Nice review! Absolutely agree about the comment on how frequency doesn't determine aspects of the headphone like speed and clarity. Had a he-400 for a few years and recently upgraded to an lcd-x. The sound signature is completely different, with much less treble energy which was what worried me. But turns out there is no real drop in clarity for me, and the overall sound signature is extremely enjoyable.
 
Can I ask you a question? I was thinking about getting the 3100 system from that exact same seller, but was worried about import duty/taxes. It was partly why I decided to get a used pair of lcd x's instead. Did you experience any of these extra costs? Thank you.

Hi CPhoenix,

Thanks for your kind words!

I was not charged any import tariffs to my knowledge. I did have to purchase a voltage transformer which isn't a tariff per se, but, similarly, is a function of international business.

I hope you'll try them and write a review, too!

How can something sound transparent but muddy? Really doesn't seem like the right word.. if you have mud all over a glass window, it's not transparent anymore. Yes dull works or maybe unexciting.

Thank you for the throughout review. Seriously considering these.

A few people I know have told me that these or the next ones up on the line end up being a lot of people's end game. And as such before I go down the rabbit hole of spending money on headphones, amps, tube rolling, mids, etc., that I should listen to these first. Because if they are endgame level for my taste, then I can just get them and be done.

"Though I'm quite happy with the Stax 3100, I'm left wondering if there's a system out there that's just as fast, more comfortable, and sounds just as good at lower volumes, so I don't have to worry about my hearing health."

If you ever find those, please call me!!!

I too, am concerned for my hearing and I like long and prolonged listening sessions ( I sleep with either my shure IEM'S or wearing my HD650's.) so I enjoy and prefer cans that can give me total spectrum reproduction at comfortable level.

I mean I am saving for purchasing a Jotenheim amp ($500), and a tube amp for my HD650's, when you add the cost of the HD650's, that is already past the cost of these. So now I am stuck wondering if I should continue trying to get the best synergy with the HD650's and throwing money down the drain, or just buy these and be done.

Or if the SRS-5100 are better, I could just wait a year and get those. I have my 650's to hold me up until then.

Thanks again for your review.

-Big Al

Hi RamenwithBroth,

Indeed, I do present a seemingly contradicting conundrum, that is to say, the first time I listened to these cans, I was confused by how the frequency response of the L-300's emphasizes upper bass and leans deficient in the upper mids and highs, but the lack of distortion still made them sound very clear or "transparent." I like to think of it as watching a 4K TV from far away. The sound is very transparent, but de-emphasis in the mid-highs pushes them quieter, hence my comments on having to turn up to get enough mid-high information. They do sound quite awesome when you turn up, possibly a function of low distortion. Low distortion + louder volumes = details you never heard before. Low distortion + warm sound signature + louder volumes = rich clarity. That rich clarity, like consomme.

Hi @BigAlK9,

It sounds like you're wondering if the Stax 3100 system will be a silver bullet in your quest for audiophile nirvana.

Stax seem to be game-changers, I believe it's a function of their low distortion. I think it's a little like driving muscle cars all your life, and then getting into a Lotus Elise. The Stax still fool me sometimes. I have to double check that I'm not accidentally playing music through my speakers. They're that transparent.

I tried the HD650's too, and liked them. I think you may find that the Stax, while possibly similar in frequency response to the HD650's, are much clearer. I've tried and wish I owned both the HD650 and HD800 and I'm still dying to try the HD800S. Ain't nothin' gonna touch that HD800 soundstage and I hope the S is a bit sweeter sounding. Consider that an Amazon HD800, with Schiit Fulla 2 will be only $300 more than the 3100, and will be more comfortable, and will sound more pleasantly diffuse.