[Tugbars]

Has anyone compared SRM002 vs SRM-D10 driver units in terms of sound quality? (to use with SR003mkII or SR002mkII)

I am looking for a comparison of both units but unfortunately so far i couldn't find one.

I'm using KGSSHV Carbon & SR007mkII at home, once i get my SR003/D10 combo(maybe SRM002 depending on the inputs i'll get), i'll share my experiences with both KGSSHV + SR003 and SR003 + D10 here.

Also i'm looking for comparisons of SR003 when it's driven by good STAX amps to omegas.

Thanks in advance!

 

[ClieOS]

Certainly hope SRM-D10 + SR003mk2 will be great sounding, consider the combo is about twice as expensive as the whole SRS-002.

 

[Tugbars]

Hopefully so.

D10 uses ESS ES9018 DAC chip and high quality TI OPA1642 op-amp, both are very promising. It's high voltage amplifier is also some high-tech stuff.

I'm not expecting D10 to drive my 007's, i am just hoping D10 + SR003 offers something similar to KSE1500 in terms of sound quality.

 

[alpha421]

I'm curious to know which DAPs folks are attaching to their SRS-002? I've cycled through a hand full of pure DAPs (no wifi, with a few with BT), and although I would like a thinner and lighter DAP with a possibly a touch screen for navigation ease, the Colorfly C10 is what I've settled on due to its line out performance. I believe the line out voltage needs to be at or closer to 2V; otherwise, the sound output lacks dynamics and the SRS-002 volume level is near max. With the C10, the volume hovers around mid-way and it sounds full and dynamic. Every Colorfly DAP I've owned excels in the line out department. Seems like most current DAPs has the pseudo HP/Line out output combo via a software control, which I don't really care for.

This kit along with the CES--A1 is the cleanest and purest path to the music in a portable format that I've owned. I was initially psyched with all the electrostatic tweeters/drivers that's soon flooding the high-end portable market, but balk at the prices and I doubt they can replicate the huge and natural sound stage of this setup. For around $500 for everything, it's one of the best and most satisfying purchase in this hobby. As I've stated before, the CES-A1 kit needs to be a standard accessory for without it, this fourth time of owning the kit would've been the very last due to past comfort issues.

Also, I've found the following silicone rings that slips over the SRS-002 volume knob and allows one finger on/off and adjustments.

 

[Tugbars]

I use Cayin i5.

 

[miusicmene]

I use a Questyle qp1r, a Chord mojo/poly combo or a bit more portable still, a Shanling M0 with the srs 002 plus CES A1.
I also have the d10 with the sr-002(using a srm003 5pin cable) and the diference is huge with those daps. Each of the daps mentioned above have their onw advantages, in terms of sound(they are all mostly neutral sounding, perfect for longer classical or jazz sessions), portability and of course fun factor

 

[Tugbars]

isn't D10's DAC good enough? I just use my DAP as flac player.

 

[alpha421]

I agree. The D10/SR-003 MK2, that I owned for a few weeks sounds better than the SRS-002/DAP combo, but sold my set as I mainly listen to desktop speakers at home. I originally purchased the D10 combo as I had plans to purchase the L700 headphone, but plans changed.

 

[Tugbars]

D10 has one of the best Sabre DAC chips inside which is ESS 9018.

 

[fragme76]

Been using D10 with 003 for a while and love It. It's my sort of on the couch portable stats setup. My source has been a LG V40 is there any opinions about bothering with a dap to improve the sound. I am very curious for opinions. I have been close to pulling the trigger on a dap Hilby pro 6 or Fiio m11 but think probably is a waste of money considering how good the D10 is. Any thoughts?

 

[alpha421]

For a transportable Stax kit, you can't beat the D10/source combo, IMO. I really think it's an optimized kit in every way. It's no contest between the D10/Samsung S9 and the SRS-002/DAP, but the latter has obvious portability advantages.

My issue was finding a DAP with a true line out (no headphone amplification in the path) and one that's closer to the line-out voltage spec. I found it with the Colorfly C10 DAP, but recently I believe I've found the most ideal DAP/source with the RWAK100-S that I'm expecting very soon. For the size, weight, touch UI, true line out and specs, I believe I've found the perfect source for the SRS-002.

 

[Tugbars]

I keep hearing that SR001mkII is way better than SR002 or SR003 mark 2 versions. The diaphragm thickness is 1.15 micron with SR001mkII while 002MkII and 003MkII diaphragm thickness is 1.35 micron. 1994 was the peak of old STAX and their design had no compromises back then. So i keep building my suspicions towards SR002 and SR003 right now.

Can someone enlighten us, if you've tried both?

 

[dogears]

 

[chi2]

While the newer portable amp (SRM-002 vs. SRM-001) makes a slight positive difference, the earphones (SR-002 vs. SR-001 MK2, both with cust. molds), to my ears, don‘t. The tips have a far larger impact on the sound.

 

[fragme76]

That's very interesting. Has there been any tips that you found more enjoyment out of?