Quick question for SRM727II  users - I haven't got my 009 yet but just want to know in advance.
 
On my Esoteric K-01, I can select which pin is "hot" for the XLR Output. Which pin number should I select on the K-01 for connection to the SRM 727? Many thanks.

Aren't there any markings showing which pin is hot on the back of the 727?

I used to have an SRM-727II, and it showed the pin configuration on the back (pin 2 hot):
 
https://picasaweb.google.com/MisterCrash02/StaxO2System#5421797283002109058
 
This was a US amp; I don't know if other countries had different configurations.

STAX XLR pinout:
 
SRM-007tII and SRM-727II
 
1= GND
2= HOT (+)
3= COLD (-)
 
SRM-007 and SRM-717
 
1= GND
2= COLD (-)
3= HOT (+)
 
 

I have wondered about the odd construction behind the drivers of the 007's for some while.  You confirm that the 009 is somewhat different from the 007a and has a more open back, something I would expect to give a cleaner sound irrespective of the improved driver of the 009.

Quick update on my listening impressions. It's been a few more hours and I am now sampling my library randomly rather than listening to impeccable recordings like originally.
 
What is emerging - and not too surprising - good recordings sound fine, excellent recordings sound unreal, not so good / bright recordings go from bearable to not very enjoyable. In particular, sibilance (in the recording, as far as I can tell it isn't a characteristic of the headphone) is not attenuated in the least like it is for the 007A.
 
As for genres, there does not seem to be one where it does better than others (like classical vs. jazz vs. rock ...). However, so far, intimate recordings tend to be the most impressive so it would be small classical formations, most jazz, ... Recordings with some rooms acoustics are a particular treat with extremely realistic rendering of the room dimensions as well as placement of the instruments. Instrument where speed is key to realism sound also particularly well (acoustic guitar, percussions ...).
 
I don't know how much these observations are due to the amplification. e.g. if the 727 is having issue keeping things under control during complex musical passages. I guess one way to investigate this is to start by modding my amp (it takes courage, which I don't have so far ).

 
With great help from Arnaud, it finally arrived! The packing was so solid that it took me minutes to remove the bubble sheets and get it out. No channel imbalance problem so far (touch wood). It is running in at very low volume with my SR727II now. Not sure if electrostat headphones need run in at all, but I think the amp definitely does, since it was bought anew on Sunday.
 
Here is the setup:
 
Esoteric K-01

 
Siltech G7 Ruby Hill II Power Cable for the Esoteric
 

SRM727 II - I like the tube sound very much and have the Leben for my dynamic / orthodynamic headphones, but after reading impressions here I decided to go for the 727 nonetheless.
 

 
Power cord for the 727 - Siltech G7 Classic Anniversary SPX800
 

 
Interconnect between Esoteric K-01 and SRM 727II: Tara Labs The One RCA - will get balanced cable soon.
 

 
And of course, this:
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
Thanks for watching, and big thanks again to Arnaud for helping me big time in the purchase of the SR009!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Quote:

purrin said:

And you had me think I was crazy. Honestly, the differences are not that large - but they were enough to convince to not purchase an O2 (and keep my 507s) in the meantime until the SR009 arrives, which I now expect to be in July or later. (The lone USA distributor is known to suck with communications and it appears that at least one US retailer has discontinued carrying STAX because of this.)

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I'm definitely looking forward to your thoughts on the 009.  Hurry up already.  
 

Sorry folks, I am an electrostatic noob. I've seen numerous references to the "Spritzer mod", but could not find the actual article about the mod. Would someone be kind enough to point me to it? Many thanks.

That mod is actually in reference to the SR-007 MKII...

Can anyone recommend an XLR cable in the US$2K range to connect the source with the stax amp? Thanks.

Don't think you'll find many Stax users to help you out there, we tend to be a bit more "experienced". 

Quote:

googleli said:

Can anyone recommend an XLR cable in the US$2K range to connect the source with the stax amp? Thanks.

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It's a bit over your price range but if I didn't have the v2.2s I'd be all over this one.  Joe Abrams is very good to deal with and I'm sure a 30-day home auditioning can be arranged with the option to return if not satisfied with the performance or the synergy.  I have never owned a STAX amp, so I can't be sure, but I think you'll love this one:  http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?cablintr&1311629315&/MIT-Oracle-V1.2-Pro--line-XLR-
 
Just send him an email to inquire about his "best" price.  This must be a near-perfect trade-in and he is very conservative with his categorizations.
 

 
Quote:

googleli said:

Can anyone recommend an XLR cable in the US$2K range to connect the source with the stax amp? Thanks.

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[size=9pt]Buy Mogami cable they should have premade or find somebody who will make them for you. The cable cost 0.65c  - $1 per feet and sound just fine. Nobody could tell the difference between $$$ cable and  my DIY Mogami in a blind test.   Please do not waste your money!!! Amen[/size]
 
[size=9pt]P.S. These are Japanese pro cable and the softest cable you ever find regardless of the price.  they comes in yellow, green, red, black, ........[/size]
 

Could you provide the model number of the Mogami cable? 
 
I used mogami wire in the past for my DT880/600 and it sounded great.
 
Quote:

vvs_75 said:

[size=9pt]Buy Mogami cable they should have premade or find somebody who will make them for you. The cable cost 0.65c  - $1 per feet and sound just fine. Nobody could tell the difference between $$$ cable and  my DIY Mogami in a blind test.   Please do not waste your money!!! Amen[/size]
 
[size=9pt]P.S. These are Japanese pro cable and the softest cable you ever find regardless of the price.  they comes in yellow, green, red, black, ........[/size]
 

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