[dukeskd]

Yea that's a major difference between the two. Overall, I just found the R10 to be more engaging regardless of genre. The Omega struck me as more of a studio monitor listen, feels a bit laid back and formal. Although, I found it to be very good to be clear.

That's a great take on it. Omega has the less lush and more neutral perspective compared to R10's rich tone and timbre.

What is also deceiving about the R10 when compared to stats is how fast it is - even though it's utilizing outdated technology and has dynamic "organic" drivers.

 

[HugoFreire]

EDITED: I've just got an answer from Benson. Can't wait to have these beauties restored.

I’m hearing some rattling sound here and there probably due to deteriorated foam fragments in the driver.
I’m trying to contact ES labs since last week, but there is no reply. Do you guys know who else can replace the foams?
Or does any of you know the foams dimensions so that I could replicate?

 

[HugoFreire]

That's a great take on it. Omega has the less lush and more neutral perspective compared to R10's rich tone and timbre.

What is also deceiving about the R10 when compared to stats is how fast it is - even though it's utilizing outdated technology and has dynamic "organic" drivers.

I actually have two pairs of the omegas with me now, both early versions. However, they sound quite different from each other. The earlier one has a more warm and lush sound to it and is closer to the HE90. The other pair is probably close to what you guys are describing, more neutral and in your face. Now I understand why the opinions about the omega and comparisons to other cans are a mixed bag.

 

[urs]

As an Ex-R10 owner, I’m following the comparison R10 vs. STAX Omega with keen interest.

I had the R10 in parallel with the 007 MK1 (also called Omega 2) and later the 009, which, so my interpretation from users, apparently is more “transparent” (??) or “aggressive” (??) than the old Omega. Still for normal listening, I nevertheless preferred the 009 to the R10, but just by a very narrow margin. For “Closed” listing, there is no alternative to the R10, I agree.

Regretfully, I could never compare the R10 to the X9000, which I have now.. For me the R10 is still THE BEST CLOSED phones made,. (..and I did not bother to listen to some of the latest "Closed" High-Flyers)

Currently, and only for “Closed” listening I side-tracked to HighEnd IEMs: they don’t match an R10, (or an X9000) but their Noise Insulation is vastly superior, which was my sole argument for selling the R10 – I confess: I still regret it sometimes..!!

Regards
Urs

 

[Mach3]

Regretfully, I could never compare the R10 to the X9000, which I have now.. For me the R10 is still THE BEST CLOSED phones made,. (..and I did not bother to listen to some of the latest "Closed" High-Flyers)

Currently, and only for “Closed” listening I side-tracked to HighEnd IEMs: they don’t match an R10, (or an X9000) but their Noise Insulation is vastly superior, which was my sole argument for selling the R10 – I confess: I still regret it sometimes..!!

Regards
Urs

Don't bother, I can confirm nothing in the market that's closed can topple the KING. Save yourself the money and get another R10 while you can, prices will only go up.

 

[urs]

Mach3,

thank you for your comforting words !!


Regards
Urs

 

[Kimiifrit]

Another happy R10 owner reporting in.

Last year, thanks @goldwerger for letting me try his pair of R10 during a local meet up trade. I couldn't stop thinking about it ever since then, now finally I am lucky enough to grab this pair of beauty in good condition! My life is complete.

 

[number1sixerfan]

Another happy R10 owner reporting in.

Last year, thanks @goldwerger for letting me try his pair of R10 during a local meet up trade. I couldn't stop thinking about it ever since then, now finally I am lucky enough to grab this pair of beauty in good condition! My life is complete.

Congrats. The quality looks impeccable!

 

[goldwerger]

Another happy R10 owner reporting in.

Last year, thanks @goldwerger for letting me try his pair of R10 during a local meet up trade. I couldn't stop thinking about it ever since then, now finally I am lucky enough to grab this pair of beauty in good condition! My life is complete.

Congrats! That’s awesome happy you got inspired and found one, no small feat.. well done

 

[Chefguru]

Another happy R10 owner reporting in.

Last year, thanks @goldwerger for letting me try his pair of R10 during a local meet up trade. I couldn't stop thinking about it ever since then, now finally I am lucky enough to grab this pair of beauty in good condition! My life is complete.

Wow, are those original pads? Look a bit stiffer

 

[Kimiifrit]

Wow, are those original pads? Look a bit stiffer

These are replacement pads, original ones are unfortunately in poor shape.

 

[dukeskd]

I actually have two pairs of the omegas with me now, both early versions. However, they sound quite different from each other. The earlier one has a more warm and lush sound to it and is closer to the HE90. The other pair is probably close to what you guys are describing, more neutral and in your face. Now I understand why the opinions about the omega and comparisons to other cans are a mixed bag.

May you share the serial numbers? Mine is in the 400s. I've heard the first batch of Omega's (0 - 100/200) have the signature you describe.

 

[dukeskd]

Another happy R10 owner reporting in.

Last year, thanks @goldwerger for letting me try his pair of R10 during a local meet up trade. I couldn't stop thinking about it ever since then, now finally I am lucky enough to grab this pair of beauty in good condition! My life is complete.

Great to see a fellow NJ'er with the King! Enjoy them.

 

[HugoFreire]

May you share the serial numbers? Mine is in the 400s. I've heard the first batch of Omega's (0 - 100/200) have the signature you describe.

Interesting. Mine is #44 and the other pair is in the upper 200s.

 

[dukeskd]

Interesting. Mine is #44 and the other pair is in the upper 200s.

That sounds about right.