Hi guys,

I know you are waiting for my post about the comparison between the two best cans in the world, yes this is what I think about the R10 and the Omega II. (The only one headphone I do not know is the Orpheus, I admit).

I’m not ready to tell you a complete review about negative and positive aspects of the two queens, but just for you know, these two headphones have something identical, that surprised me a lot, but was a very good impression that confirmed to me the highest quality of the two systems. The timbre and the tonal aspect of the R10 and he Omega are identical. Wait, I try to explain myself: if you consider the timbre of an instrument or a voice, you can notice that, even with the different presentation of the sound, are both correct, I could say perfect. I never experienced an identical timbre in two cans like these two, specially between two so different headphones, and this means that the R10 and the Stax Omega II have a perfect timbre. No different between a violin or a piano in the timbre of these instruments.

The two cans have a different presentation of sound, the R10 is more “analogical” and lush, warmth, giving to the listener intimacy and soul. The Omega is more “digital” not saying with this word a negative aspect but a most precise sound in details and “pizzicato” modality. The R10 (as a closed cans) is more “dark” than the incredible openness of the Stax… I’m remembering the AKG K1000 that for his open sound has the first place between headphones, the Stax Omega is very near to the open sound of the AKG, but a much better quality of sound specially in purity and transparent. Guys, remember that I’m comparing two different kind of headphones (dynamic and electrostatic) and more, the first with a totally tube amp and the second with a solid state amp, so the most different system we can imagine.

It’s impossible to tell what is the best of the two, for the moment. The Stax appears more neutral than the R10 that adds a bit of colour (compared to the Stax) to the sound, giving a delicacy and interpreting music like a musician can to do with his instrument. The Stax NO, she say just this: I want to revel you just what you have insert in your player, nothing less, nothing more! Well, if you consider that my source is a fantastic Linn CD 12 you can imagine what the Stax can reproduce to my ears… in this aspect I have the impression that I’m listening now a little quality more coming from the player. The R10 add to the support his own contribute, his fantastic contribute and even the Angstrom amp do his work in this sense.

The R10 with the Angstrom partner gives all the quality she can, I think that for the Stax could be necessary a better partner and for this reason I’m now waiting for the SRM 700t just to see if the Stax goes in the R10 direction. The R10 with all the solid state amps I had is not better than the Angstrom, probably the Omega needs a tube amp to explain totally his quality. I'm learning a lot of things listening these two systems... is like the two cans help each others to find the best possible reproduction of music...

This is sure, I had a lot of Staxes cans in the past (Lambda, Sigma, …) but the Omega is totally another thing! Great electrostatic headphone!

Another consideration is the cost of the two systems… you “must” spend a lot of money to do a same level class amp for the R10, the Stax comes with his driver, and you have no problems in this sense. The Stax system costs 15 time less than the R10/Angstrom. (!!!???).

Friends I need more time to tell you if there is a first place for one of the two queens. I'm testing the two cans without any prejudice and preferences for one of the two systems.

See you soon!

Nicola

Great first impressions Nik.

Hmm, it looks like we have potential for yet another Stax convert. Perhaps you didn't have to go and spend a million on that super-system of your. Then again, if you hadn't done that, we wouldn't have this review would we

Hi Nik,
Keep us posted.

Mark

Yes, please do keep us abreast of your latest opinions on the matter...

hey NIK!

get zzz to build you a blue hawaii (hybrid tube/solid state)

it's supposed to be the mother of all electrostatic amps, and he could throw unreasonably expensive part into it (if you desire), so you can have a custom amp w/ a similar price tag as your angstrom for your omega IIs. He could also include a jack for sennheiser's electrostatic offering (the orpheus amp isn't supposed to be all that great).

you'd definately be headphone king with that collection.

Great first impression. Looking forward to the rest.

Good luck dealing with the power outage.

Interesting review... thanks, Nik!

I guess I have to do some serious Omega-II audition again. The first one was at a hi-fi show with less than optimal electronics (especially as to the source). The R10 is out of my reach though.

People have stated here that the Blue Hawaii sounds a way better, with the Omegas, than the Stax drivers, if you have spent that much looking for the Nirvana in sound, why not commision to make the best Blue Hawaii in the world, and this way you will have the wo best systems in the world, in your shoes and with your money, I will go this way for sure...BTW it will cost you far less than the Angstrom....

You get my thoughts in the direction of buying an Omega. This is one of the indications I have seen that the Omega is big step up in performance. An that is seductive! After all, a new Omega headphone only costs a little more than a used HP-1.

Anders: Don't forget that the Omega 2s require a new amp from what you have (at least listed in your profile). A KGSS will likely run you about $600-800 in parts (I know because I'm building one). A KGSS/Blue Hawaii will likely run you $1300 in parts.

Of course, I personally feel the HP-1s need a dedicated amp like the Maestrobator to sound at their best so it might be a moot point but at least you can listen to them initially without having to buy/build another amp.

I have Omega 2s on order and I'm currently building a KGSS (hopefully the transformer will make it here before the headphones do).

I also have HP-1s and a recently finished Maestrobator.

I'm looking forward to doing comparisons between those. It's not Nik's R10/Angstrom but I'm not as rich as Nik.

Personally, I'm not expecting either to really "win". Dynamics do some things better than Electrostats and Electrostats do some things better than Dynamics. I'm glad that I'll have both.

I'm glad you like the Omega's. They are truly something special. Now you have to have Angstrom make a hybrid for you...

wait, did Nik say he might be prefering the stax over the R10's? because someone suggested that Nik is another on the list of converts. i'm just wondering because i didn't see any evidence of this???

based on all of Niks impressions, i'd have to say that if i were to pick one of the two systems he has (stax or R10 combo), i would pick the R10 because of its warmth and ability to be more musical. oh yeah can i dream...and i hope i will tonight

Wilson, nice that at least someone reads my profile. I have complemented it with my old Stax SR84 electret system that I not use.
The reason that I only referred to the price of the headphone (earspeaker) is that you need a similarly priced amplifier as the Stax amps to make justice to the best dynamic headphones also. I considered a Grado RS-1 but it seems that the HP-1 is a better choice for a real step up. Then the step is not long to the Omega and the Signature headphone is a real cheapie!
Ironically, I have just upgraded my CDP and headphone amplifier and are now looking for good headphones. It might end up with both HP-1 and Stax.

Nik
I would like to hear your thoughts between the 717 and 007t once you get
It. I am having good results with the 007t amp with the stax as well as the senn
electrostatics.
I never heard the 717, But will have the gillmore amps at the upcomming NY meet if everything comes into placeon Time.

Anders: I agree that most dynamics need a decent amp and the HP-1s are definitely no exception. All said and done, I probably spent $1500 on my Maestrobator but it was fun doing the mods so it was worth the money. Sounds really good too.

I auditioned the Stax 4040 Signature system and I didn't like it that much. It was bright and I tried everything to tame it (several CDPs and cables). Bass was a bit anemic. It could have been the 006t amp that comes with it. I didn't have access to any other amp at the time. When I was able to get some of the brightness down, everything then sounded distant.

I found the Stax less emotionally involving than I do the HP-1s (or any dynamic headphone for that matter). The Stax appealed to my intellectual side rather than my emotional side. I found the Stax to be great for some kinds of music but it couldn't handle a good portion of my musical tastes.

I did get a chance to listen to the Omega IIs for a short period at our last meet and my initial impressions were that I liked it a lot more than the 4040 system. It was hooked up to a Cary 306 and KGSS/Blue Hawaii. I found it a bit dark but I'm sure that was the Cary. I've listened to the 306 in other systems and Cary CDPs all sound dark to me. Even the local Cary dealer finds all of their CDPs to sound dark. The Blue Hawaii is supposed to be great for bassheads (not my words) so that probably added to the dark sound that I heard. I'm guessing the KGSS is more up my alley in terms of neutrality.

In any event, it's been fun building the KGSS and I can't wait for it to be completed (waiting on the transformer and the last few parts). I have high hopes that the combination will appeal to me. If not then I know that it won't be too hard to find a buyer.