The Stax Thread III

[AudioCats]

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I've read that most people recommend KGSSHV, Carbons, and BHSE. I'm confident of my circuit building skills and electronics but I can't find a solid source for how much the components would cost so I'm kind of ruling those amplifiers out for now unless they're cheaper than I think.

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The semi-conductors used in a KGSS-carbon is about $150 from mouser, all are current production models. Then add PCB and support parts, which can range from fairly inexpensive to extremely costly, depending on the direction you want to push it.

not sure about the KGSSHV and BHSE, too many out of production/ hard to find parts.

 

[Menkau-ra]

Is SRM-400S enough for omega 007 or 009?

 

[tumpux]

It's very subjective.
I would say as long as you never listen to better amplifiers, it would be enough.

 

[Menkau-ra]

It's very subjective.
I would say as long as you never listen to better amplifiers, it would be enough.

Stax Inc sells 009 with D10. That's why I asked that question.

 

[tumpux]

Just because .... doesn't mean that ...
Again, it's very subjective.

Most of the answers that you receive here will tell you more about that person than wether the 400S is enough or not to drive the Omegas.

 

[arnaud]

Stax Inc sells 009 with D10. That's why I asked that question.

Technically, you can plug the 009 into any stax energizer, including the srm252.

Now, is that a wise choice? I’m sure someone somewhere will have arguments to justify it

 

[tumpux]

My personal stand is: if you already consider the Omegas, why deprive yourself on the amplification.

And that tells more about me than the fact wether the 400S is enough to drive the Omega or not.

 

[Menkau-ra]

What would be a starter amp to drive omegas?

 

[zomkung]

Just got vanilla SRM-727 non-mod.

Anyone here knows how to mod it?

 

[tumpux]

If I am starting again in 2021, I would start with Carbon.


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Then I will upgrade to the latest Dr. Gilmore’s creation in 2031.

 

[French Penguin]

The semi-conductors used in a KGSS-carbon is about $150 from mouser, all are current production models. Then add PCB and support parts, which can range from fairly inexpensive to extremely costly, depending on the direction you want to push it.

not sure about the KGSSHV and BHSE, too many out of production/ hard to find parts.

Thanks for the information! I'll be on the lookout for more parts lists and reading about the different models, If I truly do fall in love with the SR-007A with the 717 I won yesterday (still has to ship), I will most likely build one of the KGs if possible under $1000 in the future.

I did see someone mention Taobao so I took a look and did see a KGSSHV-Mini for I believe $650 USD (idk if that's a deal), but that was after the auction and can't remember if I can buy directly from them or need a third party, I believe third party.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[kzs70]

Just got vanilla SRM-727 non-mod.

Anyone here knows how to mod it?

I have done it according to this description and it works:

https://www.head-case.org/forums/topic/8703-the-srm727-thread/

 

[French Penguin]

Oh, I just realized I probably should've asked in my previous message.... Since the 717 is an older amplifier, do you guys recommend anything to check, replace, maintenance, or even mod to correct or improve performance? I will come back and post my findings of the Legendary sr-007A compared to my current, I know it will be limited by the 717 but I have low doubts it won't outperform my current headphones but only if that's ok on here, I don't really recall seeing people posting their individual opinions.... I should probably check before cluttering this thread from important information.

I'm sorry for all the messages, I'm just kind of forgetful and can't remember/think of things... but the one thing I can promise is, if there is something wrong with it, I'll definitely be asking help, sorry, but you guys have many years of experience.

Thanks everyone for your help with everything!

 

[AudioCats]

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I did see someone mention Taobao so I took a look and did see a KGSSHV-Mini for I believe $650 USD (idk if that's a deal)
,......

a "mini" chassis offers no room for larger upgrade parts, not ideal. (assuming you will work on it later).

I think the 717 will work well enough. Stax builds good quality stuff, kind of expensive but lasts forever. My srm-1 (non-MK2, probably made in the 70's) still works and sounds fine. The electrolytic capacitors might need to be replaced due to age, though.

 

[AudioCats]

Just got vanilla SRM-727 non-mod.

Anyone here knows how to mod it?

if you can, add a switch to toggle between global/non-global feedback.

I went the other direction in my KGSS, added the non-global option to it and end up preferring the non-global (the feedback type used in 727).

Global feedback usually sound more impressive for the first 5~10 minutes, much cleaner sound and better control. But after a while I feel the sound has kind of a "sheen" feel to it. The way to say it, I guess, is that it is more "silky". While the smoothness is great, the "silky sheen" is not. Kind of irritates me a little after a while.
I usually switch back to non-global feedback after a couple of songs and just leave it there. More distortions? yes, but the emotion in singers' voice comes through better.

I mostly listen to vocal stuff so the more solid bass offered by global feedback is not big enough of a plus, in my situation, to offset the "sheen" irritation.