Stax SR202 vs. SR303??

[greggf]

Has anybody had both the Stax SR202 and SR303 headphones? If so, what are the sonic differences?

I've had the 303, but never the 202. After reading many back posts, I get the impression that the 202 may actually be preferable for many listeners in that it has a more accessible, less "cold" nature?

 

[krmathis]

I have auditioned both, and own the SR-404.
To tell you the truth I could barely hear a difference between them, while all where driven by the SRM-007t. The SR-404 slightly more open and clear, while I am not sure I could even hear a difference between the SR-303 and SR-202.

 

[jcn3]

i also own the 404s. if you search the stax thread, i think you'll find that the median opinion is that the 303s are the sweet spot. the comments i've seen consider the 303 more refined than the 202 and that its really hard to tell the difference between the 303s and 404s.

having written that, krmathis has heard the 202s. i admit, i haven't.

 

[chi2]

Have and love them both. The 303 has a little bit more air, brilliance, definition and control. The 202, while also being very transparent, is slightly warmer and features somewhat more but not deeper bass. For some time I preferred the 202 but this has changed about two months ago. Some of the - really not very pronounced - differences may be accounted for by the hours put on them. The 303 with maybe 200 hours is still fresh. The 202 on the other hand was acquired used and in a bad state (one cable broken). Had to shorten and resolder the cables. Some of the mesh has gone so it has its age and must have been used quite intensely. As the sonic differences are minor there is not really a need to have them both. But if you do, it's not so easy to let any of them go.