The Stax thread (New) - Page 757

Originally Posted by gilency

sorry. it was intended as a joke. poor sense of humor in my part. I apologize.

Originally Posted by fraseyboy

My post wasn't really supposed to be in a negative tone if that's what you're referring to. I don't mind getting offers. It reminds me of how valuable the SRD-7/MK2 is

Originally Posted by gilency

It is not the appropriate thread to buy or sell, but you are right, there is interest in those 'old boxes'. I am surprised however, nobody has manufactured something similar, and even more surprised not a lot of aftermarket electrostatic amplifiers are available. Granted, is a niche market, but still..... there are some people out there who would buy them. At least Woo Audio has them....

Originally Posted by edstrelow

Agree with this. Also something I don't see discussed much and that is that in my experience most Stax/Koss electrostatic phones need a day or 2 od use to show their full capability.

Eg. I run a Stax SRM1Mk2 amp at my office with either the Lambda Signature or Sigma Pro. After a week or so of listening to the Signature the Sigma seemed to lack some capability from what I remembered the last time I listened even though they had been warmed up a bit. However I left them plugged in, but not on, over night and the next day warmed them up for about an hour before listening and they showed a notable gain, especially in the bass. Listening to a local jazz group I had felt that the double bass was missing on day one but much more pronounced on day 2.

This is not an amp issue since the amp is used every day. I think there rae charge-up issue with stats, that they can develope residual charges when left around. I once worked with a technician who actually measured this type of "electret effect" as he called it on a slightly different type of electrostatic transducer. He was making them by hand and puzzled at the variability in measured performance.

As far as I can tell though the problem is solved by regular use and, I personally think, by leaving the phones pluged in when not in use. Alternatively I think you need to dsicharge them say by touching the pins when you take the phones out of the amp.

Originally Posted by Johnnie

I leave my Stax plugged in when not in use. If anything, it's just easier that way. Definitely agree that if you let the amp warm up with the Stax plugged in, it makes a huge difference. I forgot to turn my GES off earlier today, but was glad I didn't when I decided to listen to them later tonight. Having been left on for several hours, I was amazed at how good they sounded, particularly listening to New Order, not known to be an audiophile recording. Still, the imaging was incredible and I heard details on the CD I never noticed before.

Originally Posted by HeadphoneAddict

Johnnie - are you coming to the Colorado head-fi meet on 7/25 in Denver?

See my signature line at the bottom of my post for the link to the thread about it, and post there if you can come and what gear you want to bring.

On topic, I have a GES too and the sound responds very well to an upgraded matched quad of 12AX7 tubes. You should look for some Telefunken smooth plates, or early 60's GE, or even some cryo treated new re-issue Mullards (all between $100-150 for a quad). I am currently using some early 60's GE "Wurlitzer" 12AX7. Those are all much better than the stock EH 12AX7 or NOS 12BZ7 that Woo carries.

Originally Posted by Lil' Knight

I may let my 717 go, but only when I can find a KGSS

BTW, welcome back to the 007, Victor!

Originally Posted by audiod

I did a big comparison (search this forum) between the 717, 007t and KGSS. I ended up selling the KGSS and keeping the 717 and 007t. I like the 717 for the O2 and O2mk2 and the 007t with all my other Stax phones.