[barondla]

Massdrop just sent an update email to the first group (Sept. 2018 ) backers. The headphones just arrived at Massdrop headquarters. They will send tracking numbers by Feb. 15.

I'm excited to receive the ESP 95X. So close now!

 

[GearMe]

Paid $595 for mine and wouldn't hesitate to purchase again...$499 is a great value for these cans

 

[barondla]

Paid $595 for mine and wouldn't hesitate to purchase again...$499 is a great value for these cans

Great to hear. Are you using the stock Koss amp/Energizer and ac adapter?

 

[GearMe]

yep...haven't considered other amping alternatives. tbh, if i was going to do that, I'd probably start looking at expensive electrostatic gear which is a path i won't be walking down

 

[buke9]

Use a Stax SRM-1 MK2 with mine adds a bit more soundstage and dynamics.

 

[barondla]

Use a Stax SRM-1 MK2 with mine adds a bit more soundstage and dynamics.

Good to know. Did you buy the required custom adapter cable or build it? I see the Stax amp used for $450 and up. Adapter cable is around $150.
Thanks

 

[cobrabucket]

I bought mine from a seller on here for $425 shipped. It included a customized stax extension cable. I bought a stax srm t1 amp and have found that it takes these phones to another level... Increased dynamics and bass being the most noticeable difference. Honestly, the included amp is barely adequate. Highly recommended to get a stax cable and amp!

 

[cobrabucket]

Btw, it appears my extension cord was DIY.

 

[cobrabucket]

Also, these really shine with foobar2000 and the "Real Bass Exciter" plug-in. Gives some really nice low-end and makes them much better all-around, IMO.

 

[GearMe]

@barondla ...I don't discuss sound differences in SS amps but thought these specs below would be helpful in you determining the relative value propositions...

FWIW, if I were going to get a different amp for these it would most likely be tube based (SRM-T1 etc.).


That said, I personally don't see the value in doing that. If I were going to spend in the $1-2K range for an electrostatic headphone set up, I'd probably look at the Stax combo systems with either the SR-L500 or the SR-L700.

Koss ESP-950 Energizer/Amplifier.
Frequency response: 1.6Hz–50kHz ±3dB at 100Vrms differential output.
Input impedance: 100k ohms. Input level: 1Vrms for full output.
THD+noise: 0.001% at 1kHz and 100Vrms differential output.
Voltage amplification: 60dB.
Channel separation: 80dB at 1kHz, 100Vrms differential output.
Audio output voltage: 600Vrms differential, 2300Vrms push-pull with soft limiting.
S/N ratio: 100dB at 100Vrms output.
Bias voltage: 600V DC.


Stax SRM-1/MK-2 Professional Amplifier.
Inputs
There is one loop-through line-level input.
Rated 100 mV, 50 k Ohm.
Loop-through means they are wired together; you can insert this in between any two other components, and even if it's turned-off, the signal goes through.
Gain
60 dB (1,000x).
In other words, a 100 mV input can produce a 100 V output at maximum gain.
Frequency Response
Rated DC - 20 kHz, ±1 dB, at 30 V with one pair of SR-Lambda.
Distortion
Rated 0.01% THD at 1 kHz.
Rated 0.05% THD at 100 V at 1 kHz while driving an SR-Lambda.

 

[buke9]

Good to know. Did you buy the required custom adapter cable or build it? I see the Stax amp used for $450 and up. Adapter cable is around $150.
Thanks

Paid $20 for the connector and did it myself. 2 years ago got the amp for $300.

 

[buke9]

@Baronda...I don't discuss sound differences in SS amps but thought these specs below would be helpful in you determining the relative value propositions...

FWIW, if I were going to get a different amp for these it would most likely be tube based (SRM-T1 etc.).


That said, I personally don't see the value in doing that. If I were going to spend in the $1-2K range for an electrostatic headphone set up, I'd probably look at the Stax combo systems with either the SR-L500 or the SR-L700.

Koss ESP-950 Energizer/Amplifier.
Frequency response: 1.6Hz–50kHz ±3dB at 100Vrms differential output.
Input impedance: 100k ohms. Input level: 1Vrms for full output.
THD+noise: 0.001% at 1kHz and 100Vrms differential output.
Voltage amplification: 60dB.
Channel separation: 80dB at 1kHz, 100Vrms differential output.
Audio output voltage: 600Vrms differential, 2300Vrms push-pull with soft limiting.
S/N ratio: 100dB at 100Vrms output.
Bias voltage: 600V DC.


Stax SRM-1/MK-2 Professional Amplifier.
Inputs
There is one loop-through line-level input.
Rated 100 mV, 50 k Ohm.
Loop-through means they are wired together; you can insert this in between any two other components, and even if it's turned-off, the signal goes through.
Gain
60 dB (1,000x).
In other words, a 100 mV input can produce a 100 V output at maximum gain.
Frequency Response
Rated DC - 20 kHz, ±1 dB, at 30 V with one pair of SR-Lambda.
Distortion
Rated 0.01% THD at 1 kHz.
Rated 0.05% THD at 100 V at 1 kHz while driving an SR-Lambda.

Just curious why not discuss the difference in solid state amps? While technical specs are one thing it does not say how it sounds.

 

[GearMe]

Just curious why not discuss the difference in solid state amps? While technical specs are one thing it does not say how it sounds.

Mmmm...if I respond then I'd be walking down that path now wouldn't I? I'll leave that to the recommendation rockstars that are comfortable declaring these nuances!

 

[buke9]

No I’m just curious why? I have a few different solid state amps and to me they all sound different. The rockstar thing, that title was given to me I didn’t ask for it . Being comfortable declaring a difference in something well if it is different then it is different I don’t see the problem.

 

[GearMe]

Which is why I'll rely on you to elaborate further on the sound differences between the ESP-950 and Stax SRM-1/MK-2.
I'm sure the thread readers will leverage the additional insight appropriately when they're considering their options!

That's the cool thing about this hobby, each person can choose the path that best suits them...