The Stax Thread III

[alota]

But basically aeras is or isn't a kgst design based amplifier? From.a thread on head-case the original design of aeras was a kgst in a small package...or i'm wrong?

 

[Chefguru]

But basically aeras is or isn't a kgst design based amplifier? From.a thread on head-case the original design of aeras was a kgst in a small package...or i'm wrong?

There has been some controversy on this. I've brought it up a few times.

From the public specs and visually, it appears to be a KGST. However, the design is supposedly different and actually based of the T2 topology. Which might explain why it contends with the BHSE.

 

[ARCXENOS]

Does anyone have experience with modern day RMA with Stax after the warranty ends?

Like is it possible to pay for repairs or it’s an open and shut case after the warranty period?

I am interested in a X9000 but the imbalance issue seem to worry me…

 

[bearFNF]

Does anyone have experience with modern day RMA with Stax after the warranty ends?

Like is it possible to pay for repairs or it’s an open and shut case after the warranty period?

I am interested in a X9000 but the imbalance issue seem to worry me…

I had to send my SR-009 in for work (imbalance issue) after warranty period. I am in the US and had to contact Edifier to get a Contact person to send them to at Stax Japan. They cleaned them and sent them back as they did not find an imbalance. I think the earspeakers just needed a vacation. They were fine when the got back to me. This was right after Edifier acquired Stax so they had not set up the support system in the US yet so it may be more direct now? Took about three months and about $250 ($200 for my shipping end and $50 for their service/cleaning). They had to go through Hong Kong and then to Japan for an engineer to test them, was what I was told. I also had to get a tax stamp for customs...go figure. It was a pain due to the value of the earspeakers. I think they were thinking I was exporting goods and the government wanted their $$ out of the it. So not a huge expense just a hassle in logistics...

All that being said they more than likely have a system in place now to address warranty. If you are concerned I would go to Stax website and contact them and ask. Depends on where you are how the process will work.

 

[Svperstar]

Has anyone gone from a cheap energizer to an expensive one and regretted it? A couple weeks ago I almost bought an expensive energizer and some 007s, I ended up not getting them because I had my Arya Organic in the mail.

I would like to try Stax tho, I am stuck on a specific energizer. I prefer solid state to tubes if possible. I just can't decide what energizer to get. I feel like I might not hear a difference with the more expensive ones so I would just be burning money.

 

[bearFNF]

Has anyone gone from a cheap energizer to an expensive one and regretted it? A couple weeks ago I almost bought an expensive energizer and some 007s, I ended up not getting them because I had my Arya Organic in the mail.

I would like to try Stax tho, I am stuck on a specific energizer. I prefer solid state to tubes if possible. I just can't decide what energizer to get. I feel like I might not hear a difference with the more expensive ones so I would just be burning money.

Might helps us, help you, if you tell us specifics, what energizer, driven off what amp (in the case of an SRD7 type energizer) and what source.
What revision of, I assume, SR-007s (not SREM-007 amp)?

I went from an SRD7/NB to a Woo WEE to a Cavalli LL2SS to a BHSE and did not regret any of it.
It all depends on whether you think it sounds good and what you are looking for.

Just remember: "Cheap" does not necessarily equal "poorly made" or even "sounds bad". (and vice versa: "Expensive"≠"well made" or "sounds good")
It really depends on what sounds good to you.
A cheap not so well made energizer could sound just fine to some and not to others.

The way I decided was to go to as many Head-Fi meets and Audio shows as I could and listen to the options.
It's not easy to get to them I know, I live many miles from everything way out in the country, but decided it was worth the time and money to hop on a plane or drive to the various events so I could hear for myself what I was buying. Especially at this level and the amount of money involved.

As always, YMMV and IMO and all that.

 

[Philimon]

Stax Lambda Spirit combo arrived. Turned on the SRM-Xh and the Lambda started making a very loud buzzing noise. Sounds like a fluorescent light bulb but much much louder. This is with SRM-Xh set to minimum volume and the Lambda are not on my head but sitting on the desk. I turned off the SRM-Xh. Any ideas? I will try from SRD-7mk2 and inspect Lambda drivers for any obvious issues.

 

[Philimon]

Before leaving the house I visually inspected the headphones and noticed a white object on one of the drivers. Im guessing this is not supposed to be there. How did such a large object get behind the dust screen? Otherwise the Lambda Spirit looks to be in great condition and arrived with the cups wrapped in nylon stockings.

Ill try from SRD7mk2 later tonight.

 

[gammi]

Stax Lambda Spirit combo arrived. Turned on the SRM-Xh and the Lambda started making a very loud buzzing noise. Sounds like a fluorescent light bulb but much much louder. This is with SRM-Xh set to minimum volume and the Lambda are not on my head but sitting on the desk. I turned off the SRM-Xh. Any ideas? I will try from SRD-7mk2 and inspect Lambda drivers for any obvious issues.

Could be 60Hz hum from your outlet. I know my SRD-7 mK2 buzzes unless I plug it into a 1:1 transformer to block noise. I'm not familiar with the Xh, it could be the same issue.

 

[Philimon]

Something wrong with SRM-Xh because SRD7mk2 is doing fine with Lambda Spirit. Sounds L/R balanced, no charge up time required. A lively and big sound(stage). Incredibly detailed and smooth with more impactful bass than expected. Very pleased. Will let warm up for a few days by which time SR507 will have arrived. ecstatic!

 

[Svperstar]

My 007mk2 with port mod are still in the mail along with an energizer.

I'm thinking of trying the WooAudio WEE, has anyone paired it with the SMSL AO200MKII? I don't own any speakers so I don't need some big heavy ridiculous amp.

I'm sure someone else in this thread has gone the speaker amp converter route before me and knows a good little powerful speaker amp with 3 pin XLR inputs and a volume knob?

 

[Philimon]

Stax SR507
- I love how Stax treble always sounds very detailed but never fatiguing.
- Needs EQ to reduce upper mids because can be fatiguing like 6X0. Tonality otherwise is good and like a slightly less warm HD650.
- Headband + pads seem to provide a good seal on head unlike Lambda Spirit

How to increase clamp + seal on Lambda Spirit? I imagine thicker and plusher pads and a headband with more clamp.
Questions:
- Which Lambda pads are thickest and plushest?
- Which headband is clampiest?
Anybody know who what where when why? Please and thank you!

Here is frequency response measurements on MiniDSP EARS, obviously poor seal.:

Spoiler: mehsures, Minidsp EARS

^ In normal use, SR507 is the warmer and punchier sounding headphone. I suspect I am not getting a good seal in normal use with Lambda Spirit.

 

[Omerg1]

Hi.
I was thinking maybe to purchase LTA Z10E because i really like the idea of having an all in one solution for all of my headphones, so i did some searching and i stumbled upon head-case.org
from what i understand spritzer from Mjolnir audio who's very highly regarded on head-fi (or at least i thought he is) is a mod there and i did some reading and he basically says that everything electrostatic related which isn't kgsshv or bhse is crap, should i take what he says seriously, he flat out said that every other major company ( viva audio, LTA, Woo audio and more) that makes electrostatic amps are crap and bad quality.

Is the LTA Z10E not a good product?
is the kgsshv actually superior for almost half the price?

The photo is just one example but he repeatedly says that on different posts.
Not to mention that he calls the best headphones on the planet crap, is he to be trusted?

 

[Svperstar]

I did some reading and he basically says that everything electrostatic related which isn't kgsshv or bhse is crap, should i take what he says seriously, he flat out said that every other major company ( viva audio, LTA, Woo audio and more) that makes electrostatic amps are crap and bad quality.

Yes that is the culture on head-case, you have to decide if you believe them or not that every product in the world is trash besides the one he and Kevin Gilmore make. According to them the Topping estat amp is straight up lying when it says its 750 vrms, it isn't capable of producing that kind of output.

I really wish Schiit would release an estat amp. If they released a powerful amp that was build properly and ran every estat known, they could sell it for like $999 and people would happily buy it. As it is getting into estats is way too much of a pain for your average person.

 

[Omerg1]

I'm kind of a noob, and few months ago i purchased modded T1 from him, but i just recently found out about head-case and from what i see there i'm feeling very uncomfortable with what they say about other companies.

Back to topic, is the LTA Z10E a good product?
I'd love to have some recommendations and even comparisons if possible.