padam

The amp mod is now done and normal bias added in as well (thanks everyone for the contribution). It runs pretty hot for being quite big and solid-state, maybe I'll move the whole setup away from its current location. Well, shoot me and, but I think the Lambda Signatures actually sounded better in its stock NFB from, there was a bit of bass bloom, warmth and also sparkle to its midrange (but not peaky) that was actually quite pleasant. This is smooth but also thin and lean, not sure about the matching on this one. The SR-404s have improved, the bass is now more in control. If they were my own headphones I could potentially get used to them, but I don't think they are my cup of tea. Because... I just prefer the SR-Lambdas (what a surprise), they are just better balanced and the slight upper bass emphasis makes them fuller, but the 'unforced', yet very clear midrange is my favourite bit. Shame I couldn't try them unmodded, it may have been interesting. I feel they sound leaner and brighter than with the SRA3S. Those original Hitachi tubes just seem to have superb synergy with them, while the phones are able to provide plenty of 'magic' on their own, there was something particularly alluring with the midrange, which is not quite there here, it's just more 'plain'. I will say though that the SRA-3S wasn't as clear, spacious or detailed as the modded 727 (it's great to have the option of disabling the Alps pot and I also prefer balanced connection), so maybe it's a sound that will grow on me as time goes. I do remember that the old version KGSSHV sounded even brighter than this. Maybe a CCS modified SRM-T1(S) / SRM-007t with some nice tubes is able to sound more pleasant than this with the Lambdas while costing about the same or even less, but this is all just speculation based on one opinion at the other place. All I know is that the SR-007 Omega IIs (any variant) are definitely much better with the modded 727, overall it just a rather neat 'little' amp and at a good price point as long as one likes a more solid-state sound. Hopefully I can do a direct side-by-side with a stock demo unit to do this properly. It would be great just to really see how much difference is actually there, what differences I've ignored, and how much is just imagination.

Not yet, maybe next week. And there is not much point in running the Signature at normal bias, it won't sound very good, it is intended for the original SR-Lambda (I have three Lambdas right now) I meant that for my other dynamic amp, not the Stax amp. I will probably leave the gain as-is (for now), so that hopefully I will be able to do a direct A-B to a stock unit at the distributor to evaluate how much better it really is. As-is, it does a good job of taming down the etch in the Signature (not so much on the SR-404), it is just the lack of overall fullness, which is a bit of a shame, but it does its magic with symphonic music.

The more I listen to it, the more it reminds me of those movie scenes where everything is there, nice and tidy and looks good etc., and yet there is a suggestion that something is not quite right. That's how I can sort of describe this "semi-bland, semi-dynamic" sound. Sometimes I think it works quite ok actually, I prefer to preserve my hearing and keeping things at lower volumes (the bloom/lack of control becomes more apparent, when pushing it more) I already have some experience from a few years back, through a local friend, I had the pleasure of testing with a set of 009s it for a week or so, that seemed like a bit better match, but the mod still improved it. After the mod, it just gains back it solid-state-ness, more grip on the sound. It sounds very very similar to a 717 - slightly clearer, less diffused stage and a bit less bass bloom - and that was described as not far off the T8000 (by KG). Just wanted to know if there is any (theoretical) sonic benefit to raising the gain and feeding more voltage from the source side, that's all, with the feedback reinstated, the stability problems should be absent. I also have a dynamic amp (a CEC HD53N) with a gain switch and it certainly sounds a bit different when switching those modes and changing the input level, I think I like it with low gain and with 4V RMS input which is the maximum recommended one for XLR input and adjusting the rest on the amp. But with the Stax amps it always seems best when the attenuator is bypassed. Probably best to leave that gain as-is, the adjustment remains easier. Yes, although so far in my world every Lambda lived as a shadow under the original, except the latest ones, which I haven't heard yet. That's my assessment anyway. I prefer the bass quantity of the SR-404s but they lack the smoother, more musical voicing of the Lambda Signature (it is more like 'rough and ready'). The trouble with the latter is still the same - it just tilted a bit too much on the lightweight/bright side for me and the mids are close, but yet not quite there. So back again where I've started a few times already. That is, the NB Lambdas just seem to hit the nail on its head. And they weren't even designed to be like that, just a tamed down derivative of the NB Sigmas that accidentally managed to sound really good and less 'Lambda-like' in some aspects. Unfortunately, a recent factory visit article confirmed what was already known anyway, while they do acclaim older models, but they are not looking backwards (meanwhile, Leica makes a shitload of money re-making old lenses) The thought of the HE60 popped into my head many times, but I think besides the construction I would have similar 'too bloody bright' complaints to the Siggy, but this one I may seek into after all. So I think I will have to have the "full Arthrimus" mod done as well. And of course after all this hassle comes the point, when I realize that all this is nothing else, but a gateway drug to a world of DIY designs...

They should have priced it higher. As-is, not sure if it can redefine the landscape, if there are other products like it. As a more grown-up version of the Jr., maybe it will be the called the Graduate.

Well, I just received mine, it is the last version as well. I think with the Lambda Signature there is nothing that strikes out as particularly bad about it in stock form (it seems somewhat less synergistic with the SR-404, where it gives more of an impression of being rolled off, as Tyll wrote in his shootout). Although the more I listen to it, the more that "half blandness" starts to stand out. And it doesn't quite have the mid sweetness of the hybrid variants either, so I can see why people dislike it, it is neither this nor that. If I use it in bypass mode with XLR input anyway, is there any benefit or adding in the extra gain as well besides the feedback mod? In theory is it better to feed it more input level or less? Or it doesn't really matter?

Probably almost as painful as Ultrasone

I mainly watch EU prices and right now you can get it brand new for 1500 Euros and I see a used pair for sale for 1400 Euros. The confusing thing is always the version, since the earlier SZ3 is supposed to be the not so great one, therefore less desirable but that doesn't necessarily mean that you can't sell it for a similar price as other SR-007 versions. So I would probably price it around 1600$ and see what happens and maybe adjust it accordingly.

You can check this thread at the other place If that actually tells us anything, the hybrid / all-tube DIY electrostatic amps seem to change hands a lot less (and quicker) than the solid-state ones.

Sounds the same as before? (Those SRE-950S extension cables aren't that cheap)

It was a racing incident imho (just like that Webber-Vettel a few years earlier). I agree with him If we look back at the glory days, the great champions would have defended similarly vigorously (if not even more). But with the massive technical changes, the speed differences are magnified. A very entertaining race, but without all of these incidents, it would be pretty boring to be honest (and it could be on other circuits). The tyre regulations, DRS, halo graphics, etc. are all there to mask a bigger problem. The most surprising thing for me was Raikonnen crossing the line ahead of his teammate.

Did you just leak the new upgraded stator? Liking the size and the gold plated asymmetrical design

Btw, it is somewhat similar with Japanese sites where it is listed mostly at 497k yen but in a few other places it is 447k yen, that seems more in line with a modest increase over the SR-009 originals' 325k yen street price (why I can't just use the grammatically correct word SR-009s...silly naming) . And I don't believe that they will say "sorry, we found out it is 10% more", it may just be the rest getting a few extra markups on that. I saw it with the SR-L300 Limited as well, it was listed at a lower price (I guess underestimated demand) then it got raised back soon, but that's understandable, it is a limited edition after all. I am also confused by the site with the original leaks (and then it suddenly got removed, then back again...), the price seems decent for being inside the EU, "normal" dealers will probably list it around 5000 Euros. But if it turns out to be legit, at least I might be able to use it as a shrewd negotiating tool with the local dealer... It would actually be the first 100$+ headphone that I wouldn't buy second-hand. https://audioconcept.se/product/stax-sr-009s/ They say the UK price is going to hover around 4000 pounds.

Why is it 400$ more than with Woo Audio? (D10 is the same) I see no reason to rush it and buy one now, unless the price can be even better than that.

Will there be When there will be a HC group buy?

There were also some minor revisions to the SR-009 but it is unclear if these have any effect on this issues. Do what works for you, what you hear as better, don't sweat it. Sometimes I turn it on for a few hours, sometimes for a day. Sometimes I think I hear a difference, sometimes I don't. Again, same with the higher grade amp. Is it going to sound even better? Probably. Is it too much of a price to pay considering the improvements you get? Possibly. Can you invest in something else instead, like an SR-007 Mk2 SR-009 S (X Y Z) or something and upgrade the amp later on when it might be more noticeable? Absolutely.

The HF thread dedicated to the problem seems very quiet at the moment. But that doesn't mean it can't still just happen. About a month ago I still saw a SR-009 on auction in Japan with failed drivers sold 'as-is'... I think it went for 150,000 yen in the end. And according to the seller, the repair cost was quoted at 60,000 yen, not sure how accurate that is, seems lower than I expected for a new pair of matched drivers.

Basically, it is a smoother, more relaxed sound compared to the SR-009, which will remain available for those who prefer its more aggressive character. It concentrated more on the technical side, we need to wait a little for more impressions. They also mention (once again, they did before) that if the transducer fails when an aftermarket amplifier is used that can overdrive it (in their opinion), they won't repair it under warranty. I would have been much happier to get transparent information about what made some SR-009 fail in the first place (and afaik some didn't needed driver replacement to fix it), I doubt it was the amp used...

As I wrote I didn't write more marketing. I just wrote it can be done better and not necessarily to sell more SR-009S but to put them on the map more firmly as a brand. And it if generated a waiting list extending for a few months, that's not a bad thing for them either, no need to raise prices (but they need to give some discount if the stocks get filled up). But again, this is just my opinion and I could be wrong. First impression article in Japanese is up: https://av.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/topic/1117613.html

It's not how much marketing you do, it is how you do it (and for the whole brand, not just one product) so no, it wouldn't change the price. Like mentioned just now, a proper English press release wouldn't hurt either. And their attitude, for instance removing the transformer windings from their amps (but not doing it on the T8000) is just showing us the finger basically. There will be some changes probably, just very slow and gradual.

Although I can only speak from e-mail exchanges, I can also tell that Japanese people are every interesting. They have some weird principles (in my perception) that they are sticking to wholeheartedly. I don't understand them and they probably don't understand me. I also have a lot of respect for them with certain things. There is a lot to learn from each other, it is just not possible to go through these virtual barriers with using only these types of communications, which is a shame. Imho one thing is for sure, they could be a Lot smarter with marketing a product like this, and the new ownership hasn't seem to change that. And no, it almost wouldn't need anything in terms of extra cost in today's world. But if the product is really good, then it will sell itself well anyway (thanks for forums like these).

I wonder if the plan was to have it like this from the start of the C32 project, only it was not as cost-effective / more troublesome at that time. Or they always wanted to go ahead like this, do it in two stages. Toyota did the opposite with their supercar (LF-A) First, they wanted to use aluminum for they body, then they scraped that (too heavy), started all over again again using carbon fiber. But at least some of that aluminum development probably found its way to their newer, cheaper sportscar (LC 500) The naming implies that it won't be night and day different, but we'll see. Sometimes that little extra bit makes all the difference (that's what she said)

Stax Japan has tweeted that 'something' is coming next week, that's when it will be 'officially official' and it will be presented at the Fujiya Avic headphone festival.

Sound element with new fixed electrodes If the fixed electrode becomes infinitely thinner, the air resistance will be decreased and the permeability of sound waves will be improved. On the other hand, thinner electrodes are poor in rigidity and suffer from vibrations of their own and the sound becomes muddy. The SR-009S evolved further the electrode established in the SR-009 as the integration of present technology. The edges of electrode hole were smoothened through after-etching processing to reduce air resistance, and the permeability of sound has been much more improved. Moreover, gold plating processing with large specific gravity further decreased the electrode vibration. Finally, the sound clarity has been achieved by reducing the resistance of electrode itself. Chassis Tough solid aluminum chassis employed secures firmly the sound element, contributing to improve the clearness of sound. Furthermore, the case thickness has been reduced to the limit, making the flow of condensation- and-rarefaction air wave from the sound element more smooth. Resolution Intensity has been increased by giving roundness to the “guard mesh” of sound element, which lowered the influence of reflection and improved the resolution of sound.

https://audioconcept.se/?s=sr-009&post_type=product&type_aws=true&id=1&filter=1 Here it is priced 4200 Eur / 5200 USD while the SR-009 is at 3700 Eur / 4600 USD