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Noob Stax research - Page 6

post #76 of 148
10/9/08 at 9:50pm
That seems like a nice combo to start with. However there are already 6 bids on it and there is 5 days left to go. So good luck.
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post #77 of 148
10/10/08 at 1:41am
Quote:
Originally Posted by oofie810 View Post
Sorry for the noob question, but is the output of the SRD-7 pro or normal bias? I'll be keeping an eye on ebay for a good vintage starter set and I don't want to buy something that I might regret because I didnt ask the right questions.

EDIT: So after looking at pictures, looks like the SRD-7 has normal bias output, right? So does that mean I can't use the newer earspeakers like the sr-202?
There are a few different versions of the SRD-7 -- some with only normal, some with only pro, and one with one normal AND one pro. Kind of tough to tell without good pictures or a knowledgeable seller.

The SRM1-Mk2 has both normal and pro bias, though, and there is one for sale on the FS right now. All of the newer earspekaers are pro bias only, though, you're right about that.

Of course, I'd pit any of the newer models against my normal bias lambdas any day...
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post #78 of 148
10/10/08 at 8:34am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sherwood View Post
There are a few different versions of the SRD-7 -- some with only normal, some with only pro, and one with one normal AND one pro. Kind of tough to tell without good pictures or a knowledgeable seller.

The SRM1-Mk2 has both normal and pro bias, though, and there is one for sale on the FS right now. All of the newer earspekaers are pro bias only, though, you're right about that.

Of course, I'd pit any of the newer models against my normal bias lambdas any day...
yeah, after reading more, I saw some SRD-7 mkII with the pro and normal bias while the SRD-7 only has normal bias output. I wish I had the money for the SRM1 on the FS section also, but it did sell just last night. Anyway, I hope I can grab a good amp (SRD-7, SRD-5 or even an srm 212) so I can start my inexpensive stax rig.
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post #79 of 148
10/10/08 at 11:43am
Oofie, I started my journey (like three months ago, lol) with a normal bias transformer and a set of normal bias lambdas. I'd have to double the money I spent (around $350) to better that combination with something pro bias. The new Stax are not the best Stax, nor are they the least expensive.
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post #80 of 148
10/10/08 at 12:00pm
Sherwood, are you recomending that I go straight to something wit a pro bias output?


Quote:
Originally Posted by Sherwood View Post
Oofie, I started my journey (like three months ago, lol) with a normal bias transformer and a set of normal bias lambdas. I'd have to double the money I spent (around $350) to better that combination with something pro bias. The new Stax are not the best Stax, nor are they the least expensive.
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post #81 of 148
10/10/08 at 12:15pm
Quite the opposite. If you're trying to meet a budget below $400, I think going normal bias is the best way. The diversity of headphones in normal bias is comparable to that in pro bias, they're just all cheaper. The very best electrostatic headphones, however, are all pro. I eventually bought an amp that did pro and normal bias, but the old normal bias transformers can often be had for uner $30 so you're not losing much if you decide to go pro after having gone normal.

The only reasons to start with pro bias are if you only want to buy current production gear, or if you intend to use the Omega II, Koss ESP950, or Sennheiser HE60/90.
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post #82 of 148
10/10/08 at 12:37pm
^ok, I get it now. I think the only problem for me with going to a normal bias is that headphones are a bit harder to come by, even on ebay. It's a problem for me because I'm really impatient.
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post #83 of 148
10/10/08 at 12:51pm
Impatient, eh? Then you're in luck.
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post #84 of 148
10/10/08 at 1:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by oofie810 View Post
I've been intrigued by this and would really want to audition some Stax equipment. Anyone know where I can find some in the San Diego area?
Any of these somewhat close?

California Authorized STAX Dealers

Optimal Enchantment
522 Santa Monica Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310-393-4434

Katli Audio
13908 Ravenwood
Chino Hills, CA 91709
909-627-3869 By Appointment Only


Quote:
Originally Posted by Sherwood View Post
A pair of HE60 just went for $950 on ebay to Wavoman. Pads were all beat to hell, but that's an easy fix.
Quite nice price.
Considering that the HE60 seems to sell for $1500-2000 these days.

Quote:
Originally Posted by oofie810 View Post
Sorry for the noob question, but is the output of the SRD-7 pro or normal bias? I'll be keeping an eye on ebay for a good vintage starter set and I don't want to buy something that I might regret because I didnt ask the right questions.

EDIT: So after looking at pictures, looks like the SRD-7 has normal bias output, right? So does that mean I can't use the newer earspeakers like the sr-202?
Quite simple:
SRD-7 => Normal bias
SRD-7 Pro => Pro bias
SRD-7 MK2 => Pro and Normal bias

Pro bias headphones will run on Normal bias energizers/amplifiers, but will not run optimal. Normal bias headphones will not run on Pro bias energizers/amplifiers.
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post #85 of 148
10/10/08 at 1:17pm
Sherwood, I actually emailed him for his srd-5 this morning, still waiting for a reply.

Krmathis, those two places are about an hour and a half drive. I wish they were closer. With gas prices still a bit high here, i might just spend gas money on an inexpensive energizer.

Some more questions. Is therd a difference in SQ between pro and normal bias? I might try to get the SR-lambda and the SRD-5 if they're not 'inferior' to a pro setup.
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post #86 of 148
10/10/08 at 2:09pm
Other than the fact that many of the best available headphones take pro bias, or something near it, there is little sound quality difference between pro and normal.

I definitely prefer the SR-Lambda normal bias to the SR-Lambda pro bias, as do many who have heard both. I'd be on the lookout for those, and also the SR-5NB.
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post #87 of 148
10/13/08 at 2:40am
Thread Starter 
what is the difference between SR-Lambda normal bias or the lambda signature?

are sr-sigma models superior to the lambdas? how are they different?
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post #88 of 148
10/13/08 at 4:28am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Keithpgdrb View Post
what is the difference between SR-Lambda normal bias or the lambda signature?
Differences:
* Bias voltage.
* Diaphragm thickness.
* Sound.
* Color.
* Going price.
* Age.
* ...
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post #89 of 148
10/13/08 at 4:42am
The Sigma line was the TOTL Stax model for 15 years but not like the Omega line as they were more about a different point of view and had a higher price due to the more elaborate chassis. The throw a huge soundstage but placing the drivers so far away from the ears means they gobble up power like the Omegas and you loose bass and treble extension.

The Lambda line was born out of the Sigma research and the main agenda was to make a headphone that sounded like the SR-X Mk3 yet had more bass and treble extension with a more natural soundstage.
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post #90 of 148
10/13/08 at 12:29pm
The sigmas are also anxiously fighting for the crown of "most ridiculous looking headphones ever" with the Jecklin Float. Not that anyone really cares about that at this point.

You will certainly, certainly find more "air" with the Sigmas, but it is at the expense of realistic soundstage, treble and bass extension, and respect of your peers.
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