[elapsed]

My sources: Naim CD5x with FlatCap-2x power supply, Rega Planar 3 turntable, SqueezeBox 3

I've been searching for new headphones for some time, having auditioned Grado RS2's, Senn HD650's, Stax 202's and Stax 303's. Recently did an audition of the Grado's with a Naim Headline2/NAPSC2, but honestly they didn't floor me as a Stax 303 with SRM-310 drive unit did (which coincidentally costs less than the Grado/Headline but is quite intrusive to place beside my Naim system).

So I'm wondering, what is anyone's thoughts on a Stax SRS-2050II basic system? Very reasonably priced, includes SR-202's with an SRM-252A drive unit. I haven't auditioned this system as of yet, but I do like the headphones and the drive unit is easy to conceal.

Also, will the Stax SRE-725 2.5m extension cable work with the Stax 202's or 303's? Any thoughts if this will degrade sound quality?

cheers,
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[minya]

What's your budget? Can you afford either the SR-303 or SR-404 intro system? (I forget what the models are - 3030 and 4040?)

My introduction to Stax was an SRM-313 (I believe this is the amp that comes in the 3030 pkg with the SR-303's...) and the SR-404 earspeakers. Amazing sound. In retrospect, I should've (and could have) stopped there. That setup cost me $800 shipped from Japan, but that was four or five years ago, so maybe it's pricier now.

I've never heard the SR-001 but I'd love to. I'm considering buying a pair. Never heard the SR-202 either but I imagine it's a fine headphone. The SR-404 was wonderful.

 

[elapsed]

My original budget was CA$1,700 incl taxes, but in the current market I'd prefer to keep her under CA$1,000 for headphones, amp, extension cable, and a DIN interconnect to connect my Naim pre-amp

I guess it will come down to how well the SRM-252A drive unit performs..

cheers,
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[minya]

Wow, well that's approx US$800 isn't it? Why are you looking at the 2xxx units when you could get the setup I mentioned (SRM-313 and SR-404) for the same price? I'm going to assume based on logical numerological progression that they're higher-end than the 2xxx setup.