I don’t think you were using an updated version. I know that the power supply has been updated at least two times and even resistors and capacitors on the boards. Power output now is extremely good and I can even drive by Newform Research Speakers with it.
I’m sure it helps but estats are so incredibly difficult to drive even stax’s offerings are pretty lackluster. I find it hard to believe the z10e all-in one solution is really going to match a monster dedicated amp like the BHSE which is essentially a mini T2… and this was exactly my experience with it.
Well it has a separate power supply, it isn't an all in one, and uses 4 EL84 tubes. I get way more than enough power from it.
I listened to the Z10e with the CRBN at Axpona and did not like it at all. It sounded weak, out of control and the mids/treble very piercing to my ears to the point I thought there was something really wrong with the CRBN but then listen to the CRBN on the BHSE and Woo 8ES and they sounded really good (more on the line of plantas but very good).
Don’t know but you would think they should have their “A” game in a show.
The 007 has a "wetter" tone, so it really doesn't crave for tubes.
Yeah I was thinking of a KGSSHV from Birgir soon enough. It’s expensive though so probably not for a while but for sure when I do get one I’ll be sure to give my impressions of the improvements. I’ve been told the 007 is the hardest to drive Stax (next to the sigmas I believe as well). I assume the x9000 is somewhat similar as well in terms of difficulty to drive but I could be wrong
Any electrostatic is hard to drive (even my highly efficient Gamma Pro loves the KGSSHV) but some models like a Sigma and 007 have a tendency to give slower, boomy bass and more softness, loss of extension etc., so they are not as tolerant towards lesser amps, and the difference is more easily detectible.
