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.

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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That was my logic when upgrading from SR-80s to the 007s. The K1000s still tempt me though...

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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This is SO true! I am listing to my O2/717 rig now.

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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Can't agree more. I've just converted to Stax recently.

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That was the eXStata which still isn't available just yet.

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f6/exs...diyers-447950/

Can a Lambda Pro or a 404 be run with an SRD-6 energizer?

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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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or pro bias transformers like srd7-pro or mkii

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Yes, but he already has the SRD6.

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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.

@OP - I feel your pain. Gotta cure myself of this stax fever