The Stax Thread III

[TheAbyss2022]

Try unplugging them, touching the pins on the plug with your thumb (decharging the stators) then go back to listening. Its possible the diaphragm is just stuck to the stators and this will release it. Worth a try.

It's working fine now thanks.

I think it was just the way they were positioned on my head, the fit is really finicky especially with glasses! Someone informed me on how they should be placed on the head with the rotation of the cups and pads.

 

[ufospls2]

It's working fine now thanks.

I think it was just the way they were positioned on my head, the fit is really finicky especially with glasses! Someone informed me on how they should be placed on the head with the rotation of the cups and pads.

Awesome, glad they don't have an issue so early on in your ownership!

 

[TheAbyss2022]

Awesome, glad they don't have an issue so early on in your ownership!

That would have been a hell of a trip with them for a couple of hours before Kaput!

 

[mbrennwa]

@timb5881

IMO if you are in the market for a new estat amp and don't want to go full end game $5,000+ then the Stax 717 is a good amp, it has way more power then the entry level stuff and only a bit behind the end game amps.

There are options that sit in between the Stax stock units and the Mafia "end game" super amps. For example you could look at a tweaked Stax with a CCS mod, or the High-Amp (Rauenbühler) amps from Germany. I am sure there are others. And then there are second hand deals on the big boys, sometimes at almost reasonable prices.

That said, my hope for 2025 is to make some more progress with designing my own DHT estat amp. Things are slow, but they are moving forward.

 

[alota]

@timb5881

There are options that sit in between the Stax stock units and the Mafia "end game" super amps. For example you could look at a tweaked Stax with a CCS mod, or the High-Amp (Rauenbühler) amps from Germany. I am sure there are others. And then there are second hand deals on the big boys, sometimes at almost reasonable prices.

That said, my hope for 2025 is to make some more progress with designing my own DHT estat amp. Things are slow, but they are moving forward.

Gooood post

 

[Svperstar]

@timb5881

There are options that sit in between the Stax stock units and the Mafia "end game" super amps. For example you could look at a tweaked Stax with a CCS mod, or the High-Amp (Rauenbühler) amps from Germany. I am sure there are others. And then there are second hand deals on the big boys, sometimes at almost reasonable prices.

That said, my hope for 2025 is to make some more progress with designing my own DHT estat amp. Things are slow, but they are moving forward.

For sure, I think the Stax 717 is the best performance per dollar deal. The "Mafia" said the 717 was the best amp Stax made, the High-Amp amps come in just behind the entry level Mafia amps. You can get a 717 used for under $1,000. Not saying its the best amp on the market, but considering how cheap that is compared to the competition its a very good sweet spot.

 

[alota]

, the High-Amp amps come in just behind the entry level Mafia amps.

Why? Just for curiosity. You made a comparison?

 

[Thomsen132]

For sure, I think the Stax 717 is the best performance per dollar deal. The "Mafia" said the 717 was the best amp Stax made, the High-Amp amps come in just behind the entry level Mafia amps. You can get a 717 used for under $1,000. Not saying its the best amp on the market, but considering how cheap that is compared to the competition its a very good sweet spot.

Which high amp models did you try to drive which headphone?
I drive my SR-X9000 with a Mjolnir Carbon and a High Amp Polaris V3. (I also own some Stax Amps including SRM717, but more or less only for comparisons).
Both amps are excellent. Depending on mood and taste the Polaris V3 can even be better.
It has a stellar bass performance (at least as good as Carbon), fantastic soundstage with great pin point localization.
The Polaris V3 is for sure a potential endgame amp (depending on DAC and Headphone Pairing. With x9k -> great match for me personally) able to drive every Stax with ease. It is extremely powerful with excellent resolution.
Just my 5 cents.

 

[jamiekp]

Also a huge hi-amp fan here. I have Sirius and Antares. Both fantastic though I think Sirius is the more capable overall

 

[Thomsen132]

Also a huge hi-amp fan here. I have Sirius and Antares. Both fantastic though I think Sirius is the more capable overall

Just for the case, you didn't know yet:
http://www.high-amp.de/html/amplifier-tuning.html

Both of your amps could be upgraded.

 

[Svperstar]

Which high amp models did you try to drive which headphone?

I haven't heard any of the High Amp amps, I was speaking of price mainly in my post. I would like to hear the end game amp from High Amp and compare it to the Carbon and Blue Hawaii especially.

 

[Svperstar]

I know many fellow Stax owners are waiting to hear the CRBN2, I'm waiting to have my CRBN upgraded. Just saw this review from Bob Katz:
https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/imersiv-d1-dac/

Frankly, I am blown away by the CRBN-2's tonal accuracy. In fact, I believe the CRBN-2 is so accurate that it does not need any corrective EQ at all! This is the first headphone of any type that I have encountered in almost five decades of professional listening that does not require EQ to sound correct or natural. Its sound is open, transparent and free from the comb filtering or phasing subtly present in many planar magnetic phones.

Thats high praise. I'm excited to get mine upgraded.

 

[TheAbyss2022]

I tried the 007 with the Phantom on tube mode for the 1st time as I was just comparing against the Carbon CC with the Phantoms solid state mode.

It sounds so special on tube mode with the Phantom. It's more holographic, vocals are astonishing and the added warmth brings a more euphoric presentation that I'm really enjoying. Can't believe how night and day the difference it is between the solid state and tube mode! I really need a BHSE in 2025 lol. The Carbon still brings out the bass monster that lives in this headphone so I think both amps have their place with the 007.

 

[Chefguru]

I tried the 007 with the Phantom on tube mode for the 1st time as I was just comparing against the Carbon CC with the Phantoms solid state mode.

It sounds so special on tube mode with the Phantom. It's more holographic, vocals are astonishing and the added worth brings a more euphoric presentation that I'm really enjoying. Can't believe how night and day the difference is between the solid state and tube mode! I really need a BHSE in 2025 lol.

Bhse will not bring you this sound. The BHSE is a hybrid amp and the tubes don’t add the kind of coloration you’re seeking. Same goes for the T2.

The megatron is capable of providing this if rolled with it in mind.

 

[TheAbyss2022]

Bhse will not bring you this sound. The BHSE is a hybrid amp and the tubes don’t add the kind of coloration you’re seeking. Same goes for the T2.

The megatron is capable of providing this if rolled with it in mind.

Where is a product page for the Megatron? who makes it? or do I need to have someone build it?