Stax SR-009 Channel Imbalance Trouble / Driver Problem?

[arnaud]

I meant testing as a set. If the 727 amp truly has such difference in output it should show right up in the SPL data. At least for the SR009, you can pretty much get repeatibility within half a dB if you don't reseat the phone between measurements...

 

[spritzer]

The difference isn't huge but the amp is also not 100% stable.  I think all the tests Tyll has done are with a BHSE but I could be wrong. 

 

[Shep]

Quote:

Sad to report my SR-009 have developed this imbalance.  Been getting worse for 2 months, now R is -7dB.  SN 1773.  Will keep you posted.

They are packed up & on the way to Accutech now.  Contemplating weeks without the SR-009 is making me appreciate just how good the SR-202's really are.  The damn things that got me into Staxology in the first place.  Get SRS-2020 casually bundled with a Smyth Realiser, next thing you know you have a BHSE on order..... 
 
The SR-009's measured on sine wave were finally -19dBA R-L at 200Hz rising to -24dBA at 12kHz.  I wish we were closer to understanding this.  The only time I've had anything remotely similar is on full-range DIY 'stat speakers when the film tension/spacer distance allowed the diaphragm to attach itself to stators with coating that hadn't cured properly (sticky). I can't buy the dust angle.  They would have to be assembled in a coal shed for that.

 

[shipsupt]

I hate to be the one to dig up this particular old thread, but I am experiencing some imbalance in my recently received 009's. I was good for about the first week and then I noticed the drop on one side.  No distortion that I can notice.
 
I've done the basics; swapped amps, compared to another headphones, unplugged and touched the pins... I've got them playing from a SS amp now so I'll let them go for an extended time to see if anything gets better or worse.
 
C'est la vie!  One way or another I'll get them right.

 

[complin]

Sorry to hear that, just hopw my sent dont go the same way

Quote:

I hate to be the one to dig up this particular old thread, but I am experiencing some imbalance in my recently received 009's. I was good for about the first week and then I noticed the drop on one side.  No distortion that I can notice.
 
I've done the basics; swapped amps, compared to another headphones, unplugged and touched the pins... I've got them playing from a SS amp now so I'll let them go for an extended time to see if anything gets better or worse.
 
C'est la vie!  One way or another I'll get them right.

 

[Shep]

Quote:

I hate to be the one to dig up this particular old thread, but I am experiencing some imbalance in my recently received 009's. I was good for about the first week and then I noticed the drop on one side.  No distortion that I can notice.

 
Accutech didn't repair mine, they replaced them with a pair sent directly from Japan.  I now have SZ9-2075, 302 units further along than what I sent them (bought in October last year).  They look & feel new and these appear to be OK.  Fingers crossed.  
 
If you suspect you have this problem, measure it at the earcups with a cheap mic.  No amount of changing amps, charging, discharging changed mine.  It was obvious after a month and just got worse.  I waited too long.  It does appear that you either get this issue, or you don't.  

 

[shipsupt]

At this point no need to measure it, it's VERY apparent.  Working on return details now. 

 

[realmassy]

Quote:

I hate to be the one to dig up this particular old thread, but I am experiencing some imbalance in my recently received 009's. I was good for about the first week and then I noticed the drop on one side.  No distortion that I can notice.
 
I've done the basics; swapped amps, compared to another headphones, unplugged and touched the pins... I've got them playing from a SS amp now so I'll let them go for an extended time to see if anything gets better or worse.
 
C'est la vie!  One way or another I'll get them right.

 
That's bad news.
I've got mine for 2 weeks and, finger crossed, they are fine. Going back to anything different from the 009 would be awful.

 

[shipsupt]

I think you're probably OK. 
 
I'll survive, I've got some other decent headphones to listen to while I wait.
 
Perhaps waiting for the BHSE has made me a patient man.

 

[CybDev]

Yeah I was worried too, but mine are still perfect

 

[Golfnutz]

Quote:

At this point no need to measure it, it's VERY apparent.  Working on return details now. 

Just out of curiosity, if you got these from PJ, will you keep us posted on the process.

 

[shipsupt]

I did, and I will.  I can say that so far they have been super responsive, helpful, and keen to make sure I get these repaired/replaced under full warranty.

 

[Golfnutz]

Quote:

I did, and I will.  I can say that so far they have been super responsive, helpful, and keen to make sure I get these repaired/replaced under full warranty.

I have to agree with the customer service, my purchase experience was the same. Thanks.

 

[Ali-Pacha]

I've got a small imbalance on my SR-009...bu it seems to come from my SRM-727II.
The two parts of the volume knob are ok (first thing I've checked), but there is no imbalance when plugging my SR-009 on a SRD-7 (normal bias).
More precisely : it's not a volume imbalance, but a slight lack of treble on the left side when plugged on the SRM-727II
Known issue ?
 
Ali

 

[spritzer]

Not a known issue but them working fine with a lower bias could be a clue as to what's going on with the 009 in general.