I can get a Stax 2170 setup for $500 off amazon theses days. How would this headphone compare to my current setup with my HD650 and 400i?
I have owned all of these. I would rank them: SR-207 >> HE400i > HD 650
(Others have already compared the sound here, and I have too in various threads, if you feel like doing some creative searching.)
By the way, you can get the SRS-2170 system for $460 or so (including shipping to the US)
here, but due to their lower prices, they do not offer refunds, and you have to send the equipment to them (who then send it to STAX) for warranty service. Also bear in mind that when you import STAX amps from Japan, you will need something (like a voltage transformer) to safely use the amp in your country. (This is not an issue when you buy from an authorized dealer in your own country.)
Thank you, it helps a lot actually. My main concern with getting a VERY neutral headphone is how it will sound with the type of music I listen too. Mainly symphonic metal, ambient, symphonies and a few others in my profile. Could you shed any light on how these would perform for these genres? I'm glad to see these are not a "bright" headphone. My ears tend to be pretty sensitive to harshness and sibilance. For instance, on my 400i (which is considered slightly warmer than neutral) I have to EQ down the 8khz spike to avoid fatigue.
EDIT: One other question: These pretty comfortable and built to last?
Are you scared of hearing the truth? (Or rather, something closer to the truth than most other headphones out there.) If not, you should be fine. I listen to nearly all types of music (including lots of metal) and the SR-207 is easily my favorite headphone out of all the ones I have heard so far. (See profile for stuff I have owned. Also know that I have heard many of the ultra-high-end non-electrostats, but not higher-end electrostats yet.)
I would say the comfort level is above average, but not among the best. It's durable enough, but please do treat it with respect.
Absolutely I will. It will be after the new year before I make any decisions. It's gonna probably come down to either this or an lcd-2 or el-8.
Audeze is a very different sound signature that is even less neutral than many other non-electrostats.
Are you still considering the MT220? It has more energy and impactful bass than the SR-207. I recommend both of these headphones all the time because I love them to death and feel they complement each other well.
One more question. You wouldn't happen to know a good place to buy in the US with a good return policy do you? They're listed on amazon for about $500 but all are third party sellers, many of which ship straight from Japan.
https://www.staxusa.com/system/stax-srs-2170.html
http://www.elusivedisc.com/STAX-SR-207-HEADPHONE-SRM-252S-AMP-COMBO-120v-US-VERSION/productinfo/STXSRS2170/
You'll pay a premium for the convenience, though.