[oktapod]

Hi folks.

As you might have seen from my other post, I'm trying to get a short-list of headphones and headamps together with a budget of up to approximately £1000 all-in (though I could go a tad higher if I split the purchase up to headamp followed by headphones later).

I've had an 'itch' for a pair of electrostatic headphones for a while, and I'm wondering if now would be a good time to scratch it....

The thing for me is that I'm going to have to get a headamp anyway, so if I buy a Stax system, say, then it comes with a matching amp so I can be sure of a good match. However, the new big kid on the block, the HD800, gives me pause as it's just a bit over budget (assuming I don't go daft with the headamp) but getting incredible reviews.

So, is there anything 'all-in' in the Stax range that is comparable in musicality, detail, transparency etc., to the HD800 plus £300ish headamp, within my budget? Or would I regret not getting the HD800?

 

[krmathis]

A Stax Omega II system is out of reach with a £1000 budget, but pretty much any other Stax system should be within reach.
And you may even enjoy any of them more than the HD800...

A SRS-4040 system would be one suggestion. New from Price Japan for £870 (€970), plus shipping and possibly VAT.
Then there are vintage systems like SR-Lambda (Pro) with SRM-1/MK2 (Pro or P.P.) energizer. The SR-Lambda Signature is really nice as well.

One thing to remember are the two different bias voltages. Where the headphone and energizer need to be a match.
Normal = 230 volts
Pro = 580 volts


Edit:
Welcome to Head-Fi!

 

[John Buchanan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by oktapod /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hi folks. As you might have seen from my other post, I'm trying to get a short-list of headphones and headamps together with a budget of up to approximately £1000 all-in (though I could go a tad higher if I split the purchase up to headamp followed by headphones later). I've had an 'itch' for a pair of electrostatic headphones for a while, and I'm wondering if now would be a good time to scratch it.... The thing for me is that I'm going to have to get a headamp anyway, so if I buy a Stax system, say, then it comes with a matching amp so I can be sure of a good match. However, the new big kid on the block, the HD800, gives me pause as it's just a bit over budget (assuming I don't go daft with the headamp) but getting incredible reviews. So, is there anything 'all-in' in the Stax range that is comparable in musicality, detail, transparency etc., to the HD800 plus £300ish headamp, within my budget? Or would I regret not getting the HD800?

Personally, I would try getting a used set of something like an SRM-007t or SRM-717 and a Lambda Nova Signature - should come in well under your figure. If you plan on later moving up to an Omega 2, you will be better off with the 717.

 

[Duggeh]

You're quoting in £. Why don't you sign up for the UK meet this weekend and youll get a chance to hear some STax and the HD800 as well as other things and see after that where you think your money is best spent?

Personally I prefer the O2 to the HD800. It's been too long since I've owned the SR-202 to make the call against the HD800. But I'd probably also nod to the Stax there cos I'm a stat guy.

 

[oktapod]

Where is this meet - it's probably a bit too short notice but if it were nearby I might be able to swing by,,.....

 

[lecky]

Have a look in the Local / Regional Head-Fi Meets, Parties, Get-Togethers section and you'll find all the details. It's in Manchester. Wish I could get there...

 

[krmathis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by oktapod /img/forum/go_quote.gif Where is this meet - it's probably a bit too short notice but if it were nearby I might be able to swing by,,.....

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f24/uk...2009-a-443554/ @ Days hotel, Manchester

 

[Dinan]

You might be able to just squeeze the SR-404LE and either a new SRM-006 (which could be a lot of fun) or find an SRM-717 which is pretty much the ultimate STAX amp (aside from the SRM-T2).

You can find the SR-404LE on US ebay. If you are looking for a 717, I have an extra one of those.