Dear Members of Head-Fi,
I've always wondered why there are so few "lowest" vs "highest" comparisons in the audio gear reviews. I personally find it very exciting to see what is the difference between the incomparable!
I didn't find this comparison before, so I hope it will be interesting for someone.
STAX SRM-717 is claimed to be the best amplifier made by STAX. The 252S should be the best bang for the buck to date. Interesting.
SRM-252S
I spent around a month using SR-Lambda PRO (Original 1982 model) with 252S and I was very happy with them. No, VERY happy!
It was the best setup I've ever owned. This setup revitalized my long gone enthusiasm about headphones in general. In the past, headphones have always lacked something when comparing them to speakers. But not this time.
After spending time with the 252S I thought that nothing can change the game, I'm already enjoying musing pretty much and it lasts! I know that sometimes you get a good impression of some new gear that fades away a couple of days after. And again, not this time.
SRM-717
I bought this 717 just to be sure that nothing will change and I will still enjoy my mini setup (paired with Mojo) right next to the notebook.
The full body sound of the 717 caught me unguarded, I didn't like it at first. The sound signature was nothing to do with the airy and crisp imaging I've got used to with 252S. After 5 minutes I switched to 252S, listened to one song, back to 717 and never switched to 252S afterwards.
The 717's sound has more character to it and at the same time it's more natural (not neutral), less harsh and more artistical in comparison.
So yes, you will be VERY happy with 252S and old Lambdas. Bargain!
But if you dare to reach out for more - 717 will be of service.
I've always wondered why there are so few "lowest" vs "highest" comparisons in the audio gear reviews. I personally find it very exciting to see what is the difference between the incomparable!
I didn't find this comparison before, so I hope it will be interesting for someone.
STAX SRM-717 is claimed to be the best amplifier made by STAX. The 252S should be the best bang for the buck to date. Interesting.
SRM-252S
I spent around a month using SR-Lambda PRO (Original 1982 model) with 252S and I was very happy with them. No, VERY happy!
It was the best setup I've ever owned. This setup revitalized my long gone enthusiasm about headphones in general. In the past, headphones have always lacked something when comparing them to speakers. But not this time.
After spending time with the 252S I thought that nothing can change the game, I'm already enjoying musing pretty much and it lasts! I know that sometimes you get a good impression of some new gear that fades away a couple of days after. And again, not this time.
SRM-717
I bought this 717 just to be sure that nothing will change and I will still enjoy my mini setup (paired with Mojo) right next to the notebook.
The full body sound of the 717 caught me unguarded, I didn't like it at first. The sound signature was nothing to do with the airy and crisp imaging I've got used to with 252S. After 5 minutes I switched to 252S, listened to one song, back to 717 and never switched to 252S afterwards.
The 717's sound has more character to it and at the same time it's more natural (not neutral), less harsh and more artistical in comparison.
So yes, you will be VERY happy with 252S and old Lambdas. Bargain!
But if you dare to reach out for more - 717 will be of service.
