[Chefguru]

Z10e was very weak in comparison to the Mjolnir Carbon for the CRBN. Very noticeable.
Same experience when I compared the Z10e to the BHSE with the SRX9000 & CRBN.

 

[hifixman]

I got mine this week from Justin.

I'm so jealous lol

Congratulations

 

[jamato8]

Z10e was very weak in comparison to the Mjolnir Carbon for the CRBN. Very noticeable.
Same experience when I compared the Z10e to the BHSE with the SRX9000 & CRBN.

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.

 

[Chefguru]

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.

 

[jamato8]

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.

 

[mercman]

@mercman, when did you place your order?

10/6

 

[musicman59]

10/6

Almost a month before me….

 

[musicman59]

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 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).

I was very disappointed on the Z10e. It had to be the latest one because it was at LTA’s table.

 

[jamato8]

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).

I was very disappointed on the Z10e. It had to be the latest one because it was at LTA’s table.

Interesting. Still seems something was wrong as I have way more than enough power, great bass and a very nice frequency range. I wonder what was going on.

 

[musicman59]

Interesting. Still seems something was wrong as I have way more than enough power, great bass and a very nice frequency range. I wonder what was going on.

Don’t know but you would think they should have their “A” game in a show.

I had big expectations and felt totally let down.
IMO the BHSE or the Woo 8ES were much better with the CRBN. The only amp I heard with the X9000 was the Woo 3ES. They sounded really good. Unfortunately that amp is expensive to tubes with four 300b tubes.

 

[orcawithabat]

Honestly I’m super excited to find out how amps effect the sound. Currently have a 007mk1 paired with a 323s which I’ve been told is not even close to enough power. Curious to get a good comparison going on between the 323s and some other high end amp

 

[padam]

Honestly I’m super excited to find out how amps effect the sound. Currently have a 007mk1 paired with a 323s which I’ve been told is not even close to enough power. Curious to get a good comparison going on between the 323s and some other high end amp

The 007 has a "wetter" tone, so it really doesn't crave for tubes.
Get a KGSSHV or a Carbon depending on your budget.
It won't be markedly different in terms of tonality, but you get a major improvement in bass, clarity, dynamics, and general refinement.
More perceptible upgrade with a 007 than a 009.
https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/56oeki/my_monstrous_amplifier_upgrade_impressions_in/

 

[orcawithabat]

The 007 has a "wetter" tone, so it really doesn't crave for tubes.
Get a KGSSHV or a Carbon depending on your budget.
It won't be markedly different in terms of tonality, but you get a major improvement in bass, clarity, dynamics, and general refinement.
More perceptible upgrade with a 007 than a 009.
https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/56oeki/my_monstrous_amplifier_upgrade_impressions_in/

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

 

[padam]

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.

Unfortunately, once you get a good amp, you can start playing with sources as well, the difference will be magnified on that front, too...but you can really lift up the performance, the 007 is a nice headphone to build upon, the X9000 is more for people who are either already heavily invested or planning to invest in a serious setup (for instance, they have figured out how make the 009 sound pleasing and looking to refine it further as I imagine it would sound good in a chain already nicely set up like that).

 

[number1sixerfan]

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

They pop up used in the classifieds here from time to time for reasonable prices. I think I actually saw one just a few days ago. But yea, a good and capable amp is going to be a pretty significant upgrade to the 323s for the 007. x9000 isn't as hard to drive at all, but as mentioned in general stats just aren't easy to drive.