[preproman]

Let me understand you here G.  You only heard the 950s on the stock amp - not on a BHSE or a KGSSHV?  If this is the case it an unfair fight from the start.  If you want to sell them I'll be your huckleberry 

 

[Gary in MD]

You understand correctly:  I have only used the stock 950 amp, but since Koss designed and sells the system together as a package, I consider that to be a completely fair fight.  They could have included a Stax-terminated extension cable instead of an amp, and sold the 950s for significantly less... but they didn't. 
 
As far as I am concerned, the ESP-950 slots perfectly into the $600-750 price range, with the E90 amp. As shipped, it can't compete with the big boys, but it isn't priced like them either. 

 

[goldenSHK]

Thank you guys for your comparisons, especially G in MD. This makes my purchasing decision much more difficult. I wanted to get an emotiva  mini X + HE6 as a possible endgame for a couple years until I thought maybe my first pair of electrostats might well do it for me. Now that I know where the Koss stands, I might have to debate everything a bit. 

 

[Koerhijo]

Edit: Do I need a different DAC than the Schiit Modi? This might seem like a silly question, but I don't want to assume.

 

[mikek200]

  I have been browsing this thread (read about twenty pages) and didn't find too many recent posts regarding the Koss ESP-950 vs. the SRS-2170. If there are some posts, I apologize!
 
I am debating about getting the Koss currently, but someone recommended the SRS-2170 to me.

Here is what I have heard about the ESP-950s: 
 
Bass slam/impact is the most out of basically any electrostatic headphones
Mid-forward headphones
The bass extension rolls off
The upper end also rolls off
 
Is this accurate? What should I expect as far as differences in the two headphone systems? I plan to use the amps that come with each one, so keep that in mind.

Side note - do I need a different DAC than the Schiit Modi (for either set up)?

Did you read the 2nd. post over at the Stax entry level thread?
Why dont you read---instead of double posting,all over the forums?

 

[Koerhijo]

  Did you read the 2nd. post over at the Stax entry level thread?
Why dont you read---instead of double posting,all over the forums?

I posted this before I read the reply on the other one. It's okay.

I'll edit this post to reflect this new knowledge, and also to focus on my second question.

 

[AudioCats]

  Thanks for the reply. So what do these sound better than in every way? The LCD2? HD650? HE500? Give me a somewhat rough place marker if you have done direct comparisons before. This can isn't in the battle of the flagships thread so I'm very lost with the lack of information about what kind of performance to expect from these bad boys.

 
 
I have only heard the LCD2 a couple of times, it definitely has better bass than 950, resolution is maybe about the same. Very brief auditions at meets.
I have not heard the HD650 and HE500.
Someone once claimed the 950 SQ is roughly at the same level as HE5 (the original wood phones, not LE), though of different flavor of course, so I would guess it is probably around the HE500 level as well.

 

[shipsupt]

  Edit: Do I need a different DAC than the Schiit Modi? This might seem like a silly question, but I don't want to assume.

Your Modi is fine.

 

[CEE TEE]

  Let me understand you here G.  You only heard the 950s on the stock amp - not on a BHSE or a KGSSHV?  If this is the case it an unfair fight from the start.  If you want to sell them I'll be your huckleberry 

I plan on re-purchasing the 950 and trying with KGSSHV.  Heard the 950 on the Electra prototype and was surprised at the size and heft of the sound...

  They could have included a Stax-terminated extension cable instead of an amp, and sold the 950s for significantly less... but they didn't.

At RMAF, I asked Koss to pass on that we'd like a Stax-terminated cable option as well as a "premium pad" option.  We're a niche market, but we can ask (and hope)!

 

[Gary in MD]

Cee Tee:
 
Certainly no harm in asking, but Koss already sells extension cables for ~$15.  If we can afford a quality Stax amp, we can afford to pay somebody to mod that cable... and voila, problem fixed for the few of us interested in the upgrade, without Koss having to do anything special.  That seems like the best approach to me... and probably to them too!

 

[M3NTAL]

Are most people under powering the ESP950 with their Stax equipment? Pro is 580v and the Koss is 600v? 

 

[AudioCats]

I would guess most around here are using an adaptor to hook it up to Stax amps or a transformer box. I have 620v bias in my transformer boxes and the 950's bass is still not quite powerful enough. There is only so much the electrostatic driver can do.

 

[n3rdling]

The difference in bias levels is essentially negligible.

 

[antonyfirst]

Is there a risk to ruin the ESP950 headphones with a bias like 600v or 620v?

 

[wink]

Most probably not.