STAX SR-009S new flagship electrostatic earspeakers released (with impressions)

[devilboy]

I'm considering a pair of 009S (or maybe 007mkii), and was curious about which amplifiers you guys recommend and why.
I'd like to keep price under $4K new or used.
This setup will be primarily for classical music listening.
I have no experience with electrostatic headphones but I'm really intrigued.
I currently have a Meze Elite driven by a Luxman p-750u.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

[rthomas]

I'm considering a pair of 009S (or maybe 007mkii), and was curious about which amplifiers you guys recommend and why.
I'd like to keep price under $4K new or used.
This setup will be primarily for classical music listening.
I have no experience with electrostatic headphones but I'm really intrigued.
I currently have a Meze Elite driven by a Luxman p-750u.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

I owned the Carbon with 009S for 2 years. The combo is excellent for classical.

If you don’t want the hassle of tubes the Carbon is the way to go.
Are you based in Europe?

 

[Chefguru]

I'm considering a pair of 009S (or maybe 007mkii), and was curious about which amplifiers you guys recommend and why.
I'd like to keep price under $4K new or used.
This setup will be primarily for classical music listening.
I have no experience with electrostatic headphones but I'm really intrigued.
I currently have a Meze Elite driven by a Luxman p-750u.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Carbon is the best choice. I just sold my Mjolnir carbon on here for $3750, so should be able to find one under 4.

 

[devilboy]

I owned the Carbon with 009S for 2 years. The combo is excellent for classical.

If you don’t want the hassle of tubes the Carbon is the way to go.
Are you based in Europe?

No. United States.

 

[rthomas]

No. United States.

Ok as Chefguru said $4k is a sufficient budget for a mint condition Carbon.

Or you could go nuts and get the Carbon CC with maxed out everything. If money is not tight I’d go all out and keep it as a permanent part of my collection.

 

[Dim666]

Greetings to the proud owners of the SR 009s !

Have you found a suitable carrying case for the Stax headphone ? If so, do you have any references ?

Thanks in advance

 

[HugoFreire]

Greetings to the proud owners of the SR 009s !

Have you found a suitable carrying case for the Stax headphone ? If so, do you have any references ?

Thanks in advance

I recommend Pelican 1400

 

[Gradostax fan]

Anyone still enjoys their SR009S or already ditched them for SR-X9000? I still enjoy mine out of a modified SRM-T1 and never have the urge to upgrade.
I've heard the x9000 time to time ,never felt it as engaging as SR009S

 

[Audio Addict]

Anyone still enjoys their SR009S or already ditched them for SR-X9000? I still enjoy mine out of a modified SRM-T1 and never have the urge to upgrade.
I've heard the x9000 time to time ,never felt it as engaging as SR009S

I still use the 009S out of a RSA A-10 Thunderbolt II fed from a Kassandra DAC.

 

[Nick22]

Anyone still enjoys their SR009S or already ditched them for SR-X9000? I still enjoy mine out of a modified SRM-T1 and never have the urge to upgrade.
I've heard the x9000 time to time ,never felt it as engaging as SR009S

SR009s is definitely a great headphone, and the price is more reasonable I think. The SR-X9000 could already afford two 009s. As I obtain a SR-009s right now, I might consider utilizing this price difference to purchase earlier estats rather than upgrading, such as SR-009 or SR-007, as they are said to have even more distinctive sound.

 

[urs]

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I might consider utilizing this price difference to purchase earlier estats rather than upgrading, such as SR-009 or SR-007, as they are said to have even more distinctive sound.
=======

For me, the Up-Grade from 009S to X9000 was pretty clear: In my set-Up the X9000 simply sounded more “natural” (Sorry: “Cliché”, for lack of better words… )

If you want a somewhat different sound (but still very much STAX at its best ) , you'll better look for a 007, rather than a 009 or 009S.

Regards

Urs

PS: I use both the 007 and an X9000 , but for different applications & purposes.

 

[Nick22]

=======
I might consider utilizing this price difference to purchase earlier estats rather than upgrading, such as SR-009 or SR-007, as they are said to have even more distinctive sound.
=======

For me, the Up-Grade from 009S to X9000 was pretty clear: In my set-Up the X9000 simply sounded more “natural” (Sorry: “Cliché”, for lack of better words… )

If you want a somewhat different sound (but still very much STAX at its best ) , you'll better look for a 007, rather than a 009 or 009S.

Regards

Urs

PS: I use both the 007 and an X9000 , but for different applications & purposes.

Thank you for your advice.

I've also heard recommendations for the SR-007 in the other forum, which is said to sound "golden" .

The X9000 is definitely the top among Stax, but it also has a high demand of equipment. I've heard other users say that their amp and DAC cost twice as much as it. For me, the X9000 is the god of estats (forget that extremely expensive HE-1) .

 

[number1sixerfan]

Thank you for your advice.

I've also heard recommendations for the SR-007 in the other forum, which is said to sound "golden" .

The X9000 is definitely the top among Stax, but it also has a high demand of equipment. I've heard other users say that their amp and DAC cost twice as much as it. For me, the X9000 is the god of estats (forget that extremely expensive HE-1) .

You really just have to try them all for yourself. They are each very unique.. some that hate the 007 love the 009(or S); there are quite a few that appreciate the x9000 and don't enjoy the 009 (or S); there are those that love the 009 and don't really enjoy the 007. You really just have to try them, otherwise you'll just get mixed opinions across the board.

I think the x9000 is obviously a grade above the 009 and 007 technically in every category--barring the bass performance in some 007 models which have greater sub-bass and impact (can compete with non-stats depending on the model), but comes with the caveat of not being as tight/accurate. That said, the x9000 has a really unique presentation, unlike the 007 and 009, that doesn't resonate with everyone either. Just have to try to give them a listen over time.

I think if you haven't experienced stats at all, I think it's definitely safe to start with the 009 or 007, as long as you accept that the 007 truly requires ample power to shine. Having heard most of the TOTL e-stats, I can definitely say the 009 (again or S version) holds their own in the absolute TOTL rankings of today, albeit with a bit brighter signature with a total leaning towards clarity and an analytical sound signature that won't be for all.

 

[gilency]

I listened to the X9000 out of a Blue Hawaii and a Stax T8000. Seriously I didn't feel the need to upgrade. Instead I bought the Meze Elite to complement my Staxes. Didn't care much for the Expanse either. Goes to show we all hear different.

 

[number1sixerfan]

I listened to the X9000 out of a Blue Hawaii and a Stax T8000. Seriously I didn't feel the need to upgrade. Instead I bought the Meze Elite to complement my Staxes. Didn't care much for the Expanse either. Goes to show we all hear different.

Yup, plus are listening to different chains, plus demoing worth owning (which makes a huge difference) and also very important--listening to different genres. It all matters a lot and should be discussed more in context of impressions/recommendations.