Doctor Faustus Posted September 24, 2017 Share Posted September 24, 2017 (edited) Stax 009 with Woo WES or Focal Utopia with Goldmund HPA or Ayon HA-3 ?? I like both so a hang decision any thoughts from anyone??? Edited December 8, 2017 by Toyboyo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kaynin Posted September 24, 2017 Share Posted September 24, 2017 I haven't heard either combo, so can't give direct advice. I'm not a Stax fan though, but do love Woo. I have a WA22 and am looking at the Utopias, but unsure how they'd pair. Have you heard both of these set-ups? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doctor Faustus Posted September 24, 2017 Author Share Posted September 24, 2017 The utopias I would pair with the Goldmund or an Ayon... The latter is a valve (300) setup Unfortunately due to different suppliers I cannot hear them together That is why I am asking for thoughts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Qwertyqaz Posted September 24, 2017 Share Posted September 24, 2017 Stax is the next level up from Dynamic, not really sure why you comparing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doctor Faustus Posted September 24, 2017 Author Share Posted September 24, 2017 @Qwertyqaz Some people prefer the Focal Utopias to the Stax009 - I have always loved electrostatics but I am open to new ideas ---maybe dynamics have come a long way??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Qwertyqaz Posted September 24, 2017 Share Posted September 24, 2017 Dynamics have but you can only push the design so much. The fundamentals don't change. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lansche plasma guy Posted September 25, 2017 Share Posted September 25, 2017 Build quality is wonderful on the Utopia but i personally would get a Stax setup. Bare in mind theres rumour of a replacement for the 009 coming out soon (2018 is most likely). I think its funny that when you've been in hifi for a really long time you notice some patterns. Like when reading reviews of speakers (and headphones) the reviewer will often compare a new diaphragm/ driver/ speaker to a electrostatic as the gold standard. I think this hasn't changed. I'm not sure of the moving mass of the Utopia's Beryllium diaphragm and moving elements but would guess its much heavier than the moving mass of the Stax electrostatic diaphragm (or any Electrostatic headphone diaphragm for that matter even the lowlier models). Unlike Electrostatic speakers which i've always had a love / hate relationship with, electrostatic headphones seem to have all the advantages (super low moving mass, even and precise control of diaphragm) while also having wonderful bass and weight and texture and dynamics which seem to be issues with Electrostatic speakers trying to drive most listening rooms. Either way you should end up with a beautiful headphone setup. LPG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doctor Faustus Posted September 25, 2017 Author Share Posted September 25, 2017 Thank you all for the advice ..the Stax 009 was vetoed by the other member of the Security Council due to recent budgetary extravagance in the turntable area. So now to a STAX 007 and STAX SRM007 valve amp as the lesser evil 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Qwertyqaz Posted September 25, 2017 Share Posted September 25, 2017 19 minutes ago, Toyboyo said: Thank you all for the advice ..the Stax 009 was vetoed by the other member of the Security Council due to recent budgetary extravagance in the turntable area. So now to a STAX 007 and STAX SRM007 valve amp as the lesser evil I have the SR 007 MK1 and used to have the SRM007. Amazing combo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doctor Faustus Posted September 25, 2017 Author Share Posted September 25, 2017 @Qwertyqaz So what amp are you running with the 007s now ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Qwertyqaz Posted September 25, 2017 Share Posted September 25, 2017 Just now, Toyboyo said: @Qwertyqaz So what amp are you running with the 007s now ? Blue Hawaii SE. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doctor Faustus Posted December 8, 2017 Author Share Posted December 8, 2017 @Qwertyqaz I believe you are out of the Blue Hawaii - so what amp are you using now? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Qwertyqaz Posted December 8, 2017 Share Posted December 8, 2017 5 minutes ago, Toyboyo said: @Qwertyqaz I believe you are out of the Blue Hawaii - so what amp are you using now? I don’t use the Stax system anymore. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doctor Faustus Posted December 8, 2017 Author Share Posted December 8, 2017 @Qwertyqaz ok...so no headphones? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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