The Headcase Stax thread

[Nanoha]

I'm thinking about getting a 2050A system to start off. I really miss my headphones, and I need to get back into headphones with something new, namely maybe an entry level electrostatic.

I looked through Stax.jp's brochures and have arrived at a few conclusions that seem somewhat confusing:
- Is there a major difference between the SR-202, SR-303, or SR-404? Of course, my definition of "major" might not be the same as others'. From what I understand, all three headphones have the same drivers, but the SR-303 has better pads than the SR-202, and the SR-404 has a better cable than the SR-303.
- What about the driver units? I know that the old SRM-313 is the same as the SRM-212 internally. The only difference is that the SRM-313 has two outputs. Is that the same situation with the new SRM-252A and the SRM-323A driver units? The case might be different since the price difference is somewhat substantial.

As I don't know much about Stax headphones, I'll ask a rather noobish question. Are there different plugs for the headphones/driver units? (Say, is it possible to hook a OII to a SRM-313 for example.) Or is that only an issue with mixing older models with new models?

[thrice]

Originally Posted by Nanoha

I looked through Stax.jp's brochures and have arrived at a few conclusions that seem somewhat confusing:
- Is there a major difference between the SR-202, SR-303, or SR-404? Of course, my definition of "major" might not be the same as others'. From what I understand, all three headphones have the same drivers, but the SR-303 has better pads than the SR-202, and the SR-404 has a better cable than the SR-303.

The 303 and 404 utilize the same driver...it does seem like the cord may be the big differenece. There culd also be differences in the dampening material and housing, but I don't know.

- What about the driver units? I know that the old SRM-313 is the same as the SRM-212 internally. The only difference is that the SRM-313 has two outputs. Is that the same situation with the new SRM-252A and the SRM-323A driver units? The case might be different since the price difference is somewhat substantial.

I don't thinnk the 212 is the same as the 313. There is a big disparity in the size of the units. I think the 313 is a different amp fro the 212. However the difference between the old 313 and the 323 is supposed to be negligable.

As I don't know much about Stax headphones, I'll ask a rather noobish question. Are there different plugs for the headphones/driver units? (Say, is it possible to hook a OII to a SRM-313 for example.) Or is that only an issue with mixing older models with new models?

Yes, you can plug the OII into the 313. The big difference is pro vs. non-pro headphones. All of the current Stax headphones have 5-pin plugs and are thus pro biased (580V). The non-pro plug is for older non-pro biased headphones (6-pin). You can plug a pro headphone into a non-pro plug, but you can't go the other way. Also you can plug an electret (SR-80, 40. 30...etc.) into any plug since they only need the signal and not the bias voltage. But Stax doesn't make an electret right now, you can only buy a used one off eBay.

[thrice]

Since this is the Stax thread I thought I would mention the results of hooking an SRD-7 Pro up to the First Watt F1 we had at Hirsch's house this weekend. It was amazing. I really want to spend some more time with it. Overall a much smoother presentation. We had the F1 being driven by Hirsch's SDS-XLR. Man what a combo not only for the Lambda Pros but also for the K1000. Time to start work on an F1

While I didn't get a lot of time with the F1/Lambda combo, what I did hear was a smooth clear balance throughout the frequencies on the Lambda Pro...speed and detail were there in spades and there was an added sparkle to the music as well. The high "etch" that you get with the Lambdas was nowhere to be heard...super smooth with more bottom-end. I would be interested in hearing Hirsch's comments regarding this setup as well...I left shortly after plugging the SRD-7 Pro into the F1.

[deepak]

Originally Posted by thrice

Since this is the Stax thread I thought I would mention the results of hooking an SRD-7 Pro up to the First Watt F1 we had at Hirsch's house this weekend. It was amazing. I really want to spend some more time with it. Overall a much smoother presentation. We had the F1 being driven by Hirsch's SDS-XLR. Man what a combo not only for the Lambda Pros but also for the K1000. Time to start work on an F1

While I didn't get a lot of time with the F1/Lambda combo, what I did hear was a smooth clear balance throughout the frequencies on the Lambda Pro...speed and detail were there in spades and there was an added sparkle to the music as well. The high "etch" that you get with the Lambdas was nowhere to be heard...super smooth with more bottom-end. I would be interested in hearing Hirsch's comments regarding this setup as well...I left shortly after plugging the SRD-7 Pro into the F1.

What sort of F1 did you guys have? A DIY one or the one built by Pass Labs?

[Dusty Chalk]

It was a Pass Labs one.

[deepak]

I saw the meet impressions thread. Very impressive guys.

[thrice]

http://dyo.customink.com/cink/r.jsp?....com&F=gotbias

T-shirt anyone?

[thrice]

Well it's certainly not going to be a secret for long, so:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...0374&rd=1&rd=1

and

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=216965

Same cans, same guy. He teased us when he listed these about 5-6 months ago and I think some serious offers were thrown his way. We'll see how this plays out.

[Ben Gramain]

I like my O2's apart from the weight, and that I have to put tape on the earpads to keep them in place.

But that aforementioned sense of refinement can get a bit boring after a while, the same way I slightly tired of the Orpheus after a while. I'm at that stage now. My ears might just need a period of sandpapering with a pair of Grados so that I can slink back to the Omegas with a sigh of relief.

And no bass? I call 'electrostatic bullshitter' on that one. Even as is the O2's can put out plenty of bass. I don't use my main system much anymore, so it's usually out of the computer where I have an EQ and in those cases you might even be surprised how much lows the O2 can put out if you're in the mood for it.

[JBLoudG20]

Originally Posted by thrice

Well it's certainly not going to be a secret for long, so:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...0374&rd=1&rd=1

and

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=216965

Same cans, same guy. He teased us when he listed these about 5-6 months ago and I think some serious offers were thrown his way. We'll see how this plays out.

Hmm his head-fi thread was removed.

[thrice]

Yep and there's a new one in it's place. I'm thinking someone reported him for advertising headphones at Head-Fi and having an eBay thread. I guess they prolly wanted him to make a thread pointing to the eBay auction instead of impling that he was going to sell off Head-Fi?

Oh well, too rich for my blood either way....or is it?

[Carl]

It must be said the guy's approach to selling them is rather slimey. Not to say I'd have any issue taking them if the price was right, of course...

[thrice]

Originally Posted by Carl

It must be said the guy's approach to selling them is rather slimey. Not to say I'd have any issue taking them if the price was right, of course...

Yep...I'm waiting for him to pull them again like he did last time. "Oh I think I'll listen to them since so many people seem to want them...teehee."

But yeah, if I had the cash I'd pony up to hear them.

[pabbi1]

I understand his reserve is $4k, and seriously thinks they'll go past $6k... so, I bid $2k. I believe Alex offered him a wad last time, but that was before he had secured a pair...

[Carl]

$4k? That's insane! I know that Javier paid around $4k for his NOS pair, but second hand ones aren't usually much more than a HE60, assuming you can find one.

John seems intent on driving the price up, and then selling it outside of ebay once he gets an offer he considers is high enough.

[thrice]

wow that's a lot more than I thought they would go for....i figured 2k, maybe 3k....maybe.

[pabbi1]

Alex offered more than $4k when last they were 'available', but found two pair of NOS in Europe for about $4k each... that was a couple of months back. They are worth $2k to me, but know some drooling knuckle dragger will pay 2-3x that. But, if I get lucky, well... but, I have amp issues to fry.

BTW, my HE60 / HEV70 was $1450, shipped, in September, with new pads and a new headband, and one went on eBay last week at ~$1300, though NOT with new pads.

[Carl]

Well by "not that much more", I meant by headphone freak standards, ie. around $500, although I have seen SR-Ωs go for less than $1500 before, regretably not to yours truely.

I also think they're worth as a matter of value around $2k, so if the reserve wasn't at a ridiculous level we might have ended up in a bidding war Too bad.

[Dusty Chalk]

Originally Posted by Carl

...

Hey, when did you join? You the guy making me want to get a pair of 4070's? What did you do to yours?

[Carl]

Originally Posted by Dusty Chalk

Hey, when did you join?

A while ago.

You the guy making me want to get a pair of 4070's?

Just 4070s? Damn, I mustn't be trying hard enough...

What did you do to yours?

No idea. A bit too much juice went to one side and the driver got a little sizzled, so I sent them off to have the drivers replaced. They've since returned to me, though.