[arnaud]

oh I forgot to mention that the clip used to attach the headband got redesigned for both 009 and 009S as the original design was well known to be fragile (i broke 1 in the past)

 

[padam]

This is how the new box looks, so I guess the ones with these already have the headband fix applied.

 

[Pokemonn]

OMG.....everything indicate the real savior is incoming...............!lol

 

[purk]

Encourage news guys. Thanks for early impressions!

 

[oneguy]

@arnaud I noticed the pad stiffness difference too but chalked it up to the 009 probably having more head time than the 009S since the 009S is new. Your thoughts?

 

[padam]

There is no mentioning of earpad changes anywhere.
But the SR009 housing did seem to have a few scratches, so it was probably a well used demo pair, while the pre-production SR009S was probably close to being brand new.

 

[arnaud]

@arnaud I noticed the pad stiffness difference too but chalked it up to the 009 probably having more head time than the 009S since the 009S is new. Your thoughts?

I did ask specifically about the pad change and the response was no so, indeed, new vs. well used pads could be it...

 

[Whitigir]

So, what was the conclusion of soundstage ? Omega like ? Or similar to 009 ? I want more soundstage ! Lol

 

[jgazal]

I read fuller bass.

Is the 009s ported or sealed?

I hope it is still sealed and the new voicing comes from the earcup (and mesh/stator?) remodeling.

Any thoughts?

 

[arnaud]

Felt sealed to me although there was no stax fart when seating the phones. At least, the bass did not sound boomy in the least or rolling off so, if ported, it’s well tuned.
As for soundstage, with the kind of noise around and source, it’s a challenging question but, brief impressions felt like the 009S were a little less open than 009 yet not quite 007 level.

 

[mulveling]

Latest reports have put me over the edge. WANT 009S. Now I'll have to sell a 009 in a buyer's market lol. Amazing that they've improved upon near perfection, and kept the list price under $5K. Long live Stax!

I still think you guys claiming the 009 as bright/aggressive/edgy are a bit crazy (or perhaps using the wrong amp), but honestly a 009S voicing that falls between 007 Mk I and 009 sounds awesome too.

 

[HugoFreire]

So, what was the conclusion of soundstage ? Omega like ? Or similar to 009 ? I want more soundstage ! Lol

I read in a Japanese article that they have changed the housing with the Omegas in mind, trying to get closer to its soundstage. I didn’t pay much attention to the soundstage when comparing, but from recollection I don’t think there is a big difference. I need to listen again (maybe today?)

 

[Whitigir]

Please do if u have the chance

 

[Whitigir]

Felt sealed to me although there was no stax fart when seating the phones. At least, the bass did not sound boomy in the least or rolling off so, if ported, it’s well tuned.
As for soundstage, with the kind of noise around and source, it’s a challenging question but, brief impressions felt like the 009S were a little less open than 009 yet not quite 007 level.

I have no problem with 009 treble or bright. But I do want more soundstage. I do pray that it is not less open than 009..LOL

 

[ToroFiestaSol]

Btw, the pads look different than the ones in the SR-009, I don't think the difference is because of the hours of use, it just looks like a different leather.

Slightly better view on what has become different on the outside: