Ok, I read this thread,
And I like to make some general points wich is not a response to anyone,
Just some points to consider,
And then my listening observations.
1- Innovation and Change:
Just look at the SUPERIOR PLUG the Ether uses in its headphone cups.
A perfect example of making things better.
His headband style & parts quality with Ether I would say are second to none in the planar market.
When he brings that instantly superior design, to the electrostatic market with a superior model,
it doesn't matter what plug he uses.
Most mainstream buyers would not even bother looking at electrostatics if it weren't for upcoming Ether E...
2- MOTIVATION :
This new style plug will be a motivation for amp makers to make "new" amps, not stax specific for an excuse to make a cheaper electrostatic amp.
The market already has enough extremely over-inflated priced electrostatic amps, and so we need change.
3- "NEW" FACTOR:
Let him "re-invent" the "old stax plug".
Change for a better plug, by making smaller and also safer without those large exposed pins.
The standard old stax plug is a major inconvenience for me to line up the dam holes if you use or need to use glasses but don't want to, lol..
I have to carefully and firmly plug in and out every time I want to roll tubes or turn off unit, which is a MAJOR INCONVENIENCE,
As it is not easy at all.
It is an ancient, ugly, oversized plug.
4- BREAK THE NORM:
Dan can do whatever he wants..
He should remain an innovator and creator without restraints.
If he choose he can disassociate himself from stax style products and their rediculous prices and the confines of traditional standards of estats. He can make his unit a larger based mainstream unit if it is more affordable and innovative.
5- FLEXIBILITY :
He only needs to stay with a similar, or even lower bias voltage.
The more flexible it becomes, the more will accept it.
I was thinking if possible to suggest an adapter unit that would accept an input from tube amps that are able.
and only add the necessary bias,
so we can use our existing tube amps.
I realize there is the woo wee but it also uses step up transformers in signal path sort of like the stax "energizers".
As for the sound :
I do not own a stax system but played with the 009 enough times at a friends house to basically have a mental impression of what to look for and expect.
I have heard 2 versions of the Ether
"E" at last NY meet, plus
stax 007, plus the
"JADE".
I don't doubt my own hearing or am bashful to state impressions or worry about brain adjustment.
I am convinced the
Ether"E" will be superior to the
stax 009 (!).
Both versions of the
"E" came closer to, and surpassed the
"Jade" strengths, and also had elements missing from the
009.
The main difference between the two prototype units where Soundstage depth and "proximity" type detailing.
They were both at opposite ends.
One was more intimate like his current planars,
while the other was a bit too distant like an HEX.
I feel he needs to make one in the middle and focus on a realistic Soundstage layering.
I have noted on importance of Soundstage in past.
The accurate layering of the micro details & ambient Soundstage cues.
I have personally modded the Ether, the PM2, the ed8, the HD800, and the HE1000, amongst others noted in my signature.
I know what it is to have a well layered Soundstage.
Some headphones exaggerate artificially the sound field a bit,
and push detailing forward (HD800)
Some headphones exaggerate Soundstage by stretching out the space and detailing (HEX )
Some can naturally get close too having perfect sound field layering,
but are more dependent upon amplification (HEK)
Very few get the layering correct, but are naturally more intimate in Soundstage (Code-X)
Anyways, regardless of this parameter, I could hear the tonality and body of the
"Ether E"as having a more solid planar or
"Jade" quality which translates to a more musically real experience.
So let's hope it all works out for Dan.
I'll be saving up for when it comes.
