Stax phones in need of repair?

[marcus1]

Hi

I’ve bought a Lambda Nova Signature together with a Srm-X Pro portable amp. The Srm-X Pro is in mint condition and even came with an unopened Stax shoulder pouch but the headphones are showing their age.

I’ve attached photo’s showing the thin foam covering the speakers disintegrating rapidly (it’s worse than that shown in the photo’s). Any suggestions on how to remedy this - can I use something similar to replace the foam? I’m concerned that a lot of the foam is going into the speaker housing - would it be a good idea to try and open them up to clean them out?

 

[krmathis]

I suggest the following.
1. Turn the phones in such way that the pads face downwards and use your fingers to rip away and clean out the remaining foam.
2. Order a pair of SR-404 pads. Either from Audio Cubes II or a local dealer.
3. When the new pads arrive remove the old ones, cleaning as much as possible, and mount the new ones.

FYI the foam are part of the pads, and hence comes with the new ones.

 

[spritzer]

The bits of foam can't get into the drivers unless they have been damaged. There is a dustcover in place for just this reason. You can't get to the front of the drivers from the inside since they are glued to the baffle (the metal plate which the pads attach to) and removing them isn't to be taken lightly.

 

[Sherwood]

Also, it should be noted that the foam imparts no sonic benefits, and offers fairly minimal protection. Many people go without it on vintage headphones entirely.