[Donnb]

Newbee question. Can I build a Gilmore Current-domain amp for the low bias Stax SR-X Mark 3? The 250 volt bias is easy. Can I use a +-250 volt power supply to keep within the 500 volt max swing? Would some of the component values need to be changed to accomidate the lower rail voltage?

Thanks in advance.

 

[kevin gilmore]

Leave everything alone, just cut the bias voltage.
If you really want to you can bring the rails down to
about +/-300 and there should still be plenty of adjustment
room for the dc baseline.

Just don't turn up the volume all the way. You won't be
able to anyway because if the phones are still working right
it will be more than plenty loud.

There was no limiting voltage on any of the stax transformer
boxes, so the max ac voltage was almost always exceed by
a significant margin.

 

[Donnb]

Thanks Kevin,

Lowering the volts will means more transformer choices become available.

If I may, a final question. I am using the SRD-7 transformer on an old transistor dynaco amp. I am not satisfied with the sound. My reference systems is a Fisher 500C tube amp powering a set of Klipshcorns. My goal is to have equal fidelity whither I am listening to the speakers or headphones.

Will the improvement be worth it or are the old Stax cans just not up to the challenge? I know you have moved up to the Omega's.

 

[kevin gilmore]

If it is a stereo 80 or worse yet a stereo 120 then i'm not
suprised as to how it sounds. If its a stereo 400 it should
sound fairly decent.

Hook it up to your tube amp. If you still don't like the sound
then quit. At some point the old low bias headphones are
not worth the trouble. On my tube amp they still sound
very good even though the earpads are about toasted.