The Stax Thread III
Nov 26, 2022 at 6:33 AM Post #23,041 of 26,473
Nov 26, 2022 at 7:55 AM Post #23,042 of 26,473
Try the closed back covers (simply press on) and see howc you like their sound then!!
 
Nov 26, 2022 at 8:24 AM Post #23,043 of 26,473
Try the closed back covers (simply press on) and see howc you like their sound then!!
Thanks! Will do once Jeremy from AV One in Singapore takes delivery of the CES-A1! Great team they have at AV One, especially Jeremy. He helped me procure the X9000 and is now ensuring that I am properly provisioned for the Stax IEM journey. :)
 
Nov 26, 2022 at 1:35 PM Post #23,044 of 26,473
That’s painfully obvious but doesn’t really matter as I never intended to use them together.

Thoughts on which 007 to pair with the KGSS and if it is a special enough combo to be worth the additional investment or call it a day and sell the KGSS which is also fine with me?
I'd tried the 007 Mk 1 with the mini (Purk's gear). This was several years ago now - it was very good but definitely not special enough for me start preferring it over 009 on a better match. Since you have the X9000 - I'd absolutely move on, and look for either tubes or a sweeter SS amp.
 
Nov 27, 2022 at 6:13 AM Post #23,045 of 26,473
I was searching for info on KGBH as I'm thinking of purchasing one...given theres not much info online, wondering if anyone has run into any issues as they are an old unit? also any impressions vs BHSE?

Your advice and impressions are much appreciated!
 

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Nov 27, 2022 at 7:08 AM Post #23,046 of 26,473
Decided that the Sigma has been neglected of late. So, took it out for a spin. Spent a lazy Sunday with it off the KGST. Such a gorgeous sound signature! :)

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Nov 27, 2022 at 8:25 AM Post #23,047 of 26,473
ehemm, had the original SIGMA PRO and sold it, was too disappointing for me, sounded like listening through a long pipe :wink:
 
Nov 27, 2022 at 9:26 AM Post #23,048 of 26,473
ehemm, had the original SIGMA PRO and sold it, was too disappointing for me, sounded like listening through a long pipe :wink:

Heheh! It is quite different from what we expect from Stax. :) I listen to mostly vocals and acoustics.

I am embarking on my own journey through the various sound signatures that Stax had over the years. :wink:
 
Nov 27, 2022 at 11:50 AM Post #23,049 of 26,473
ehemm, had the original SIGMA PRO and sold it, was too disappointing for me, sounded like listening through a long pipe :wink:
Few factors to consider:
- Two different versions
- Difficult to power (KGSSHV minimum)
- Needs a push above what you think is the right volume
 
Nov 28, 2022 at 9:41 AM Post #23,051 of 26,473
I was searching for info on KGBH as I'm thinking of purchasing one...given theres not much info online, wondering if anyone has run into any issues as they are an old unit? also any impressions vs BHSE?

Your advice and impressions are much appreciated!
No idea how it compares to a modern BHSE, but pic is of a unit made by same builder (Justin Wilson of Head-Amp). Main audio circuit should be largely similar. Those silver chassis were from his top/Reference line circa early 2000s - also used in a 2-chassis Balanced Reference (Dynalo). Probably chok-full of Black Gates caps. I definitely wanted those amps, but they were beyond my reach then. Every time I see a silver Head-Amp my heart flutters lol. FWIW I have a black chassis Gilmore Balanced Reference from that era, and it holds up very well against GS-X Mk 2. As the products evolved, some parts were downscaled over time (Black Gates) to go along with the circuit improvements Justin made. Look at those tall caps in the old BH - that's a no-compromise (for sound) choice if ever there was one!

Also note the dual volume attenuators. I wouldn't mind them, but some might. I'd hate to think of packing that amp with those tall caps!
 
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Nov 28, 2022 at 11:46 PM Post #23,052 of 26,473
Giving the Stax Lambda Pro a run out today with the KGST. Always boggles the mind that it was first released in 1982. :)

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Nov 29, 2022 at 12:06 AM Post #23,053 of 26,473
Yep, still excellent with the right amp!!
 
Nov 29, 2022 at 2:39 AM Post #23,054 of 26,473
No idea how it compares to a modern BHSE, but pic is of a unit made by same builder (Justin Wilson of Head-Amp). Main audio circuit should be largely similar. Those silver chassis were from his top/Reference line circa early 2000s - also used in a 2-chassis Balanced Reference (Dynalo). Probably chok-full of Black Gates caps. I definitely wanted those amps, but they were beyond my reach then. Every time I see a silver Head-Amp my heart flutters lol. FWIW I have a black chassis Gilmore Balanced Reference from that era, and it holds up very well against GS-X Mk 2. As the products evolved, some parts were downscaled over time (Black Gates) to go along with the circuit improvements Justin made. Look at those tall caps in the old BH - that's a no-compromise (for sound) choice if ever there was one!

Also note the dual volume attenuators. I wouldn't mind them, but some might. I'd hate to think of packing that amp with those tall caps!
Thanks for sharing - I am testing the unit on Thursday…so far the owner reported no defects other than the right volume pot generating some static noise when turned while music is playing…assume this is an issue with dirty / dusty contacts?

Think I’m going to go for it if the audition goes smoothly!

(And yes the black gates are kind of funky haha)
 

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