[milosz]

The ESP-950 is definitely a nice phone, comfortable, high end sounding, quality industrial build (but not luxe-materials) and a quite different "voice" from Stax. And, gotta love that warranty.
 
If I had to describe the difference between ESP-950 and Lambdas, I'd say the ESP-950 is a bit more midrange-forward, more bass impact than Lambdas. The Koss's highs are smooth and extended but the nature of the treble of the Lambda give them a somewhat more "transparent" or "hear through" sound. Interesting highly detailed midrange from the Koss,  their own different sound. Not overwhelmingly "forward" - just different.
 
It's nice to have a fairly affordable good quality electrostatic headphone with an amplifier out there; it's also good to have another electrostatic "voice" available for purchase besides Stax. (Well there's HE-6  etc  but those aren't readily available)
 
I can't really compare the Stax SR-007 mk II's that I have against the Koss, I don't really like my SR-007's with either of my Stax amps (SRM1-mkII or SRM-T1)- that's why I am slowly building a DIY T2 - so I don't really know what the SR-007's sound like when matched with a proper amp. Based on what I've heard, I'd venture the following:  ESP-950's have somewhat more bass "impact" than the SR-007's, the SR-007's sound like they are voiced closer to 'neutral'  while the ESP-950's are a bit "forward" or "up front."  YOUR MILEAGE MAY VARY  I haven't done that much listening to my SR-007's because I don't like them on either of my amps really.  Or on the SRD-7pro either.  

 

[dagothur]

Quote:

(Well there's HE-6  etc  but those aren't readily available)
 

I think you mean the EH1.3 Jade.  Hifiman makes orthodynamics.

 

[wink]

Could also have meant the Senn HE60 baby Orpheus.......

 

[dagothur]

Quote:

Could also have meant the Senn HE60 baby Orpheus.......

That's probably it.  I just remembered that HiFiMan released a pair of electrostatics some time ago.

 

[obobskivich]

That's probably it.  I just remembered that HiFiMan released a pair of electrostatics some time ago.

You can still order them on the Head-Direct website; ridiculously expensive for the build quality from what I recall of reviews.

 

[dagothur]

Quote:

You can still order them on the Head-Direct website; ridiculously expensive for the build quality from what I recall of reviews.

I've heard that they're quite inconsistent as far as build and sound quality.  Some people think they're cold with a flat soundstage and uncontrolled bass, while some think they're phenomenal with a Grado-like presentation.  If they were $1000 again, and I already had an electrostatic amp I might consider them at some point in the future.

 

[hello im sean]

hey are these fake? theyre listed under $200 seems too good to be true
 
http://cameragps.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=13751

 

[Magick Man]

If it seems too good to be true, etc. etc.. You know the rest.

 

[hello im sean]

true^ haha thanks, website seems kinda shady

 

[powerlifter450]

These are the high end bargains of the century. Forget $2000 orthodynamics that require $600+ amps to sound good. Grab some of these, pair them with a quality DAC and don't look back. Nothing sounds like electrostatics.

 

[Mr.Sneis]

Also figured out my ground hum issue!  With the esp950 hooked up to my DAC which is hooked to my Macbook Pro via USB I would get ground hum whenever I touched my laptop and it was plugged in for power.  Turns out the Macbook Pro AC adapter has 2 prongs for the outlet in "wall wart mode" so I used the optional extension adapter which has 3 prongs (added ground) in place of the 2-prong adapter.   Now my ESP950 is a BAMF.
 
It's much harder to explain than it is to show via pictures!
 
2 Pronged (bad!):

3-Pronged (good!):
 

 

[hello im sean]

i really need to hear a pair of electrostatics before i jump on these though it does seem to be a good deal

 

[Magick Man]

Okay, so I scored a used 950 in very good condition, but they don't have the E/90. I'm thinking I'm going to reterminate to use with my SRM-717 and WEE. This a good plan? Seems to be pretty easy, just looking around for parts now.

 

[kevin gilmore]

buy the extension cable and hack that up. Soldering is not easy due to
the very tiny wire wrapped in tiny strands of insulator.

 

[Magick Man]

Isn't that like a $100? I only paid $250 for the ESP-950 and was wanting to keep it all below $300.