[BassicScience]

Anybody using the X9000 with the Eksonic Aeras amplifier?

I had the combo for about a month recently, and it was really superb. If interested, you can check out my full impressions at the link below:

Eksonic Aeras/STAX SR-X9000 Review

 

[roiosdona]

I had the combo for about a month recently, and it was really superb. If interested, you can check out my full impressions at the link below:

Eksonic Aeras/STAX SR-X9000 Review

How is it compared to T2? Is T2 significantly better sounding?

 

[BassicScience]

How is it compared to T2? Is T2 significantly better sounding?

I've only heard the T2 briefly at CanJam NYC, and not with the X9K. Here's a link to those impressions (scroll down to the second section on Eksonic amps):

Estat impressions from CanJam NYC 2022

For a much more comprehensive and authoritative comparison, I'd recommend reading through @number1sixerfan 's "Quick Impressions" thread, starting from post #432 on page 29, when his Eksonic DIY T2 arrived.

TL;DR: Yes, it's more or less universally agreed that the T2 sounds better than the Aeras. For me, significantly would be an accurate adjective, but YMMV.

 

[genefruit]

I had the combo for about a month recently, and it was really superb. If interested, you can check out my full impressions at the link below:

Eksonic Aeras/STAX SR-X9000 Review

I own the combination and my take is very similar to the above review. For my use case of not wanting the footprint of the DIY T2, it was my preferred choice.

 

[number1sixerfan]

I would say for a rather long time listening (2 to 3 hours) with Weiss dac and BHSE, there are moments that ShangriLa SR feels a tad hot on the highs while X9000 by contrast sounds softer, warmer and darker by quite a large margin in the same setup during my AB' test.

Yup, agree. The SGL Sr. feels a tad brighter in the highs than the x9000 and also more detailed and with slightly greater clarity (imo), but that's an age old tradeoff between perceived detail and warmth. I did just recently tell a head-fier via PM that found the x9000 a bit bright at times that the SGL would only be around the same or a bit worse (strictly talking about the high end sparkle and extension). For ultra clarity, neither is as bright as the 009 for example, for anyone trying to decide.

What you say is so true. Just last night I went back to the x9000 for some extended listening. If the recording is well made and the musical style suits the x9000s strengths, the only word I can use is magical. Nothing else I own can produce the unique spatial sound of the x9000. Plus, they sit lightly on the head with almost no pressure! I really, really like these headphones! I don't have my Aperio yet. Hopefully they arrive this month. It will be fascinating to see what the Aperio does differently from the x9000. No matter what, the x9000 is a great value, though I would never have realized this without going through a lot of other lesser headphones first. I guess that's what this hobby is all about.

Please do keep us posted! The impressions in the Aperio thread look really promising. I'm interested in hearing them at some point, although budget wise I am honestly tapped out lol. I cannot spend another dollar lol, but definitely interested in understanding how it performs. You having the SGL Sr. and x9000 is a really excellent comparison point.

Anybody using the X9000 with the Eksonic Aeras amplifier?

How is it compared to T2? Is T2 significantly better sounding?

The x9000 does pair really well with the Aeras. With the T2, the sound is going to be a bit more open/spacious with the instrument layering being a bit more apparent, with a bit better bass impact (not a ton though on the bass, but definitely noticeable). For additional reference, my BHSE was also just a tad bit more spacious than the Aeras (T2 more spacious than both), but with better timbre, tone and bass (not huge differences, but noticeably better). With all of that being said, I totally get why the Aeras was formally dubbed a mini T2. It does come decently close for the price. The other plus is that similar to the T2, it pairs well with just about any stat synergy wise.

 

[Kiats]

Imagine my delight and utter surprise when I got a ping earlier this week asking if I am still interested in the X9000? Well, it arrived yesterday at the AD. Will pick it up later today. So excited!

 

[hifixman]

Imagine my delight and utter surprise when I got a ping earlier this week asking if I am still interested in the X9000? Well, it arrived yesterday at the AD. Will pick it up later today. So excited!

Yup, agree. The SGL Sr. feels a tad brighter in the highs than the x9000 and also more detailed and with slightly greater clarity (imo), but that's an age old tradeoff between perceived detail and warmth. I did just recently tell a head-fier via PM that found the x9000 a bit bright at times that the SGL would only be around the same or a bit worse (strictly talking about the high end sparkle and extension). For ultra clarity, neither is as bright as the 009 for example, for anyone trying to decide.



Please do keep us posted! The impressions in the Aperio thread look really promising. I'm interested in hearing them at some point, although budget wise I am honestly tapped out lol. I cannot spend another dollar lol, but definitely interested in understanding how it performs. You having the SGL Sr. and x9000 is a really excellent comparison point.





The x9000 does pair really well with the Aeras. With the T2, the sound is going to be a bit more open/spacious with the instrument layering being a bit more apparent, with a bit better bass impact (not a ton though on the bass, but definitely noticeable). For additional reference, my BHSE was also just a tad bit more spacious than the Aeras (T2 more spacious than both), but with better timbre, tone and bass (not huge differences, but noticeably better). With all of that being said, I totally get why the Aeras was formally dubbed a mini T2. It does come decently close for the price. The other plus is that similar to the T2, it pairs well with just about any stat synergy wise.

I was asked today if APERIO sounds better or just different to T2/X9000. I said it is neither better nor different, but correct and reference. It is like talking about a beautifully tuned Hifi gear vs a true to source, serious, balanced, and correct sounding studio equipment. APERIO is the only electrostactic system reminding me of the accuracy of DCS but with more musicality. Every instrument has been placed and positioned accurately in a three dimensionality. No it doesn't have the bass of 3se or T2, it doesn't have the high extension of ShangriLa SR ( yet still has the traditional Electrostatic cymbals), nor does it have the eternal vocal as DCA's VOCE, yet it sounds as colorless, true, correct with minimal colorization and artificial exaggeration.

 

[goldwerger]

Thus far, I have only had the opportunity to listen to the X9K over an extended demo session. Off the LTA z10e. I look forward to listening to it off the Mjolnir Carbon and KGST.

I run the X9k with the Mjolnir Carbon. It's an excellent combo.

 

[Kiats]

The baby has landed. Big shout out to Jeremy from AV One for making this happen! #1525 in the house!

@goldwerger You are absolutely right! Gorgeous on the Carbon! And the mids fill up nicely as well.

 

[goldwerger]

The baby has landed. Big shout out to Jeremy from AV One for making this happen! #1525 in the house!

@goldwerger You are absolutely right! Gorgeous on the Carbon! And the mids fill up nicely as well.

Congrats!! Enjoy

 

[Kiats]

Congrats!! Enjoy

Thank you! Listening to it right now off the Carbon. Will run it with the KGST tomorrow morning.

 

[goldwerger]

Thank you! Listening to it right now off the Carbon. Will run it with the KGST tomorrow morning.

perhaps off topic, but my second favorite pairing for the Carbon is the 007mk1, which is a also a great complement to the X9k, having a widely different signature occupying a different listening mood..

 

[Kiats]

perhaps off topic, but my second favorite pairing for the Carbon is the 007mk1, which is a also a great complement to the X9k, having a widely different signature occupying a different listening mood..

Nice! Yes, I do enjoy the 007Mk1 with the Carbon. Frankly, even the 007Mk2 has it’s veil lifted by the Carbon and is pretty enjoyable.

 

[Chefguru]

Mine are officially on their way back to Japan for replacement/repair.

Any update on your ETA of return?
I sent mine back to headamp 4 weeks ago, still waiting.
I can't believe Stax let another driver failure plague their launch after the 009 issue 10 years ago.

 

[Danmellinger]

Any update on your ETA of return?
I sent mine back to headamp 4 weeks ago, still waiting.
I can't believe Stax let another driver failure plague their launch after the 009 issue 10 years ago.

My dealer said Stax should be shipping them to him this week. Haven't heard anything yet and Friday is coming up fast...