[GuyDebord]

Ok, after Skylab's great review, I finally decided to try the hd800. Knowing that the sales are just beginning in Europe, I went to my favorite dealer, (which I have a long and established relationship), and told him I wanted to order the HD800. He has them in one week, but instead of saying yes, he told me to first audition them vs the Stax 3050II and the 4040II. He had auditioned the hd800 at the Munich hifi show and told me that he feels the Stax systems are a much better value....

The setting will be the following:

1. HD800 with Lehmann BCL, Solo SRG and my beloved custom tube amp based on two siemens C3g's

cost of the HD800 system: between 1800 Euros and 2500 Euros, depending on the amp I use (Lehmann being the cheapest and my custom the most expensive)

2. Stax SRS-3050II system and SRS-4040II system

cost of Stax system: 1300 Euros or 2300 Euros

They will be using the same source, an SB3 feeding lossless music to a highly modded Benchmark DAC1.

I know that some of you would argue that its apples and oranges, but what results would you predict? Considering that a system of any of the two costs the around the same, which one would have advantage and why?

Im eager to try this, I still have to wait around a week, and will be comparing them in a 2 week period..... This dealers just confuse more....

 

[Cool_Torpedo]

Just clean your mind of prejudices, go to the dealer and listen to your music. Forget about sounds, and only focus on the music you love, how it makes you feel and what system makes you wanting to keep listening. Then you'll know what's for you

Whatever I think about those systems is irrelevant compared to your sensations listening to them.

 

[Morph201]

^^ x2


Do objective (and subjective) listening. Hell, I decided to stick it out with my lowly K702s, after a listen, but that was based on a value judgement.

 

[argentum]

Do I get it right 2300 euros for SRS-4040II system !? And this has to be good value ? Oh my. There is Omega II and Woo Audio Ges for sale for 2300 euros here in FS forum - http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f10/fs...2300-a-406190/ . If you were to spend that much of money i think you would be far better off buying this combo.

 

[Blackmore]

I dont expect that you get that opposite impression, cos more I read about HD800, more I think about stats, but maybe I am wrong...To me, would be better to put HD800 vs PS1000, K1000 or even GS1000...
Let us know.

 

[paaj]

Quote:

Originally Posted by argentum /img/forum/go_quote.gif Do I get it right 2300 euros for SRS-4040II system !? And this has to be good value ? Oh my. There is Omega II and Woo Audio Ges for sale for 2300 euros here in FS forum - http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f10/fs...2300-a-406190/ . If you were to spend that much of money i think you would be far better off buying this combo.

No don't mention that one, I want the GES at the end of the year

but yes, that €2300 gets you the top of the line Stax with a great amp, certainly worth a thought.

 

[GuyDebord]

Quote:

Originally Posted by argentum /img/forum/go_quote.gif Do I get it right 2300 euros for SRS-4040II system !? And this has to be good value ? Oh my. There is Omega II and Woo Audio Ges for sale for 2300 euros here in FS forum - http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f10/fs...2300-a-406190/ . If you were to spend that much of money i think you would be far better off buying this combo.

hmmm....

 

[Cool_Torpedo]

That's a good suggestion indeed, but you lose nothing listening first to the HD800 and the 404 combo. If you like the 404 over the HD800 then your decision will have a knowledge basis.

 

[GuyDebord]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cool_Torpedo /img/forum/go_quote.gif That's a good suggestion indeed, but you lose nothing listening first to the HD800 and the 404 combo. If you like the 404 over the HD800 then your decision will have a knowledge basis.

wise words indeed, lets hope that my knowledge basis doesnt frustrate if it decides on stats and later finds out that the combo has been sold....

 

[n3rdling]

If that is the case, guydebord, feel free to PM me at that time and I will probably be able to put you into contact with somebody selling that combo for $2500 (except it's a regular GES, not a maxxed GES).

 

[gilency]

I was on the same boat. I listened to both at CanJam. I liked the HD800's. They are way better than the HD600 or 650's. The Stax sound however captivated me and surprised me. I did not expect such clear sound with deep bass from electrostatics. I ended up with the 4040 and have no regrets. FYI, I bought mine used here at head-fi for about half of normal retail value. I love them.