[groucho69]

 

[jerick70]

If anyone is interested the Koss/Massdrop ESP/95X electrostatic headphones are being dropped again. https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdrop-x-koss-esp-95x-electrostatic-system#overview

Love these, but they aren't for bassheads. Both companies march to a different drummer. All had gone quiet and I was afraid these wouldn't be offered again. Luckily they are back.

I looked at these at one time. But I read to many horror stories with build quality and not being able to get warranty repair or support at all. So I passed on them.

 

[Midgetguy]

I looked at these at one time. But I read to many horror stories with build quality and not being able to get warranty repair or support at all. So I passed on them.

I previously learned that while definitely cool, the electrostatic sound isn't quite my cup of tea, not for the stuff I listen to. So I'm not ever going to spend money on them. Will happily try them out though

 

[jerick70]

I previously learned that while definitely cool, the electrostatic sound isn't quite my cup of tea, not for the stuff I listen to. So I'm not ever going to spend money on them. Will happily try them out though

I've never listened to a pair of electrostat headphones. But from impressions in reviews I've read I have to agree with you. They aren't my cup-o-tea either.

Someone should come out with a hybrid electrostat/dynamic driver headphone, like Martin Logan does with their speakers. Then you can have the best of both worlds.

 

[timorinolee]

I previously learned that while definitely cool, the electrostatic sound isn't quite my cup of tea, not for the stuff I listen to. So I'm not ever going to spend money on them. Will happily try them out though

I've never listened to a pair of electrostat headphones. But from impressions in reviews I've read I have to agree with you. They aren't my cup-o-tea either.

Someone should come out with a hybrid electrostat/dynamic driver headphone, like Martin Logan does with their speakers. Then you can have the best of both worlds.

I've actually had the opportunity to listen to the entire Stax range at a show a few months back. And I was actually really surprised by the tonality of them, the entry L300 was such a surprise that most of us thought it was worth twice the price.

 

[jerick70]

I've actually had the opportunity to listen to the entire Stax range at a show a few months back. And I was actually really surprised by the tonality of them, the entry L300 was such a surprise that most of us thought it was worth twice the price.

The big issue I see me having with electrostats is there not being much bass. I'm a bass addict, superb tight bass that is. So even if the Stax are tonally awesome I may just say na.

But I need to listen to a pair and see. I may be totally off.

 

[timorinolee]

The big issue I see me having with electrostats is there not being much bass. I'm a bass addict, superb tight bass that is. So even if the Stax are tonally awesome I may just say na.

But I need to listen to a pair and see. I may be totally off.

That was actually the part that surprised all of us. There was quite alot of bass, but the mids were the star. It was warm and just beautifully smooth.

 

[jerick70]

That was actually the part that surprised all of us. There was quite alot of bass, but the mids were the star. It was warm and just beautifully smooth.

Interesting. I'm going to have to have a listen then. To bad there isn't a Stax dealer close...

 

[Midgetguy]

I've never listened to a pair of electrostat headphones. But from impressions in reviews I've read I have to agree with you. They aren't my cup-o-tea either.
Someone should come out with a hybrid electrostat/dynamic driver headphone, like Martin Logan does with their speakers. Then you can have the best of both worlds.

There is something in existence already actually. Most well-known branding of it would be Mitchell & Johnson, existed since 2016, and the product is exactly what you're describing: 40mm dynamic driver with a small electrostatic module above it, and a crossover in the middle. Some have said it's good, some have say it's crap which means all I'm reading is that the tech just isn't totally ready yet. Still, check it out, even if you aren't planning to buy it.

I've actually had the opportunity to listen to the entire Stax range at a show a few months back. And I was actually really surprised by the tonality of them, the entry L300 was such a surprise that most of us thought it was worth twice the price.

Haven't been lucky enough to listen to the whole range. Only got to briefly try the SR007 and SR009; those are both almost unnerving in the clarity presented. Yeah it sounds a different world, but those two aren't the sound I'm looking for.

 

[groucho69]

Are you sure this is my bed?

 

[barondla]

I looked at these at one time. But I read to many horror stories with build quality and not being able to get warranty repair or support at all. So I passed on them.

Stats can be a little finicky reliability wise. Nobody beats the Koss warranty. Buy a set that is 20 years + old. Send them in to Koss and they fix them. They don't even require proof of purchase. They just fix them!

The Koss have tight bass, just not a lot of slam. But, the full range purity is amazing. Every other driver sounds slow and colored.

The Mitchell & Johnson MJ2 are great sounding headphones. While efficient, they are a complex load to drive. Their sound varies a lot depending on Source's output impedance and power. They give a little taste of full range electrostatic sound. They have the bass impact of a dynamic driver and some of the clarity of an electrostat. The MJ2 aren't as open sounding as the Koss due to closed back construction and the dynamic driver can't match the stat's speed in the midrange.

Either headphone is worth a long listen on good equipment.

 

[Stenso]

I have the MJ2 and I agree they are very equipment specific, if you get it right they absolutely sing, but with other equipment.........meh!

 

[DBaldock9]

For those who would like to add a Tube Amp to their portable (Phone / DAP) rig, Little Bear now has the B4-X Dual Mono model ($100), with Balanced (2.5mm TRRS) output -
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Lit...hone-headphone-amplifier-amp/32975301466.html
https://smile.amazon.com/Little-Bear-Dual-Mono-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B07KJ18H75
.
I've ordered one, and I'm looking forward to hearing it with my earbuds & earphones.
.

 

[Richsvt]

On the topic of portable amp, I am doing a demo of Periodic Audio's new tiny Nickel amp. Running it through some set-ups and seeing how it works. Gotta say, for its size (about the size of a 9V battery) it can really punch out the volume.

Here it is strapped to the N5ii and listening to the AQ NightOwls

Here attached to the X3ii and running the TFZ Queen.

 

[Richsvt]

Was listening to this song back and forth and just come away with how much I love the timbre of Chris Isaak's voice.