[alokjuyal]

Spent some time with the L500 and L700 yesterday and A/B'd them on a SRM323, 353X and on 252S (where of course one has to plug and unplug). Could tell almost no difference between the 323 and 353 as expected off a SE source (the Hugo + iP7+). Between 252S and 323S a world of difference. Had really hoped to live with the 252 given size and price. Alas, while not comparing would have likely meant satisfaction with the small 252, the 323 drives both the 500 and 700 so much better (bigger soundstage, more defined bass, clarity and so on). In fact the amp in above pairing has a far greater impact on SQ than the step up from 500 to 700. So one could be happy with L500 paired with 323S. The SQ improvements from 500 to 700 on the 323S are more subtle I thought, did I notice better separation and more bass impact ?! hmmmm.
 
Will sit down with the 500/700 with 323S/006ts next given Marshal has this nice 006ts to sell.
 
Sound advice guys, thank you again   

 

[AudioBear]

Thanks for the amp analysis. I'm struggling with the exact same decisions.
 
One question:  you say nothing about the 353X other than you could tell no difference between it and the 323.  Any additional thoughts to offer on the comparison?

 

[conquerator2]

The 323 and 353 are virtually identical. The only difference being the balanced terminals.

 

[alokjuyal]

@AudioBear as Conquerator2 points out, the ONLY difference is that the 353X has balanced XLR input terminals at the back in addition to the RCA input/output which are also on the 323S. That and that the 353X therefore costs $200-$300 more than the 323S which I believe has been discontinued and what is selling are left over units. I imagine that the balanced inputs lead to some difference in SQ when compared with single ended use on 323S but I couldn't check without a balanced out source. In SE use the 323S and 353X sounded identical to me. Hope this clarifies

 

[ToroFiestaSol]

Funny thing is that 323s is a balanced amp, wonder why Stax didn't put an XLR connector on them, makes no sense.
353x is 323s with an XLR connection (as it should be).

 

[luvmusik]

Has anyone heard SR-L700 with SRM-1/MK-2 Pro and do they play well together ?

 

[Don Quichotte]

  Funny thing is that 323s is a balanced amp, wonder why Stax didn't put an XLR connector on them, makes no sense.
353x is 323s with an XLR connection (as it should be).

I suppose the same is truth for my 313 amp. Does anyone know if it could be easily modded by simply adding a pair of XLR connectors to it, or it's a more elaborate procedure?

 

[Michgelsen]

It is likely that there are some internal differences between the 313, 323(S) and 353X. Certain discontinued components such as transistors could be a reason for a slight redesign of the amp, or maybe Stax has come up with a few improvements to the circuit over the years. I agree it's strange that the 323 (and the same goes for the old T1) doesn't have balanced inputs, since internally Stax amps are all balanced anyway. Only reason I can think of is cost. Adding them shouldn't be that hard. You can either replace the RCA inputs with XLR, or add XLR plus a switch to ground the minus or not. If you're lucky, the PCB could even have provisions for accepting the minus signal.

 

[AudioBear]

 
@AudioBear as Conquerator2 points out, the ONLY difference is that the 353X has balanced XLR input terminals at the back in addition to the RCA input/output which are also on the 323S. That and that the 353X therefore costs $200-$300 more than the 323S which I believe has been discontinued and what is selling are left over units. I imagine that the balanced inputs lead to some difference in SQ when compared with single ended use on 323S but I couldn't check without a balanced out source. In SE use the 323S and 353X sounded identical to me. Hope this clarifies

Yes, thanks.  It's clear, I just wanted to reconfirm that.  Sounds like it  may boil down to availability when I am ready to buy, 

 

[donc55]

I have been listening to my new L700 the last two days, and am blown away by the sound quality.
 
I use an old STAX SRM-T1s, with low noise RCA clear top tubes. Later will compare to a STAX 006ts, On the 009 I preferred the T1s. 
 
Source is a Sony 5400 CD/SACD player, using balanced tape out, from a Pass Labs X1 Line stage.
 
I also use a VPI TNT MK III turntable, with $3000 cartridge, into a Pass Labs Xono phono stage.
 
SACDs, and regular CDs sound great, and so do Lps. The L700 has all the audiophile sound qualities.
 
I use to own a 009, and still have a Lambda Nova Signature.
 
The L700 is a steal at $1400 US!
 
The 009 is now $3825 US, so the L700 is way less than half the price.
 
I had the 009 for two years, and the L700 matches that sound quality IMO.
 
Beats the LNS hands down, as did the 009.

 

[luvmusik]

  I have been listening to my new L700 the last two days, and am blown away by the sound quality.
 
I use an old STAX SRM-T1s, with low noise RCA clear top tubes. Later will compare to a STAX 006ts, On the 009 I preferred the T1s.
 
Source is a Sony 5400 CD/SACD player, using balanced tape out, from a Pass Labs X1 Line stage.
 
I also use a VPI TNT MK III turntable, with $3000 cartridge, into a Pass Labs Xono phono stage.
 
SACDs, and regular CDs sound great, and so do Lps. The L700 has all the audiophile sound qualities.
 
I use to own a 009, and still have a Lambda Nova Signature.
 
The L700 is a steal at $1400 US!
 
The 009 is now $3825 US, so the L700 is way less than half the price.
 
I had the 009 for two years, and the L700 matches that sound quality IMO.
 
Beats the LNS hands down, as did the 009.

 
Thanks for post, Have a question about comparison of SR-L700 to LNS using same amp for both.
 
Which sound characteristics does L700 predominantly beat the LNS, and which characteristics are they closer to each other ?

 

[donc55]

The L700 has deeper, stronger bass, clearer sound across the spectrum, and more detail. 
 
Better in every respect.  The LNS has a more timid type of sound.
 
The L700 is more efficient.  Louder at the same volume setting.
 
The sound staging is slightly more expanded with the L700.
 
The L700 "comes to life "in a shorter time also.
 
 

   
Thanks for post, Have a question about comparison of SR-L700 to LNS using same amp for both.
 
Which sound characteristics does L700 predominantly beat the LNS, and which characteristics are they closer to each other ?

 

[luvmusik]

Thank You, good information ! And, congratulations on your fine acquisition !

 

[alokjuyal]

The L700 has been acquired and for now mated with the SRM-323s. Burn-in is in progress, 30 hrs done and loving the sound Does far more to make me hear the difference between Tidal on "HiFi" streaming vs Spotify on "Extreme" than my Roxannes or the 846. Thanks everyone for the advice and help. As always, grateful to the forums and the members, where would this hobby be without you guys.  

 

[AudioBear]

Great news.  Enjoy!  
 
This thread has cost me the same $$$ for the same set-up.  Now I just need to save enough $$$.  During that time maybe I can explain to my wife and partner why a man with only 2 ears who owns an HD-800S needs another pair of cans.