The Stax thread (New)

[cosmopragma]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Veefy /img/forum/go_quote.gif Sorry, I'm an idiot. I meant to say I bought the Stax 303 (just the headphones) (not the 3030 system). So I don't have an energiser. edit: what's the actual model of the pro bias unit that would make the most sense? Is it this http://www.stax.co.jp/Pdf/OLD/SRD7(SB).pdf

No, the PDF is referred to a "Normal bias" SRD for very old Stax headphones like the original first series Lambdas, SRX-mkIII, SR-5.
You should look for the (more expensive and rarer) models SRD-7Professionell, SRD-7SBProfessionell, SRD-7mk2, SRD-7SBmk2.
The mk2 varieties are suitable for both normal bias (6-pin) and pro bias (5-pin) headphones, the Professional varieties are pro bias only.
The SB models are slightly better.
Your headphones are made for pro bias (580V).

 

[WilCox]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2deadeyes /img/forum/go_quote.gif Definitely do the mod only if you like the sound of MK1; there are some that prefers MK2 over MK1. spritzer has a guide he wrote that he'll probably send you if you ask

Just ordered my SR-007A last night from PriceJapan.com when the price dropped below $1,800. Price is even lower this morning at $1,783!

I had ordered an SR-007 (MkI) from Audio Cubes II a week ago, before they pulled it off their site, but they informed me that they could no longer get any old stock.

I have a small supply of Blu-Tak ready to go, if needed.

 

[bralk]

My LNS needs renovating. Audiocubes has headbands for the 404.
Would they be OK on the LNS ?

It looks like he ear pads are identical for the 404 and LNS models.

cheers

Tom

 

[spritzer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bralk /img/forum/go_quote.gif My LNS needs renovating. Audiocubes has headbands for the 404. Would they be OK on the LNS ? It looks like he ear pads are identical for the 404 and LNS models. cheers Tom

The 404 and LNS arc assemblies (Stax speak for headband) are identical so just plug and play. The earpads are the same size but Stax changed the material since the one on the LNS pads doesn't hold up all that well.

What is wrong with it if you don't mind me asking?

 

[bralk]

Quote:

Originally Posted by spritzer /img/forum/go_quote.gif The 404 and LNS arc assemblies (Stax speak for headband) are identical so just plug and play. The earpads are the same size but Stax changed the material since the one on the LNS pads doesn't hold up all that well. What is wrong with it if you don't mind me asking?

The foam protection on the pads is disintegrating and the surface is cracking.
The headband is filled with the previous owner´s hair styling fluid and and cracking in some places.

But they sound wonderful - like a little brother to the 007 and better than the 404.

cheers and thanks for the info

Tom

 

[krmathis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Veefy /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hello, I am about to join Club Stax after impulse purchasing a set of Stax 3030 online for a good price.

Welcome to Head-Fi!

..and you're of course more than welcome to join Club Stax. Enjoy!

 

[spritzer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bralk /img/forum/go_quote.gif The foam protection on the pads is disintegrating and the surface is cracking. The headband is filled with the previous owner´s hair styling fluid and and cracking in some places. But they sound wonderful - like a little brother to the 007 and better than the 404. cheers and thanks for the info Tom

Nasty...

If the plastic arc is intact you can just buy a new pad to a save a bit and keep the phones nearly stock.

 

[Veefy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cosmopragma /img/forum/go_quote.gif No, the PDF is referred to a "Normal bias" SRD for very old Stax headphones like the original first series Lambdas, SRX-mkIII, SR-5. You should look for the (more expensive and rarer) models SRD-7Professionell, SRD-7SBProfessionell, SRD-7mk2, SRD-7SBmk2. The mk2 varieties are suitable for both normal bias (6-pin) and pro bias (5-pin) headphones, the Professional varieties are pro bias only. The SB models are slightly better. Your headphones are made for pro bias (580V).

Cheers for the info.

I've read elsewhere about an adaptor called the Illusion ESc-001? which you can get in Japan? Is that an equally good choice or available on the net somewhere. Google wasn't much help.

Thanks for the welcome btw

.

I've only just recently been exposed to the world of electrostats after hearing some Quad ESL57 and the modern Quad ESL2905

I've never really been one for closed headphones though I'm sure you people will convert me if I hang around here long enough

 

[Duggeh]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Veefy /img/forum/go_quote.gif I've only just recently been exposed to the world of electrostats after hearing some Quad ESL57 and the modern Quad ESL2905

Which did you prefer?

 

[Veefy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duggeh /img/forum/go_quote.gif Which did you prefer?

The Quad ESL57 was in a larger and probably better acoustically room. The Quad ESL2905 had larger sweet spot and more high end amps and sources attached. Bass was definitely handled better by the modern Quad, perhaps it's a little more neutral and truthful (might be related to sources). I thought the ESL57 was a bit more "airy" with the presentation.

I would like to hear some of the big stat speakers one day like Soundlab.

 

[nsx_23]

There's a pair of STAX SR-44 (http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f10/fs...r-44-a-359565/) on sale at the moment that I can get for about $150USD shipped. Would that be a great intro to the world of STAX? Also, would I need a voltage adapter to run it on 240V electricity? Finally, what does it take as input (RCA, mini, etc), as I don't have many cables lying around at the moment.

How would they compare to my current Grado SR60? I mainly listen to smooth jazz (e.g. Norah Jones, Diana Krall) and rock (KT Tunstall, Rage against the machine, etc).

I've been hoping to get hold of STAXs for a long time, so this seems like a good opportunity to finally do so at a price point that I can afford. Its either this or a pair of Atrio M5s, and personally I'd rather start building a home-listening rig.

 

[audiod]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nsx_23 /img/forum/go_quote.gif There's a pair of STAX SR-44 (http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f10/fs...r-44-a-359565/) on sale at the moment that I can get for about $150USD shipped. Would that be a great intro to the world of STAX? Also, would I need a voltage adapter to run it on 240V electricity? Finally, what does it take as input (RCA, mini, etc), as I don't have many cables lying around at the moment. How would they compare to my current Grado SR60? I mainly listen to smooth jazz (e.g. Norah Jones, Diana Krall) and rock (KT Tunstall, Rage against the machine, etc). I've been hoping to get hold of STAXs for a long time, so this seems like a good opportunity to finally do so at a price point that I can afford. Its either this or a pair of Atrio M5s, and personally I'd rather start building a home-listening rig.

The SR-44 are electret, not electrostatic headphones. They do not require any line voltage to work. The diaphragm has a permanent (almost) charge applied to it at the factory. A true electrostatic phone requires a external high voltage power supply to charge the diaphragm. Most Stax fans will tell you that the electrets are not in the same league as a true electrostatic phone. They would not be my choice to introduce you to the Stax world. If you are looking to spend the least amount of money I would look at a SR-3, SR-5, SR-X or SR-Lambda (low bias, 6 pin connector) with a SRD-6 or SRD-7 step-up transformer. The SRD’s will need to be driven by a loudspeaker amplifier that you hopefully already have, If not you will need a Stax SRM series amp that will bring the price up. The SR-3/SRD-6 combo would be the cheapest. The SR-Lambda/SRD-7 would be the most expensive but the best sounding IMO. If you look hard you should be able to find a true electrostatic system for under $200.

The SRD series are step-up transformers that need to be driven by a loudspeaker amp with at least a few watts. The SRM series are amplifiers that have a RCA input connector and need a line level (200 mV) signal.

 

[nsx_23]

What about the SR-003?

 

[audiod]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nsx_23 /img/forum/go_quote.gif What about the SR-003?

You would need a high bias (5 pin connector) step-up transformer (SRD-7mk2 or SRD-7 Pro, both are rare and bring high $) or high bias SRM amp. I think this would take you over your budget. The SR-001mk2 system is a nice choice (Audiocubes II has them for $299US). This is not your typical phone. The headstage is closed-in, the tonal balance is soft on top and some find them uncomfortable. I would try them before I would buy. I have a SR-003 and they can be a lot of fun, but I would not recommend as a entry into the Stax sound. IMO the SR-3 or 5 with a SRD-6 is a good start for the dollar (but remember you will need a loudspeaker amp to drive them).

 

[krmathis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Veefy /img/forum/go_quote.gif Cheers for the info. I've read elsewhere about an adaptor called the Illusion ESc-001? which you can get in Japan? Is that an equally good choice or available on the net somewhere. Google wasn't much help.

You probably mean the Illusion ESC-1001.
Some information around here: ‚ä‚Æ‚è‚̃I[ƒfƒBƒIwŽŽ’®‰®x
Or here: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/ill...r-stax-185688/

Its a battery operated energizer, with one Stax Pro output. Only available from japan (rumors say its out-of-production), with a price tag of ~$600.