Agree, I've experimented with the 2.5/5m Stax extensions and can't tell they're there - except when the amp can't drive it. Putting a Sigma on a 5m is problematic for most Stax amps in my small experiments, for example.

The Stax amps are good too IMHO, just different. I like the relaxed warmth that Stax has over KG designs (I have the KGST, KGSSHV, Megatron and T2 (just finishing)). Just like there are different concert halls, I vary my amps. This morning was a SRM-T1W/ED-1 Sig/Lambda pro sig which was...

Sure, they make stuff for the mass market, they want it to be 110% safe and user friendly. With exposed tubes a kid could theoretically poke a knife at the base pins and see hundreds of VDC, for example. So we'll probably not see another big tube system from them, they seem comfortable with the...

After sleeping on it, I think the problem with this amp is that there's not a lot of apparant remarkable with it. Consider: it uses common tubes, follows the usual Stax chassis style and the circuit seems to be not out of line with their other amps. For nearly $6k we might expect something...

Good write up. I recall some mention of a bias adjust circuit to compensate for warmup. So turn it on and you're ready to go. That, plus casework, extra shielding and expandability would add to the cost somewhat, but yes 3X does seem a bit steep. Perhaps $4k would seem more in line with the amp...

Congratulations to Stax for a new flagship. It does indeed look like my SRM T1W and also the SRM Monitor A/B/C. Basically a wider version of their regular amp, which is a great thing in my opinion. I love Stax factory small form factors - no need to go overboard with a monster amplifier. "Stereo...

009 has the best detail, 007mk1 next and 207 last in that lineup. If you're looking for detail one of the old think membrane lambda pro's is probably king, but might have other aspects you might not like. The new L700 is the best all rounder IMO.    404LE is one of my all time favs too, it's...

My financial situation has changed and unfortunately I'm not in a position to get my BHSE from this shipping batch. I've written Justin multiple times but have gotten no replies so far. Meanwhile, if you'd like a blue with the upgraded attenuator please contact me. 

  Pretty much everything     Don't know what your asking. On a Stax amp the SQ leaps significantly. It seems to show that there's more SQ in the amp (and DAC) chain to be pulled out, proving yet again the transducer has the greatest effect on the SQ. Also could mean that it's easier to...

Maybe I misunderstood what people generally mean by the Stax Fart. I don't get it from ear pad seals but plastic which squeaks and grates. I have a NOS pair of 404 Sigs which do it horribly. Just the type of old plastic they used, before it wears in it makes all sorts of noises.    Anyhow...

Less clamping, more room, more wiggle room. The 009 kind of suction onto your ears and are a perfect fit (but they feel first class), these are more loosey-goosey. Which you prefer is personal, I like both for different reasons. I like the 009 initially, but long term listening it starts to feel...

Got my SR-L700 and am listening. Interesting, quite a different Lambda. More room in the earpieces, no more ear pressing against the grill I think, yay! Also oddly I can't find any markings for L-R, I have too use the dashed line on the cord to determine. Maybe it's there somewhere but I can't...

I just got notice that Kaneda at PJ is shipping my SR-L700 on Monday. Will report back here. 

  Using them with KGST/KGSSHV/717/600/DA-80 (transformer coupled) etc etc, and with a Pawel HP-1 mk2 and mk3. Hard to argue to I don't have enough Stax amps  to test with     Anyhow flobby is just a word, could mean anything. I use it in comparison to the other Stax. Listening to them all on...

  A great variety, including vintage Stax CDP's. I hear little differences in DAC's, compared to easily heard characteristics of amps and headphones.      amplifiers, basically almost every one Stax made, and most of the Mafia (still finishing the T2 and haven't started the Carbon yet). ...

If you listen along the line of Stax headphones they walk a line between clarity and warmth. Leaving out the electrets, early on in the Normal line (e.g. SR-3) you hear a nice balance between clarity and warmth. Later with the Lambdas they went for thinner diaphragms, and incidentally greater...

^ agree - 'stats have never made the mainstream for obvious reasons, so why try to appeal too the mainstream by making it 'convenient' and portable? That will likely turn off the core 'stat crowd who are the main customers, or at least it would me. If it plugs into a Stax amplifier via an...

I disagree with the sentiment that "Stax Stuff Suxs". I love the Mafia designs and am building every single one, but I don't see them as the end all. Don't forget that the T2 is still considered the pinnacle of Stax amplifier design. For the common Stax amplifiers, if you aren't hearing what...

Assuming it's the entire brick building (seems like it's not dual occupancy) then I think it's actually a larger building than the last one. Arnaud was at the last for the Stax factory tour, he could tell us. I'm just judging but the outside looks. If true then that's good news for their...

I and others have got boards in hands, but this will take some time and care. Queued behind other projects too. 

I want one! I love the Lambdas (and the Omega, Sigma, 4070 is OK, 003, ennhhhhh)   Yeah SR-L500 seems to be the new 507, SR-L700 the new top end, where does that leave 207/307/407/507?   Traditionally I think Stax just drops the old lines (e.g. 303, 404, etc) in favor of new. But this would...

PriceJapan didn't know about it, Kaneda appreciated the heads up. He thinks it'll take 1-2 weeks to get an 'actual price' and be able to sell it.    I'm guessing it'll take longer than that. 

No loss on the internal foam (as long as the SQ is better overall), they deteriorate after some years and get in the drivers.    Driver takes design cues from the 009 I believe with the machined aluminum frame. Case looks like a much improved version in plastics and such.    Looking forward...

I hear frequent imbalance in my Stax amps, only to try a different headphone or different volume for it to change. One thing is the Alps pots they use often have a large tracking imbalance as you go to high attenuation/low volume. I don't know if it's built in, or develops over time due to...

  The 003 isn't that far from a 009? That's an amazing statement. I'd agree that the Lambdas, other Omegas, Sigma and even the 4070 aren't that much different, but the 003?    I use them at work because they're unobtrusive, don't bother my neighbors, and are still in the Stax pantheon, but...