[size=small]Subject: Amplifier for SR-009 and electrostatic headphones in general.[/size]
[size=small]Currently, I’m listening to my Omega SR-007 phones with a SRM-252. IMO, for low & normal listening volume levels, the result is more than satisfactory. [/size]
[size=small]SR-009 is now on order.[/size]
[size=small]The circuit topology and solid-state devices used are essentially the same as the SRM 323 amp (I have the schematic). Mainly, what’s different is the power supply, and the output stage bias – more voltage swing and current drive capability. [/size]
[size=small]An electrostatic transducer basically presents a capacitive load to an amplifier. For a given sound pressure level, output drive current is proportional to frequency, or rate of change of voltage (I = C dv/dt). [/size]
[size=small]I feel that heroic output power capability (high current * voltage) provided by the far more expensive power amps is not really needed at normal listening levels (for me, anyway) – as long as the electrostatic amp behaves well with very low distortion at small to moderate voltage swings. I’ve listened to tube (I have a Stax tube amp also) and solid state amps, and feel that the well-designed Stax SRM-323S should offer all the amp power I need, even for the SR-009 (yes, perhaps a radical opinion). Even the lowly STAX SRM-252 amp is direct coupled, with no coupling caps in the path – IMO, a remarkably nice sounding design. I understand that the SRM-323 is well regarded ...[/size]
[size=small]I used to feel that tubes were somehow naturally better than solid state – not any more. [/size]
[size=small]I've read that solid state might be more compatible with the new SR-009 compared to the previous Omegas (initial listening impressions were posted, as I recall) [/size]
