Head-Fi Momo
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Sep 28, 2012
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Hello fellow Head-fi members,
I was able to pick up the entry level Stax SRS-2170 electrostatic headphone system for approximately $600 USD when I was in Japan last month, and I figured I will offer my opinion on these great headphones, since there are so few reviews for them here on head-fi. Bear in mind that English is not my first language, but I will try my best in offering my impression on them.
The Stax SRS-2170 system includes the SR-207 headphones and SRM-252S Amp Unit. The version I purchased is the 100V Japan domestic version, so I purchased a 115V to 100V stepdown transformer for use in Canada for an additional $30 USD while I was in Japan.
The headphones I have in current possession for reference include: HD800, HD650, ATH-W3000anv, D7000, Grado RS-1i, AKG 701, DT770 pro limited edition 32 Ohm, and Shure SRH 940. Headphone amps I own include Bryston BHA-1, Luxman SQ-N100. Headphones I no longer have in possession include Grado SR-60i, SR-125i, SR-225i, ATH-A700, ATH-A900, B&W P5, and DT-1350.
[size=small] I find the SRS-2170 among one of the more euphony and musical headphone in my possession. This headphone put its emphasis on the lower midrange, with the overall midrange being silky smooth, somewhat cool, semi-forwarded, and a bit tubby at the same time. Finding a headphone [size=13.333333969116211px]excelling[/size] on the lower [size=13.333333969116211px]mid-range[/size] is very refreshing [size=13.333333969116211px]especially[/size] since I find many high end headphones just a bit bright and [size=13.333333969116211px]analytical[/size] by trying to retain every last ounce of "air" and detail from the music. The SRS-2170 instead present the music in a laid back and calm manner, but putting the spot light onto the [size=13.333333969116211px]mid-range[/size] while retaining the treble details in a secondary layer of background. SRS-2170 is incredibly communicative in emotional terms; the closest headphones I can relate the SRS-2170 to is my Audio Technica W3000anv. Compared to the W3000anv, the 2170 is more neutral, uncolored and cool, with midrange being more forward. In my opinion, the 2170 has about same quality of midrange magic as the W3000anv but at half the price, and being more "musically accurate" as well. Another strength the 2170 has over the W3000anv is a much more spacious soundstage. The soundstage is comparable in width to AKG 701 and HD800, but seems to have more vertical ceiling than both. The W3000anv still excels at female vocal, but that is due to its Audio Technica house sound that is famous for enriching female vocal. While the 2170 [size=13.333333969116211px]mid-range[/size] is [size=13.333333969116211px]forward,[/size] it is unlike the Grado where some find it a bit bright, dry, detail hyped and grainy. I [size=13.333333969116211px]personally[/size] find the SRS-2170 very tasteful, [size=13.333333969116211px]tailored[/size] to emphasis the positive essence of music. It is unlike the more [size=13.333333969116211px]analytic monitoring[/size] headphones such as the HD800 and SRH-940, where music is presented in a flat, balanced, transparent and detail oriented manner. [/size]
[size=small] [/size]
[size=small] In terms of imaging, the SRS-2170 locks the picture "inside the head" of the listener much like the majority of headphones; but because of the excellent soundstage, the image inside my head seems to be huge! In the imaging department, the HD800 has the edge since the drivers are angled towards one's ear to present a more speaker like imaging experience.[/size]
[size=small] [/size]
[size=small] In terms of dynamics, the SRS-2170 rolls off early in the extreme treble and bass region , and is only average in terms of bass slam . It has more bass slam than SRH 940, and AKG 701, but not at the level of the D7000 and HD650. It also does not reach as deep into the bass region as the HD800, HD650 or AKG 701. Also because of the early bass roll off, the SRS-2170 doesn't contain as much "PRaT" as many of the more detail oriented monitoring headphones. The SRS-2170 reminds me of a pair of bookshelf speakers with soft rubber tweeters, somewhat cool but not dark, with focus in the [size=13.333333969116211px]mid-range[/size] and soundstaging; dynamic and hyper detailing are secondary priorities. It is my suspicious that the more expensive Stax will translate to later treble/bass roll off, more bass slam and better transparency.[/size]
[size=small] In terms of comfort, the SRS-2170 is somewhat heavy, but with very [size=13.333333969116211px]comfortable[/size] ear pads to cushion the weight at the same time. The SRS-2170 offers no sound isolation, and is confined to home use only. [/size]
[size=small] When I am writing this review, I remind myself that the SRS-2170 is not just a headphones, but a head phone SYSTEM. When one puts it into the context of a headphone system, the 2170 offers excellent value. While headphones such as the HD650 and AKG 701 are about 1/3 to 2/3 the price of the SRS-2170, to truly unlock their true potential, one probably need to spend 3x the headphones price on headphone amplifier to get [size=13.333333969116211px]fantastic[/size] results, not including the scenario where the headphone amplifier doesn't match with headphones. In my case, [size=13.333333969116211px]only[/size] when I [size=13.333333969116211px]paired[/size] the HD650 to the Luxman SQ-N1000, and AKG 701 to the Bryston BHA-1 did I finally [size=13.333333969116211px]became[/size] satisfy with the pairing results. What I am trying to say is that Stax really has a great sounding MUSICAL SYSTEM all figured out at their entry price level. When you purchase this system, you just need to sit back and enjoy without worrying about headphone amplifiers matching. [/size]
[size=small] [/size]
[size=small] So do I enjoy the SRS-2170 you ask? You bet. [size=13.333333969116211px]While the 2170 is not for bass-heads and detail freaks, [/size]I highly recommend it to Head-fi fans who can afford a secondary pair of headphones that is not too technical, but euphony centered. I also recommend it to those who are curious about the world of electrostats headphones and can afford a taste of it. The SRS-2170 is a very different and unique experience than dynamic headphones, I highly recommend it to those looking for something other than "the usual suspects".
[/size]
[size=small] [/size]
I was able to pick up the entry level Stax SRS-2170 electrostatic headphone system for approximately $600 USD when I was in Japan last month, and I figured I will offer my opinion on these great headphones, since there are so few reviews for them here on head-fi. Bear in mind that English is not my first language, but I will try my best in offering my impression on them.
The Stax SRS-2170 system includes the SR-207 headphones and SRM-252S Amp Unit. The version I purchased is the 100V Japan domestic version, so I purchased a 115V to 100V stepdown transformer for use in Canada for an additional $30 USD while I was in Japan.
The headphones I have in current possession for reference include: HD800, HD650, ATH-W3000anv, D7000, Grado RS-1i, AKG 701, DT770 pro limited edition 32 Ohm, and Shure SRH 940. Headphone amps I own include Bryston BHA-1, Luxman SQ-N100. Headphones I no longer have in possession include Grado SR-60i, SR-125i, SR-225i, ATH-A700, ATH-A900, B&W P5, and DT-1350.
[size=small] I find the SRS-2170 among one of the more euphony and musical headphone in my possession. This headphone put its emphasis on the lower midrange, with the overall midrange being silky smooth, somewhat cool, semi-forwarded, and a bit tubby at the same time. Finding a headphone [size=13.333333969116211px]excelling[/size] on the lower [size=13.333333969116211px]mid-range[/size] is very refreshing [size=13.333333969116211px]especially[/size] since I find many high end headphones just a bit bright and [size=13.333333969116211px]analytical[/size] by trying to retain every last ounce of "air" and detail from the music. The SRS-2170 instead present the music in a laid back and calm manner, but putting the spot light onto the [size=13.333333969116211px]mid-range[/size] while retaining the treble details in a secondary layer of background. SRS-2170 is incredibly communicative in emotional terms; the closest headphones I can relate the SRS-2170 to is my Audio Technica W3000anv. Compared to the W3000anv, the 2170 is more neutral, uncolored and cool, with midrange being more forward. In my opinion, the 2170 has about same quality of midrange magic as the W3000anv but at half the price, and being more "musically accurate" as well. Another strength the 2170 has over the W3000anv is a much more spacious soundstage. The soundstage is comparable in width to AKG 701 and HD800, but seems to have more vertical ceiling than both. The W3000anv still excels at female vocal, but that is due to its Audio Technica house sound that is famous for enriching female vocal. While the 2170 [size=13.333333969116211px]mid-range[/size] is [size=13.333333969116211px]forward,[/size] it is unlike the Grado where some find it a bit bright, dry, detail hyped and grainy. I [size=13.333333969116211px]personally[/size] find the SRS-2170 very tasteful, [size=13.333333969116211px]tailored[/size] to emphasis the positive essence of music. It is unlike the more [size=13.333333969116211px]analytic monitoring[/size] headphones such as the HD800 and SRH-940, where music is presented in a flat, balanced, transparent and detail oriented manner. [/size]
[size=small] [/size]
[size=small] In terms of imaging, the SRS-2170 locks the picture "inside the head" of the listener much like the majority of headphones; but because of the excellent soundstage, the image inside my head seems to be huge! In the imaging department, the HD800 has the edge since the drivers are angled towards one's ear to present a more speaker like imaging experience.[/size]
[size=small] [/size]
[size=small] In terms of dynamics, the SRS-2170 rolls off early in the extreme treble and bass region , and is only average in terms of bass slam . It has more bass slam than SRH 940, and AKG 701, but not at the level of the D7000 and HD650. It also does not reach as deep into the bass region as the HD800, HD650 or AKG 701. Also because of the early bass roll off, the SRS-2170 doesn't contain as much "PRaT" as many of the more detail oriented monitoring headphones. The SRS-2170 reminds me of a pair of bookshelf speakers with soft rubber tweeters, somewhat cool but not dark, with focus in the [size=13.333333969116211px]mid-range[/size] and soundstaging; dynamic and hyper detailing are secondary priorities. It is my suspicious that the more expensive Stax will translate to later treble/bass roll off, more bass slam and better transparency.[/size]
[size=small] In terms of comfort, the SRS-2170 is somewhat heavy, but with very [size=13.333333969116211px]comfortable[/size] ear pads to cushion the weight at the same time. The SRS-2170 offers no sound isolation, and is confined to home use only. [/size]
[size=small] When I am writing this review, I remind myself that the SRS-2170 is not just a headphones, but a head phone SYSTEM. When one puts it into the context of a headphone system, the 2170 offers excellent value. While headphones such as the HD650 and AKG 701 are about 1/3 to 2/3 the price of the SRS-2170, to truly unlock their true potential, one probably need to spend 3x the headphones price on headphone amplifier to get [size=13.333333969116211px]fantastic[/size] results, not including the scenario where the headphone amplifier doesn't match with headphones. In my case, [size=13.333333969116211px]only[/size] when I [size=13.333333969116211px]paired[/size] the HD650 to the Luxman SQ-N1000, and AKG 701 to the Bryston BHA-1 did I finally [size=13.333333969116211px]became[/size] satisfy with the pairing results. What I am trying to say is that Stax really has a great sounding MUSICAL SYSTEM all figured out at their entry price level. When you purchase this system, you just need to sit back and enjoy without worrying about headphone amplifiers matching. [/size]
[size=small] [/size]
[size=small] So do I enjoy the SRS-2170 you ask? You bet. [size=13.333333969116211px]While the 2170 is not for bass-heads and detail freaks, [/size]I highly recommend it to Head-fi fans who can afford a secondary pair of headphones that is not too technical, but euphony centered. I also recommend it to those who are curious about the world of electrostats headphones and can afford a taste of it. The SRS-2170 is a very different and unique experience than dynamic headphones, I highly recommend it to those looking for something other than "the usual suspects".
[size=small] [/size]
