Stax SR-X1 (new entry model)

[BURNART]

As far as I understand the topic the measurements - even of different devices like EARS or 5128 - shoud be as comparable in the first sight as possible. For example headphone.show crew use 60db scale which is kinda strange for me, but it is good enough.
For speakers standard is 50db scale and a microphone is 1m or 1.5m from the speaker. Deviations in the broad regions like 3db are certainly revelant. Also speaker have really different sizes and purposes so measurments can really look different.
Taking to an account that target for the headphone are more or less harman'ish with variations that are not 10db away from it, I think that 50db is even too much to see really what is happening.
In terms in smoothing I think that is alright - for evaluating speakers build 1/12 is enough - most companies use 1/6. Headphone with silicone pinna have also a lot of resonances/combing/phase issues which are related to exact mold so for me some kind of smoothing must be used.
Maybe I'm biased because of my new speakers addiction

 

[Philimon]

As far as I understand the topic the measurements - even of different devices like EARS or 5128 - shoud be as comparable in the first sight as possible. For example headphone.show crew use 60db scale which is kinda strange for me, but it is good enough.
For speakers standard is 50db scale and a microphone is 1m or 1.5m from the speaker. Deviations in the broad regions like 3db are certainly revelant. Also speaker have really different sizes and purposes so measurments can really look different.
Taking to an account that target for the headphone are more or less harman'ish with variations that are not 10db away from it, I think that 50db is even too much to see really what is happening.
In terms in smoothing I think that is alright - for evaluating speakers build 1/12 is enough - most companies use 1/6. Headphone with silicone pinna have also a lot of resonances/combing/phase issues which are related to exact mold so for me some kind of smoothing must be used.
Maybe I'm biased because of my new speakers addiction

Sounds reasonable to me (a casual hobbyist). Ill use 50dB scale for at least this thread in the future.

SR-X1 has led me to sell my L500 but thats mainly to do with build quality problems. Id like to buy an SR207-407 (pm me pls) since I think their build quality is nicer than L-gen, then I would mod to vent front-side like L-gen.

For me, the obvious difference between SR-X1 and Lambda of any sort is the soundstage where Lambda is at least taller which is more interesting. For other “technical” qualities Im not so sure the differences - not to say there arent differences but that they seem much less obvious to me based on casual comparison. Frequency response / tonal character can be altered with pads, EQ, etc. However, my amp/dac situation is quite meager so ymmv based on that aspect alone I presume.

 

[Philimon]

Another potential contender at 100mm. link

Spoiler: mehsurements

Minidsp EARS, SRD7

^ Sounds good, unlikely preferable to the fully perforated pads (overlaid) due to these newest pads having increased diaphragm crinkle roughly equivalent to stock. Diaphragm crinkle only occurs when positioning the pads on head, but still I like the idea of less crinkle.

90mm variants on their way...

These didnt pan out. The ear holes are too small on the 90mm variants so didnt bother try listening or measuring.

edit: fixed link

 

[Philimon]

I dont think Ill spend any more on padrolling. I think Im happy with the fully perforated lambskin pads combined with some Lokius to tame the highs.

My guess is that SR-X1 is a great headphone because of its relative low weight and high fidelity. Though I am using EQ and aftermarket pads which for me is not a big deal in my personal circumstances so ymmv. Hopefully will post comparisons to some of my other phones at some point.

 

[Philimon]

I could not help myself. Padrolling continues but this time with non-vented pads combined with a vented pad adapter (100mm).

^ ran out of black filament half way through printing so switched to pink (magenta)

 

[Philimon]

Another potential contender at 100mm. link

Spoiler: mehsurements

Minidsp EARS, SRD7

^ Sounds good, unlikely preferable to the fully perforated pads (overlaid) due to these newest pads having increased diaphragm crinkle roughly equivalent to stock. Diaphragm crinkle only occurs when positioning the pads on head, but still I like the idea of less crinkle.


These didnt pan out. The ear holes are too small on the 90mm variants so didnt bother try listening or measuring.

edit: fixed link

Same pads but using the 3DP vented pad adapter.

- diaphragm crinkle is very nearly non-existent now
- bass roll off but that is expected, sub bass is not Stax forte anyway - its not why you want Stax...
- less bright than the full-perforated lambskins, other sealed/solid pads to try yet...
- best iteration of SRX1 yet

Spoiler: mehsurements

Minidsp EARS, SRD7

* axis limits v1, v2

 

[Philimon]

Audiophile foolery continued: modify!
Adding front filters besides pads to modify frequency response. Such tricks are used by manufacturers like DCA, ZMF, Senn, Beyer, etc.

Still needs a bit of EQ... which if Im going to EQ then why bother with these filters. I just wanted to give it a try. Highs are still slightly forward and presenting cymbals louder than preferred.

These "Ether" pads (same ones in post above) are deeper than stock which possibly improves sense of soundstage . The pad's ear chamber material is very breathable which seemingly also helps with sense of soundstage or open-ness while some other pads I've tried in 100mm diameter sounded relatively claustrophobic.

My pad adapter vents could probably be better optimized to improve bass response while still avoiding diaphragm crinkle. Maybe try later.

Spoiler: mehsurements

Minidsp EARS, SRD7

 

[Philimon]

^ Please ignore dandruff, Ive another new set in storage.

Stax SRX1, vented pad adapter, felt filter, Harmonicdyne Athena pads.
Compared to previous "Ether" pads: now sounds smoother because highs seem more in line. Currently not using any EQ and sounds good to me, success?

Spoiler: mehsurements

Minidsp EARS, SRD7

 

[Lohb]

@Philimon which adapter and pads would you go for at this stage that will elevate the subs and maybe take the edge off upper region if that is possible ? Was driver crinkle always there if you raised the subs ?
What was main reason again you started the pad rolling ? I've not heard the SR-X1 as yet.

 

[Philimon]

@Philimon which adapter and pads would you go for at this stage that will elevate the subs and maybe take the edge off upper region if that is possible ? Was driver crinkle always there if you raised the subs ?
What was main reason again you started the pad rolling ? I've not heard the SR-X1 as yet.

Hey Lohb.

I started padrolling for a few reasons.:

1. Diaphragm crinkle (due to seal)
2. Meh comfort (due to small dimensions).
3. Tuning the sound closer to my preferences (due to too much 1-2kHz).

I've not a set of pads and adapters that can solve all that you seek. I had to resort to using a felt filter (super light density - industrial grade) to reduce the highs. EQ works too of course but I did not try EQing for bass - just less highs. Getting more sub-bass with pads requires diaphragm crinkling seal ime.

Anyways, I've more pads I could try that might help. Specifically some shallow hybrid pads that fit supraurally might do the trick. Ill try them when I have the chance and update.

 

[chaotic_angel]

Hello, i have set of L300 and SRM 252S - will the new black energizer affect the sound?
if not then I would buy the SR-X1 only and drive it using SRM-252s

 

[orcawithabat]

the 270 and the 252s are extremely similar. I doubt anyone could tell a difference

 

[chaotic_angel]

the 270 and the 252s are extremely similar. I doubt anyone could tell a difference

Thanks, that was also my guess... will see from real users opinion

 

[Philimon]

A pad I can recommend as an alternative for SRX1. Hybrid supra pads 100mm, link.
- improved sound (generally warmer)
- slightly reduced diaphragm crinkle

Spoiler: mehsurements (1)

Minidsp EARS, SRD7

Spoiler: mehsurements (2)

Minidsp EARS, SRD7

The pads can be ordered in different sizes for $5 each at 5mm increments of diameter. I ordered 100, 95, 90, and 85mm . The 95mm fit best but maybe even very slightly undersized. 100mm is very slightly oversized but feels nicest when wearing. 95mm had slightly more bass but that came with increased diaphgram crinkle comparable to stock with good seal.

This pad doesnt require any other mods unlike most others Ive tried.

ymmv of course

 

[RagnarAyn]

I got the SR-X1 powered by the Topping EHA5. Sounded good from the start, and liked it better after I EQd up the low bass, tamped down 1.4khz. I think I like the sound better than my EQd HD800. A bit clearer, purer sound, though HD800 seems to have a bigger soundstage. Comfortable enough, though for listening over 2 hours I think the HD800 is more comfortable due to so much space around my ears, while srx1 is up against my ears.