[SeaWo|f]

Well I think the silent upgrade was 2015. So if your purchase was recent I think you are good. As far as I know the international serial numbers seem random. Not sure if the Japanese production serial numbers could be used to tell, or if someone has spotted a physical difference.

 

[Muffinhead]

I bought a used pair recently and have no idea how to tell. They're also port modded so IDK what the difference between port modded MK2 vs MK2.9 would be.

 

[ToroFiestaSol]

E-mail Stax with the serial number of your headphone and ask for the manufacturing date
Spritzer spotted the "2.9" version in march 2015 if I'm correct, so if it's after that date then it is a MK 2.9.

 

[Muffinhead]

E-mail Stax with the serial number of your headphone and ask for the manufacturing date
Spritzer spotted the "2.9" version in march 2015 if I'm correct, so if it's after that date then it is a MK 2.9.

Thanks. What differences in sound exist between these two editions?

 

[joseph69]

I bought a used pair recently and have no idea how to tell. They're also port modded so IDK what the difference between port modded MK2 vs MK2.9 would be.

Do you like the way they sound?
If so, that's all that matters.

 

[ToroFiestaSol]

I haven't compared both, but the MK2.9 is supposed to be the best MK2 revision.
I love mine

I have the MK2.9 with the port mod and the MK1 metal arcs in the earpads (bought worn out MK1 earpads and put their metal arcs in the black earpads, the MK1 arcs are bigger and improve the sound a bit). The last step is getting a good seal with them, then get a KG amp and a good source and heaven opens in front of you, what an incredible headphone

 

[SeaWo|f]

Curious what you thought of the 2.9 before and after port mod. I haven't seen details about it's its effects with the new revision.

 

[ToroFiestaSol]

Curious what you thought of the 2.9 before and after port mod. I haven't seen details about it's its effects with the new revision.

Difference was not as large as I expected, but the bass feels more solid and integrated with the rest of the sound, vocals pop out a bit more because of that, feels very balanced sounding.
Without the mod the sound is still great but has a tiny bit of mid-bass bloat, the mod takes care of it.
Downside is the Stax fart, but I can live with it.

 

[Muffinhead]

Do you like the way they sound?
If so, that's all that matters.

Yes, I very much do like their sound. The amp...not so much, which is why I'm modding it now.

 

[Muffinhead]

Resoldered the new resistors, voltage checks out at 16 and 22 v from the batteries. I have applied the ceramic mounts with thermal paste to the heatsink, but am unsure how to apply the mosfets. Do i put thermal paste on the back of them and then press down?

 

[AudioThief]

I am quite close dropping 1400 usd on a used 007 & t1 combo if the t1 is operational after repair. Currently own the 252 and l300. My other option is to purchase stax sr l700 and use it with my 252. In both scenarios I will eventually upgrade the amp.

What do you deem as objectively the best purchase here? The l700 new costs the same as the used 007/t1

 

[Muffinhead]

I am quite close dropping 1400 usd on a used 007 & t1 combo if the t1 is operational after repair. Currently own the 252 and l300. My other option is to purchase stax sr l700 and use it with my 252. In both scenarios I will eventually upgrade the amp.

What do you deem as objectively the best purchase here? The l700 new costs the same as the used 007/t1

007 all the way

 

[AudioThief]

007 all the way

Thanks for the reply. Any comparisons sonically? And how serious will I cripple its sound using a t1?

 

[Muffinhead]

Thanks for the reply. Any comparisons sonically? And how serious will I cripple its sound using a t1?

I don't have the l700. From what I have heard, however, the L700 is a bit like the sr009 - meaning more treble and less mids. TBH, the sr007 sounds a bit muddy with the T1. However, you can mod the T1 to improve ita performance (something I'm doing right now and have yet to hear thr results of). If you don't want to do that, you can pretty easily resell the T1.

 

[AudioThief]

I don't have the l700. From what I have heard, however, the L700 is a bit like the sr009 - meaning more treble and less mids. TBH, the sr007 sounds a bit muddy with the T1. However, you can mod the T1 to improve ita performance (something I'm doing right now and have yet to hear thr results of). If you don't want to do that, you can pretty easily resell the T1.

Exactly how muddy? Would the l700 via the 252 sound significantly better before.mod or amp upgrade foe 007? I will have to live with the combo for some time