[jaybar]

Hi all-

I am currently using the AKG K1000's with a Grace M902 amp.

I have some questions regarding Stax in relation to the AKG K1000's

1) Would Stax be an upgrade to my current K1000's?
2) If so, what level of Stax headphones would I need for it to be an upgrade?
3) Years ago , I had the Stax Lambda Pro headphones and they made my ears/head feel really sweaty, will I still have that problem if I switch to their current headphones that might be an upgrade to the K1000?

I really love my K1000's, but upgrade thoughts are fleeting past and I am wondering how the Stax might compare.

Thanks,

Jay

 

[Tachikoma]

In 1985, stereophile rated the SR-5 Gold above the K1000 (the SR-5 gold being the "absolute reference" headphone of that time), but I really wonder how would they compare against each other now in a re-match with current back-end hardware

 

[TheSloth]

It seems like you have a long way to go with the sound of your K1000's. The 902 is decent (ish), but it's really not up there with the best of the best for the K1k, even at or below it's pricepoint. If you get it right, it's so magical, I wouldn't give up on it.

 

[Canman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaybar 1) Would Stax be an upgrade to my current K1000's? 2) If so, what level of Stax headphones would I need for it to be an upgrade? 3) Years ago , I had the Stax Lambda Pro headphones and they made my ears/head feel really sweaty, will I still have that problem if I switch to their current headphones that might be an upgrade to the K1000?

The Omega 2 is the only Stax can that is on par with the K1000. Others would be a downgrade. The Omega 2 is not better than the K1000 if your AKG is properly driven.

I used to have the Omega 2 and it made my ears kind of sweaty. It creates a seal around the ears which keeps hot air in.

I would suggest getting a better amp for your K1000 and continue to use the 902 as a DAC/preamp. Get a used high current speaker amp on audiogon and your K1000 will love you for it.

 

[jaybar]

I would love to get a better amp than the m902, but it needs to eb fairly compact. By compact, I mean about 3" to 4" high and 15" wide. I can be wider if the feet are not more than about 13" apart and it is not super deep.

Suggestions?

Jay

 

[Jon L]

I also would recommend a better amp for K1000 first before trying to upstage it with Stax.

Almarro A205a is a great option, and the DecWare Taboo is reportedly great as well
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/decware/taboo.html

Heck, if you are still not satisfied, buy a pair of great high-efficiency speakers to boogie with, such as Cain & Cain Abbey's.

 

[jaybar]

The amp cannot be more than 4" tall and 14 wide. Would the suggestions qualify?

Jay

 

[applebook]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tachikoma In 1985, stereophile rated the SR-5 Gold above the K1000 (the SR-5 gold being the "absolute reference" headphone of that time), but I really wonder how would they compare against each other now in a re-match with current back-end hardware

Do you mean 1995?

 

[Salt Peanuts]

Quote:

Originally Posted by applebook Do you mean 1995?

I believe he does mean 1985, as the production of Stax SR-5 Gold had ceased by 1990's.

 

[applebook]

Wasn't the K1000 introduced in 1989?

 

[jaybar]

bump

 

[Tachikoma]

Quote:

Originally Posted by applebook Wasn't the K1000 introduced in 1989?

Funny, I'm pretty sure that the article was dated 1985... >.> lemme have another look.

LOL I'm remembering it wrong, it was the K340 that was rated below the SR-5 gold

*sillyness*

MOAR SILLINESS IT WAS A GERMAN MAG NAMED STEREOPLAY

*hopes no one sees this + runs*

 

[Carl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tachikoma LOL I'm remembering it wrong, it was the K340 that was rated below the SR-5 gold *sillyness*

Was it an unmodded K340?

 

[Tachikoma]

If you can mod K340s, why can't you mod SR-5 golds? xD *meh, my set is being surface-shipped from germany... who knows when I'll see them -_-*

Sorry about the misinformation earlier, though.

 

[E.B.M.Head]

The SR-5 Gold was sold until the end of the old Stax in 1995.
The Sigma Pro is said to have a very speaker like presentation, so that one might be a better alternative to the K1000. Sadly I haven't heard the K1000 yet, so I might be no big help, but the Lambdas have a room filling soundstage.