[Rhamnetin]

   
Aside from the SR-007 and SR-009, which models have the fart? I didn't notice it with the SR-207.

 
I didn't notice any with the SR-007Mk1 and SR-009, although I've been told that modded SR-007Mk2s have it.

 

[Ali-Pacha]

Lambda may fart with good seal. Especially with soft leather pads. SR-X/mk3 with new pads do fart. Sometimes SR-3/5 do fart.
No fart on Gamma from my experience, and obviously no fart on Sigma.

Ali

 

[labrat]

 

[Earspeakers]

Maybe I misunderstood what people generally mean by the Stax Fart. I don't get it from ear pad seals but plastic which squeaks and grates. I have a NOS pair of 404 Sigs which do it horribly. Just the type of old plastic they used, before it wears in it makes all sorts of noises. 
 
Anyhow trying it on a ED-1/SRM-600 now. This is my favorite of the Stax amps, the best performer IMO. This is really a crazy good headphone, if finances were tight I wouldn't hesitate at all to 'settle' with this guy, because it really wouldn't be settling at all. I'm going by memory on the 009, and haven't gone head-to-head (which I will do one of these days), but I believe I do prefer this over the 009.   The immediacy and presence is remarkable, certainly among the best if not the best of the Stax lineup. Accuracy is stellar, as is the 009 type '3D holographic presentation'. If anything however I am noting that the stereo separation seems to be a bit much, with the 009 at least it's closer together and more integrated. 
 
I have to do a head-to-head with a old Lambda Sig, the one with the thinnest diaphragm, I bet these equal it on detail without the Stax 'shout' (which I don't hear anyhow). 

 

[Music Alchemist]

  Maybe I misunderstood what people generally mean by the Stax Fart. I don't get it from ear pad seals but plastic which squeaks and grates. I have a NOS pair of 404 Sigs which do it horribly. Just the type of old plastic they used, before it wears in it makes all sorts of noises. 
 
Anyhow trying it on a ED-1/SRM-600 now. This is my favorite of the Stax amps, the best performer IMO. This is really a crazy good headphone, if finances were tight I wouldn't hesitate at all to 'settle' with this guy, because it really wouldn't be settling at all. I'm going by memory on the 009, and haven't gone head-to-head (which I will do one of these days), but I believe I do prefer this over the 009.   The immediacy and presence is remarkable, certainly among the best if not the best of the Stax lineup. Accuracy is stellar, as is the 009 type '3D holographic presentation'. If anything however I am noting that the stereo separation seems to be a bit much, with the 009 at least it's closer together and more integrated. 
 
I have to do a head-to-head with a old Lambda Sig, the one with the thinnest diaphragm, I bet these equal it on detail without the Stax 'shout' (which I don't hear anyhow). 

 
Ah, yes, the SR-207 and SR-30 squeaked a bit, if I recall, but that's different from the "fart" involving the pads, air, suction, etc.
 
Impressive! And from what I've read from your posts, you build some of the best electrostat amp designs for yourself. Last time I checked, you were even trying to build a Nanotube! So from memory, do you prefer the SR-L700 from the STAX amp over the SR-009 from the much more expensive amps? Does it really sound more accurate to you overall? If so, this is great news for those who don't want to spend big bucks. Any insights on how the SR-L700 compares to the SR-007?
 

  Also oddly I can't find any markings for L-R, I have too use the dashed line on the cord to determine. Maybe it's there somewhere but I can't find it. 

Oh. Forgot to mention that the L and R are right above the rectangular black part above the STAX logo.

 

[Music Alchemist]

For those who plan on adding the new STAX to their lists, publishing reviews, and so on, I created product pages in the Head Gear section. Some interesting technical info is provided as well.
 
http://www.head-fi.org/products/stax-sr-l700
http://www.head-fi.org/products/stax-sr-l500
http://www.head-fi.org/products/stax-srm-353x

 

[Earspeakers]

   
Ah, yes, the SR-207 and SR-30 squeaked a bit, if I recall, but that's different from the "fart" involving the pads, air, suction, etc.
 
Impressive! And from what I've read from your posts, you build some of the best electrostat amp designs for yourself. Last time I checked, you were even trying to build a Nanotube! 
 

 
Pretty much everything
 

So from memory, do you prefer the SR-L700 from the STAX amp over the SR-009 from the much more expensive amps?

 
Don't know what your asking. On a Stax amp the SQ leaps significantly. It seems to show that there's more SQ in the amp (and DAC) chain to be pulled out, proving yet again the transducer has the greatest effect on the SQ. Also could mean that it's easier to drive, so Stax amps sound significantly better. I haven't tested with all my Stax amps yet however. 
 

Does it really sound more accurate to you overall?

 
Initially it sounds like the most accurate Stax headphone, and very smooth too. Possibly a little shy in the lower freqs than other Stax, but take that with a grain of salt at this point as I need more listening. 
 

Any insights on how the SR-L700 compares to the SR-007?

 
I think it spanks it, but I'm not a huge fan of the 007mk1/mk2. Even with a Pawel 007 equalizer. However again the one downside that keeps coming forward is that the sound stage is really a bit too side. Right recorded instruments are fully to my right, left fully to my left. Other Stax bring them together and forward. The 009 really does this well, making it sound like you're the conductor. These are more like ... something else. 
 
Of course this is with an ED-1 pro, A/B that out and the instruments come together a bit. Trying with a ED-1 Signature - ah that is better. OK this seems to respond more strongly to which ED-1 unlike the other Stax, the Signature was meant for modern Staxen. 
 

Oh. Forgot to mention that the L and R are right above the rectangular black part above the STAX logo.

 
Hard to find ... on the headband loop, center part, just above the rectangular part just above the harness. Faint white letters - thanks. 

 

[lojay]

I have recently joined a very exclusive club - the DIY T2 club that is. 
 
It is a magnificent pairing with the SR-009, especially for vocals and more intimate types of recordings. 
 
I must say, it is not the last word on clarity and precision. The HD800s (modded) and the EC 445 are superior in that regard. But for almost any other criteria, the DIY T2 / SR-009 reigns supreme. 
 
For those who own a T2: what is your favourite headphone with the T2?

 

[negura]

  I have recently joined a very exclusive club - the DIY T2 club that is. 
 
It is a magnificent pairing with the SR-009, especially for vocals and more intimate types of recordings. 
 
I must say, it is not the last word on clarity and precision. The HD800s (modded) and the EC 445 are superior in that regard. But for almost any other criteria, the DIY T2 / SR-009 reigns supreme. 
 
For those who own a T2: what is your favourite headphone with the T2?

 
What are your thoughts in regards to resolution comparatively?

 

[astrostar59]

  I have recently joined a very exclusive club - the DIY T2 club that is. 
 
It is a magnificent pairing with the SR-009, especially for vocals and more intimate types of recordings. 
 
I must say, it is not the last word on clarity and precision. The HD800s (modded) and the EC 445 are superior in that regard. But for almost any other criteria, the DIY T2 / SR-009 reigns supreme. 
 
For those who own a T2: what is your favourite headphone with the T2?

Dude, congraduations. 
 
I find this interesting. A few 'ideas'. What DAC are you using. What EL34 types (NOS?). Not sure what the input tubes are.
Have you burned it in, all those capacitors in the PS may take 4 weeks+.
Is it fed clean mains? I am experimenting with this now, and have found a cleaner mains supply lifts the transparency of a Stat amp and my DAC, and still keeps it smooth (in fact smoother).
 
Hope this helps lojay. Regardless, we need more active T2 users on here, this is all good.

 

[lojay]

What are your thoughts in regards to resolution comparatively?

Raz great to know that my 1,000 post is in reply to you. Resolution is a fuzzy word. I think the SR009 does micro details noticeably better, such as the inner texture and surrounding air or reverberations of voices and instruments. Voices have better inner definition and far more natural inflections. This is due to its superior transient response. Distance or front to back layering between sonic cues is also rendered more accurately.

The HD800 with the EC445 is better at macro details, given a blacker background and more precise imaging or definition of spatial cues: This is most evident with mass strings or complex rock arrangements. The SR009 will tend to harmonise and lump together mass strings. The HD800 will emphasise the contours of instruments, even when performing in unison, much more precisely.

Because of their different strengths, I feel that the SR009 is better suited towards pop and vocals, jazz music, solos, quartets and live music in more intimate settings; the HD800 is better suited for orchestral works, choir music and aggressive types of music like dance music or metal.

 

[lojay]

Dude, congraduations. 

I find this interesting. A few 'ideas'. What DAC are you using. What EL34 types (NOS?). Not sure what the input tubes are.
Have you burned it in, all those capacitors in the PS may take 4 weeks+.
Is it fed clean mains? I am experimenting with this now, and have found a cleaner mains supply lifts the transparency of a Stat amp and my DAC, and still keeps it smooth (in fact smoother).

Hope this helps lojay. Regardless, we need more active T2 users on here, this is all good.

Hi Astrostar

I am using the MSB Analog with a custom PSU upgrade. It is fed by a SoTM server with AES outputs. This source and DAC is a good match for the SR009 tonally. I might get a Quad USB like Negura at some stage.

My power conditioning is extensive and probably extreme overkill. I use an independent power line to my room, through a Furutech GTX-D specialised power outlet. That in turn is fed through a Shunyata Triton V1 power conditioner into a Shunyata Sigma analog power cable into the DIYT2.

The EL34s are stock Russian Mullard reissues. Am aiming to upgrade those soon. The driver tubes are real NOS Telefunken E88CC quads.

I think the DIYer who built this for me (I better not disclose who) has put about a week or two of burn in. I have just added a couple of hours more.

I am looking forward to receiving my EC Studio with the modded HE6/ HD800 for comparison purposes. Fun and exciting times!

 

[theboch]

The HD800 with the EC445 is better at macro details, given a blacker background and more precise imaging or definition of spatial cues: This is most evident with mass strings or complex rock arrangements. The SR009 will tend to harmonise and lump together mass strings. The HD800 will emphasise the contours of instruments, even when performing in unison, much more precisely.

 
What do you mean by a blacker background? Do you speak of noise when "no signal" is on the input? I can crank up the volume to "deadly" levels on the BHSE with the SR-009 and get not a little bit of "noise". It just is still dead silent. No noise or any sound.
 
If you do not experience the same there might be something wrong somewhere in your chain which generates noise.
 
I mean how can something be blacker than black?

 

[mulveling]

Well done lojay, what a rig (or rather, plural) you've got there!! DIY T2 w/ 009 ranks #1 as my ultimate headphone experience, and on par with great speaker rigs in terms of overall enjoyment (and superior in full-spectrum resolution, especially bass). And that, without a DAC as good as you've got there (burning in a new Yggy, but your MSB Analog looks so tasty). The one I heard ran vintage Mullard EL-34, so that's possibly relevant to the resultant sound quality (not sure which 6922, actually). From what I've heard in speaker amps, the warm-as-hell but still extended and extremely 3D-sounding Mullard EL34 seems like it would be a fabulous match with a 009.
 
I'm not even gonna ask how you scored that DIY T2, because it will inevitably make me feel sad about my life

 

[lojay]

What do you mean by a blacker background? Do you speak of noise when "no signal" is on the input? I can crank up the volume to "deadly" levels on the BHSE with the SR-009 and get not a little bit of "noise". It just is still dead silent. No noise or any sound.

If you do not experience the same there might be something wrong somewhere in your chain which generates noise.

I mean how can something be blacker than black?

It's not background noise that one can hear when no music is playing, but rather the contrast between the natural noise floor in a recording with the music. There is less contrast with the SR009 than the HD800. The SR009 is fuzzier around the edges. That's what I understand most audiophiles to mean by referring to a blacker background.

I'm quite certain that my setup does not generate noise as you can see from my response to Astrostar.