The Stax Thread III

[bobkatz]

i'm coming up with something more complicated, but for the moment a zener string of 600v in series with a 10k resistor tied to the bias after the 5M resistor should work fine.

Thanks, Kevin. It protects the phones, that's the cool thing. If you come up with something more complicated with, perhaps a warning light that the bias failed, I'd love to see your invention!

 

[bobkatz]

Did you see this video by @aokman ?:


I haven't built it yet, but the parts list and schematic are in the video.

I've seen the video and thank WCGR for the leads! I bought the 600 volt regulated module that Kevin found. The overvoltage circuit that WCGR developed is on the 5 volt side of the module, so it won't protect from catastrophic issues AFTER the DC-DC converter.

 

[kevin gilmore]

the complicated version is going to be able to detect diaphram arcs. like the quad esl63 does.
the only way to really know before headphone is destroyed.

 

[etc6849]

Thanks! I watched that video when it came out and couldn't remember the details. I'm planning to build a bias supply myself for my LL9202 setup. I want to eliminate the iFi iESL Pro as I have a case coming modushop and want to rack mount everything.

Once you or someone can share a detailed schematic (with bias over voltage protection), hopefully along with a detailed parts list, that would be great!

PS: some of the voltage transients I see when using my Stax X9000's and playing dynamic tracks are a little insane, so I am hesitant to go with the flatter response of the LL1630 transformers as I don't know that it would handle the peak voltage transients as well as the LL9202. The clip below, shows my AHB2 clipping, and Vpp transients exceeding 1.9kV:

I've seen the video and thank WCGR for the leads! I bought the 600 volt regulated module that Kevin found. The overvoltage circuit that WCGR developed is on the 5 volt side of the module, so it won't protect from catastrophic issues AFTER the DC-DC converter.

 

[etc6849]

Is this where everyone is buying the USA12600S-4 DC-DC power module?: https://www.lcsc.com/product-detail/DC-DC-Power-Modules_UHV-POWER-USA12600S-4_C5155894.html

LCSC looks like a legit Asian distributor?: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/lcsc-priceing/

 

[SolarCetacean]

Last Friday, I got around to buying the resistors I need for the 727 feedback mod. I bought 3 Vishay Dale RN60C 150K resistors from Digi-key thinking that it'll be nice to have the extra in case something goes wrong. I woke up the next morning and remembered that there are two cards in the amp that need to be modded and each one requires 2 resistors. Womp womp, so I ordered another 2 resistors so that I would have enough plus a spare. Even when going with the pricier C variant with tighter temperature tolerances, the total price of the 5 resistors was half the price of shipping, so having to pay for shipping twice was a bummer (Digikey offers no easy way to cancel or modify an order). Well, I picked USPS for the second shipment (saving $2) while I went with Fedex for the first. The Fedex shipment of 3 resistors arrived yesterday, but the other 2 resistors wound up on the wrong coast; they're in the San Diego, CA regional facility (shipped from Minnesota) when I'm in DC. No estimated delivery date, so I'll just have to sit tight until then.

I was listening to the 727 with the X9K yesterday and I've found that my main issue with the X9K, the overly forward lead vocal/instrument, was not as pronounced with the 727 vs the modded 006t. The 006t is a noticeably more mid-centric amp, so combining that with the pronounced mids of the X9K likely contributed to that sense of vocals being too forward vs the rest of the music. However, the 727 is noticeably softer in bass impact, so that doesn't combine well with the X9K's natural softness there.

 

[mulveling]

Somebody sell me on the Audeze CRBN. I know nothing about its sound - and somehow, I've still never heard a single Audeze. How does it compare to 009/007/L700/ES-1a? I've been going on a tear lately with L700 on DIY T2, because of what I consider a bit more "fun" and "tube-like" sound than 009, while maintaining many aspects I appreciate from that electrode design. I also don't want something overtly dark / thick (like the original Meze Empyrean).

And how is its efficiency/sensitivity? More aligned to 009/L700/Lambda, or 007/ES-1a? I'd still own ES-1a if it were more efficient. Actually, I kind of regret selling them.

 

[number1sixerfan]

Somebody sell me on the Audeze CRBN. I know nothing about its sound - and somehow, I've still never heard a single Audeze. How does it compare to 009/007/L700/ES-1a? I've been going on a tear lately with L700 on DIY T2, because of what I consider a bit more "fun" and "tube-like" sound than 009, while maintaining many aspects I appreciate from that electrode design. I also don't want something overtly dark / thick (like the original Meze Empyrean).

And how is its efficiency/sensitivity? More aligned to 009/L700/Lambda, or 007/ES-1a? I'd still own ES-1a if it were more efficient. Actually, I kind of regret selling them.

It's moderately hard to power, easier to power than the 007 by a bit, harder to power than the 009 by a bit. It's got a warm, but not dark tone.. its tonality overall is easily its greatest strength, it's nearly perfect. Good bass for a stat, but I do find how most describe it is overstated. It hits a bit harder than the 009 and x9k with a good amp. My variation of the 007 is easily more enjoyable in that regard, but a bit less tight and accurate. It has solid detail and resolution with average, but very adequate sound staging left to right and depth wise.

The main thing it lacks is spacing front to back and more of a holographic nature that stats are known for. It has more of a "wall of music" effect that as a huge stat fan is very easy to notice. I hope Audeze develops a follow up that has more of that stat magic, and if they do without any of the quirks, they'd have magic on their hands. It's still very good and solid overall, just not really the most stat like.

 

[Svperstar]

Somebody sell me on the Audeze CRBN. I know nothing about its sound - and somehow, I've still never heard a single Audeze. How does it compare to 009/007/L700/ES-1a?

I prefer it to the 007mk2. I have never had any other headphone feel so premium and fit my head as well. Once it is on it is not going anywhere, unlike the 007mk2 which I find myself adjusting over and over.

Its frequency response is nearly perfect, and it has excellent bass, not "excellent estat bass". Excellent bass period.

I'm a huge fan of the Audeze LCD-2 and Classic. It sounds different then those.

One thing I don't see people mention is the solid soundstage, its not as wide as the HD800(is anything?) but its nice and wide.

It has a "traditional" presentation vs the layered "field of sound" that X9000 produces.

 

[number1sixerfan]

I prefer it to the 007mk2. I have never had any other headphone feel so premium and fit my head as well. Once it is on it is not going anywhere, unlike the 007mk2 which I find myself adjusting over and over.

Its frequency response is nearly perfect, and it has excellent bass, not "excellent estat bass". Excellent bass period.

I'm a huge fan of the Audeze LCD-2 and Classic. It sounds different then those.

One thing I don't see people mention is the solid soundstage, its not as wide as the HD800(is anything?) but its nice and wide.

It has a "traditional" presentation vs the layered "field of sound" that X9000 produces.

I agree with most of what you're saying here. On the bass piece, I do think it has excellent bass. I just wouldn't take it over the "excellent" bass observed in non-stat headphones. It's great in its own right, but I'd easily take the TC, Immanis, and even the Susvara well powered over it (Caldera, Utopia, and plenty others come to mind). It's adequate evaluated across a range of headphones but it *does* stand out more in its bass performance for stats. And even then just to a small degree, but that's just to me.

 

[Svperstar]

but I'd easily take the TC, Immanis, and even the Susvara well powered over it (Caldera, Utopia, and plenty others come to mind)

I didn't say it has the best bass on the planet from any headphone, just that it has good bass.

I've only heard the Utopia once at a meetup, wasn't impressed with any aspect of it and would take the CRBN any day, I didn't have control of the setup and meetup conditions vs owning something are two different things.

 

[Kiats]

All the talk about the CRBN had me decide to put it on off the Mjolnir Carbon and Bricasti M1. I am glad to read there is some love here for the CRBN, which I really do appreciate. But which seems to attract a lot of brickbats on its own thread, especially in respect of the estat “fart”. I suspect it may be like the Audeze LCD4: not so well loved when it was in production and then lamented and sought after it has passed from current production.

 

[TheAbyss2022]

Somebody sell me on the Audeze CRBN. I know nothing about its sound - and somehow, I've still never heard a single Audeze. How does it compare to 009/007/L700/ES-1a? I've been going on a tear lately with L700 on DIY T2, because of what I consider a bit more "fun" and "tube-like" sound than 009, while maintaining many aspects I appreciate from that electrode design. I also don't want something overtly dark / thick (like the original Meze Empyrean).

And how is its efficiency/sensitivity? More aligned to 009/L700/Lambda, or 007/ES-1a? I'd still own ES-1a if it were more efficient. Actually, I kind of regret selling them.

I have the 009, 009S & CRBN.

The only things that the CRBN does better is mid bass impact which in reality is slightly better than the 009 but with worse texture and definition. It also has a warmer and fuller sound so male vocals do sound better than the 009S. Everything else is better on the Stax including overall detail, soundstage, instrumental timbre, clarity and extension in the treble, bass definition.

I can play a few tricks with my Phantom and turn on 30 degree xSpace which does improve the soundstage on the CRBN which also brings much better depth capabilities. It is also a power hog and requires basically double the volume to reach the same listening levels as the 009/009S. I will get the Woo Audio 3ES in a couple months as I am probably not getting the most out of them with the Phantom but it does sound significantly better than the Topping EHA5.

All the talk about the CRBN had me decide to put it on off the Mjolnir Carbon and Bricasti M1. I am glad to read there is some love here for the CRBN, which I really do appreciate. But which seems to attract a lot of brickbats on its own thread, especially in respect of the estat “fart”. I suspect it may be like the Audeze LCD4: not so well loved when it was in production and then lamented and sought after it has passed from current production.

LCD 4 is warmer and lusher than the CRBN. It has a richness in the midrange with vocals and instruments that no other headphone has matched imo. It has the best bass impact I have heard in a headphone. I sold the LCD 4 because it was lacking a lot in technical ability once I got the Utopia but I do miss it and I'll get it again hopefully next year.

I begged Audeze to put the LCD 4 drivers in the 4z magnesium chassis for me, but they refused. It weighs over 700 grams and you do feel the weight after an hour so the magnesium chassis would have dramatically improved the comfort whilst also providing more speed and faster imaging like the 4z has.

 

[alota]

I have the 009, 009S & CRBN.

The only things that the CRBN does better is mid bass impact which in reality is slightly better than the 009 but with worse texture and definition. It also has a warmer and fuller sound so male vocals do sound better than the 009S. Everything else is better on the Stax including overall detail, soundstage, instrumental timbre, clarity and extension in the treble, bass definition.

I can play a few tricks with my Phantom and turn on 30 degree xSpace which does improve the soundstage on the CRBN which also brings much better depth capabilities. It is also a power hog and requires basically double the volume to reach the same listening levels as the 009/009S. I will get the Woo Audio 3ES in a couple months as I am probably not getting the most out of them with the Phantom but it does sound significantly better than the Topping EHA5.


LCD 4 is warmer and lusher than the CRBN. It has a richness in the midrange with vocals and instruments that no other headphone has matched imo. It has the best bass impact I have heard in a headphone. I sold the LCD 4 because it was lacking a lot in technical ability once I got the Utopia but I do miss it and I'll get it again hopefully next year.

I begged Audeze to put the LCD 4 drivers in the 4z magnesium chassis for me, but they refused. It weighs over 700 grams and you do feel the weight after an hour so the magnesium chassis would have dramatically improved the comfort whilst also providing more speed and faster imaging like the 4z has.

My hero lol...seriously i like your posts. It is the truly spirit of this forum

 

[number1sixerfan]

I didn't say it has the best bass on the planet from any headphone, just that it has good bass.

I've only heard the Utopia once at a meetup, wasn't impressed with any aspect of it and would take the CRBN any day, I didn't have control of the setup and meetup conditions vs owning something are two different things.

I hear you. I was just adding perspective on why people usually mention it has good bass for a stat. I do agree that it has good bass overall. And I think overall it's a good headphone. I just mentioned the Utopia for reference on bass, it's a quirky headphone that not everyone really loves, but also that many do.