The Stax I thread

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

  1. ogodei

    ogodei MOT: Austin AudioWorks

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    Vendor indicated the only ones immediately available will be at 100v and I am being typically impatient.
     
  2. gepardcv

    gepardcv Almost "Made"

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    Doesn't look like Stax's efforts to hinder the grey market by using "region locked" transformers is working.
     
  3. JimL

    JimL Tongues KG's hairy starfish for fun

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    Leaving sound quality out of it, I generally consider Stax's amps to be good value for money for those who don't DIY - well designed circuits, well built, and durable. My T1, which I bought used and "as-is," works perfectly some 25-30 years after it was built, requiring only replacement of the electrolytic capacitors. But I have to admit to having doubts about the T8000. Looking at the specs, it has about the same amount of voltage swing as the 717 or 727, and the difference in AC power draw can pretty much be explained by the substitution of an input tube section, so it does not appear to have any increase in output power over Stax's previous amps. The early reports say the bass is better than a 727, but that defect can largely be fixed by the global feedback mod in that amp. The only new feature appears to be a slot for future use, perhaps for a DAC module. So the issue for me is, without more power, or a regulated power supply (which would be more parts and more cost), I can see a 25% increase in price, or maybe even 50% (that snazzy new case has to cost a few bucks), but three times as much as the previous top of the line seems excessive. Maybe I'm missing something.
     
    Last edited: May 10, 2017
  4. JimL

    JimL Tongues KG's hairy starfish for fun

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    I just published an article in the July issue of AudioXpress which outlines a couple of modifications for the SRM-T1 that significantly improves its drive capability. The stock T1 is a good amp, but many feel it is underpowered for a SR-007. However, by replacing the stock output plate resistors with constant current loads, the modified amp is fully capable of driving the SR-007.

    Unlike plate resistors, constant current loads burn up practically no signal current, so while the stock amp burns up 9.2 mA signal current in the plate and feedback resistors at its specified 300 VRMS maximum output, the modified amplifier only uses 2.8 mA driving the feedback resistors, leaving much more current available to drive the headphones. Since the output tubes are much less stressed, distortion is decreased and 2 dB of extra headroom gained.

    The modified circuit is very similar to a KGST. This is no accident, as the KGST was designed to be “a Stax SRM-007t with no cost or retail considerations,” and the 007t is a higher power T1.

    The modification lacks the KGST’s regulated power supply, but larger power supply caps have been fitted. Since the amplifier is fully differential pure class A with current sources or loads at every stage, the current draw is pretty constant, minimizing power supply effects.

    Including replacing all the electrolytic caps, which should be done in a 25-30 year old amp as routine maintenance, the parts cost is around $100. With T1's going for $400 to $700 on eBay, I believe this is the best bang-for-buck solution for driving Stax headphones for anyone willing to do a little DIY, and much simpler than going for a full DIY build.
     
  5. ogodei

    ogodei MOT: Austin AudioWorks

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    First production run of SRM-T8000 amps is supposedly sold out, next run is in July. Price seems be dropping in Europe, and at least one vendor in the US is whispering they can provide a price delivered. I'm still trying to get details if there's a US voltage version becoming available any time soon.
     
  6. JimL

    JimL Tongues KG's hairy starfish for fun

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    And in other news, spritzer says he has just bought a used T8000 after the original owner listened to it for a couple hours, then sold it. That does not sound like a high recommendation.
     
  7. TomNC

    TomNC Friend

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    Has anybody listened to the Kingsound M20 tube amp driving Stax 009? I wonder whether this amp can be an upgrade over the Stax T1. It seems that rolling in the Gold Lion tubes improves the sound considerably. Thanks for any comments.
     
  8. JimL

    JimL Tongues KG's hairy starfish for fun

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    I haven't listened to the M20, but Kevin Gilmore examined a sample and published the schematic. Although it has somewhat higher standing current in the output stage, it uses load resistors, similar to the T1, so has similar limitations in the output drive capability. No tube rolling will fix that.
     
  9. %20 Oddity

    %20 Oddity Friend

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    I'm still curious as to what Grobel Audio's (only authorized STAX retailer in Poland) pricing will be! The short mail exchange I had with the guy promised that it won't be over 30 thousand PLN. Which is still a 50% markup from the japanese price. I feel like I'm being ripped of despite never being able to afford it anyway lmao.
     
  10. ogodei

    ogodei MOT: Austin AudioWorks

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    Word is list price in U.S. will be $6,200. Yeouch ! No word on availability dates yet though.
     
  11. JimL

    JimL Tongues KG's hairy starfish for fun

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    For those who are interested in that kind of thing, the T8000 schematic is up on both HF and HC. At first glance, it appears to be similar to an SRM717 with tube input, up-tt-date transistor complement, and somewhat higher standing current in the output stage. Passive power supply and same power supply voltages as the 727 and 007T II. Kevin Gilmore also has a few comments on its sound. Not obvious, to me, at least, where the three years claimed development time went, or why it costs almost three times as much as the next best Stax amp.
     
  12. RiddleyWalker

    RiddleyWalker Friend

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    I very much enjoyed the OG Lambda. Ended up selling it off because I didn't have the room to maintain a dynamic and estat setup on my desk. But as much as I love my HD650/HE-500, I sometimes find myself longing for the absolutely ridiculous soundstage and clarity of the Lambda.

    Sorry if this is more of a question for the recommendations thread, but I thought I'd have better luck here - is there a modern day Stax headphone that sounds similar to the original Lambda? I am having a bit of a time finding one in decent shape and would prefer to just buy new (or recent). It looks like the L700 / SR-007 are probably the best options currently available based on my tastes, but hoping to solicit opinion from you kind folks.
     
  13. sorrodje

    sorrodje Carla Bruni's other lover - Friend

    Staff Member Pyrate MZR
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    Yea. The sr-l700 is your best bet. Not up to omega levels but still better than any previous lambdas in my opinion.

    It doesn't sound really like the original one though. :)
     
  14. Theaudiophile

    Theaudiophile New

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    No one compares these headphones to Abyss ab 1266 and the upcoming Hifiman susvara and Mr speakers ether es
     
  15. JeremiahS

    JeremiahS Almost "Made"

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    I heard the prototype Edition 6 in Can Jam Singapore and they sound really nice to me. The asking price is nonsensical though.

    I first had a proper electrostatic setup audition just a couple months ago but I'm convinced that it's in a class of its own, I auditioned the SR-007 latest version with Blue Hawaii SE and the sound is truly something special. If you have unlimited budget going electrostatic is an easy choice since current flagship dynamics like the Edition 6 or Utopia are very overpriced.

    Regards,
    Jeremiah
     
  16. JimL

    JimL Tongues KG's hairy starfish for fun

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    One correction to my previous post. The intermediate stage DOES have PS regulation for the positive side.
     
  17. ogodei

    ogodei MOT: Austin AudioWorks

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    Should have one to listen to soon now that they're shipping. Looks like it will be easy to change the voltage at least.

    Reason for price = people will pay it.
     
  18. Theaudiophile

    Theaudiophile New

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    It is said that the production version of susvara is better than the prototype version.
     
  19. DronEvil

    DronEvil New

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    This is my first post outside of the intro yourself here thread, so if it is out of line, i apologize, and please let me know and I will edit/move/delete the post. I wan't sure if I should ask these here or the recommendations thread since they are ultra-specific to one stax model and one amp in particular. Sorry if this post is in bad form!

    I have a few (3) questions about possible changes/additions to my setup that i would love to get some advice on from the stax aficionados here. I've spoilered my surrounding thoughts about the question to keep the post short.

    I'm relatively new to electrostatics/stax, but i've worked my way up from grado and hifiman to a pair of SR-007mk2 (sz3) and Whitigir's old kgsshv Carbon (which i've been enjoying for about a month). I use a Holo Spring lvl3 for most of my listening but i also have a decent pro-ject phono rig.

    I don't find the bass of the SZ3 insanely bloated or anything, I find it varies on the recording quite a bit. I listened to some music by the drone metal band sunn O))) (if anyone is familiar?) as a funny bass bloat test and i actually was left speechless how tight and controlled it sounded (based on what i've read about them) even though the music is basically just dense waves of overly distorted, slow moving, brown-note bass. I actually enjoy the bass quite alot. To me it feels like the bass is resonating around me, but there's still enough impact to my liking. Still, i'm curious (like a cat) whether or not the bassport mod has been done on this version of the 007? :D

    1.) Does anyone know if the bassport mod on the SR-007mk2 SZ3 is possible or a good idea?

    I've seen people report good results (and i think measurements) with the 007mk1 and mk2s PRE-SZ3, but i don't think i've read of anyone trying it on SZ3.

    What i DO find is that mid-bass on crummy recordings ('compressed' sounding recordings or lossy formats) tends to drown out some of the mids/treble (or perhaps rather blend together since the instrument separation isn't there?). I know that they're considered the most unforgiving headphone of all time, so i'm not too shocked (or even that bothered by it). I'm considering getting a schiit freya to sit between my dac/phono amp and the carbon. I have a feeling i'll mostly run it in jfet buffer mode, but i'm also thinking that the tube mode might be nice for blooming out compressed/lossy recordings to let the 007s be a little less harsh on them. I could also use the kick for my phono amp with older LPs so i don't have to crank the volume on the carbon as high.

    2.) I'm curious if anyone thinks putting a Tube Pre before the Carbon might loosen up the 007 SZ3 on bad recordings a bit?

    And finally....my gf isn't really an audiophile, but she does LOVE my headphones (and has enjoyed my audio journey too). When I had two good pairs of cans, we would often listen to music together. I sold pretty much ALL of my other audio gear (besides my portable rig) to fund the stax/carbon/spring (including my other headphones/amps). I really want to get another pair of electrostatics that will go well with the carbon (which has 2 pro outs), but i don't really want to spend another $1k+ on them right now. They don't have to be as good as the 007, I just would prefer to get something that isn't going to sound "off" or too harsh with the carbon. I've been doing some reading, and i'm thinking i should stay away from the lower model 2xx/3xx and maybe even 4xx/5xx lambdas? It looks like the L700 on the carbon might be a bit to dry/thin from what i've read here too... I'm not sure if I have any options really, but I wanted to see if maybe i'm missing a potential partner for my 007s and carbon.

    3.) What lower Stax model (if any) would you pair with the Carbon?


    My Carbon is currently set to 16.5mA.

    If the answer is truly "none" and Omegas are the true fit for the Carbon, that's an acceptable answer too I suppose. :cool:
    I was considering a cheap used kingsound H-3, but I hear such mixed things about them I'm hesitant to drop ANY money on them.

    Thanks in advance for any advice/insight you can provide!
     
  20. Rotijon

    Rotijon Friend

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    Get the L300, L500 or L700. The bass si better on those imho.
     

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