Stax lambda pro thoughts

[jcease]

I've been using the Stax Lambda Pros for over 15 years. There has been alot of different opinions about them. When they first came out nothing could touch them. Someone stated that they were not held in high regard when they were launched. I read nothing but praise about them. Never before had such detail been revealed through headphones. Yes, with some popular recordings they can sound a bit bright, but with most well recorded material I find them stunning to this day. And about the midrange suckout that was mentioned, I haven't noticed this at all. In fact I feel quite the opposite is true. The midrange is where they shine. Deep detail is brought out for all to hear, with a very natural sound. Bass goes extremely deep with exceptional control, but without any midbass bump to warm things up. Overall the highs are quite analytical but smooth. I run them with the SRD-7 pro adapter into a pair of Quicksilver KT88 mono tube amplifiers. I can listen for hours with this combo. As far as the SR-404 is concerned they are a wonderful sounding phone, and some might prefer warmer balance with a slightly flatter response to the highs, but to me they aren't quite as exciting to listen to. Anyone entering the world of Stax will not be dissapointed with either. Please , let me hear some of your comments on this. ED

 

[wae5]

I've had Lambda Pros since '83 and like them very much but since they always make my ears sweat we've grown apart so now I prefer phones like the Sony MDR-F1 and Yuin PK1 which surely are not better but are certainly more comfortable (to me). I'm no longer willing to trade comfort for SQ. If it's any consolation I have a pair of Stax SR-003s coming from Japan next week and I'm hoping their small size will solve the sweat problem and they'll sound interesting too.

 

[d-cee]

I love my Lambda pros and as my first electrostatic phones, they got me hooked.

I've mentioned in the past that their midrange sucked out and I stand by that when used with the SRM-1/MK-2. Of course I didn't have a problem with it as I mainly use it to listen to classical and when paired with my warm DAC-AH compensated for it nicely.

Perhaps because you're using them with tube amps that may sound a bit warmer it is also compensating for the mid range loss? Just a theory...

 

[krmathis]

I love my SR-Lambda Pro's.

They were my second pair of electrostatic headphones, after the SR-007BL. While they can't quite step up against the SR-007 they are a fine pair of headphones. The somewhat sucked out midrange don't bother me much either.

 

[spritzer]

While Stax did sell a lot of them they weren't that well received by many and that is why the SR-Lambda continued in production for many years. It's really the Signature that shows the true potential of the Pro bias and what a fitting way to mark the 50th anniversary of Stax.

It's probably your gear that is masking the midrange suckout while you are being hit with the uneven top end. Drive any 3 Lambdas off the same amp, at the same time and it is clear as day that the Lambda Pro has issues. It's still a great headphone and miles better then most but not worth the hype.