The Stax I thread

Discussion in 'Headphones' started by knerian, Mar 28, 2016.

  1. shipsupt

    shipsupt Admin

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    I wonder how many of Craig's Electras made it out into the wild?
     
  2. Tachikoma

    Tachikoma Almost "Made"

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    How much does it typically cost to get an SRX+ built? I'm pretty happy with my current transformer based solution, but the SRX+ has always appealed to me.
     
  3. sorrodje

    sorrodje Carla Bruni's other lover - Friend

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    Depends on the build and the builder I guess :)
     
  4. shipsupt

    shipsupt Admin

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    That's not fair, you promote the build but won't even give folks an idea of what the cost is? Can't let you off that easy. Come on, ballpark a number... is it $50 or $50,000?
     
  5. HitmanFluffy

    HitmanFluffy Hoping to see real genitals someday!

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    I suggest consulting @peef on this matter.
     
  6. sorrodje

    sorrodje Carla Bruni's other lover - Friend

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    The same build than mine costs 1800$. @Ony bought the same amp from the same builder . For people who are into DIY , the cost will be much closer to 500$ , maybe less ? Dunno what could be the cost from another builder :)
     
  7. shipsupt

    shipsupt Admin

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    Thanks! I've got this one on my list to check out for building because you guys have been talking it up.

    Hard to think it can come in as cheap as $500 as a DIY unless you do really cheap case work, but that sounds promising!
     
  8. JimL

    JimL Tongues KG's hairy starfish for fun

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    I think I spent less than $500 on my SRX Plus build, but I built it point to point and used surplus transformers, heatsinks and chokes off ebay and an inexpensive Hammond chassis.

    Agree that the T1 is a relative bargain. I got mine, untested and sold as is, off ebay for a bit over $300, put in less than $100 in new electrolytic PS caps and it worked fine. They usually run closer to $500, but are old enough that all the electrolytic caps should be replaced. A friend of mine is using a T1 with upgraded volume control, wiring and input jacks to drive his SR007 Mk I and is reasonably happy with it, although he likes the SRX Plus more. I am working on modifying mine so it can drive an SR007 objectively better (i.e. not just upgrading parts).

    BTW, the Konka Nebuchadnezzar appears to has the same circuit as the Gilmore all triode amp from the 1990s. The Woo GES is also similar to the all triode design. Performance should be very similar.
     
  9. peef

    peef Friend

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    I built one point to point with EL34s before the 6SN7 boards were available. With a custom SumR power transformer and dissipante 2U case, total cost was about $700.
     
  10. JimL

    JimL Tongues KG's hairy starfish for fun

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    Just a couple comments about amps from a technical perspective. None of the modern Stax amps are tube amps, they are hybrids with FET input stage, transistor intermediate stage and tube output stage with plate resistors. The KGST circuit is actually very similar to the T1/006/007 with three differences, first, the use of a more powerful output tube (6S4A vs 6CG7/6FQ7), second, the replacement of the plate resistors with constant current loads, and third, a regulated power supply. Stax is supposedly coming out with a new amp later this year, which is supposed to sit above the 007. If I were to speculate, I would guess they would take the basic 007 circuit and add constant current loads in place of the 47k plate resistors. This would significantly improve the performance for a relatively minor redesign. I discuss the reasons for using current loads in infinitely gory detail on a thread on HC titled "Output Stage Current Requiements for Electrostatic Headphone Amps", but to cut to the chase, with plate resistors, the majority of the signal current produced by the output tubes is always wasted driving the plate resistors, leaving only a fraction to drive the headphones. Replacing the resistors with current loads removes this source of waste, improving output capability and reducing distortion simultaneously. Essentially, a current load sets the circuit standing currents, but looks like a very high value resistor which is nearly invisible to the signal currents - a perfect current load would have an infinite impedance and be totally invisible to the signal.

    The SRX Plus is my updating of the Stax SRX circuit from around 1968, and uses current sources and loads to improve its function. It is also hybrid, but in a different sense from the Stax amps and KGST in that ALL the signal amplification is done with tubes. The current sources serve to set the circuit parameters but are mostly invisible to the signal.
     
  11. microCuts

    microCuts Acquaintance

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    Got a KGSSHV at an unbelievable price last week. It was a gamble because the owner didnt know if it is still working since it has not been fired up for like 4 years already.

    Fortunately it plays without issues at all except that I need a pair of RCA female > XLR male adapters which I ordered from oversea before I bring the amp home to accept my lowly Mojo. The impression is very very positive compared to my modded srm-007tii. Greater impact, wider soundstage, better sense of depth, overall is one level upped compared to my previous amp. Do note that with Mojo as source the output volume on Mojo has to be reduced further otherwise clippings will occur (Double amping?) but this was not a case with Stax amp perhaps weaker output of the Stax. The only one last thing to criticize is the footprint and weight of the amp. It is almost 2.5x larger than my Stax amp!

    So conclusion, KGSSHV plays better. How about my modded SRM-007tii with matched 6S4A quads? The latter actually presents music differently which is softer, more ethereal and clean. I m not so sure how I feel more 'clean' from the sound perhaps the details are less noticeable therefore cleaner music. Both are sufficient for the L700 depends on budget you are willing to spend :)
     
    Last edited: Feb 24, 2017
  12. microCuts

    microCuts Acquaintance

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    More impression on Modded 007tii vs KGSSHV (2013 boards) driving my L700

    Although KGSSHV is much more powerful and giving good slam/soundstage but in some occasion I do prefer my modded 007tii more.
    The clarity, impact of KGSSHV makes EDM kind music even more fast and dynamic. I can feel the bass slamming quickly from one place to another around my head due to the larger soundstage which is more engaging when listening to instrumental EDM.

    Surprisingly, due to the nature of Solid State Amp, KGSSHV pairing with L700 sounds abit cold and dry on vocals compared to my modded 007tii which I enjoyed more. On my 007tii, vocals/jazz sound so effortless and smooth I can easily listen to it hours without fatigue despite the bass/stage is noticeable lesser but sufficient for me. However this is not the case for KGSSHV where I can feel the "edginess" on certain occasion. It is hard to describe the minor stuff, but something like "glare" pops in my head.

    To me KGSSHV > L700 tones has more weight and sounds like a powerful dynamic setup but a bit lifeless while Modded 007tii > L700 has better timbre and does everything just right, most importantly is, effortless and smooth.

    Now I can't really tell which is the better amp because it could be my poor source (Mojo) that limiting the full potential of KGSSHV. Or perhaps SR-007s match better with the powerful KGSSHV.
     
    Last edited: Feb 27, 2017
  13. zolkis

    zolkis Acquaintance

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    The Mojo is not a poor source, but the end result may be a bit dry when used with the L700. However, I think it would sound quite good with a 007 Mk2. Anyway, it looks like you prefer the sound of tubes. Who can save you from the BHSE now? :)
     
  14. microCuts

    microCuts Acquaintance

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    BHSE...it is far beyond what I am willing to pay for. KGST maybe. I just recently declined an offer of Headamp KGBH..People said it is quite similar to KGSS.
     
  15. Mystic

    Mystic Mystique's Spiritual Advisor

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    I've had the srs2170 system loaner in my possession for the last week. It's been a different kind of experience, mostly good. I want to try more. If I could want one thing in the sr207 changed, it would be just a tiny bit more bass. The bass is fine for most of my music, but having just a smidge more would help in a few of my recordings.

    So, where too from here? I can get an sr303 in great shape for $200. I can add a srm300 amp for an additional $300.

    I could possibly stretch for a used 007mk1 or L700, but that's kind of diving in head first with little experience with Stax. Amp budget is firmly under $1k, but again, little experience with the brand and stats in general.
     
    Last edited: Mar 2, 2017
  16. sorrodje

    sorrodje Carla Bruni's other lover - Friend

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    SR303 would be a good choice but 300 bucks for a SRM300 is maybe not optimal. I'd personaly put a bit more money in a SRM-T1 .It sounds beautifully with all lambdas and offers a Normal bias headphone output. That will allow you to hunt one of the most affordable of the very best Stax headphones : the Lambda Normal bias.
     
  17. Minbeo

    Minbeo New

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    sr207 is very good but i find 252s amp lacking, it sound a little congested and lack dynamic and bass slam as you said, in my case upgrade the wallwart to a linear powersupply(cheap 12v one from China) and plug it into a isolation transformer help define the sound and rise the bass. Adding a tube buffer may help also.

    Overall i prefer HD800 despite 2170 actually sound more pleasant in some case, Stax infamous plastic timbre does really get to me.
     
  18. Mystic

    Mystic Mystique's Spiritual Advisor

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    I don't actually own any Stax gear. The 2170 system is a loaner.

    I wouldn't mind grabbing a T1, unfortunately missed one by just a couple days on HF. I don't have any stax amps at the moment though.

    Funny you mention the hd800 as I'm probably selling mine to fund a stax purchase.
     
    Last edited: Mar 2, 2017
  19. Mystic

    Mystic Mystique's Spiritual Advisor

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    Just had someone offer a T1W for $800, pretty solid deal or no?
     
  20. sorrodje

    sorrodje Carla Bruni's other lover - Friend

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    I wouldn't spend that much money in a t1.even if it includes balanced inputs. :)
     

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