Original owner, purchased spring 2022. These have the latest version earpads with best sonic balance; no need to worry about "dark pads" and such things. They also have the upgraded Stax silver-coated conductor cable option (as used in Stax's flagship headphones). The silver cable was not in stock when I ordered, and incurred a wait time. Current cost for this version is ~ $2035 USD (at current exchange rates).

These sound wonderful, and are absolutely perfect in every way - perfect Left / Right channel balance, no distortion, etc. Sonic descriptions abound elsewhere, but tonally they sit smack in the middle between 009 and 007 Mk 1. They render a larger soundstage than 007 / 009 / 009S, thanks to their larger driver elements. Sensitivity is the same as 007 MK 1, so a powerful amp is recommended. However, I did observe spectacular results with modest volume listening on a less powerful tube amp. These compete on even ground with 007 Mk1, 009, and 009S -- it' all about trial and error in finding your personal preference

Physically, these are gorgeous. See pics! For all intents these are like new. No "surprise" smells like smoke from me (I hate that). I'm not a fan of haggling or fielding "why are you selling" questions; if you lead with this I may not respond, sorry. I'm always in a state of having accumulated way too much expensive audio gear, and even I don't know why I buy and sell so much (always at a loss).

Longtime member and contributor with good standing here and on Audiogon (100% trading feedback) & US Audio Mart (also 100% feedback).