Electrostats : How to start?

[catscratch]

Yes, I was talking about a typical dynamic system vs. a high-end electrostatic one. High-end dynamic systems are comparable though their strengths are generally in a different area. They are (usually) far more impactful and far better at replicating sub-bass information, and tactile impact is a very key part of realism. Hearing a snare or kickdrum but not feeling it detracts from the sonic illusion, even if you can't immediately put a finger on it. Still, not all electrostatics lack impact. The SR-007 combines the best of both worlds when it's properly driven which is why I like it so much but it also has the potential to sound pretty dreadful in the wrong system. This is also why I have a lot of hope for balanced armatures as real high-end transducers - they combine speed that's better than dynamics with impact that's better than electrostatics. All they need to do is crack the 20khz barrier and they'll be all set.

 

[kool bubba ice]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canman /img/forum/go_quote.gif The SR-404 has this hardness in the high midrange and it is readily apparent in comparison to the SR-007. This is out of a 007t. The O2 is smooth as silk. Perhaps too smooth. The SR-007 is an amazing headphone. It is a finniky beast and you have to be willing to fool around with both earpad angle and associated equipment to fine tune it. In terms of finding the definitive amp, it is already excellent with the 007t. I say start with a brighter/forward source and the SR-007 becomes more enjoyable. A laid back source with the SR-007 makes for a snoozer of a system. Catscratch's comment compares typical dynamic and a high-end electrostatic setup. He's right about typical dynamics but that's not a fair comparison to something like an SR-007. High end dynamics are very competitive to electrostats. Electrostatic headphones don't have the monopoly on realism or transparency.

Sorry. I though he was being general.

 

[kool bubba ice]

Quote:

Originally Posted by catscratch /img/forum/go_quote.gif Yes, I was talking about a typical dynamic system vs. a high-end electrostatic one. High-end dynamic systems are comparable though their strengths are generally in a different area. They are (usually) far more impactful and far better at replicating sub-bass information, and tactile impact is a very key part of realism. Hearing a snare or kickdrum but not feeling it detracts from the sonic illusion, even if you can't immediately put a finger on it. Still, not all electrostatics lack impact. The SR-007 combines the best of both worlds when it's properly driven which is why I like it so much but it also has the potential to sound pretty dreadful in the wrong system. This is also why I have a lot of hope for balanced armatures as real high-end transducers - they combine speed that's better than dynamics with impact that's better than electrostatics. All they need to do is crack the 20khz barrier and they'll be all set.

Bass isn't big with me. As long as it's there, tight, nicely textured, and fast. I'm sure I'd love the Stax sound.

 

[catscratch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kool bubba ice /img/forum/go_quote.gif Bass isn't big with me. As long as it's there, tight, nicely textured, and fast. I'm sure I'd love the Stax sound.

A lot of Stax and many 'stats in general aren't light on bass. But as a rule it is textured, fast, and very detailed.

I think you'd like it quite a lot, but I don't think there really is such a thing as "Stax sound" since their headphones sound very different. 'Stats are as different from one another as dynamics are. But, there are plenty of 'stats that I think you'd really like (HE60, well-driven O2).

Are you going to CanJam?

 

[spritzer]

There is certainly no "Stax sound" to speak off but rather a journey towards more neutrality with better extension. Headphones with in the same family share some traits due to the chassis design though.