The Stax Thread III

[s1rrah]

  What do you guys think of the SR-407 and specifically the SRS-4170 system (407 + 006t)? I'm in the consideration department but I want to make sure I make the right call. 
 
I have listened to STAX - lots of em - but not extensively. Most experience I have had with the SR-009, enough so to conclude that its signature is not quite to my liking (slightly sterile) and I prefer some of the Lambdas and SR-007 overall. I did listen to (and compared to the 009) one Lambda in this color and it sounded fantastic, perhaps slightly less refined and less solid in the bass than the 009 but also slightly more sweet and organic. Quite similar otherwise, sonically. I can't say if that was the 407 as they all look basically the same. May have been the Nova classic. 
 
SR-007 mk1 with an amp to match would be my choice if I had the budget, but I feel I want to play it a bit safe and jump on the "entry-level" wagon first. 

 
Can't comment on your main question but I'll comment all the same ...
 
SR-404LE's are ridiculously better than SR-307's.
 
Way better highs. Way better lows. Way better instrument separation. More quiet in the quiet parts. ... a whole other order of Lamdba. 
 
I know because I had the SR-307's ... and then sold them after hearing/listening to the 404LE's ... 

 

[davidsh]

Sound quality of 006t = the old T1 series just so you know.

 

[Lan647]

Sound quality of 006t = the old T1 series just so you know.

Not to start a discussion which may take the attention of my original question, but does that mean the 006t is in fact a better driver than the 007tII?

 

[davidsh]

 

Sound quality of 006t = the old T1 series just so you know.

Not to start a discussion which may take the attention of my original question, but does that mean the 006t is in fact a better driver than the 007tII?

Don't think so..? From what I have heard the 007t series is slightly better than 006t/T1.
 
Some might argue that not all 006t/T1 amps are equal due to obstructed signal path due to switches and what not, but they have roughly equal circuits from what I hear.

 

[Lan647]

  Don't think so..? From what I have heard the 007t series is slightly better than 006t/T1.
 
Some might argue that not all 006t/T1 amps are equal due to obstructed signal path due to switches and what not, but they have roughly equal circuits from what I hear.

 
My bad, I mixed the T1 series up with the T2, which many here say is the best STAX amp ever made.

 

[karlgerman]

Soundwise my 006t performs excellent. Comparing to the KGSS it has less power and this might be his problem
if you prefer hearing with higher loudnesslevels.
For my 007 Mk2 it is easy to reach the edge of distortion. Less probelm with the 009 or the 4040 lambda.
 
As i like to hear with lower levels it is very nice. The tubesound is also very enjoyable and more natural than my KGSS, especially if one use a 009 and Amarra as the player.
In terms of dynamic and punch the 006t is on the soft side.
 
Modern Staxamps have absolutely no backgroudnoise, no hum, no crackle, what makes for example the 006t very enjoyable at low levels.

 

[DefQon]

006 is worthwhile if you can score one for under $650 as its essentially a more modern T1 with the same sound. T1's are great with most of the Lambdas.

 

[jcx]

the T2 is reputed to have noticeable hum

 

[davidsh]

006 is worthwhile if you can score one for under $650 as its essentially a more modern T1 with the same sound. T1's are great with most of the Lambdas.

Know any lambda which the T1 isn't good with? Personally, I'd gladly pay a little more than $650 for a 006 if it is fairly new.

 

[Lan647]

If I order from Japan, I can get for example the SRS-4170 for less than *half* the price of what it would cost to buy here. That's not including shipping costs, taxes and such but still a little tempting. I do love the STAX sound, IMHO there is nothing that compares on the dynamic side.

 

[MacedonianHero]

  the T2 is reputed to have noticeable hum

Don't know about the Stax built ones, but the DIY KG version is dead silent (and hot!).

 

[jcx]

yes the original Stax T2

 

[purk]

  Don't know about the Stax built ones, but the DIY KG version is dead silent (and hot!).

Yup, it does warm up the room a bit.  A small trade off for a truly magnificence sound. 

 

[Keithpgdrb]

looking for comparisons between the sr-202 and the original sr-lambda.  what are the differences?

 

[DefQon]

  looking for comparisons between the sr-202 and the original sr-lambda.  what are the differences?

 
NB Lambda's have that natural, slightly over-emphasized but very seductive and well presented mids, slight 3d to the sound (at least with some songs I've listened to).
 
SR-202, quite balanced sounding with a slight boost of brightness to the treble (not to the extend that'll hurt your ears). 
 
Both are nice sounding stat's that sound drastically different to each other.
 
If you're buying one of either, my suggestion is buy both.