[AudioCats]

Interested in getting a pair of great phones for classical/vocal. At this point I am focused on the baby stax system (005) and the Sony CD3000. If you have compared them before, would you please give some advice/info? Want to know about: levels of details; air; smoothness; bass (how deep); soundstage..... My guess is the CD3k should be better, but by how much?

I am only interested in these two at this point, since they are very close price wise. The 005 system is about $400 with the SRM-212 amp; Used CD3k's are around that price too and I already have an ok headphone amp to drive them).

Of course, I am just "thinking" right now..... my wallet might not be happy if it happens

Thanks for any info

 

[Azure]

I'd recommend not buying your STAX goods brand new from official distributors. For $400 you should easily be able to get a used 2020 system.

 

[AudioCats]

Thanks, the reason for the 005 combo was: the baby stax are uniquely small, and the 212 amp is probably good enough if I want to upgrade the phone later on. So to me the 005 is more attractive than 2020.

By the way, noticed you are using a Yamaha 6860 as your source, how good are they? I have been eyeing a DV-C6760 (silver color, with SACD function, otherwise looks the same as 6860) for a while.....

 

[milkpowder]

Some people may prefer the sound of the Baby Stax to any of the Lambda range. The mids are warmer and the bass has significantly more presence. I found the Baby Stax super detailed, but lacking in clarity and treble. Personally, the SR-202 would be the better choice for classical even though they do lose out on bass. The Lambdas have an airier sound and don't sound as if they're being held back. I also had mild comfort issues with the Baby Stax.

 

[Azure]

Quote:

Originally Posted by AudioCats /img/forum/go_quote.gif By the way, noticed you are using a Yamaha 6860 as your source, how good are they? I have been eyeing a DV-C6760 (silver color, with SACD function, otherwise looks the same as 6860) for a while.....

I use the Yamaha as a transport, so I haven't really bothered ascertaining its sonic merits. It's a decent changer w/ coaxial out for the money, which is why I bought it. The interface/controls are poorer than the Sony SCD-CE595 that I used previously, but I really don't mind.