The Stax Thread III

[davidsh]

What are people's opinions on how the new Stax range compares to the older models? I'm very happy with my Lambda Pro Signatures but wandering how much of an improvement I would see if I invested in a modern pair.

Not any if you feel content with the LS. That's my experience as a owner of LS and 307.

 

[AnalogSavior]

No first hand experience, but I read the 207 sounded similar to the 404LE.

 

[astrostar59]

I had the LNS as well, and loved them. They were getting a bit old but still worked ok.
I sold them and got the 007s MK2s which struggled with power on my 323, so I bought the 717
second hand. That worked fine, and it was a big jump from the LNS particularly the Bass.
 
Then I bought the 009s and now use a KGSShv. However, the 009s do sound really good on the
717, better than the 007s due to being easier to drive.
 
Recently I borrowed a pair of 507s, and they also sound very good, closer to the LNS is sound
but the bass is still much stronger and they are more dynamic.
 
So, going back to your question, the current crop of 407/507 will beat the LNS IMO,
the 007 and 009 blow them away. If you like the Stax sound you can't really go wrong.
It is how much you want to spend really.
 
The next jump is to use a better amp than the Stax amps IMO. But the money gets a bit silly
unless you go DIY route.
 
Good luck and hope this helps you.

 

[cucera]

What are people's opinions on how the new Stax range compares to the older models? I'm very happy with my Lambda Pro Signatures but wandering how much of an improvement I would see if I invested in a modern pair.

Not any if you feel content with the LS. That's my experience as a owner of LS and 307.

I would simple say in the New Lambda Series they are all messed up tonally (too much boom bass and off hights) I agree with the Stax Mafia that the 207 with the old Diaphragm is the best of the bunch but still much worse than the best ones like
Lambda Signature, LNS and 404ltd.

 

[n3rdling]

Keep the LS.  It and the LNS are much better than any modernish Lambda.

 

[Keithpgdrb]

I thought the original lambda beat out the signature? But the LNS bested them both?

 

[astrostar59]

Hmm, not sure. I heard the 507s and really thought they were an improvement over my LNS.
 
However, if I was looking at the LNS and wanted to move up, I would say get the 007s. I had
the Mk 2.5s, and they kicked in the bass and finally I had a realistic representation of live music.
 
The Lambda series was kind of nice, etherial, spacial but lost out in too many other areas
that just bugged me too much to be a realistic 'high end' system.
 
1. The Lambda treble edge (early models worst IMO)
2. Weak bass in 'hey where is the bass?'
3. Weedy frames and construction
4. Can rattle at higher volumes
5. OK on classical, not so good on Jazz, weak on Rock
 
If you use them on a calmer front end like a vinyl stage they may be acceptable
to a point. On a highly resolving and less forgiving digital front end - not so hot.
 
I found I liked them but almost never used them, so that tell you something. The 007s were
never of my head......

 

[n3rdling]

I thought the original lambda beat out the signature? But the LNS bested them both?

The original SR-Lambda and the SR-Lambda Pro are both great as well.  I think I like the LS and LNS a little more though.

 

[Michgelsen]

I didn't like the Lambda Signature at all when I owned it, because of the infamous etch. The 202 and 507 don't have it, so I like them much more. The 507 has both more and better bass, which is good, but it is fairly bright. However, the brightness is tolerable for me (HD800 highs are too much for me as comparison) and the highs are smooth at least. The midrange of the 202 and 507 are identical sounding. I'd say their midrange is their weakest point and for the rest they are superb headphones. With the better bass, the 507 for me becomes an outstanding pair of headphones for EDM, with punchy bass, smooth etherial highs, and the slight midrange emphasis around 1-2 kHz that works well for synths and stuff.
 
I'm very curious to hear the LNS one day. How is its midrange? Same Lambda bump around 1-2 kHz?
 
The strong point of the 007mk1 for me is definately its midrange. Even though it's recessed, it's very lifelike and involving.

 

[n3rdling]

I think LNS has the best midrange/tone of any Lambda.  That's its strength.

 

[padam]

I think the original NB Lambdas are the best, it is difficult to say why, but all the rest seem to have a lack of life (veil if you like) in the midrange in comparison. All seem to have it to an extent besides the SR-009. These however, are crystal clear and very musical. You get the feeling that you are actually listening music, and that is quite hard to pull off.
One trouble is that on digital the are somewhat thin and bright at times, but recently I've tried them on a good full-sounding analog system and they seem to be perfect (even rock seems to be fine).

 

[Ra97oR]

I love how the slightly edgy Lamda sound myself, so the new X07 series was a step down for me. However, what I found on the Lamda is that it really don't do soundstaging that well. It sounded somewhat vague compared to my other full-sizes and the A2000X and SA5000 certainly does portray the sense of sound coming in front of you much better.
 
STAX did have a solution called the Sigma, loved it but can't find them...

 

[davidsh]

  I love how the slightly edgy Lamda sound myself, so the new X07 series was a step down for me. However, what I found on the Lamda is that it really don't do soundstaging that well. It sounded somewhat vague compared to my other full-sizes and the A2000X and SA5000 certainly does portray the sense of sound coming in front of you much better.
 
STAX did have a solution called the Sigma, loved it but can't find them...

Agreed, the sound stage is rather flat, lacking depth and not too big in general.
 
The sigma solves that, though. I really like mine, even on the lowly T1 tube amp. 
 
I actually bought mine for dirt cheap from an owner who couldn't find the going price online. No wonder as they are rare.

 

[Ali-Pacha]

Same for me. Almost mint Sigma pro for under 400 € (shipping included), I've only had to change the headpad, too loose for my small head.

Ali

 

[davidsh]

Same for me. Almost mint Sigma pro for under 400 € (shipping included), I've only had to change the headpad, too loose for my small head.


Ali

120 € for lambda NB in good condition (also got a srd-6 and the ugly stand, though no packaging)