arnaud

Dear Kevin, I guess it will be quite some time until I can see it and hear it myself. On the other hand, lucky few like you... Don't hesitate to spill the beans, anytime convenient! Someday I will likely own one of your creations. I am also hoping for a new amp from Stax to make honor to the SR-009, maybe with some inspiration from the T2... If Stax feels the market is mature for a 400,000JPY headphone, they probably will get tempted to release once again a no compromise amplifier. cheers, arnaud

Birgir, it must be my french which makes my english invariably distorted on this site: I certainly can believe (but really cannot imagine on the other hand) that the SR-009 can sound even better than what I had the opportunity to hear. But indeed, the existence of an affordable and readily available commercial amp to drive the uber expensive SR-009 is of interest to not only myself I am convinced. That's a serious lot of money to have to buy both the SR-009 / BHSE at the same time... Hehe, I did not expect to hear that much french from this place. The first expression is (or say was when I was still living there) in use but never heard of the other one! For your reference

Well, here's progress right there! A few weeks ago, I was considered delusional by simply stating the possibility that the SR-009 might be easier to drive than O2 line. Not sure what I should be embarrassed about. I was trying to address the original statement from monsieurguzel (which was actually understandable) about my experience being just one dot and thus insufficient to draw any conclusion. Since then, there has been 2 more dots and it's all going in the same direction. Now, you interpret it as you wish. My bad then. I genuinely thought that reposting here was useful as I expected most people here do not follow head-fi at all. Considering how much hateful the comments are regarding head-fi, it's surprising you guys still visit there. Anyhow, thank you for opening my eyes on how narrow minded this place is. I did not realize how much the discussions here are geared toward a single authoritative vision of what a proper Stax system should be made of! Here's one for the suggestion box: rename the site, herd-case is more appropriate after all.

I know there's very little interest for this news on this board, but Gu Sensei over at HF is the 3rd person to post listening impressions and also report good performance of the SR-009 with 727 stock amp, just like I and sasaki noticed. Not saying it doesn't get better when going higher up the chain, but certainly it's something to consider for someone who want to start with readily available and affordable amplifier... Original post here: http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/531743/new-listening-impressions-of-stax-c32-prototype/510#post_7428117

Thanks Birgir, that would explain then. The amp is on the top of the shelf with plenty of air to ventilate so heating does not seem like a reasonable reason at the moment. It's not particularly warm inside the flat either. On the other , I wonder if the electricity supply has lost stability since the nuclear plants issue...

After all, it looks like the amp simply activated the headphone protection circuit and I did not power it off long enough yesterday night to reset it. It's all working just fine tonight! Does any know if turning off and on the amp with the headphones plugged and volume near maxed out would make it go into protection mode? Furthermore, in case my daughter manages again to sneak into the room, would it be better to turn the amp on / off daily and unplug the phones everytime? i.e. in case it's the scenario above, is that really bad for the headphone and / or the amp? I always keep the amp on and the phone plugged because I thought I read somewhere it takes quite some time to fully polarize the membrane and make it run optimally... If this is just unfounded audiophiliac paranoia, then I surely can do with the power off and unplugging when not in use... cheers, arnaud

I'll check again tonight, I did very do a check there too though (flipping the xlr / rca source selection switch). One thing I haven't tried though: i have a passive source selector before the amp as I have multiple sources. Indeed, the problem could be there! Thanks for the tip

Hi, you mean a fuse that would be in line with the headphone drive (polarization or the balanced signal)? If it's about the 100V main power supply fuse, I doubt it's blown because internal and external leds and all bright and shiny upon power the amp. Furthermore, I can hear the sound from the source at max volume, except it's very muted. So, the transducer is being fed something. Could it be a problem with the polarization circuit?

Stax experts: help!! Yesterday evening, I could no longer hear any sound from my 727A/O2 rig. Just a faint sound when pushing the volume all the way up. I tried the following without success: - Switched the source - Power off, power on - Unplug / replug the phone - Plug the phone into the other outlet What's wrong doc?? One thing though, the potentiomer was almost maxed out when I got home and my 1 year old is developping a taste for audio as of late, in particular volume controls and power switches..... Thanks in advance for any advice or idea of what might have happened

Fujiya-Avic was expecting delivery on 19th or 20 of April if I remember right (I was on the pre-order list at some point but had to pull out)

Now that I recovered my freedom of speech, fwiw I have pasted below some bits and pieces of the attempted translation of the Stax interview mentioned in my post above to Alex which started it all. I intend to go through the end of the interview, and will add anything I can catch (keeping in mind there's pretty good chance the message got lost in translation though …). arnaud --------------- Originally posted here: http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/547356/wanna-buy-the-stax-sr009-should-i/45#post_7385453 I am viewing the new interview from Fujiya Avic and, although I have a hard time catching all the words, Stax is clearly saying the efficiency of the new electrode is superior to old design because they're using an even thinner moving diaphragm. Also, if I got it right, they could make the stator thinner by using reinforcement ribs (the idea is to have the stator as thin as possible to increase its acoustic transparency while at the same time making sure it's stiff enough to prevent unwanted vibration from the stator. Anyhow, bottom line is that it should be no surprise if the new design is easier to drive... --------------- Originally posted here: http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/547356/wanna-buy-the-stax-sr009-should-i/45#post_7386449 BTW, the ribs on the stators is driving the manufacturing the costs up as it's a multi-layer fused together under high heat and pressure. Also at the beginning of the video they show the arc assembly and if I heard it right it's milled from aluminum bloc, hence not cheap either compared to previous designs. --------------- Originally posted here: http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/546214/auditioned-stax-new-sr-009/30#post_7387243 One thing that caught my attention is the mention of a change in policy for the sr009. It would be great if sasaki-san could confirm / correct: - Fujiya avic mentions that stax gear is popular in japan but also especially overseas - Interviewer adds that they got request from outside japan right after the announcement ( some of the stax mafia I suppose ) - interviewer adds that unfortunately they cant ship outside japan - to this, stax answers that sr009 is a special product and that the warranty policy will changr for the sr009 series. - here's where I am probably not getting it right, but it would seem stax will accept direct returns from customers as long as they provide sales receipt and have registered the product. I guess before you were forced to go through the reseller? - I will listen again but maybe I won't catch the precise detail. Another thing of interest mentioned so far is that the design was driven out of "lack of satisfaction" with the omega 2 performance. From my previous discussion with the same stax person, he said the omega2 frame and electrode were designed under certain cost constraints which forced them to make compromises. Not this time, it seems, or at least less compromises, especially for key mechanical parts. --------------- Originally posted here: http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/546214/auditioned-stax-new-sr-009/30#post_7388200 Some more on the Stax interview (question / answers at the end): > People are surprised why Stax is machining the arc assembly rather than the cheaper formed sheet metal process. > Stax replies that it's difficult to achieve such a finish unless you are milling. For instance each edge has a kind of 45 degrees "wedge" (I don't know how to say in English) and you can't see it in the video but the finish / precision of the machining is indeed glorious when seen upfront. > The main difference between the prototype that I could listen to last year at the Fujiya Avic festival (and later on as Fujiya Avic shop during the new year break) resides in the arc assembly / where it meets the headband. No changes were made to the electrode itself, only cosmetic changes to improve the finish. > About which stax amps are suitable (~37min): 727A, 007Ta, even 600 limited edition amp is suitable. However, at about 38 min he seems to be referring to the importance of the amplifier for optimal sound of the earspeaker but that the price / weight quickly goes out of control if they want to improve the current design. Here, I might be completely wrong, it'd be nice if someone who speaks Japanese could listen to that part. > People asking if tubes or SS which is better. Suzuki-san prefers SS. > In regards to the headband design, it is common with the 507 but actually the shape was developed for the SR009 and it was used for the 507, not the other way around. Actually, they expect to use this headband across the line in the futur (as Birgir justified in another thread recently). > In a sort of tongue in cheek way, they said the color of the housing (brighter than the silver color of the 007a) was not decided before hand but a result of the design. Maybe they're referring to a maker like Ultrasone who probably worked the other way around for the Edition 10 for example. > Although it is actually a bit heavier than 007a, it does not feel so because of the change in headband support. From my time with it, I indeed could not feel the 009 being heavier on my head. Maybe have to see after 3-4hours of wearing it straight.

Come on, get a life already! What's this policing?? It feels like head-fi in reversed! So to post here, we all gotta have this 12 year old mentality of yours?? I won't indulge in being vulgar for the sake of it, that's not how I get off sorry. Enough said, we shall move on...

This is probably the best and worst attribute of this site: any nonsense BS get shot down pretty quickly which is pretty good to prevent typical snake oil and sheep mentality. On the other hand, it's also very much of a loose canon's paradise and some seem to get a sense of self importance in regards to how many posts they've made here and how rude they can be. Too bad as this site remains a good source of information at times!

Thanks for that. In my view, monsieurguzel's post was more like pissing on other people's post or work for the sake of it. Unless that's what headcase stands for, I thought appropriate to bring my thoughts. Obviously, some enjoy the priviledge of being vulgar and irritant, it's so much easier behind a keyboard than in real life isn't it. Oh well, not worth wasting bandwidth...

Well, either you're doing too much coke or you should get laid, maybe both!

Same to you then, have a nice day!

We're only two people to have made public comments (me and sasaki) and I'd like if you didn't write nonsense like the above and read again what I wrote instead. Also, there's one difference between you and me. I have listened to the SR009 with 727, you haven't. So, unless your sayings are god's truth, please refrain from making a judgement call on this. I maintain my stance that the 009 appear significantly easier to drive than previous generation as I did not hear any typical issue like uncontrolled bass. It has nothing to do with gain, I never listen to more than 12 oclock with my o2 anyhow. Stax is confirming this in their latest interview, go educate yourself if you can. arnaud.

Fujiya Avic has made an announcement: http://avic.livedoor.biz/archives/51580130.html Name: SR-009 Price (Japan): 388,500yen Start shipping: 4/20

Very nice! I did not want to pay so much for Amarra, this does the job just fine! Donated also because I agree it'd be nice if the author could give it a facelift.

Thanks anyway . So, finally, I did not cover the port but did flatten the spring. I can't say I am hearing a day and night difference though?! We'll see in the long run. I hear dramatic changes in the bass firmness when rotating the pads around though (with the seem between 1PM and 3PM for instance, a range where the seal is proper if feels). Oh, and did anybody mention the pads a pain to put back? ... Well, to be fait though, this whole disassembly / reassembly was way easier than I expected.

Nevermind... I now see the port after referring to Spritzer's mod thread ( http://www.head-case.org/forums/headphones/3724-stax-sr-007mk2-sr-007a-port-mod.html )

I just took mine apart, SZ2- 1635. It seems identical to L'il Knight's pair: But, I can't find this port you guys are referring to?!

I see 2 used pairs of 007A for 139,800JPY at Fujiya Avic, not sure we can call that cheap, esp. in Euros. But if you're interested, I am heading there again this week end to sell by BCL and a D200 body!

Humm, I don't find the mkII to have the same nasal colorations as the 404. However, I can point out some colorations when A/Bed against the C32... But I did not feel it was in the voice area. For my comment about warmer, really I mean it has more bass emphasis and recessed treble relative to the C32. Well, for the piano, it certainly has a bit of a muffled quality when listened to the 007A, again all relative to the C32...

Today, I had an opportunity to listen to the new Stax flagship prototype (referred as C32 below) at Fujiva Avic store in Tokyo. They had it for demo during the holidays and I took the opportunity to spend about 1 hour and a half switching back and forth between the C32 and the current Omega 2 (referred as 007A below). The background to this headphone was discussed here ( http://www.head-case.org/forums/headphones/8990-holy-crap-new-stax-omega-looks-fierce.html ). For me, it is the second time I have a chance to listen to the C32, see here for the previous encounter ( http://www.head-case.org/forums/headphones/8990-holy-crap-new-stax-omega-looks-fierce-2.html#post400121 ). There are no news compared to last time, the C32 is still targeted for release this spring and the price is not yet fixed. Before I move on to listening impressions, I have a few pictures to share (some of the shots are the C32 in comparison against 007A): Stax C32 Prototype pictures Although still at prototype stage, the C32 finish is absolutely awesome, the pictures above just don't do it justice. It is clearly a step above the 007A from simply looking at it and touching it. The headband is that of newer generation Stax Lambdas, the adjustable strap is much nicer than the spring type relief on the 007A. Although the C32 seems a tad heavier than the 007A, it actually feels even more comfortable on the head. Part of it has to do with the adjustable headband I believe. Additionally, although the ear pads look very similar to the 007A, they feel softer. I consider the 007A one of the most comfortable headphone I have owned but it is outclassed by the C32. Oh, one thing I need to get out of the way: if you're uneasy reading about the 007A being outclassed by another Stax earspeaker, stop right here because I am afraid there is not a single thing I noticed where the 007A did not bite the dust during this A/B comparison. Actually, after the listening today, my main impression is that Stax has pretty much set the bar well above ANY of the competition today. I have not heard it all, far from it, but I have owned and listened to a bit of gear in the past 10 years. I can't imagine what this headphone will do with a high-end source and even better amplification. For today, I listened to the C32 and 007A while driven by the 727A which I know well as I own one. The source was a Marantz SA7003 fed by CDs, far from high-end. As for volume matching, although I felt like the 007A was louder than C32 during previous listening couple of months back, today I felt more like the C32 might have been slighter louder than 007A at the same volume level (12PM-1PM with that source). The reason why I am being so presumptuous about Stax having redefined the limits of headphone sound reproduction is that nothing sounds off after listening to a varied set of recordings through the C32 prototype. I clearly cannot say that from listening to the HD800, T1 or especially Edition 10 to name a few recent flagships who all seem to be excellent at some things but show some faults even after short listening. It feels like Stax has kept the best of Omega 2 (midrange, finesse) and improved upon in four main areas: 1. Frequency extension: bass is much firmer and goes lower, upper frequency extension feels higher although it might be due to change in tonal balance 2. Tonal balance: the C32 sounds much more toward the neutral side of warm while the 007A is clearly on the warm side (you might even call it bass heavy on the 727A). Overall, the C32 is much more natural / realistic sounding in comparison to 007A. 3. Transients and impact: the 007A simply sounds slow in comparison to C32. It is obvious on drums, guitars but actually noticeable instantaneously during A/B listening with any kind of music. Along the same lines, the impact / kick of the C32 is much more pronounced than 007A. This is one thing that people who don't like electro-stats refer to: the lack of impact. Well, you will need to listen to the C32 before making that generalization about electrostats again... 4. Soundstaging: the 007A sounds much narrower than the C32 (and HD800 for that matter). The good news is that while the HD800 sounds wide but imprecise in comparison to the 007A, the C32 does not loose any ability to perfectly stage instruments in depth and width. You simply feel like the room has gotten much more spacious with the C32 rather than deep but narrow hall will the 007A. For the rest of the listening impressions, I will simply list the notes I took during the A/B listening session. The notes are organized by song I sampled ("song title", artist - album name), but as you'll see, it's pretty much always the same findings. Note that this is just what comes out from 90 minutes A/B using an unknown source. It is thus very rough and only meant to give you a feel for what the C32 is about. One would need much more extended listening period to ultimately judge the true quality (and possibly find some defaults) of the headphone. 1. "Through The Valley", Joshua Redman - Compass: bass is firmer on C32, loudness feels the same 2. "Sweet Thing", Tomasz Stanko Quartet - Lontano: 007A sounds veiled and a bit grainy. Cymbals shimmer feels softer and less extended than C32. Room feels much deeper and spacious with C32, the reverberation is heard more clearly. The placement of instruments is easier on C32. C32 sounds a bit louder than 007A. 3. "Heart In Your Hand", Page & Plant - Walking Into Clarksdale: the bass is heaver and more upfront on 007A. C32 simply sounds better, more real. C32 is faster sounding like the amplifier has much more control of the transducer. 4. "We'll Be Together Again", Jimmy Cobb Quartet - Jazz in the Key of Blue: C32 extends higher, attacks are more convincing, much faster than 007A. 007A has a warmer, more forgiving sound. 5. "If... (Forcione)", Charlie Haden & Antonio Forcione - Heartplay: bass is much more controlled on the C32, guitar transients / attacks are much more believable. 007A soundstage is narrower while C32 sounds spacious. 6. "The Day Of Wine And Roses", Oscar Peterson Trio - We Get Requests (K2HD version): 007A sounds a bit harsh on this remaster (also at home with my Yamamoto D/A which is a very smooth source though). I actually prefer the original CD version at home as the K2HD sounds a bit metallic with the 007A. With the C32, all is changed: the sound is much smoother. I wonder if there is some kind of high frequency content which does not play well with the 007A but just fine with the C32. 7. "Saturday Come Slow", Massive Attack - Heligoland: 007A misses some kick / impact. The bass in the C32 is much cleaner. 8. "Heartbeat", HeadFi and HDtracks Sampler - Open Your Ears: C32 has much more kick / impact. My head felt like it was literally shaken / rattled by the bass sound! Only the last one sounds attenuated with the C32/727A combo. For the 007A/727A combo, only the first one sounds unattenuated. 9. "Impressions", Giovanni Mirabassi Trio - Out Of Track: much more impact on C32. Deeper soundstage on C32. 10. "Me And Armini", Emiliana Torrini - Me And Armini: 007A sounds much warmer, C32 has more impact. 007A sounds too bass heavy and slow in comparison, the bass is boomy. 11. "Elixir", Marilyn Mazur - Elixir: C32 sounds much more realistic, more attack / kick, more precise placement of instruments, 10x more impact than 007A. 12. "Bye Bye Blackbird", Patricia Barber - Night Club: soundstage feels narrow in the 007A, C32 sounds much more spacious. 007A sounds warmer, C32 sounds more realistic. Piano sounds veiled and anemic through the 007A in comparison to the C32. 13. "Extraordinary Machine", Fiona Apple - Extraordinary Machine: 007A sounds warmer. C32 has more grip on the instruments and sounds more spacious but less forgiving that 007A (would need to hear it through a better source to pass judgement on how C32 is forgiving of bad recordings). 14. "Chinar Es (You Are as Tall as a Plane Tree)", Tigran Hamasyan - Red Hail: 007A sounds more forgiving, I think you need to pair the C32 with a good source as it is less forgiving than 007A. Echos are more easily heard through the C32, the hall comparatively sounds dead through the 007A. 15. "Lies", Kaki King - Legs To Make Us Longer: the 007A sounds too warm in comparison to C32 and a bit grainy at the same time. The 007A sounds like it is has some peaks and valleys in its frequency response which make it sound unnatural compared to the C32. The C32 sounds much more realistic and natural with much more speed, faster transients. This is all for now. Needless to say I am excited about the release of the new Stax flagship although a bit concerned about pricing. Well, only thing there is left to do now is to start saving!!! arnaud