Stax SR-717 or Headamp Blue Hawaii for Omega II

[sclamb]

Having sold the HD650s, Zu cable and Corda HA-2, I am now buying a pair of Stax SR-007 earspeakers and am deciding whether to get the SR-717 solid state amp or go for the Blue Hawaii from Headamp.

I believe that the Stax SR-707 tube amp has more defined mid-range but less treble and bass extension, and is more suited to jazz or classical music. I listen to all genres from metal to jazz and classical, so had decided on the SR-717 solid state amp, but then read about the KGSS paired with the SR-007 phones in a review, where the reviewer thought the combo was excellent.

So, I guess the question is, does anyone have any comparative experience of the Stax earspeakers with SR-717 SS amp versus the Blue Hawaii, and where would my hard saved cash be better spent.

As I say, I listen to everything, such as David Sanborn and Pat Methany jazz, Nightwish metal, Joss Stone, Diana Krall, U2, Anastacia - so a real mixed bag.

Thanks for any input.

Simon

 

[Canman]

I can't really help you out too much, but the Headamp KGSS is an excellent performer with the SR-007. With the stock EL-34 tubes (electro-harmonix?), I didn't find the Headamp Blue Hawaii to sound much different than the KGSS.

 

[Chefguru]

I haven't heard the bh or the kgss but have heard the srm-717 and srm-007t with the omega II. Both were good, but I preferred the srm-717's quickness over the 007t's tube sound.
I would say go with the srm-717 only if you can find it used for cheap, other wise go with the kgss or bh. Because I mean the kgss is only 1299, if your going to be paying 1100 for a 717 there is no point IMO.
From what people have said around here, the kgss and bh are very similar in sound with the bh just having more of that liquid tube sound. The bh is more of an upgrade on the kgss then a different amp.
On another note I believe the prices on the kgss and bh are going up, but I'm not so sure when. Realize that making the kgss and bh are life threatening projects that take a while to build. I believe it took Eric 7months to make his?

 

[sclamb]

Thanks for your replies. Being in the UK does make importing a KGSS more expensive and close the gap between the cost of the SR-717 and the KGSS. I believe that you can now get black Stax Omega IIs which would match the KGSS quite nicely.

I see that Audiocubes has a very cheap price for the Omega IIs and the 717 at $2,800, although I believe that these are Japanses units.

If I was to get the Omega II earspeakers, is there anyone in the UK with a KGSS that I could plug them into for a listen? If not, I guess I may end up going for the 717 which I can audition at a local hi-fi dealer, although I would think that this set-up would be listening heaven anyway compared to my previous set-up.

Simon

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

I think the KGSS is the best price/performance that I've heard, as the BH costs much more for little if any improvement (and tube PITA to put up with) and the 007T sounds much worse than the KGSS IME. I've not heard the 717, but if you can get it for less than the KGSS ans it sounds closer to that than the 007T, it should be a good deal.

 

[sclamb]

Well, it's not going to be easy to audition a KGSS being in the UK, so I guess I may opt for the 717 rather than the 007T. It's hard to find any UK dealers that have both amps to do a side by side comparision, and most I spoke to only stock the 007T for some reason.

Any other views/input would be appreciated.

Simon

 

[PATB]

Nomad has a KGSS (a maxed out one with Black Gates, silver wiring, and connectors for all the top electrostatics!). PM him as he is in the UK, I believe.

 

[Jasonharkin]

Hi Sclamb, check out simply stax (uk based), they will happily organize a demonstration for you of both stax amps and the omegas, they were extremely helpful and informative when I sent them a few emails. Also they can get the omegas in black for you aswell as the amp. Furthermore you get discount by paying via cheque, moreover if you take out a subscription with the magazine listed on the website (I forget which magazine) you get 10% discount which is big savings (approx £250.00).

Regards Jason

 

[sclamb]

Thanks very much! Not only do Simply Stax seem to do great deals, they are about fifteen minutes away from where I live. I will call them tomorrow morning and see if I can get over there in the afternoon.

Thanks again.

Simon