdynamic T1 and Audez'e LCD-2 previously, so the sound leakage was expected. I also initially turned the volume right up, but as I got used to the sound signature it quickly came down again. I found that the comfortable level was around 10-11 o'clock with most music, and that was in a hi-fi store with a bit of background noise.

Ringing and unpleasant resonances, particularly with bright percussive sounds like piano, were my main gripes with dynamic headphones. Most seem to do this to some extent, regardless of whether the amplification is valve or solid state, and it is very tiring to listen to. Stax headphones don't seem to have this fault at all, but the sound isn't rolled off or softened either - it just sounds effortless and unrestricted.

I was also surprised at how well they handled very loud and aggressive music - the opening track on Riverside's "Anno Domini High Definition" was terrific and they never ran out of steam, but were not overbearing either.

[dr-wyas]

Ringing and unpleasant resonances, particularly with bright percussive sounds like piano, were my main gripes with dynamic headphones. Most seem to do this to some extent, regardless of whether the amplification is valve or solid state, and it is very tiring to listen to. Stax headphones don't seem to have this fault at all, but the sound isn't rolled off or softened either - it just sounds effortless and unrestricted.

I was also surprised at how well they handled very loud and aggressive music - the opening track on Riverside's "Anno Domini High Definition" was terrific and they never ran out of steam, but were not overbearing either.

As someone who is currently around the mid-fi level of dynamic phones and is considering bypassing the high-end dynamics entirely (LCD-2, HD800, T1) and going straight to Stax, I am very happy to read these comments. Particularly the last one

[hens]

Stax! do it!

[dr-wyas]

Stax! do it!

Yep. Haven't forgotten your advice Hens Would just like to be able to hear a set first.

Are there any members around Gold Coast or Brisbane area who would be willing to demo their Stax rig? Happy to bring along some of my own gear also.

[AAG]

As someone who is currently around the mid-fi level of dynamic phones and is considering bypassing the high-end dynamics entirely (LCD-2, HD800, T1) and going straight to Stax, I am very happy to read these comments. Particularly the last one

I have to confess that I was surprised how good they were with powerful music. I had a preconceived idea (as I think a lot of people might) that electrostatic cans are best suited to "delicate" or "gentle" music and can't rock out, but I was quite wrong. I like a fairly wide range of music and the Stax sounded great with everything from Keith Jarrett to Porcupine Tree. Arguably, they do not have as much "punch" in the bass as the very best dynamic headphones, but it is fast, extended and very musical. They convinced me, but I'd recommend that anyone contemplating buying Stax listen to them first.

[dr-wyas]

to Porcupine Tree.

Now you're talking

I am finding myself drawn towards more open and detailed phones nowadays, rather than darker/bassier ones like I used to. I wasn't too taken by the LCD-2 when I recently heard them.

And as far as bass goes, I really loved bass on the Beyerdynamic DT800/600ohm, yet the Sennheiser HD600 and Alessandro MS-Pro are more than sufficient for me.

[AAG]

Now you're talking

Another prog rocker - excellent

I am finding myself drawn towards more open and detailed phones nowadays, rather than darker/bassier ones like I used to. I wasn't too taken by the LCD-2 when I recently heard them.

They're odd, aren't they? I owned a pair for a fortnight before ebaying them. I had a sort of love/hate relationship with them - I'd keep analysing what I was hearing and being frustrated by the lack of any treble sparkle, but at the same time I'd keep trying them out to hear the luscious mids and bass. In the end I gave up on them, but oddly I miss having them around. I think at least partly it's that wonderful smell of wood and furniture polish that they exude - it's intoxicating.

And as far as bass goes, I really loved bass on the Beyerdynamic DT800/600ohm, yet the Sennheiser HD600 and Alessandro MS-Pro are more than sufficient for me.

Considering your comments re bass I'd think you would like the Stax sound. I'd say it is about equivalent to the bass of Grado/Alessandro cans.

[pp312]

They're odd, aren't they? I owned a pair for a fortnight before ebaying them. I had a sort of love/hate relationship with them - I'd keep analysing what I was hearing and being frustrated by the lack of any treble sparkle, but at the same time I'd keep trying them out to hear the luscious mids and bass. In the end I gave up on them, but oddly I miss having them around. I think at least partly it's that wonderful smell of wood and furniture polish that they exude - it's intoxicating.

Well, sorry AAG, but you're not getting them back, as I'm thoroughly intoxicated by them too, and it isn't just the smell of furniture polish.

And I don't find any lack of treble sparkle, maybe because I'm sensitive to brightness and coming from HD650s. But also my criteria is the sound of live acoustic music heard from a reasonable distance, as at a symphony concert, and the LCD-2 matches that criteria very convincingly. No, it wouldn't suit everyone, just as the 650 doesn't, but odd? Nah, just aimed at a particular cliche, of which apparently I'm a member. In any case, thanks for the opportunity of moving up to the next level relatively painlessly, though I will be living on dry biscuits and water for a little while yet. --Paul.

Edited by pp312, 01 May 2011 - 11:56 PM.

[dr-wyas]

Another prog rocker - excellent

Yep, very much It's not often you hear someone report how well a piece of hi-fi gear went with a Riverside album, so you got my attention there.

Still not confident to invest in the gear before hearing it though, which isn't easy where I live...

[AAG]

Well, sorry AAG, but you're not getting them back, as I'm thoroughly intoxicated by them too, and it isn't just the smell of furniture polish.

Hi Paul, fancy meeting you here

Glad to hear you're enjoying the LCD-2 cans - for the sort of music you cite I'd agree that they are great headphones - they have a definite affinity for acoustic as opposed to hard rock or electronica, IMHO.

Cheers, and thanks for providing about 1/3 of the finances for my new Stax rig keep munching those dry crackers ...

[pp312]

It sounds like you got a good deal on the Stax, importing from Japan. One of the shops here is asking $4000 (including matching amp), and that's a "special".

Hope you'll share your impressions once you get it all set up. I love reading about stuff only the better classes can afford.

[AAG]

I love reading about stuff only the better classes can afford.

As a matter of fact, there's a nice looking Stax 3030 set on ebay at the moment for $500. Selling locally - looks tasty - a bargain.

(BTW - I have no connection with this sale)

[pp312]

I know, I saw it, and it's upsteam of me at Newcastle. Had I not the Audeze I may have investigated, but right now I seriously doubt that I'd be gaining anything. I did in fact have a Stax Lambda back in the 70s, and at that time I had a problem with what appeared to be rust forming on the drivers (no, I didn't live near the sea). Stax in Melbourne supplied replacement drivers, but I was never entirely confident after that and eventually sold them. In any case they were a little bright for me even then, and as my taste for bright headphones has waned even more over the years they'd probably burn holes in my eardrums now.

Be interesting to see the final price on the 3030 set, and I'll bet it won't be $500.

[AAG]

Stax has landed.

The SRM-600 LE amp arrived today and I've now had a few hours to listen to it driving the SR-507 headphones. In a nutshell, terrific. I couldn't be happier with the combination of amp and cans. As I imported the amp from Japan I also needed a step-down transformer to run it from 240V. I bought a Tortech 300W 240-100V transformer and it is excellent. No noise at all, runs totally cool. Barely ticks over. Don't skimp on elbow room with the transformer - this is important!

I started off at the deep end with Riverside's "ADHD" album - a rigorous test to be sure. I'd used the first track as a test in the shop and was interested to hear how it would fare in the quieter surroundings at home. I finished up listening to the whole album - couldn't bring myself to stop listening, I was enjoying it so much.

The Stax valve amp has a start-up delay circuit that warms the valves for 30 seconds or so before applying the signal (always a good thing to do, as feeding a signal to a cold cathode can shorten its life). However like all valve amps it "blooms" after being on for about 20 minutes or so once the bias has settled down and the valves are at optimal operating points. Although it sounded great straight away I noticed a slight step up in quality about half way through the 3rd track (about 15 minutes in). Mainly heard as a touch better clarity.

This thing is FAST. Really fast. Electrostatics do pace and rhythm very well - it is their forte - and that gives music a sense of precise timing that conveys emotion. There is great balance in the frequency response, with no part of the spectrum being unduly prominent. Bass is tuneful and tight and has a punch that is quite satisfying for most people, I'm sure. However if you are a genuine bass-head you'd probably not like electrostatics and good dynamic cans would probably be more appealing.

They are completely unfatiguing and you hardly notice them on your head - Stax has been in this game for a long time, and they've worked it out just right. The only potential problem is a tendency to listen too loud if you are used to dynamic headphones (this was mentioned before by Stump). I think that electrostatics are very "clean" sounding, and also have a "distant" character, so if you're used to little speakers blasting right at your ears there is a tendency to try and get that prominent type of sound from the big flexing membrane of the electrostatics too. Once the amp had warmed up and I got used to it I found myself turning the volume down a couple of times until I found a more pleasant level.

The overwhelming impression I had, however, is of musicality. This setup doesn't make you dissect the sound and listen critically - it makes music that carries you away. I found it impossible not to move in response to the music - to me that is the most important test of all. I'd defy anyone to listen to really well recorded driving rock on these cans and NOT play air guitar

After Riverside I listened to John Martyn's "Solid Air" and Keith Jarrett's "At the Deer Head Inn" albums - both old favourites. In each case, I intended to listen to specific tracks I use as listening tests for audio gear ("Solid Air" and "Bye Bye Blackbird" on the respective albums). Again, I ended up listening to both albums in their entirety - I just couldn't stop.

I definitely feel that after many different headphone setups I've finally found the right ones. I do still like both the Sennheiser HD-800 and Audez'e LCD-2 cans very much when driven by appropriate amps, but I feel the Stax electrostatics have less "character" and are more musical. I can heartily recommend the Stax SR-507+SRM-600 LE combo, and I'm pretty sure the SRM-323 solid state amp would have been excellent as well. Tastes differ, however, and I'd still urge anyone interested in Stax to have a listen first if possible and not buy on the strength of anyone's opinion.

Edited by AAG, 06 May 2011 - 12:09 AM.

[hens]

yes. stax. do it.

[Stump]

Good to hear AAG
Great write up.What source CD player are you using?
Cheers Eamonn

[AAG]

What source CD player are you using?

Cyrus CD8SE (2010 version) CD player with the PSX-R outboard power supply. It's a very precise and detailed sound that meshes well with valve amplification. Interconnects to the amp are Chord Crimson Plus at the moment, but I may upgrade them. The amp has XLR inputs but the CD only has RCA and digital outs. I've not yet heard an external DAC that improves significantly on the player's own DAC, but if I found one and it had XLR outs I'd change to XLR interconnects.

Edited by AAG, 06 May 2011 - 12:30 PM.

[LuzArt]

AAG - excellent review, thanks very much for sharing.

Do you know if your headphones can be run by other head amps or are Stax amps definately required? I've read about some amps having enough grunt to drive electrostatics but is there more to it than that? (other than a plug converter)

Ben

[pp312]

I definitely feel that after many different headphone setups I've finally found the right ones. I do still like both the Sennheiser HD-800 and Audez'e LCD-2 cans very much when driven by appropriate amps, but I feel the Stax electrostatics have less "character" and are more musical.

Very nice impressions, AAG. I'll keep the Stax combo in mind for my next lifetime as a multi-millionaire.

Funnily enough your comment about listening too loud because of a "distant" character with electrostatics is exactly what I found with the LCD-2 after the 650--you look for that dynamic punch, that funnelling straight into the ear-hole and initially miss it. The last few days I've been A/Bing the LCD-2 and 650 and I must say that though the former is clearly superior in most areas it isn't always so in sheer listenability or perhaps even musicality, especially on less than wonderful source material. The 650 is a remarkable phone and a classic at its price.

[AAG]

Do you know if your headphones can be run by other head amps or are Stax amps definately required? I've read about some amps having enough grunt to drive electrostatics but is there more to it than that? (other than a plug converter)

Short answer - you need a special amp, either a Stax amp or a another compatible electrostatic amp. You can't just plug them into an ordinary headphone amp.

Long answer:

Dynamic headphones (Grado, AKG, Audio-Technica, Sennheiser, etc) are exactly like miniature speakers, but they are very sensitive and require only small amounts of power. Consequently you can power them from the initial gain stage of an ordinary amp, which is what the 1/4" headphone jack on most integrated amps and preamps is doing (in some cases it's a buffered tap from the speaker output, but the principle is the same - feed the cans a stereo signal and they make music). Dedicated headphone amps are essentially high quality stand-alone preamps.

Electrostatic headphones are very different. Instead of a small speaker they have a sheet of thin plastic mounted between two metal grids. The plastic film is charged with a high voltage (580V in the case of Stax) and the music signal is applied to the grids. This causes the charged film to flex back and forth, and make sound pressure waves. In the end it does the same job as a dynamic speaker, but it goes about it in a different way.

So in order for electrostatic headphones to work the amp must supply the 580V bias voltage, and "normal" headphone amps don't do this.

There are a few companies that make dedicated headphone amps that will drive Stax headphones, so if you've read about amps other than Stax amps being used with Stax cans, then the writer has probably been referring to one of these. The Blue Hawaii is regarded as one of the best of the third-party amps for Stax headphones, but you are talking serious money.

[AAG]

Very nice impressions, AAG. I'll keep the Stax combo in mind for my next lifetime as a multi-millionaire.

Ha! I know the comment is tongue in cheek, but this reputation Stax has for being uber expensive is not deserved. In comparison to the cost of a pair of equivalent dynamic headphones and a good amp to drive them, Stax gear is quite reasonably priced.

The entry level 2070 headphone and amp package, which is VERY good, costs about $700. Of course the local retail price is around $1,700 and that puts most people off the idea, but it doesn't have to be a rich person's game if you shop around.

I guess the problem for many is that they already have an investment in dynamic cans and amplifiers and it costs to switch technologies.

[kunalraiker]

I enjoyed the SR 507 the day I heard them but they are by no strech of imagination ,close to the cost of some high end STAX setups.

Therefore if you have a decent dynamic setup,you can achieve a more involving experience.

[hens]

Very nice impressions, AAG. I'll keep the Stax combo in mind for my next lifetime as a multi-millionaire.

Funnily enough your comment about listening too loud because of a "distant" character with electrostatics is exactly what I found with the LCD-2 after the 650--you look for that dynamic punch, that funnelling straight into the ear-hole and initially miss it. The last few days I've been A/Bing the LCD-2 and 650 and I must say that though the former is clearly superior in most areas it isn't always so in sheer listenability or perhaps even musicality, especially on less than wonderful source material. The 650 is a remarkable phone and a classic at its price.

What headphone amp are you running? I found this disappeared when moving to the Lyr.

I enjoyed the SR 507 the day I heard them but they are by no strech of imagination ,close to the cost of some high end STAX setups.

Therefore if you have a decent dynamic setup,you can achieve a more involving experience.

You're not wrong, the BHSE and SR009 is a $10000 option...

[pp312]

What headphone amp are you running? I found this disappeared when moving to the Lyr.

Interesting. I wouldn't have thought an amp could make that much difference to distance perspective. In any case I'd be interested in AAG's comments on the Lyr as he sold one a couple of weeks back and commented to me that he thought it
too powerful for the LCD-2--or maybe I mistook his meaning. I found it a little odd as everything I've read about the LCD-2 suggests it needs all the power it can get and that the Lyr was designed with it in mind. Hopefuly AAG will clarify.

[AAG]

I enjoyed the SR 507 the day I heard them but they are by no strech of imagination ,close to the cost of some high end STAX setups.

Therefore if you have a decent dynamic setup,you can achieve a more involving experience.

I don't quite get your meaning. The first and second statements are unrelated.

A Stax Lambda series headphone+amp setup will cost you from $700-$2,500 (import prices). To get equivalent performance from a dynamic setup you would pay the same sort of money, or more.

I'm not denying that dynamic headphones can sound terrific - I'm sure many people would prefer them to electrostatics. My point is that Stax are perceived as being extremely expensive, but they are actually not. Sure you can pay from $2,700-9,000 for a Stax Omega series setup if you want, but you can also spend that sort of money on dynamic cans and an amp.

Edited by AAG, 08 May 2011 - 12:21 AM.

[kunalraiker]

You're not wrong, the BHSE and SR009 is a $10000 option...

What Stax setup is the thread about.

[kunalraiker]

I don't quite get your meaning. The first and second statements are unrelated.

A Stax Lambda series headphone+amp setup will cost you from $700-$2,500 (import prices). To get equivalent performance from a dynamic setup you would pay the same sort of money, or more.

I'm not denying that dynamic headphones can sound terrific - I'm sure many people would prefer them to electrostatics. My point is that Stax are perceived as being extremely expensive, but they are actually not. Sure you can pay from $2,700-9,000 for a Stax Omega series setup if you want, but you can also spend that sort of money on dynamic cans and an amp.

I'am implying to the comments you made previously,please get a decent synamic setup and be done with it.

There is no future instax,you could spend that money for upgrading your speaker rig.

[AAG]

Interesting. I wouldn't have thought an amp could make that much difference to distance perspective. In any case I'd be interested in AAG's comments on the Lyr as he sold one a couple of weeks back and commented to me that he thought it
too powerful for the LCD-2--or maybe I mistook his meaning. I found it a little odd as everything I've read about the LCD-2 suggests it needs all the power it can get and that the Lyr was designed with it in mind. Hopefuly AAG will clarify.

High power output is the Lyr's particular trick but I felt that it sacrificed bass control and treble extension for the sake of raw power. It was just a touch too "warm" and "valvey" for my liking, but was still a good amp for $500.

I heard the LCD-2 headphones on several amplifiers, including the Lyr, and I didn't think that the Lyr's high power did anything outstanding for them, or that the Lyr was the best match with them overall. They are also really not that hard to drive (nowhere near as difficult a load as the Hifiman HE-6 cans) but they do benefit from quality amplification.

Yes I know that Schiit designed the Lyr with orthodynamic headphones especially in mind, but I can only go by my own listening experiences. For what it's worth I thought the Musical Fidelity M1 was a significantly better match for the LCD-2s. Had I not bought the Stax setup but instead kept my T1 and LCD-2 cans, that's the amp I would have bought.

[AAG]

I'am implying to the comments you made previously,please get a decent synamic setup and be done with it.

There is no future instax,you could spend that money for upgrading your speaker rig.

Thank you for your insightful, cogent and polite contribution to the ongoing discussion. I will certainly give your suggestions the attention they deserve.

[dr-wyas]

I'am implying to the comments you made previously,please get a decent synamic setup and be done with it.

There is no future instax,you could spend that money for upgrading your speaker rig.

Yes. I also find your comments meaningful and extremely relevant. Thank you for enlightening us to whatever it is you were enlightening us to.

Edited by dr-wyas, 08 May 2011 - 02:46 PM.

[firefly0071]

I found AAG's reviews and comments interesting, educational (I don't have Stax earphones) and enlightening. This also applies to other people helping with the discussion.

While I have dynamic headphones, I am prepared to listen to different sets such as STax and discuss.

My lack of direct experience of Stax is that not all hifi stores provide Stax and when I started, I had more of a student budget and upgraded from there.

I have listened to Stax for five minutes and it was an older model headphone. It was too short for a full evaluation.

Hence I appreciate and respect this thread.

Edited by firefly0071, 08 May 2011 - 08:38 AM.

[LuzArt]

Thanks for your replies AAG, very insightful. Given the nature of electrostatics design it makes sense they need a matched design of amplification.

Can I also say I've no idea how one could suggest they're not worth buying because they're an old design or not the future. For example who really would have believed back in the 90's that valve gear would become popular again and not just vintage, second hand items? Pretty narrow minded really.

Ben

[pp312]

High power output is the Lyr's particular trick but I felt that it sacrificed bass control and treble extension for the sake of raw power. It was just a touch too "warm" and "valvey" for my liking, but was still a good amp for $500.

Thanks, AAG. I actually find the LCD-2 a touch bright (yes, it's true. I may be the only person in Christendom, but I do), so the Lyr may be ideal for me. However, because of the nature of the music I listen to--compilation files with differing volume levels--I really value a remote volume control with fine increments such as you only get on a digital amp like the Onkyo 9555 I'm currently using, so I'm reluctant to move from that. I do wish dedicated amp manufacturers would consider convenience as well as sound quality; there are people--the infirmed and so forth--who absolutely need remote volume.

[AAG]

I do wish dedicated amp manufacturers would consider convenience as well as sound quality

I couldn't agree more, this has puzzled me for ages - WHY are there virtually no headphone amps with remote control? I can't think of a single reason not to add one other than cost, which would be minimal.

[hens]

I couldn't agree more, this has puzzled me for ages - WHY are there virtually no headphone amps with remote control? I can't think of a single reason not to add one other than cost, which would be minimal.

Because you are supposed to be quite close to the amp? as you are limited to cable length?

I've asked a friend to try pick me up a pair of 507's while they are in japan, seems like they will bridge the gap between my lambda sig and 02.