astrostar59

Change of subject. It might be a dumb question, but I had an SR-007 MK2 Black UK import and the serial number was SZ3-1074. That pair was second hand so about a 2012 model. I just got a new pair of 007A's from PJ today, and the serial is SZ2-2140. I know these are the silver Japanese version, but confused, are the SZ3 units to WW exports numbered different to the Japanese units? Seems odd I have a series 2 MK2 unit as new. The box is faultless, the case plastic sealed, the cables plastic sealed. It all looks brand new. No way my outer box is 3 years old, it would be yellowed and aged it stored that long, it is pure white and glossy with the serial on the box outer as well and the phones. Next question, these 007s sound really damb good. I have the 009s in my other setup, but these sound to my memory a bit clearer and faster than the Black 007s I had before with the same source and 717 amp. Has Stax altered the drivers in the last few years (in the Mk2s). I know the Mk1s are very different. Sorry 2 questions. Any insight would be great.

I think you are asking for a reference of the SQ level to a Stax 727 or 007t? I have the 009s and still have my Stax 717 which sounds better (slightly) than the 727. If my KGSShv was 10, I would say the 717 is around 7 at most. The difference isn't subtle. Across the board better.

Sorry, I meant switch it over to ohms mode. I hope you manage to get it working.

Can you check for shorts with a volt meter?

I have the Stax 717. The volume pot bypass switch makes the 717 act like a power amplifier i.e. the output level is determined by the input signal from your source. Before setting the switch you MUST ensure you have a source that has a volume level control be it a PC output or a pre-amplifier. The input to the 717 should not exceed around 2 volts. If you try it and you have correct level listening at about 12 o'clock it is fine. The bypass does improve the SQ as it misses out the losses in the pot.

I just remembered, I sent a guy I know in the UK over to you to buy one of your KGSShv's. I want to promote the DIY community, not wind folk up, and I have bought DIY stat gear and been on these forums a while. Pity I seem to get attacked (rather unfairly). I think I also offered to help you on your website for free, though you were covered anyway on that. I love this hobby, but don't understand the politics, maybe I will just bail.

Sorry Spritzer, I didn't mean to offend. I read a post on head-fi and wanted to see if it existed anywhere in posts?: The mod n3rdling referenced was a mod Kevin Gilmore came up with. He himself has indicated it essentially turns the 727 into a lower powered KGSSHV.

A question for Kevin or Spritzer I read there was an extensive mod to the 727 that included boards out and transistor swops, and was set out by Kevin. Have you a link to the post please, I can't find it. Did it succeed in bringing the 727 close to a KGSShv i.e. a big jump in sound quality, or was it just bringing it closer to the older 717? Thanks in advance guys, I know you are busy on multiple projects!

Bit off topic, but here goes. I have a DAC with single stereo XLR and single stereo RCA outs to feed my KGSShv. The problem is I also use this same DAC to feed my speaker amp inc a sub. So, (might be a dumb question) will my DAC see a bigger load as all 3 items being 50K input impedance, or will it not affect it so much? I would have either my KGSShv switched on, or my power amp, not both at the same time. My KGSShv doesn't have 2 x pairs of RCA to do the usual in - out loop through in in many Stax amps. Any ideas on the best way to do this? I could retro fit a loop though set of RCA on the KGSShv, or fit an Elna selector switch on the DAC as there is room in the case and then select the output RCA set. I would rather have them all connected at once, no switch at all, but not if it affects the sonics.

Let me know if I can help Birgir. I hosts quite a few WordPress sites. Call it FOC if you need help. I think it is good to help in the cause if I can.

Thanks Kevin, that is great to know.

ON-BOARD or OFF-BOARD? He guys. I am not a tech, so bear with me. Is the design philosophy of the on-board and off-board the same? I am thinking (in physical terms) the off-board design should be able to shift more heat, which may allow more amps on the grid? If this is true, does this in turn mean an off-board could sound better as it 'can/could' have more dynamics, more effective head room. My other theory, was, can one KGSShv sound better than another depending on parts qualities? I have some 300B monoblocks, and they are at level 3, the level 5 versions have better transformers, and do sound nicer, sweater. If all this is true or possible, it would be really interesting to build an ultimate KGSShv with no holes barred parts, where the design can be taken to the max. Has such an amp ever been built? Fascinating subject. To my tiny exposure to the KGSShv it has really impressed me as being a classic amp design that will around for years to come. it is also fantastic that it is available to the DIY community, as some like to build for themselves, but it also allows those on a tight budget (me) to get a taste of the high end.

Anyone tried these: http://www.acoustic-dimension.com/attenuators/attenuators-main.htm

Are SumR ok transformers. I read some posts with failures? I am not speaking from my own experience, only posts I have read from other KGSShv users.

You thought about going for a KGST? Or this: Main: Megahertz Audio Guerra. The BHSE is great, I have heard it a few times with my 009s.

At the risk of being lined up against a wall.... do Power Conditioners work for anyone in a typical high end headphone setup? I have a (small) amount of low level periodic but irritating static going on in my amp, and was wondering if these power line devises actually work. I live in a city and no doubt the mains is as dirty as hell! If anyone could recommend an affordable unit for 220-240v. Or tell me I am an idiot, Either is fine.

Thanks Kevin, I am at 102.5% so ok then - great. BTW I love the KGSShv, it seems a perfect match with my 009s.

Another subject line but still KGSShv. Is it ok for the 580v bias to be around 594v? I don't want to blow my 009s. If this is not good, can it be lowered to 580v easily? Thanks in advance guys.

Birgir, I like it a lot! The new cases are top notch. How did you manage to get the (hot) KGSShv into such a small Stax sized case. Remarkable. Good luck with the new amps, and if I can help you with any web pages. I could help you get a Wordpress site up that you can put your photos and specs up on if it will help your cause.