ES2a discussions \ reviews \ reasoning \ impressions

[genefruit]

I heard a few differences between the Stax and round cable.

Stax cable digs slightly deeper in the bass but the round cable has a mid-bass impact and slam far exceeding the Stax cable. You can bring up the mid-bass on the Stax cable by repositioning the headphone on head but still not on same level as the round cable.

Stax cable has more air and treble but not in a bad way. The soundstage also sounded slightly bigger and the tonality was more neutral. The round cable had a warmer and more filled in midrange. Both headphones didn't have the cloth filters installed. I personally preferred the round cable sound due to the increased bass slam and warmth in the midrange.

Hard to say if this is unit variation versus differences due to the cable choice. I deferred to Benson’s thoughts when I asked about the differences. That said, I went with the Stax cable due to feel.

 

[aokman]

I heard a few differences between the Stax and round cable.

Stax cable digs slightly deeper in the bass but the round cable has a mid-bass impact and slam far exceeding the Stax cable. You can bring up the mid-bass on the Stax cable by repositioning the headphone on head but still not on same level as the round cable.

Stax cable has more air and treble but not in a bad way. The soundstage also sounded slightly bigger and the tonality was more neutral. The round cable had a warmer and more filled in midrange. Both headphones didn't have the cloth filters installed. I personally preferred the round cable sound due to the increased bass slam and warmth in the midrange.

I sorta wish I ordered mine with the silver cable as I didn’t realise the L700 mk2 came with them stock but happy either way

 

[TheAbyss2022]

It should be noted that the headphone with the Stax cable only had a few hours run on them by the owner. It could be either burn in or the actual cables or both!

 

[Kabeer]

I sorta wish I ordered mine with the silver cable as I didn’t realise the L700 mk2 came with them stock but happy either way

the default Stax cable option Benson offers uses the SRE-725/750 as its donor, these cables are the same as the SR-L500 cable conductors. These are pure HiFC copper.

You can privately ask for a SRE-925/950 upgrade cable option which is the L700 cable which has silver coated HiFC wires, it'll likely cost more. I havent heard this cable option, but not sure it would be a good idea to make an ES-2A brighter than it is with SPC...but i understand many do like that sound too.

 

[aokman]

the default Stax cable option Benson offers uses the SRE-725/750 as its donor, these cables are the same as the SR-L500 cable conductors. These are pure HiFC copper.

You can privately ask for a SRE-925/950 upgrade cable option which is the L700 cable which has silver coated HiFC wires, it'll likely cost more. I havent heard this cable option, but not sure it would be a good idea to make an ES-2A brighter than it is with SPC...but i understand many do like that sound too.

Its all good doesn’t really worry me, I was too impatient and didn’t want to wait that long haha. Personally I dont see them making a difference really except for cable capacitance and slew rates

 

[icnaiwhimor1975]

so the main question is - do i need to change my es1a to es2a?

 

[Kabeer]

so the main question is - do i need to change my es1a to es2a?

yes, ES-2a >>> ES-1a.

Mainly around balance and 2a does not have strange honk

 

[number1sixerfan]

so the main question is - do i need to change my es1a to es2a?

The ES-2a is much better than the original. Just doesn't have any of the original quirks even though the first version was a good effort for the time. The ES-2a is really good imo and a bit of a market disrupter, which is good to see.

 

[icnaiwhimor1975]

The ES-2a is much better than the original. Just doesn't have any of the original quirks even though the first version was a good effort for the time. The ES-2a is really good imo and a bit of a market disrupter, which is good to see.

Today I sold absolutely all stax headphones, left only es1a and now I will look for es2a

 

[MilitaryHifi]

Just received my ES-2a last night. Had a late delivery from ups. Will see how the ES-2a stacks up against one of my favorite estat the ES-1a. Will have to wait to compare it to the new crbn2 since I am still waiting for Audeze to ship mine to me. I'm kind of excited to hear the ES-2a, from reading everyone positive impressions. I'm in for a treat, to think the ES-2a is under 2k. Deal of the century in the estat world.

I opted for the brown with PC-Triple-C. Let the comparison begin.

EDIT: Wow, the tuning on the ES-2A is absolutely amazing. Instant impression, reminds me first time going from a 007 to a 009s. The detail increased incredibly over the ES-1a. Keeps that smoothed relaxed sound of the ES-1a, then takes the technicalities up a level or 2. Tuning is perfect.

EDIT 2: My chain is Mjolnir KgssHV Mini - Terminator 2 12th-1 - Gaia ddc - lhy usb relocker - Dmp-A8 (streamer) - ock-2s master clock - 2 x Lhy ethernet audio switch. When listening with my Shangri-la Jr & 009s its a little to bright, ear fatigue. With the ES-2A terrific synergy. I don't feel I a need to add tubes, the Terminator is a warmer dac, but the KgssHV mini is brighter. My brighter estat I have to use my Mjolnir Carbon CC or my tube Woo Ges. With the ES-2A been enjoying it on the brighter amp.
The ES-2A is highly detailed without the party trick of high ear fatiguing treble.

 

[Beyond The Blackwall]

I have to agree with Abyss2022, having tubes in the chain really benefit the ES-2a