Quote:
Originally posted by Keiso
But yeah, because of what you said, I think I'll skip the Stax Basic now. But I'm really curious about your findings, really. It's true that the Classic System goes much higher and deeper, but I wouldn't think to an extent where it was so noticeable without SACD recordings.... Did both systems use the same interconnects and source?
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Both systems were using the Linn Ikemi CD player that I think Kurt has in his headphone system. The interconnects were better than Monster but I can't remember the brand--one of the popular brands carried in audio shops, nothing elaborate. The CD player wasn't SACD but some of the recordings we used were really good reference CDs. (The Verve Louis & Ella disc has become a staple for me.)
I wouldn't make any purchasing decisions based on my exposure. Like I said, we weren't there long and I didn't get any long term auditioning in that other people here have and I'd let their opinions carry a lot more weight. The only thing I would propose is that even though the extreme frequency extensions might not be missed by the average person, the average person probably isn't shopping for Stax to begin with.
I wondered what the 4040 would offer over the 3030. The 3030 was already completely flat, very neutral and hit the entire frequency response (to the best of my ability as a listener without equipment to determine). I suspect that this is one of those things I'd have to AB to discriminate. I wonder if its a thickness issue. If I had to guess, I bet the 3030 errs on the thin side because the Linn struck me as erring on the smooth side (which usually goes along with erring on thickness). Of course, that's based on a lot of assumption since I didn't get to audition the amp and headphone with a different source, but I did hear the source with my familiar HA-1 and W2002 so I had a little basis for comparrison.
Anyway, sorry for the thread digression. Yes, I agree this place can have an influence on one's spending. I've only been here a couple of months myself and have spent a good bit but I think it's been a pretty rewarding hobby.
My theory is that everyone here buys Etymotic eventually. I was anti-in the ear too. I've never even owned earbuds and wouldn't dream of owning the Koss 35 that everyone loves (that isn't even really "in" your ear). I'd bought the DT831 with the intention of using it at work because I needed a closed headphone. When I finally got to hear the Etymotic, it was instantly added to my wishlist. If you don't need a portable headphone AT ALL and you already have the Stax and Sennheiser, I can see you not wanting an Etymotic, I guess. It's possible. Just not likely.
