Stax SR-001 Appreciation Thread

[b0rk]

Show these babies some love

Got mine today and they are so sweet, not even burned in yet and using a crappy interconnect they sound truly amazing. Source is lineout on NW-HD5H. They totally blow away the UM2s and I can't see myself upgrading my home or portable rig for a long time!

I got the SR-001 MK2 with the Stax power supply. Should be pairing with DIY cable tomorrow then RnB Diamond when it comes through in 2-3 weeks

Catscratch if you read this in a post ages ago you said they should be word for the burn-in period. Something about Stax being designed to operate against the pressure of your ear and that the membrane would be damaged. How long do you think is sensible to leave them off your head for? - I did for 20 mins by accident at work

 

[sniks7]

Too busy listening to mine to reply!

Try powering them from the mains. Makes a difference, even though I get a nearly inaudible low frequency mains hum out of mine. Earthed IC might sort this..

Interesting thing about different IC (if you're using an iPod and line-out): I did a comparative review on this (it's under portable audio) and found the differences between a cheapo (Sendstation Pocketdock) and a custom made silver job were not that big.

 

[labrat]

Deleted.

 

[catscratch]

In regards to the pressure thing - I'm not sure, I would email Stax about it if you're really worried. But, I would guess that leaving them playing is not that much of a big deal. There was a post on head-fi about burning in the SR-404, in which the OP quoted an email from Stax that said that the SR-404 was not designed to operate against the pressure of your ears and should not be played in the open, so to speak.

Anyway, I doubt you did any harm. I didn't burn mine in specifically, I just let them burn in naturally as I used them.

Impressive little things, aren't they... The AC adapter helps a lot, too. Makes things more dynamic and brings out the high end a bit.

 

[sniks7]

I should add that the mains adapter I use is something that cost me £5 ($8) from the local electrical shop just to run the idea up the flagpole.

As far as i can tell there isn't one made for the UK market. I would love to stand corrected on this though..

 

[edstrelow]

As a matter or interest, the Stax SR003 is the same headphone as that used in the SR001MK2, except that it uses the standard Stax plug for the regular Stax amps. The SR003 cord can be disconnected and replaced with the SR001 cord making it usable in the portable amp. Audio Cubes sells such a cord for about $30.00.

Unfortunately they don't sell the SR003 cord as yet so that users of the SR001 could convert their phones to run on the regular line of Stax amps.

Incidentally the SR003, although designed for high bias, runs just about as well from a low bias amp.

 

[b0rk]

Hey all,

Still loving mine

I live in the UK and bought the STAX power adapter along a UK > Japan voltage convertor. I too hear a low hum from the adapter.. but the cans do sound better with it

The odd thing is that the hum goes away if I either:
1) Hold onto the metal part of my interconnect
or
2) Hold onto my mp3 player (its got a metal casing)

Leading me to beleive its some sort of ground problem! Any ideas how I can build a grounded interconnect

?

Thinking of building a 4.5v rechargable battery pack for it... just dunno where to get the parts from!

b0rk.

 

[$qwuzzy]

absolutley loving mine.

works a treat with my iaudio x5l

can't wait for uni to go back - got a great portable setup for the trains!!!

 

[catscratch]

Call me crazy, but I've lately been preferring the SR-001 over the SR-404, HD600, and ES2. Yes, the SR-404 is a better headphone that stomps all over the SR-001 in many technical merits, but the SR-001 is more musical, has a more even bass response, and a better midrange. I'm wondering if I need to get the SR-003 to use with the SRM-313 to compliment the SR-404 (or maybe even replace it while I upgrade to the O2! Now there's a thought). The SR-001's amp is really lousy and holds the headphones back. The HD600 is also a better headphone, but it needs a lot of money in associated gear to take it above the SR-001. Out of a lowly Porta Corda Mk II, and stock cabled, the SR-001 beats it in many ways - speed, transparency, detail, more controlled bass, and a stunning midrange. Switching to the SR-001 after the HD600/PCII is like turning the lights up in a dimly lit room... everything just comes more into focus. Most of all, I really like the SR-001's presentation of detail - it's incredibly detailed but the detail is presented in a very relaxed manner and not shoved into your face. If you listen, it's all there, just not shouted at you. Instead, the rich midrange and powerful but controlled bass take center stage.

I don't know... something about it just tickles me in all the right ways. I need to look for a full-size system with the same virtues that does it better.

 

[smeggy]

Damn I hate you guys

I really have to ge a set of these but wifey wants to buy a house and it's really putting a crimp in my spending plans dammit! AAAARGH!!!!

 

[Tachikoma]

Quote:

Originally Posted by catscratch Call me crazy, but I've lately been preferring the SR-001 over the SR-404, HD600, and ES2. Yes, the SR-404 is a better headphone that stomps all over the SR-001 in many technical merits, but the SR-001 is more musical, has a more even bass response, and a better midrange. I'm wondering if I need to get the SR-003 to use with the SRM-313 to compliment the SR-404 (or maybe even replace it while I upgrade to the O2! Now there's a thought). The SR-001's amp is really lousy and holds the headphones back. The HD600 is also a better headphone, but it needs a lot of money in associated gear to take it above the SR-001. Out of a lowly Porta Corda Mk II, and stock cabled, the SR-001 beats it in many ways - speed, transparency, detail, more controlled bass, and a stunning midrange. Switching to the SR-001 after the HD600/PCII is like turning the lights up in a dimly lit room... everything just comes more into focus. Most of all, I really like the SR-001's presentation of detail - it's incredibly detailed but the detail is presented in a very relaxed manner and not shoved into your face. If you listen, it's all there, just not shouted at you. Instead, the rich midrange and powerful but controlled bass take center stage. I don't know... something about it just tickles me in all the right ways. I need to look for a full-size system with the same virtues that does it better.

Hmmm... USD175 for the SR-003 delivered to malaysia... *considers*

 

[Carl]

I hate sticking things into my ears, but I'm considering making an exception...

 

[b0rk]

I agree with you catscratch, these cans are beautiful. No particular part of the spectrum sticks out, its all perfectly balanced.

I have to strongly disagree that the SR-001 has rolled off highs, I find the highs amazing, the cymbal highs are well presented and sparkle, I can easily focus in on them even on complex passages or rock tracks with drums, singer and guitars going at full pelt!

These are just so unbeliveably musical, they not only pass the feet tapping but also the air guitar test

Something that HD25 / DT330/ UM2 / E3C never did. They just have that extra intangible quality about them, personally I think its due to the infinite detail these cans seem to possess.

The SR-001 also seems genre-proof, even with my eclectic collection from classical>pop>acoustic>hardcore>rock>trip-hop>drum n bass>experimental>indie I have yet to find a recording that sounds bad, or rather that sounds like it could sound better on any other cans I've owned!

The only downside is the portability, these are deffo transportable cans they do fit in big pockets but would recommend a bag... which is fine for me cos I'm a student

b0rk.

 

[setmenu]

Quote:

Originally Posted by catscratch Call me crazy, but I've lately been preferring the SR-001 over the SR-404, HD600, and ES2. Yes, the SR-404 is a better headphone that stomps all over the SR-001 in many technical merits, but the SR-001 is more musical, has a more even bass response, and a better midrange. I'm wondering if I need to get the SR-003 to use with the SRM-313 to compliment the SR-404 (or maybe even replace it while I upgrade to the O2! Now there's a thought). The SR-001's amp is really lousy and holds the headphones back. The HD600 is also a better headphone, but it needs a lot of money in associated gear to take it above the SR-001. Out of a lowly Porta Corda Mk II, and stock cabled, the SR-001 beats it in many ways - speed, transparency, detail, more controlled bass, and a stunning midrange. Switching to the SR-001 after the HD600/PCII is like turning the lights up in a dimly lit room... everything just comes more into focus. Most of all, I really like the SR-001's presentation of detail - it's incredibly detailed but the detail is presented in a very relaxed manner and not shoved into your face. If you listen, it's all there, just not shouted at you. Instead, the rich midrange and powerful but controlled bass take center stage. I don't know... something about it just tickles me in all the right ways. I need to look for a full-size system with the same virtues that does it better.

Hi catscratch
To run the the 001 from the 'big' stax amps, order the 003 cable and plug it
on the 001s.
The 001 cable is simple to remove, though I would not recommend doing it too much.
I have not yet done this myself but have been tempted.


.

 

[Brunobiseu]

I recently purchased a Stax SR-001 from Dr Meier, to build a sort of... well, err... transportable headphone system.
Currently I use the Stax with a Sony D-555 (the interconnect is a 0,5m custom made Hybrid Kimber GK-Mini), but as of next week the source will be a Sony D-EJ2000 (US version), so that the D-555 can rest safely in my closet

.
After a few auditions I find it comparable to my big home setup (Sony SCD-1, Prehead MkI, HD-650 + Zu Mobius, van Den Hul First Ultimates...), not worse nor better, just different! (and there is a huge price difference to consider...)
I listened to one of my best quality CDs (Jazz at the Pawnshop, FIMXRCD012-13) on the D-555 & SR-001, D-555 & Alessandro MS-2, SCD-1 + Prehead (Crossfeed off) & HD-650s, and with the SR-001 I got an impression of more extended highs (silver/copper ICs?), higher (not brighter!) than the other two mentioned cans. The details were all there... although I did find the atmosphere a bit lacking (I heard all the background sounds, just not as cohesive as with the HD-650 (is this making sense?))
There is also the comfort issue. Being a long time user of Shure E3s, the pressure on the rim of the outer ear doesn't bother me half as much as sticking a in-ear headphone... in the ear

.

Conclusion: I get a lot more Spine Chills using the Stax than with the other setups I listened to (it made me remember the time I first heard a pair of Grados, back in the '90s), and as a plus they are transportable, so for me saying the SR-001 MkII is a fine amp-headphone combo is an understatement!