The Stax thread (New)

[TruBrew]

I looked around for the answer, but did not find it. Are all the newer Lambda headbands interchangeable, and if so which one is the most comfortable. I have the SR-507, and need an new headband. I see audiocubes has some but not the one for the 507. I owned the 202 for a short while, and honestly found them more comfortable. I was wondering if I could buy that one. They also have them available for the 303, 404, and nova classic. Which one should I buy?

 

[NamelessPFG]

Almost every Lambda model from the Nova series onwards has an interchangeable headband, but I don't know about the SR-507. That depends on whether or not they changed the size of the holes on each side of the earcup that the "case holder"/fork sticks into.
 
You could also use a vintage, pre-Nova headband on Nova and later models, just with the issue of the pins not being nearly thick enough, so they fit kind of loosely.

 

[TruBrew]

I saw the thread that referenced the old pins being smaller. I assumed that all of the newer ones would be the same, but didn't want to take a risk before spending the money.
 
Now that I think of it, I should be able to use my attach the metal brackets from mine to a new headband. So even if it comes with different size pins I should be fine. That is assuming the brackets attach the same way. Considering the price on these headphones, I have been disappointed with the construction of them. They have fallen apart 3 times now. Twice because two different screws decided to pop loose, showering the floor with tiny pieces that had to be pit back together, and a third time because an important plastic part broke.
 
I am fed up with it, and I liked the 202's comfort better. It is time to suck it up and buy a replacements headband. I was just hoping for some reassurance and recommendations.
 
 

 

[Il Mostro]

Quote:

 It is time to suck it up and buy a replacements headband. I was just hoping for some reassurance and recommendations.
 
 

 
If you are referring to a 507 replacement headband assembly, I seem to recall a cost of $400-450 when I was considering one for my 404's.  Yikes!
 
 

 

[NamelessPFG]

 
Quote:

If you are referring to a 507 replacement headband assembly, I seem to recall a cost of $400-450 when I was considering one for my 404's.  Yikes!

You're within the ballpark.
 
The unfortunate implication of this, though, is that the SR-507 costs twice as much as the SR-407 because of the headband of all things.
 
And I hope those "case holders"/forks don't break, because they're not the same ones used on Nova-style headbands, either...and Yama's/STAX USA won't sell them separately.

 

[ex0du5]

Thanks for the responses guys.
 
Listening to my K702 some more...to be honest, I feel like there's still a bit too much bass here. I know people seem to feel they're bass light, but I'd say they need to lose a bit more bass to flatten the frequency response a bit. I'd say I'm probably ready for Stax.
 
So...2170 system or try to find a vintage Lamba system. Hmmmm.
 
How much better are the Lambdas compared to the low end 202/207s?

 

[Hawaiiancerveza]

So is it true that the sr007-mk2.5 is going to more trebly?  

 

[chinsettawong]

Quote:

 
I contacted Yama's today regarding what it might take to fix that driver squeal. They suggested to just replace the whole thing to fix the squeal, claiming it was a diaphragm issue, and while they did offer discounts...they're nowhere near half price.
 
SR-207 $375 ($420, $45 discount)
SR-307 $410 ($460, $50 discount)
 
If they offered $210 and $230 respectively, I'd probably go through with it, but at those prices, definitely not.

Have you tried open the drivers up and check the inside?  
 

 
 

 

[Hawaiiancerveza]

Anyone?  ANy reviews on the SR007-MK2.5?

 

[verwandlung]

Quote:

Anyone?  ANy reviews on the SR007-MK2.5?

Why don't you try to make a search here or google it, without the “.5” just for fun? 

 

[Hawaiiancerveza]

I have and nothings come of it.  I got a video from youtube but they only talk about the mk1.
 
Quote:

Why don't you make a search here or google it without the “.5” just for fun? 

 

 

[NamelessPFG]

 

Quote:

How much better are the Lambdas compared to the low end 202/207s?

I wish I could help you with comparing the SR-Lambda (Normal bias) to the SR-202, but there's just one big problem that makes my impressions meaningless: the Lambda in question having its drivers rebuilt, thus no longer being in stock condition.
 
I know that spritzer prefers the SR-Lambda to the SR-202 (and especially to the Lambda Pro and its allegedly recessed midrange), but I'm not exactly certain why. For all I know, part of it may not necessarily have to do with the sound quality itself, but the comfort; he finds the SR-507 rather uncomfortable for his large head, and the pre-Nova vintage Lambdas have the lightest clamping force due to the arc/headband design.
 
Of course, there's another big variable with the SR-Lambda being...well, Normal bias as opposed to Pro bias like every model that succeeded it. On top of that, most such units come with an SRD-7 energizer/transformer box instead of a dedicated amp like the SRM-1/Mk2 or SRM-T1. If someone auditions the SR-202 from a Pro bias-only amp (like I have, even if it's just a mere SRM-212), that's another variable involved.
 
Quote:

Have you tried open the drivers up and check the inside? 

No. I'm not ballsy enough to do that to something I can't afford to replace. If I was...well, I'd probably be like you and build my own electrostatic gear! (I take it that you mean separating the stators from the diaphragm.)
 
Looking through the driver doesn't reveal anything resembling dust, but there's always the chance that it's hiding where I can't see it.

 

[chinsettawong]

Quote:

No. I'm not ballsy enough to do that to something I can't afford to replace. If I was...well, I'd probably be like you and build my own electrostatic gear! (I take it that you mean separating the stators from the diaphragm.)
 
Looking through the driver doesn't reveal anything resembling dust, but there's always the chance that it's hiding where I can't see it.

The dust could be something that is so small that you can barely see it.
 
Wachara C.
 

 

[BoogieWoogie]

Quote:

So is it true that the sr007-mk2.5 is going to more trebly?  

No, I'm lying..
 

 

[Hawaiiancerveza]

I've heard from others that it should be some what between the both.  So I'm asking just incase someone has heard it recently.  There are many on here just just your opinion so I ask to get more than one opinion. 
 
Quote:

No, I'm lying..