SR404 or Lambda Pro

Jan 20, 2008 at 4:27 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 19

Vaughn

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I am trying to put together a system that will allow me to sample what
electrostatics have to offer.
I am wondering which of these is considered the better set. I have read that the older Stax(Lambda Pro) have a warmer sound and the newer(SR404) have a cooler, more analytical sound.
I currently listen to HD650's with a DV336i, so I guess my preferences run to the warm, romantic side of things.
I would plan on getting an amp second hand to run whichever set I decide upon.

Any suggestions?
 
Jan 20, 2008 at 6:55 AM Post #3 of 19
Quote:

Originally Posted by Vaughn /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I have read that the older Stax(Lambda Pro) have a warmer sound and the newer(SR404) have a cooler, more analytical sound.


where did you read this?

I own the SR-Lambda Pro and SR-404 and it's quite the opposite.

Lambda pros have a sucked out mid range and peaky, but articulate highs.

SR-404s fill in the mids and sound a lot more balanced, but on first listen don't sound as detailed, but in reality they're superior to the Lambda pros top to bottom.
 
Jan 20, 2008 at 8:07 AM Post #4 of 19
Me vote goes to the SR-404 as well (like 'd-cee' I also own both).
Its a lot more balanced, and don't have the same midrange problem as the SR-Lambda Pro.

With the bonus that its currently in production, and very easy to get a hold of. Compared to the SR-Lambda Pro which went out of production some 20 years ago, and most often sell for about the same money as the SR-404.
 
Jan 20, 2008 at 10:55 AM Post #7 of 19
I do not own the SR-404, only the older Lambda Pro but I can definitely sign that description:
Quote:

Originally Posted by d-cee /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Lambda pros have a sucked out mid range and peaky, but articulate highs.


In addition, these have a slightly overpowering, albeit quick and dry, bass compared to the rest of the spectrum. Where they do great for me is with pace-driven music (read: music with prominent drums), and not so much with atmospheric, slower music.
 
Jan 20, 2008 at 4:52 PM Post #9 of 19
thanks for all your replies!

I am glad that the vote seems to be fairly definitive. I'll order the
404's and wait for a decent amp to surface.
 
Jan 20, 2008 at 5:56 PM Post #10 of 19
Quote:

Originally Posted by onyu /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Hi, I don't want to hijack this thread but how compares a Lambda Nova Signature to a SR-404?


They are very different when compared inside the Lambda family but to the outsider they seem similar. The Nova Signature was meant to counter most of the issues users were having with the Lambda Signature but that made them more laid back and a bit boring to me. The treble is better and so is the bass and there is no upper midrange/lower treble etch (only the normal Lambda coloration) so they are better but I prefer a well amped Signature. The 404 has much better drivers and the earpads were improved so they manage to be livelier while being better then the Nova Signature. The bass is still too boomy for my liking and the midrange coloration bothers me but that is why I use the upgraded (and nearly twice the price) version of the SR-404, the SR-SC1.
 
Jan 20, 2008 at 6:35 PM Post #12 of 19
Quote:

Originally Posted by ueyteuor /img/forum/go_quote.gif
wow, i never knew sr-404 was so great.. i thought the best lambda was the old out of production lamba pro...


That is a common misconception. The truth is that the Lambda Pro wasn't even that well liked when it was launched in 1982, getting some bland reviews, but they sold well but not well enough for Stax to discontinue the SR-Lambda. The 404 also suffers from the same problem as the SR-007 as the newer Stax amps really can't do them justice. The SRM-006t is a let down compared to the SRM-T1 and they really start to shine once you can feed them enough voltage and current.
 
Jan 20, 2008 at 6:49 PM Post #13 of 19
Well, I hate to hijack this thread but since I am the op I guess it is my
prerogative!

I have just ordered the SR-404 from PriceJapan and it is on the way.

Spritzer, I noticed in your last post you think highly of the SRM-T1.

I was looking at one of these on Ebay, but it appears to be a low(or normal bias) unit.

I am under the impression the current lineup of Stax are all high bias, am I wrong?

Would this amp be a good mate for the 404?
 
Jan 20, 2008 at 6:53 PM Post #14 of 19
Quote:

Originally Posted by Vaughn /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Well, I hate to hijack this thread but since I am the op I guess it is my
prerogative!

I have just ordered the SR-404 from PriceJapan and it is on the way.

Spritzer, I noticed in your last post you think highly of the SRM-T1.

I was looking at one of these on Ebay, but it appears to be a low(or normal bias) unit.

I am under the impression the current lineup of Stax are all high bias, am I wrong?

Would this amp be a good mate for the 404?



the one on ebay is actually a SRM-1 isn't it?? what's the difference between the t1 and the 1?
 
Jan 20, 2008 at 6:53 PM Post #15 of 19
Quote:

Originally Posted by Vaughn /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Well, I hate to hijack this thread but since I am the op I guess it is my
prerogative!

I have just ordered the SR-404 from PriceJapan and it is on the way.

Spritzer, I noticed in your last post you think highly of the SRM-T1.

I was looking at one of these on Ebay, but it appears to be a low(or normal bias) unit.

I am under the impression the current lineup of Stax are all high bias, am I wrong?

Would this amp be a good mate for the 404?



SRM-T1 should have both, normal and high bias sockets.
 

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