The Stax Thread III

[paradoxper]

Yes, the "proven" list is all good stuff - I think that's universally undisputed. From my perspective the Mafia is indeed harsh, but they do point out some very concerning issues in other builds, and I enjoy their tear-downs and analysis. Mjolnir (Birgir) is the most over-the-top about being dismissive to non-Mafia builds, but then a lot of it is warranted and he does make important contributions to the hobby. And Kevin Gilmore is just the best

It's more than that. Birgir has also criticized Gilmore community builds i.e. Soren. Which happens to be disagreement in design philosophy rather than compromises in quality.

 

[Benno1988]

That model you can change to 240V, just unscrew the 2 screw and you'll have the switch for it.

Is the 007 the sweet spot amp? I see it comes in a few revisions, rev 2 etc. Whats the pick?

 

[ColSaulTigh]

That model you can change to 240V, just unscrew the 2 screw and you'll have the switch for it.

I forgot that you could switch it to 240v....there you go!

 

[padam]

Is the 007 the sweet spot amp? I see it comes in a few revisions, rev 2 etc. Whats the pick?

There is no absolute sweet spot just for a single item, it would be too simple like that. Each headphone will match up a bit better with a different amp.
A good used copy of the standard KGSSHV sits in a nice place as of not being that much more than a Stax amp yet producing significantly more power.
But it may depend on the headphone of choice, as it will not work optimally with quite a few of them.

 

[mulveling]

It's more than that. Birgir has also criticized Gilmore community builds i.e. Soren. Which happens to be disagreement in design philosophy rather than compromises in quality.

LOL - Birgir's KGSShv minis sounded mediocre in comparison to full size units by other builders. My favorite is how he's made hating 009 part of his personality, but every few years hears another pair and kind of likes it so he invents how it must be some special version that explains the discrepancy.

 

[alota]

LOL - Birgir's KGSShv minis sounded mediocre in comparison to full size units by other builders. My favorite is how he's made hating 009 part of his personality, but every few years hears another pair and kind of likes it so he invents how it must be some special version that explains the discrepancy.

from what I'm hearing of the 009 connected to a simple srm-1 mk2, seems a really good headphone

 

[paradoxper]

LOL - Birgir's KGSShv minis sounded mediocre in comparison to full size units by other builders. My favorite is how he's made hating 009 part of his personality, but every few years hears another pair and kind of likes it so he invents how it must be some special version that explains the discrepancy.

Unless you're comparing to another mini variant, the amps aren't comparable. We took the idea of my mini KGSSHV from Birgir, so it was a very nice step.
I believe Pale Rider still has it amongst his DIY T2.

I can see how he or anyone could dislike the 009 and the subjective experience is fickle at best so I can't invest much into it nor the special variations.

 

[dagothur]

Pretty sure my electrostatic amp is the issue now. Static noise which varies with the volume knob in the left channel, left is much quieter than the right. Only happens when the AGD is connected to the estat amp, and it's worse in balanced mode.
I took a meter to my AGD amp and it measured identical on both channels. Swapped the XLR cables and the noise doesn't follow. Switched the D27 to DAC mode so volume control goes to the estat amp and the issue persists plus there's clipping at listening volume.
At this point it seems clear the Mjolnir is the issue, but can anyone narrow it down to something I can fix myself? I'd rather not send it off to Iceland to be serviced.

 

[Chefguru]

It's more than that. Birgir has also criticized Gilmore community builds i.e. Soren. Which happens to be disagreement in design philosophy rather than compromises in quality.

Can you elaborate on the criticism that was given for Soren’s builds - his pricing is very attractive and build photos appear acceptable.

 

[paradoxper]

Can you elaborate on the criticism that was given for Soren’s builds - his pricing is very attractive and build photos appear acceptable.

You can go read the thread, the discussion, the heat, the support of Soren's defense and the internet pitfall of slinging crap.

 

[ColSaulTigh]

Can you elaborate on the criticism that was given for Soren’s builds - his pricing is very attractive and build photos appear acceptable.

FWIW my Soren Brix-built KGGG appears to be working perfectly and I have no issues with it...but I'm very new to estat, so what do I know?

 

[buzzlulu]

I can see how he or anyone could dislike the 009 and the subjective experience is fickle at best so I can't invest much into it nor the special variations.

Just received a NOS sealed in box 009. Initial impressions on my Kerry T2/Linn KDS Organik are quite positive compared to my 009S (of course X9000 rules).
Many forget the source is “rather” important no matter the amp or headphone

 

[timb5881]

But I am in Australia with our lovely 240V

There is a Stax T1 for sale on eBay from Australia

 

[alota]

Just received a NOS sealed in box 009. Initial impressions on my Kerry T2/Linn KDS Organik are quite positive compared to my 009S (of course X9000 rules).
Many forget the source is “rather” important no matter the amp or headphone

Jusr simple curiosity: if the x9000 is superuor, why the 009?

 

[Chefguru]

You can go read the thread, the discussion, the heat, the support of Soren's defense and the internet pitfall of slinging crap.

TLDR cliff notes please
This is head-fi after all (lol)