The Stax Thread III

[Svperstar]

HE-6 never cost that much. The most expensive it has ever been in any version is $1,799 (HE6se and HE6se V2). The original version had a normal price of $1,299.
If you buy directly from HiFiMan, you could until recently get a refurbished HE6se V2 for as little as $369. They now sell refurbished HE6se for $589 and $699 respectively.

I've read multiple reviews that the HE6se doesn't sound anywhere near as good as the OG HE6, the $2,000 figure is from the used market

 

[LarsHP]

I've read multiple reviews that the HE6se doesn't sound anywhere near as good as the OG HE6, the $2,000 figure is from the used market

THAT makes sense. I certainly wouldn't buy a used headphone above the price it was when new. We aren't collectors, are we!
However, the thorough reviews comparing the various models I have seen say there are differences, but that they are subtle. A HE-6 still sounds like HE-6.

The "right" modification plays an important role too, perhaps more than exactly which generation you have. Mine are:
1) Blu-tack mod (self-adhesive paste) filling and sealing the gap between the driver and cup.
2) Memory foam lambskin pads.
3) 100% airtight seal between pads and cups.
* All three mods enhances sub-bass, punch and slam.
4) Complete removal of grill, foam and fibers on the outside of the driver.

*These mods, I expect, are universal regarding all planar drivers (electrostatics included).

 

[jody2k]

Owned a HE-6SE prior to HE1000SE, even with several mods not even close to the HE1000SE imo.
HE1000SE is in a complete different league

HE-6 also needs quite powerful and good matching amplifier, hard to drive, preferred a speaker amp. So costs can ramp up pretty quickly
HE1000SE sounds always good and easy to drive (even from a simple dongle)

 

[LarsHP]

Owned a HE-6SE prior to HE1000SE, even with several mods not even close to the HE1000SE imo.
HE1000SE is in a complete different league

HE-6 also needs quite powerful and good matching amplifier, hard to drive, preferred a speaker amp. So costs can ramp up pretty quickly
HE1000SE sounds always good and easy to drive (even from a simple dongle)

Regarding amping, the HE-6 needs extremely low output impedance. That's why speaker amps often sound even more punchy and has better sub bass extension compared to normal headphone amps. HE-6 doesn't need more than a few W in 50 Ohm. About 3W should be enough.

 

[VandyMan]

We aren't collectors, are we!

There are definitely a lot of collectors among us.

 

[ESL-1]

You mean candidates for a 12-step plan for addiction….

 

[folkguy]

Here are my current top 4 based purely on tonality:
Lambda Nova Signature
L700
407
Lambda Signature

Thanks for the write up. Any noticeable difference in driveability between original Signature and LNS? Some of the Lambada's can be a bit harder to drive than others I've noticed.

 

[oneguy]

Thanks for the write up. Any noticeable difference in driveability between original Signature and LNS? Some of the Lambada's can be a bit harder to drive than others I've noticed.

The LNS is slightly easier to drive (comparing volume knob to sound output level) than the LS but it’s not much at all.

 

[Kiats]

As I get older, I appreciate the 007 Mk1 even more. Enjoying it while I rediscovered the joys of the Auralic Aries Femto and Lightning DS.

 

[Metalboyy]

Just got my High Amp Polaris. Insanely huge. And Stax L700MK2.

 

[ESL-1]

Just got my High Amp Polaris. Insanely huge. And Stax L700MK2.

It’s BIG too. Looks great, enjoy and let everyone know your impressions. Congratulations.

 

[Metalboyy]

It’s BIG too. Looks great, enjoy and let everyone know your impressions. Congratulations.

First impressions is the L700mk2 sounds incredible clear and huge with the amp. Might lack a bit subbass but I have only used these for couple of hours.

 

[Svperstar]

First impressions is the L700mk2 sounds incredible clear and huge with the amp. Might lack a bit subbass but I have only used these for couple of hours.

Blu Tac mod is your friend. I just found some pictures and followed those.

 

[Kiats]

Starting the Saturday morning with some time with the SR 4070, circa 2001, off the Mjolnir modded 007t.

 

[Aspirant Audiophile]

As I get older, I appreciate the 007 Mk1 even more. Enjoying it while I rediscovered the joys of the Auralic Aries Femto and Lightning DS.

Indeed. I continue to prefer x9000 for, in a word, resolution, but 007mki (when properly driven) is a perfect balance of all the OG Stax goodness. Did you remove the springs inside the cups?