Stax SR-009 Channel Imbalance Trouble / Driver Problem?

[JustinBieber]

OK, this was not a headphone or amp problem. It was simply a ground loop issue and that buzz in the right channel was the classic 60hz hum.

The weird squeal sound, I don't know what that was about. My DAC uses USB and occasionally it glitches out due to poor software/drivers, so that was probably a coincidence that occurred at the same time I noticed I had a ground loop issue.

 

[Julez]

OK, this was not a headphone or amp problem. It was simply a ground loop issue and that buzz in the right channel was the classic 60hz hum.

The weird squeal sound, I don't know what that was about. My DAC uses USB and occasionally it glitches out due to poor software/drivers, so that was probably a coincidence that occurred at the same time I noticed I had a ground loop issue.

Hope you are right. Good luck and if you have further problems let us know.

 

[georgep]

OK, this was not a headphone or amp problem. It was simply a ground loop issue and that buzz in the right channel was the classic 60hz hum.

The weird squeal sound, I don't know what that was about. My DAC uses USB and occasionally it glitches out due to poor software/drivers, so that was probably a coincidence that occurred at the same time I noticed I had a ground loop issue.

Sounded like an amp issue - hence my questions about the amp. Glad you've figured it and your 009 are doing fine.

 

[astrostar59]

By reset, I meant unplug everything and turn the amp on/off. Stax 727 w/ resistor mod by Spritzer.

Nope, I just have the amp and the 009. It could be amp related.

It sounds like dirt got into the stators and is arching across. You could try discharging the cans by touching the Stax plug. Then leave a day to discharge. How are you string them? I hope you aren't leaving out in the open, they don't like dust....

Other thought, have to measured your 727 offset for DC? Thee are instructions how to do it on the web, and use a multimeter. If your amp is a bit old, could be that. My 717 was out.

 

[JustinBieber]

Thanks for you suggestions astrostar. I always put a towel over them to cover the dust. I haven't measured the amp for offset, that's always a good idea to do with older equipment.

I am 99% sure this is a ground loop issue on my end. My DAC (AMB y2) can be powered by USB, but I also had the power cable plugged into it. If I remove the power cable and power the DAC only using USB power, there is no buzz. Plug the power cable in = buzz. Touch the prong of the power cable, I get the buzz again. I have ordered a ground loop isolator and will see if it eliminates the noise.

 

[cat6man]

well, my 009 have reached japan and are being repaired.
i also (finally) ordered a dust cover from headamp......probably should have done that a long time ago

 

[andre dufour]

Hi All,

My SR-009 are about 15 months old. They were bought new from authorized dealer (Woo Audio).

The right speaker now does the following:
1 - Imbalance - The right speaker produces much lower sound than the left. It's almost like 100% (left) vs 50%. The problem is getting worse.

2 - Gentle White Noise - Exhibits a 'gentle white noise' even when the sound is all the way down. The sound is always present but, of course, most notable when there's a pause between tracks or if I listen to music at an extremely low volume.


Questions / Thoughts
1 - Good excuse to get S model ?
2 - Does the SR 009 need a dust cover when I am not using it (I use them 5 days a week for 8+ hours). I use a stand that places the 2 cups together. I am open to suggestions.
3 - John Heng had posts where he 'washed' the dust covers - I might try it.
4 - What does it cost to have these fixed and how long does it take? I need my music and might just buy 009s if it's going to take weeks/months.

Thank you in advance,
Andre

 

[Julez]

Hello Andre,

in my expereince you have a defective driver. Probably because of dust inside the driver wich could be the reason why you hear the "white noise". This is often due to very fastly repeated arcing. After a while this can burn holes into the membrane. I would recommend to stop using the 009. How long is your guarantee? In Europe we get 24 months. So you'd be covered and get repair for free. Don't know how this is in America.

I don't think that a dustcover would have prevented your 009 from developing this problem. I rather think this is a problem of quality control in the factory or problems with the coating process. Very annoying. I would get in contact with Woo Audio and ask what you can do.
Regards Julez

 

[statfi]

Hi All,

My SR-009 are about 15 months old. They were bought new from authorized dealer (Woo Audio).

The right speaker now does the following:
1 - Imbalance - The right speaker produces much lower sound than the left. It's almost like 100% (left) vs 50%. The problem is getting worse.

Andre

If you want non-warrantee service, this is the route I used:

 

[turbo87]

Just to chime in here. I too had a problem with my SR 009 with channel imbalance. I purchased them in April 2017 and had a problem around Feb 2018. These were purchased via Woo Audio and I was still under the 1 year warranty. Woo Audio replaced the drivers and it took them about 2 months I think. They had to get the parts from Japan. In my case, I rarely used them, since I was traveling and had them on the STAX headphone stand with the dust cover.

 

[Hubert481]

I once found a statistic about the channel imbalance problems of the different stax models - but cannot find it anymore.
I im interesting, if some models are better or the problem do have all stax models.

 

[andre dufour]

Hi there,

What model/ part number was the dust cover that you bought?

Andre

well, my 009 have reached japan and are being repaired.
i also (finally) ordered a dust cover from headamp......probably should have done that a long time ago

 

[andre dufour]

Hello Andre,

in my expereince you have a defective driver. Probably because of dust inside the driver wich could be the reason why you hear the "white noise". This is often due to very fastly repeated arcing. After a while this can burn holes into the membrane. I would recommend to stop using the 009. How long is your guarantee? In Europe we get 24 months. So you'd be covered and get repair for free. Don't know how this is in America.

I don't think that a dustcover would have prevented your 009 from developing this problem. I rather think this is a problem of quality control in the factory or problems with the coating process. Very annoying. I would get in contact with Woo Audio and ask what you can do.
Regards Julez

Hi Julez,

I think the warranty is 1 year. I appreciate the information and have just reached out to Woo. The good news is I keep of pair of 800 HD as a spare (I stole my wife's set

I'll keep everyone posted. hopefully the repair won't take long.

Andre

 

[andre dufour]

Just to chime in here. I too had a problem with my SR 009 with channel imbalance. I purchased them in April 2017 and had a problem around Feb 2018. These were purchased via Woo Audio and I was still under the 1 year warranty. Woo Audio replaced the drivers and it took them about 2 months I think. They had to get the parts from Japan. In my case, I rarely used them, since I was traveling and had them on the STAX headphone stand with the dust cover.

That's great to hear that you were able to get them fixed. I work from home and really 'rely' on music to get me through the work day. Hopefully Woo can fix my pair soon.

 

[cat6man]

Hi there,

What model/ part number was the dust cover that you bought?

Andre

got mine from Justin at headamp