The Stax Thread III

[Michgelsen]

Some T1s have that too, although I'm not sure whether all models have the selector. There are slight variations between T1s.
Depending on location, cosmetic condition but also whether it has been recapped, I think $625 can be a fair price but is indeed on the high side. I have seen them go for 700-800 in the past, but this was more than five years ago. Nowadays I think you might almost get a 717 for that kind of money.

 

[astrostar59]

  Nowadays I think you might almost get a 717 for that kind of money.

I can endorse the 717 as I had one until recently. IMO it is one of the best sounding Stax amps and better than the current 727 (without doing the circuit mod).

 

[TraneTime]

The original 006t had two pro bias jacks and one normal bias. But I'm pretty sure that all 006ts units are pro only.

The 006ts is 2 pro only.

 

[TraneTime]

  The SR-5 / SRD-7 combo that I just got is awesome.  It's actually become one of the best systems I've heard yet - certainly beats any dynamic headphone that I've tried and I like it better than the 2170 because it's a bit less bright (although the 2170 was impressive in its own right).
 
Maybe when it's time to graduate to a modern Stax I'll just get a pro bias driver.  From what I've read, the L700 / 006st combo seems to even come close to 009 levels of greatness.

I've never had a 009.  They only reach their full potential with the super high end amps which I can't afford.  But the L700 and 006ts is KILLER!!!

 

[LaCuffia]

I decided to go for the T1. Can't wait to try it with my SR-5 and maybe next year get the L700. I've read so many good things about the T1 including that Stax used it as their reference in the factory as late as 2011 or 2012. I didn't want to take a chance with ordering directly from Japan. It also doesn't seem like the T1 comes along very often.

 

[JK-47]

I decided to go for the T1. Can't wait to try it with my SR-5 and maybe next year get the L700. I've read so many good things about the T1 including that Stax used it as their reference in the factory as late as 2011 or 2012. I didn't want to take a chance with ordering directly from Japan. It also doesn't seem like the T1 comes along very often.

Was it the T1, T1S, or TW1 ?

 

[LaCuffia]

SRM-T1.  It has two pro bias inputs, and one normal.  That's what I wanted - something that could handle both vintage and newer Stax earspeakers.

 

[purk]

Should have gone for the T1S or T1W if price isn't much higher.  The T1W is just beautiful unit.

 

[LaCuffia]

There are a couple of T1W units on eBay now but over $900 with shipping and comes from Japan.   I am fairly new to Stax.  Even the SR-5 with the SRD-7 hooked up to a Sony mass market receiver sounded greats to me, so I am sure the T1 will more than fit my needs and impress me highly.   All I know is that I can't go back to dynamic or planar headphones for a while.  Stax is just too good. 

 

[astrostar59]

 
My goodness, what a fabulous set up there! Dreamville actually... and all switched on at once, I can see the mains meter spinning!

 

[purk]

  There are a couple of T1W units on eBay now but over $900 with shipping and comes from Japan.   I am fairly new to Stax.  Even the SR-5 with the SRD-7 hooked up to a Sony mass market receiver sounded greats to me, so I am sure the T1 will more than fit my needs and impress me highly.   All I know is that I can't go back to dynamic or planar headphones for a while.  Stax is just too good. 

The T1W and T1S are identical with the 1W having a pre-out feature.

 

[crazychile]

Another place to consider is Yahoo auctions Japan. They have an English version.

The translated descriptions can be pretty cryptic, but with shipping I see these going for $400-$500 pretty regularly.

Can any of this old stuff even be fixed in the US anymore?

 

[Michgelsen]

Yes, as long as you can find a reasonably good local audio / tv technician. Here in the Netherlands they're becoming scarce.
My SRM-T1 broke down once, but it could be fixed. Internally the amp is very simple (to service), with through-hole components everywhere.

 

[LaCuffia]

The one I purchased appears to be in really nice cosmetic condition and I'd like to think that the people that have owned it have taken good care of it too. If you are buying Stax equipment to begin with you are probably somewhat obsessive about maintaining your gear.

I wanted at least some measure of protection so that's why I went with eBay and a US based seller with a good reputation. Perhaps worth the extra $100 or so.

I will report back with my impression when I receive it next week.

 

[martyn73]

Hi,
 
Please can anyone advise if the SRM-727II amplifier is truly fully balanced and, if so, audibly benefits from a dual differential DAC? I have a MX-DAC by Musical Fidelity which only has one DAC chip and little else on the PCB, whereas other DACs have one DAC chip per channel, e.g. Gustard X20U. My MX-DAC is connected by XLR cables to the SRM-727II (which I have no intention of replacing) and a decent USB cable to my desktop PC. I saw this on Stax's website but not sure if it answers the question: "A pure balance DC amplifier configuration is used for the large current emitter follower Class A output stage."
 
Thanks, 
 
 
Martyn