[Zoide]

How do you guys store your L500/L700s? I'm a bit weary leaving them outside with potential dust buildup and damage. Any recommendations for some hard cases?

I use the standard STAX wooden stand and plastic cover. And then I cover the cover with a dark bag to avoid sun damage.

 

[SemiAudiophile]

I have this weird phobia of accidentally placing them somewhere and sitting on them. They're just so fragile.

 

[CT007]

I just put my L300 in a 1 cent plastic grocery bag, when I had them. But yeah, don't ever take Stax outside. Nonononono

 

[SolarCetacean]

I have the official Stax wooden headphone stand and I put my L700mk2 on them. I don't use a dust cover, haven't used one in the three years I've had this pair, and I haven't found it to be necessary on these new models.

 

[catscratch]

Dust shouldn't be an issue if the dust covers on the drivers haven't been messed with. Mine is either on my desk or in a wooden drawer and has been fine since 2015.

Basically, don't get them wet, don't put them under direct sunlight, don't feed them after midnight, and... was there something else? Nah, that's it.

 

[SemiAudiophile]

My 2nd night with L700mk2 and they really opened up tonight. Not sure if brain burn in or they just need a little running in. But soundstage opened up and I'm getting smooth sound floating all around me.

Last night it was sort of veiled and peaky and felt a little more warm and closed in. I was kinda wishing that I went for mk1 instead but not anymore.

I recently acquired HE1000SE and it doesn't totally outclass the L700. It can definitely hold its own. Beautiful delicate sound.

 

[davehutch]

Have listened to the L700 MkII a couple of times now and wondered what you guys thought of the 500T energizer and a Mojo 2 as a DAC? I can use the Mojo 2 elsewhere and of course, it has some useful lossless EQ for the sub-bass if required.
Would I be missing out on much by not using the 700T energizer?

 

[catscratch]

I think the 500T has slightly less output power than the 700T? I have no experience with the current-gen Stax amps but the older 007t in stock form can just about drive the L700 decently loud but you're still somewhat volume-limited and don't have much room for EQ. The 500T will probably be even more so. If you can spend brand new 700T money I'd look at the CCS-modded 007t instead, or maybe a KGST.

 

[SemiAudiophile]

The more time I spend with L700 the more I love them... they're just so good for laying back in your chair and easy listening. They don't demand your attention, but you can hear everything presented to you so effortlessly and delicately. HD8XX was my go to for theateractrial soundtracks but now it's a toss up...

 

[pbui44]

So it has been a few years (Pre-pandemic?) and I finally reconnected my Stax setup to my Schiit Modius AKM's RCA outs and I really should have put everything back together months ago. I know earspeakers are amongst the most sensitive audio drivers to specific DAC setups, but the AKM4493 really does a great job at providing the extra dash of warmth that the SR-L500 needs to convey vocality and emotions between instrumental performances. I am really glad that a new factory has been built after that AKM factory fire in late 2020, because AKM DACs really sound like they were specially made with at least the Stax Lambda series. Yes, both are made exclusively in Japan, but that does not guarantee a partnership. It sure sounds like it, though.

 

[SemiAudiophile]

Anyone try the SoCas spacer mod? I saw zeos do it on his MK1 and he seems to like it. But not sure if there are any benefits to the MK2. Pretty happy with the sound as is, especially with the Ares II and EHA5 combo. I'm getting pretty good balanced, layered, and textured sound. But a wider soundstage and little more detail wouldn't hurt.

 

[gordon0986]

I am comparing used L300 LTD and new L700Mk2 A to B on SRM-252S. L300 LTD is WAY better! I don’t know why. Maybe my L700Mk2 needs some burn-in or because they have different pads?
They sound different to me. L300 LTD has more intimate vocals, and that is why I fall in love with Stax. L700 has wider soundstage. Also L700 is harsh on treble.

I have the Audeze MM 500 and it reminds me of a stax headphone. Very good vocals and midrange and very good sub bass

 

[pataburd]

After comparing the SR-L300 LTD v. SR-L500 Mk.2 v. SR-L700 Mk.2 (Tidal<--USB Disruptor|Wyred4Sound Recovery<--Gustard X18<--Mjolnir KGSS HV), I ended up strongly preferring the L700 Mk.2.

I have since winnowed my headphones down to the Audeze MM-500 and Martin Logan Mikros 90 (see signature). I find the MM-500 clear, well-balanced and faithful to the source. Am currently looking for a good AKM-based DAC to pair with the Audeze and then plan to go off the (H-F) grid for a while.

 

[greggf]

After comparing the SR-L300 LTD v. SR-L500 Mk.2 v. SR-L700 Mk.2 (Tidal<--USB Disruptor|Wyred4Sound Recovery<--Gustard X18<--Mjolnir KGSS HV), I ended up strongly preferring the L700 Mk.2.

I have since winnowed my headphones down to the Audeze MM-500 and Martin Logan Mikros 90 (see signature). I find the MM-500 clear, well-balanced and faithful to the source. Am currently looking for a good AKM-based DAC to pair with the Audeze and then plan to go off the (H-F) grid for a while.

"I ended up strongly preferring the L700 Mk.2."

Me, too. They are very good Lambdas.

 

[gordon0986]

After comparing the SR-L300 LTD v. SR-L500 Mk.2 v. SR-L700 Mk.2 (Tidal<--USB Disruptor|Wyred4Sound Recovery<--Gustard X18<--Mjolnir KGSS HV), I ended up strongly preferring the L700 Mk.2.

I have since winnowed my headphones down to the Audeze MM-500 and Martin Logan Mikros 90 (see signature). I find the MM-500 clear, well-balanced and faithful to the source. Am currently looking for a good AKM-based DAC to pair with the Audeze and then plan to go off the (H-F) grid for a while.

Glad I’m not the only one who really likes the MM 500’s! I use it with the hifiman EF 400 and it’s pretty solid and the chord mojo 2! Actually got my first electrostat headphone in the Hive X to pair with the SRM D 50! Kinda afraid the negative reviews on the D50! If I ain’t any good I’ll just get my money back and get a topping EH5 and pair it with my EF400 and see if it is any better