The Stax thread - Page 75  

I am pretty new to this ES stuff, but I need some advice. I have a KGSS (ZZZ unbalanced) and Stax 404s. I liked the setup enough that I recently bought the O2s (I know they supposedly have a different sound sig).

My KGSS sounds very good to me, but it is not balanced and the volume is set a bit low. I cant say I have ever needed more than what is there (usually 3-4:00 does it), but if I ever wanted more I would have to send it to someone to fix. In other words, this amp may be better off in the hands of someone who likes to tinker, or someone who doesn't have the immediate funds to suffer from upgraditis .

Anyway, my question is, does anyone think a headamp KGSS would be a worthwhile upgrade? Any other amps worth considering (Mcallister?) I know it is contingent on my own ears and so on, but my own ears don't know what they are or aren't missing- thus the question.

I realize I am getting ahead of myself as I don't even have the O2s yet, but I see the writing on the wall and want to begin researching my near future options (say under $2000).

Also- what is the rough lead time on a headamp KGSS?

Thanks for any input.

Perhaps you should look into getting a good dedicated source.

There's also the Rudistor Egmont. I think someone on this forum has one.

I have heard of Rudistor, but never really investigated it- thanks, I will check it out.


I think my computer setup is pretty decent. I don't have much DAC experience, but the presonus CS experts seem to think its a very good DAC. I was pondering a DAC upgrade, but according to those same reviews, it seems I have to spend 3 times as much to get a little better DAC.

I'll probably be returning the X-10 (or selling it here if anyone's interested). I find that while it improves the tonal balance of my system considerably, it is a step down in resolution from the Rega Planet 2000 istelf. I think this is more of a testament to how good the Rega really is rather than a knock on the X-10's quality. I also don't like what it does to the treble, as the system has become quite fatiguing over a long period of time. Some recordings are really mesmerizing on the 2000/X-10 combo, but bright, poorly produced recordings are very unpleasant sounding and really sibilant, when there is sibilance on the recording to begin with.

So, what's next for Cat in his journey to make the 404 sing?

Not an f-ing clue... well, no, there are some ideas. I need glass. Very lush, colorful, liquid sounding glass. The McAlister would do it, but I'll need to work out the bugs, and I'll take a crack at it first, then send it back to Peter if all else fails.

That leaves the likely culprits at:

SRM-006t
SRM-007t
Egmont electrostatic
Maybe a used Blue Hawaii, probably an older zzz build that hasn't blown up yet

I doubt I'll have much more than $1k to swing, so it will be tough. I could swing more probably, but I really don't want to dig a deeper hole in my wallet than there is already.

If you've heard any of the above with the Lambdas and the 404, what did you think? Which one would you say is warm, lush and liquid sounding?

The 404 sounds very nice out of a 006tMk1. I'd love to move up the Stax range, but money is a serious problem Us starving university students shouldn't spend so much on audio! I'm lucky enough not to have to pay for my university tuition fees (medical school will cost $208k, not to mention the $125k already paid for high school), so I feel guilty if I spend a lot on audio gear. That said, I can see a HeadAmp KGSS or Blue Hawaii coming within the next couple of years though It's probably to cheaper to get some DIY'er to build your amps for you though... Might not look as nice, but at least it's functional.

Don't forget the good 'ole KGSS. You can pick up a good used one for 1k and all the reviews I have read indicate it is preference thing when compared with the KGBH. I hope to build one early next year for my Sr-X(talk about overkill!).

I suppose another idea is to get a pro-bias transformer box and hook up to a nice, thick, gooey sounding vintage tube speaker amp, especially one that can swing enough volts to move a mountain. I wish prices on That Auction Site weren't through the roof on these things right now, nor demand so sky-high.

That reminds me, I managed to pick up a SRD-7 MK2 transformer box with both normal and pro bias outputs. I'll have to open it up sometime and see how it compares with the much more common normal bias SRD-7 and see if converting between them is easy enough. I guess I'd also have to fix the dead zener diode in my SRD-7 for more experimentation.

Heh, funnily I was gonna suggest that as it opens the floodgates in the amp world much more than dedicated 'stat amps. I'm heading that way myself. Strangly my 003s through a SRD-6 + Hafler MOSFET amp sounds really good despite throwing out a low bias. I want to get a SRD-7 Mk2 so I can do proper listening with amps. I'm eyeing up some nice tubers on Audiogon as we speak though I imagine my budget (and volt swing) is a bit more limited than yours.

Yes, the SRD-6 seems to be enough to drive the 003s quite well, I assume they don't need a lot of voltage to activate. The SRD-6 can't manage the Omega 2 though, it only makes little blip noises on the attack of notes.

So mirumu will you be able to try Omega 2 + SRD7pro/poweramp?

So, between the two of you is there any cool Stax gear you *don't* have?