[themad]

I've a good friend coming from Japan in a few weeks. What are the reliable online audio shops in Japan? not necessarally stax dealer (apologies for the thread borrowing) as Im more inclined on getting cables and other small items, but surely will look into the prices of Staxes as well

Not sure what kind of cables and stuff you are looking for, but the biggest ones are Yodobashi and Bic Camera. Apparently you can even contact them in English now (which is a big suprise for Japanese sites).
If your friend is Japanese or local resident and can buy in person, it is usually cheaper than when they sell to foreigners.
I have also used Buyee.jp and Yahoo Auctions successfully.

Smaller and better (more variety, better prices) hi-fi shops are usually not easy to reach by email.

 

[Kiats]

Took a punt on Yahoo JP auctions for a pair of SR-3. I always enjoy exploring the evolution of the Stax sound over the years. I recall that SR-3 was either first released in 1968 or 1971. It still works well and it is a lovely sounding pair of Stax.

 

[hifixman]

Just found a video I made many years ago driving my loudspeaker and Stax at the same time with Audiovalve Solaris to get better bass and slams:

 

[Kiats]

I have read through some of the initial views/references to the SR-003 Mk2 when it was first released. But no views since then. Is anyone still using it today? I saw that the SR-003 M2 is meant to be used with desktop amps. Hence, I am curious.

 

[catscratch]

The original 003 was a favorite back in the day, it sounded great but the comfort was absolutely wretched. I could maybe use it for 15 minutes at a time, but those were fun 15 minutes. It kinda sounded like a mini 007, a bit soft up top but with surprising bass and great mids. However fit was crucial and if the fit was bad the sound could be off in all sorts of ways.

I haven't heard the new one, but it seems like it sounds a bit different. Its measurements don't look encouraging, but fit on the measurement rig might be to blame.

 

[KDS315]

I have read through some of the initial views/references to the SR-003 Mk2 when it was first released. But no views since then. Is anyone still using it today? I saw that the SR-003 M2 is meant to be used with desktop amps. Hence, I am curious.

I use it with the Stax SRM-D10 mobile amp and it sounds pretty good to my ears. I do use it when I travel at times.

 

[Kiats]

I use it with the Stax SRM-D10 mobile amp and it sounds pretty good to my ears. I do use it when I travel at times.

Thanks! This is the mobile amp that will fit the earlier iterations of the Stax IEMs? As a matter of curiosity, how do you input the music source from, eg., your DAP for these portable amps? I recall reading that it is battery driven?

 

[KDS315]

Yep, it is "battery" driven (a rechargeable accumulator to be more precise). Yep, it fits all headphoned that have the standard STAX 5-pin plug. I use either my iphone as a source or a DAP with USB output plugged into the D10.

 

[Kiats]

Yep, it is "battery" driven (a rechargeable accumulator to be more precise). Yep, it fits all headphoned that have the standard STAX 5-pin plug. I use either my iphone as a source or a DAP with USB output plugged into the D10.

Much appreciated! Let me hunt down information on the D10.

 

[KDS315]

I use the close rear caps (contained in the additional CES-A1 set) for the SR-003 MK2 when travelling; less annoying to seat neighbors
This is my SURFACE PRO as a music source then shown in that picture.

Btw. there is also the STAX SR-002 which comes as a SET consisting of the Inears + amp! That uses a propriatary connection, not the standard
STAX-PRO plug, but is otherwise identical regarding the headset.
.

 

[KDS315]

Here is a recent review btw. : https://theaudiophilecafe.com/2022/04/25/stax-sr-003-mkii-in-ear-electrostatic-ear-speakers/
But I disagree about the too high clamping force of the headband, not for me and I have a rather big head (hat size 58-60).

This is the CES-A1 set...

 

[Kiats]

I use the close rear caps (contained in the additional CES-A1 set) for the SR-003 MK2 when travelling; less annoying to seat neighbors
This is my SURFACE PRO as a music source then shown in that picture.

Btw. there is also the STAX SR-002 which comes as a SET consisting of the Inears + amp! That uses a propriatary connection, not the standard
STAX-PRO plug, but is otherwise identical regarding the headset.
.

Ah! That’s a nice touch, the CES A-1 set. Not sure if I can unearth it but I will certainly make enquiries. Thanks for sharing. Do the rear caps impact the sound signature?

Yes, I did read about the SRS-002. Would be great if I could get my hands on that. Will keep my eyes peeled for it.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[Kiats]

Here is a recent review btw. : https://theaudiophilecafe.com/2022/04/25/stax-sr-003-mkii-in-ear-electrostatic-ear-speakers/
But I disagree about the too high clamping force of the headband, not for me and I have a rather big head (hat size 58-60).

This is the CES-A1 set...

Thanks! I did see that when I googled on the subject. That‘s what piqued my interest. I think I may have won the auction for a near mint set of the SR-003 Mk2. I will show it once I receive it, if I did indeed win.

If I did, will ask my Stax dealer to check on the CES-A1.

 

[KDS315]

Happy to hear! I paid 275 for all, for never used set

PS: closed they have less peaks in highs…

 

[Kiats]

Happy to hear! I paid 275 for all, for never used set

PS: closed they have less peaks in highs…

I never quite understand these auction rules. We will see. If not, I will simply just get a new pair from my local Stax dealers.

Ah… OK. Thanks for the tip.