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STAX Upgradeitis - help!!!

post #1 of 46
10/5/09 at 10:50pm
Thread Starter 
Joined Head-Fi one year ago - and here I am over $2000 poorer, been through an array of cans, got me a good source and listen to nothing but flac/wav now.
I got my first set of Stax last month - the bottom line (but spectacular sounding) SR-5 / SRD-6. Running them through an older Technics SA-410 receiver and my Cambridge DacMagic. My wallet (empty as it is) is crying for more punishment. I want to step up the Stax line, but keep my costs between $250 to $500 if possible. I have heard high recommendations for the Lambda line, especially the Pro or Signature series. I don't know how different the 202 / 303 / 404 models are. And probably more importantly, which models require a special Stax amp, and which models can be used with simply an energizer like my SRD-6. Surely if i can match a relatively high end pair with my energizer alone (or even step up my energizer to a better model), then i can allocate my budget towards headphones alone and hopefully be more or less satisfied. Or should I be looking for a headphone/amp combination? Soooo - what avenues do I have in my quest for more Stax? Help - please.
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post #2 of 46
10/5/09 at 11:01pm
Buy an SRM-717 or a used KGSS (if you can find one) and a used Omega 2 Mk.1


You won't need any other headphones. Ever.




You might need a bigger amp, but thats a long ways down the line.

Buggers to the cost. It''ll save you thousands in the long run.

Sell that HF-2 and the ESW-10 and you're already a healthy slice toward the O2.
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post #3 of 46
10/5/09 at 11:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Duggeh View Post
You won't need any other headphones. Ever... It''ll save you thousands in the long run.
That was my logic when upgrading from SR-80s to the 007s. The K1000s still tempt me though...
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post #4 of 46
10/6/09 at 12:08am
Thread Starter 
Sorry - but not ready to give up my HF-2s nor portable ESW10s.
Really would like some feedback on Lambda series and energizer vs amp differences and choices.
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post #5 of 46
10/6/09 at 10:13am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Duggeh View Post
Buy an SRM-717 or a used KGSS (if you can find one) and a used Omega 2 Mk.1


You won't need any other headphones. Ever.
This is SO true! I am listing to my O2/717 rig now.
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post #6 of 46
10/6/09 at 10:20am
I had a chance to listen to the Lambda Signatures this last weekend at the RMAF CanJam back to back against a pair of O2's and I was BLOWN away. I would not give up my O2's but now want a pair of Signatures and kick myself for not buying the mint $250 pair offered to me when I bought my 717 but I had no idea what they were. Based on what I heard, I can't imagine there is a better affordable STAX and they appeared 100% stock (foam and all).

For an amp,buy the best you can afford. The pair I listened to was running of a DIY amp that was around $350 if memory serves and was equally good. If you are curious, HeadphoneAddict would know what the combo was as he introduced me to it.
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post #7 of 46
10/6/09 at 10:31am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dinan View Post
This is SO true! I am listing to my O2/717 rig now.
Can't agree more. I've just converted to Stax recently.
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post #8 of 46
10/6/09 at 11:23am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Duggeh View Post
Buy an SRM-717 or a used KGSS (if you can find one) and a used Omega 2 Mk.1


You won't need any other headphones. Ever.
.
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post #9 of 46
10/6/09 at 12:04pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dinan View Post
The pair I listened to was running of a DIY amp that was around $350 if memory serves and was equally good. If you are curious, HeadphoneAddict would know what the combo was as he introduced me to it.
That was the eXStata which still isn't available just yet.

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f6/exs...diyers-447950/
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post #10 of 46
10/7/09 at 3:01am
Thread Starter 
Can a Lambda Pro or a 404 be run with an SRD-6 energizer?
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post #11 of 46
10/7/09 at 3:20am
Quote:
Originally Posted by charliex View Post
Can a Lambda Pro or a 404 be run with an SRD-6 energizer?
No, because the SRD-6 only has a normal bias output while the Lambda Pro and 404 requires a Pro bias jack.

What you should be looking for are the vintage Lambdas such as the SR-Lambda.
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post #12 of 46
10/7/09 at 3:44am
Quote:
Originally Posted by moonboy403 View Post
No, because the SRD-6 only has a normal bias output while the Lambda Pro and 404 requires a Pro bias jack.

What you should be looking for are the vintage Lambdas such as the SR-Lambda.
or pro bias transformers like srd7-pro or mkii
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post #13 of 46
10/7/09 at 4:02am
Quote:
Originally Posted by XXII View Post
or pro bias transformers like srd7-pro or mkii
Yes, but he already has the SRD6.
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post #14 of 46
10/7/09 at 4:10am
Quote:
Originally Posted by moonboy403 View Post
Yes, but he already has the SRD6.
Well, in terms of upgrade paths, the srd-6 is kind of a dead end. You might as well get a pro bias transformer which can be used all the way up to the O2.

Of course, I'm biased since I have a SRD-7 pro for sale on the FS forums.

Edit: For the record, the SR-404 and lambda pro and other pro bias headphones CAN be used with a normal bias transformer but probably wouldn't sound very good.
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post #15 of 46
10/7/09 at 6:02am
@OP - I feel your pain. Gotta cure myself of this stax fever
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