[jaybar]

I originally posted this on the headphone forum and I think this might be the better forum.

I am having the opportunity to audition the KGSS and Omega II's and comparing that to my SRM 717 with the Omega II's and also my SR 404's

My initial reactions:

1) The KGss bright with the 404's
2) Compared to the SRM 717, the KGSS is much more transparant.
3) Sometimes the KGSS is too transparant, meaning I sense a peak in the "transparancy " range.
4) I would say the KGSS takes a while to warm up (it is less hyper transparant this morning than it was yesterday afternoon when it was first connected.
5) It does a significantly better job of controlling the bass of the Omega II's.
6) The SRM 717 is easier on my ears because of the darker tonal balance, but somewhat more muddled, by comparison.

I wonder wherther it is better to listen to through the KGSS for a few days and then the SRM 717 for afgew days, rather than switching back and forth because I think your ear normally gravitates to the brighter gear.

I am listening via my Ayre integrated which is connected to the Stax unit via the tape out which is connected to the KGSS via the Stax's loop out.

This is the only way I can compare things.

The Omega II's have been charging for a day, except when I briefly switch them back and forth between amps.

Again, am I better off listening through one unit for a few days, and then stwitching to the other, so the Stax remain continually charged.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Jay

 

[Snake]

I would allow the KGSS to charge the Omegas for a couple of days - playing music - before serious listening is undertaken.

Remember that overall system balance before the KGSS combo effects the sound - most people go for a more 'digital', 'up-front' sound with components nowadays, to cross-balance the mellowness inherent in most final transducers (headphones / loudspeakers), and that destroys the Stax balance. Stax doesn't need that "cross balance" because it's inherent in their very sound - like IC's, for instance.

Congrats on getting a KGSS in your hands

 

[Carl]

Being a DIY design, you can just get KGSS's made so they sound less bright. Lots of tantalum parts, for example.

 

[edstrelow]

What are you doing with these amps regarding footers and power cords? I find these to be quite significant with this type of equipment.

 

[ken36]

I found the XLR ICs affect the neutrality immensely.

 

[jaybar]

Are wood blocks under the Stax. Cardas Golden Referenec Power cords on both.

Jay