Stax SR-30 / SRD-4

[VR6ofpain]

Anyone know if these are decent? They look similar to the Audio Technica electrostatics. Definately dont look as nice as later/higher line Stax stuff.

Anyway, ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/STAX-SR-30-SRD-4...QQcmdZViewItem

 

[fewtch]

I had SR-34's at one point (very similar). Severe treble rolloff, but otherwise they sounded a bit like Grado SR60s with electret characteristics (in particular, speed). You need a speaker amp to power these, since they're electrets.

Personally I don't recommend them unless you want a conversation piece, or a small taste of electrostat sound. In my opinion, the current bid of $152.50 is insanely high. I'd pay maybe $75 tops for the headphones + adapter (and that's pushing it).

 

[catscratch]

Yeah, the Stax electrets aren't really that hot for the price. They're not the same as their electrostats in that they use a permamently charged diaphragm, as opposed to a chargeable diaphragm, and as a result, the diaphagm is thicker that it should be on an actual electrostats - we're talking 5-6 microns as opposed to 1-2 microns. The differences will be noticeable, as the lighter and quicker diaphragm of a "true" electrostat will provide noticeably better quickness, detail, and definition. So, it may be a "taste" of the electrostat sound, but it's certainly not a window into the electrostatic... um... potential (bad pun).

On the other hand, vintage Stax electrostatics, like Lambda Pros or SR-X Mk III are worth their weight in gold... well, figuratively speaking