The Stax Thread III

[TheAbyss2022]

Hello Guys,
I could use some help regarding a recent purchase. I just received a pair of Stax SR-007 mk1 headphones from another member here.

The advertised serial number was 71123. The issue is that the serial number sticker is no longer on the unit, even though it was confirmed during our conversation (and present in the photos from the classified ad).. The headphones didn't come with the original case or paperwork either.

Does anyone know of an alternative way to verify the serial number for an SR-007 mk1? I want to confirm that I got the correct pair and to have that verification for my records or a future buyer.

Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

The serial number will only be on one of the arcs and the cardboard box I believe.

A 711xxx should have the later travel case as well. The earlier ones have a carbon fibre design.

 

[RadekB]

The serial number will only be on one of the arcs and the cardboard box I believe.

A 711xxx should have the later travel case as well. The earlier ones have a carbon fibre design.

I was really excited about the offer, and I didn't mind that the case and box were not part of it.
However, I was counting on the sticker shown in the photos being on the arc.
It's not there, and now I have no way of proving that this is the 71123 model.

That's why I asked if you know any other ways to verify that?
Is there anything under pads/inside that could help me to determine it?

 

[TheAbyss2022]

I was really excited about the offer, and I didn't mind that the case and box were not part of it.
However, I was counting on the sticker shown in the photos being on the arc.
It's not there, and now I have no way of proving that this is the 71123 model.

That's why I asked if you know any other ways to verify that?
Is there anything under pads/inside that could help me to determine it?

No, there will be no other place to show the serial number.

The MK1 grill design is brown and the pads if original, should also be brown, meaning you have a genuine MK1 but you would not be able to prove the serial number unfortunately.

 

[RadekB]

No, there will be no other place to show the serial number.

The MK1 grill design is brown and the pads if original, should also be brown, meaning you have a genuine MK1 but you would not be able to prove the serial number unfortunately.

Thanks for the answer
The only idea that comes to my mind now is to send it to a Polish STAX service for a closer inspection of the internal components to confirm the version.

 

[soren_brix]

Does anyone know of an alternative way to verify the serial number for an SR-007 mk1? I want to confirm that I got the correct pair and to have that verification for my records or a future buyer.

Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

Look at the cable entry
for 70xxx/SZ-1 :

which is different from the later ones:

 

[LarsHP]

Thanks for the answer
The only idea that comes to my mind now is to send it to a Polish STAX service for a closer inspection of the internal components to confirm the version.

If the seller knows the exact serial number, then I suggest asking for his source and dokumentation for it. If the seller can't provide anything confirming the serial number, then how does he know?

 

[RadekB]

If the seller knows the exact serial number, then I suggest asking for his source and dokumentation for it. If the seller can't provide anything confirming the serial number, then how does he know?

Right? That’s exactly why I asked about it — but it seems there’s no documentation. I made the purchase based on the photo showing the serial number sticker on the arc, as well as our chat where the seller confirmed the number. However, the headphones arrived without the sticker, and I was told it “most likely just fell off.”

I’m generally not someone with trust issues — especially within the Head-Fi community — but it does make me pause a bit.
That said, I’m still open to keeping them; I’m just trying to find some way to verify the serial number regardless. And that's why I started this thread here, not to complain but to find a way to verify the number.

Seems that it's impossible, all I can do is to verify the model and evaluate its sonic features (tomorrow, since I'll have my energizer here).

 

[Svperstar]

Looks like Kevin's CFAe can be added to the list. From the picture it looks like he is still using the flipped psu board ...

Would be nice if there was a way to reach out to him outside of that site. A pain to sign up for an use if you don't reach Chinese.

 

[Chefguru]

Look at the cable entry
for 70xxx/SZ-1 :

which is different from the later ones:

Soren is the 2nd a mk2 or a sz-1 mk1

 

[soren_brix]

Soren is the 2nd a mk2 or a sz-1 mk1

I have a SZ-1 and a 70xxx, on both the cable entry looks like the first picture
From my understanding mk2 is the second picture.
When ordering replacement cables for the 007 I have only seen two options: 007 and 007mk2, so I assume the better cable entry was introduced at mk2.
This is from Electro Mod, UK:

 

[Chefguru]

I have a SZ-1 and a 70xxx, on both the cable entry looks like the first picture
From my understanding mk2 is the second picture.
When ordering replacement cables for the 007 I have only seen two options: 007 and 007mk2, so I assume the better cable entry was introduced at mk2.
This is from Electro Mod, UK:

Okay.
Not all, but some sz-1 seem to sound “congested”. So the 71xxx and 70xxx are the premium priced versions. Your cable identifier does not help here unfortunately but would shed light on a potential 007bk mk1 vs 007mk2

 

[soren_brix]

Your cable identifier does not help here unfortunately but would shed light on a potential 007bk mk1 vs 007mk2

The question was about whether it was mki or mkii, the pictures posted earlier and the one picture from Electro Mod servers just fine to distinguish between mki and mkii.
The the red cross means that Stax no long provide brown cable replacement.

 

[Chefguru]

The question was about whether it was mki or mkii, the pictures posted earlier and the one picture from Electro Mod servers just fine to distinguish between mki and mkii.
The the red cross means that Stax no long provide brown cable replacement.

No, the question was about if it was a 70xxx. It’s clearly a mk1 because the leather is brown. The issue is the sz-1 is also a mk1 but does not always sound as good as 71 and 70.

 

[oneguy]

I have a SZ-1 and a 70xxx, on both the cable entry looks like the first picture
From my understanding mk2 is the second picture.
When ordering replacement cables for the 007 I have only seen two options: 007 and 007mk2, so I assume the better cable entry was introduced at mk2.
This is from Electro Mod, UK:

I’ve wondered if there was a way to tell the difference between the 007BK and 007A besides the headband embossing. Now I know.

 

[Kunal1991]

Hey guys,
Saving up for a KGSSHV CARBON build from Soren Brix.I Have enough saved up for a STAX SRM-700S. Would the Carbon be much better for a 007A?

I'm asking because there's a lot of conflicting information online: many people say it doesn't matter unless you're listening at unhealthy volume levels and the shout won't go away unless you're on tubes.

The Carbon has much more power on tap, but is it a similar case to the Susvara, where that headphone needs extra headroom in addition to its gigantic power requirements?

Need to be sure of this since the Carbon would be significantly more expensive to import after Indian customs.