[nutric08]

I'm going to be in the market for new cans to complement my hd600. The choice is going to be an electrostatic earspeaker, stax sr-404 with srd 6/7 or Koss esp/950 with e/90. What would you get if you were buying stats for the first time?

If anyone has a better idea speak up!

 

[paaj]

I have never heard the Koss, but just from a practical point: go with the Stax system, you can re-use the SRD-7 with all other Stax stats and get adapters made for other brands. This way you can change to other electrostatic amps later since most use the Stax type connector. The E/90 is the only with it's type of connector.

 

[krmathis]

I would go for the SR-404 combo.
Make sure you get an SRD-7 Pro or MK2 though, as you want Pro bias (580v) for the SR-404. The SRD-6 or SRD-7 have Normal bias (230v).

 

[n3rdling]

I'd go with a vintage Lambda family headphone or the 202

 

[nutric08]

You think there is not much to be gained going up the ladder (303/404) ?

 

[Clarkmc2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by krmathis /img/forum/go_quote.gif I would go for the SR-404 combo. Make sure you get an SRD-7 Pro or MK2 though, as you want Pro bias (580v) for the SR-404. The SRD-6 or SRD-7 have Normal bias (230v).

Spritzer's circuit boards are an option to finding and paying the premium for the pro bias adapter boxes, but I think they are all gone. Perhaps there could be a group Head-Fi PC board effort?

Clark

 

[Michgelsen]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nutric08 /img/forum/go_quote.gif You think there is not much to be gained going up the ladder (303/404) ?

The SR-202 has a better reputation 'around here', as the more neutral one. I love mine, but have never heard a 303/404 to compare.

 

[brianjrealtor]

I'm amazed at the sound of my Grado SR-80's i got on Ebay for $60. I've also heard the SR-125's and found the 80's to be the better bang for buck..

If you really want a good bang for buck, get the Koss KTX Pro's (not the folding kind) for under $20 on Ebay. I still use these for when at the gym and love em...

 

[Ra97oR]

Don't you love recommendation on $20 Koss on the High end forum.

 

[FrankCooter]

You can't go wrong with any of the options you list, but you might want to add the HE-5 ortho's to the pot. I have both Stax Lamba sigs and the HE-5. Definitely prefer the HE-5. Haven't heard the Koss.

 

[Currawong]

Ra97oR: He's probably a spammer. If you see people post random weird stuff in threads with broken images in their posts or signatures, you know it's a spam bot and you can report it.

 

[Johnnie]

The SR-404 is a great choice, particularly with the right source and amplfication. Before I bought my 404s, I owned the 202s. The 202s are also a great choice and a bargain for the price. The 404s provide much more detail than the 202s. Some have posted there is a midrange "bump" with the 404s (I may misstating what others have posted). I've never observed this, however.

 

[tohenk2]

After a meet I bought the 404LE. Thanks Paaj! (via Bluetin BTW because the 404LE was not available via the normal dealer network outside Japan at the time) There were other Staxes at the meet, and a Jade with a Woo GES (aRRR's) - all very good, but the 404LE from Paaj had "something" I liked. And I was not the only one...

So - I would recommend the 404(LE), but only after you compared them yourself with something else.