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Stax Sr80 and SRDX Combo recently restored need help on matching amp and pads:
(Already started a thread on this but members pointed out that I should post this here to get the right replies)
(Here's the link to original thread: http://www.head-fi.org/t/765324/stax-sr80-and-srdx-combo-recently-restored-amp-and-pad-options )
I recently had a STAX SR80 and SRDX Combo restored by a local tech and he did an outstanding job with the SRDX and the SR80 just needed a lot of playing and are now starting to bloom.
(Tech did some minor cleaning on the outside of the cans and replaced some caps on the energiser)
However I feel that the combo has more to give in terms of bass, headroom and dynamics, that's why I'm asking if this combo has a better match in terms of amplification. I'm not a bass head and I listen mostly to classic rock and jazz (I stay away from Hip Hop and EDM as a preference) so my bass expectations are still pretty lean.
At first the unit seemed to distort at high volume, but the tech advised me to leave them on to let the drivers charge and they're now quite okay.
Don't get me wrong, I've grown to love this pair of earspeakers but I have a nagging feeling that they can be more optimized.
The pads are now flat and they seem to press painfully over my ears on long listening sessions so I'm thinking of replacing them but I'm too cheap to get a Stax original replacement. I also think that a mod to the earpads can make my listening more comfortable.
Currently I run them with a Project Headbox that I alternate with a Sansui AUD607G with a headphone amp and I mostly listen to vinyl using a Technics SL1200 mk2 or some FLAC via a Macbook Pro Retina.
I read somewhere that I can connect the SRDX to a stereo speaker amplifier out? (I could be wrong about this)
Also, Any suggestions on an earpad tweak, mod or replacement and will this enhance my listening experience?
Thanks!
PS: Quick Noob Question, Do I need a seperate amp for these even if it comes with an Energiser?
Current chain is:
Sr80 < SRDx Energiser < Project Headbox < Sansui Line Out (Using MM for TechnicsSl1200 and/or Macbook Pro HP out
Here are some pics of the STAX combo:
These phones are, I believe, electrets, rather than true electrostatics. There is no bias needed, so you can run them from any Stax amp, i.e. the original low bias models, or the later high bias models since the bias pin is not present.
Regarding mods, you might want to look at my thread on using sorbothane to dampen the earcups. This probably seems odd but I have found that virtuall all headphones, not simply Stax have audible resonance. Get rid of it and you have a very big jump in performance. Your is I believe essentially the same as a Lambda so my first few posts would probably apply.
http://www.head-fi.org/t/744839/cleaning-up-the-sound-of-stax-phones-with-sorbothane-lambdas-srxiii-pro-sr003-sr007-and-finally-the-sigma/90#post_11576812
Working with sorb is fairly inexpensive and the effects are reversible. A good place to start is with self-stick 1/8 inch 30 or 40 duro sheets. These can be had from ebay or Amazon for about $10.00.