I haven’t heard a Stax, only the Koss 95x and I had a similar experience. E-stats are so quick and nimble. They’re very special indeed.
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More transportable than portable, but the SRM-252S takes 12V DC input for power. You can find plenty of batteries that will do that on amazon. The plug is reversed polarity though.
The 007s are certainly the most warm and bassy stax but I think that’s actually a negative, not a positive. Estats are renowned for their extreme clarity and detail. 2 traits that I found lacking in the 007 mk.1. They don’t really perform how I feel like estats should perform in the resolution and frequency response departments. Don’t get me wrong though, they’re still world class headphones. I’m comparing Stax to other Stax here.
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You can’t have both either more sq or bass. When tuning my car for sq competition sub bass was lowered to a more even frequency response.
well have these in from a local gent!.. very nice ethereal sound… but the bass and lack of dynamics is throwing me off… but Vocals and acoustic music is rather lovely
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I thought I should add to - or at least qualify - this statement, since I’ve been giving the iFi Pro iESL another try while I evaluate whether I want to add some electrostatic cans to my headphone collection (even while dramatically simplifying that setup).
While I am not going to put it in the same class as appropriate*, dedicated, amplification, it seems the biggest contributing factor to my initial reaction to the Pro iESL was how I was feeding it. I’d been told the optimum way to drive it was via iFi’s Pro iCAN. So that’s what I did.
Since then, fairly recently actually, it was suggested I give it another try - but using proper speaker amplification to juice it.
That really does make a difference.
Even just driven off the 10W @ 8Ω rated speaker outputs on the Raal HSA-1b, it is a much more convincing listen with the SR-007 MK2 (current production, both port modded and not).
It is a similar story coming off the speaker outputs on my WA234 MKII (that’s using 300B tubes - it’ll be a bit more borderline with 2A3 due to those having about half the power).
And from the Chord Étude and Ultima 5 it’s a bigger shift still - to the point where I’ll probably keep one in that rig, since it can run inline with the SR1a interface.
Put another way, its good enough to get a feel for what the cans can do, and it lets you hear the driving amplifier for what it is, doing a good job of preserving the upstream characteristics without stamping a heavy signature of its own all over them.
In addition to it enabling a compact “can drive anything” stack with the RME ADI-2 Pro FS R BE and the Raal HSA-1b, it’s been good enough in the above scenarios, and in particular from the Ultima 5, that I’ve decided to grab a couple of proper amplifiers (BHSE and Carbon CC) and some more, specific, electrostatic headphones**.
Anyway, I thought it only fair to adjust my initial commentary and paint things in a light born of some more varied, and appropriate, usage.
*Meaning don’t try and run an SR-007 or SR-009 off a D10 or D50.
**I’m still going to be rationalizing my setup, as I am now spending the majority of my listening time on speakers again.
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I almost ditched the iESL because it was so bad with the Pro iCAN, being significantly worse than the 323A it replaced. It really should not be marketed together. So much distortion at anything above moderate listening levels. Got the Chord TT2 and connected via XLR and it’s completely transformed. I’ve not heard the Blue Hawaii or other high end energizers, but I’ve been satisfied with the iESL for SR-007 MK2, L-300, and Nectar Hive. Also appreciate the different bias settings since the Nectar can use and is better with the 640V setting.
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Is that a JR Audio (“Martzy”) build of the KGSSHV?
iFi Pro iESL seems to give a bit more body/richness than the pure-amplifier approaches, though I’m sure that comes at the cost of ultimate resolution. At least that how it seems off the HSA-1b and Ultima 5 (HSA-1b → iESL → SR-009S works better than HSA-1b → iESL → SR-007Mk2).
Since I have a Sennheiser rep telling me they’re going to contact me re: the HE-1 we’ll see how that goes, otherwise I’ll have a BHSE incoming shortly and a Mjolnir-Audio-built Carbon CC once they’re available again.
I never would have thought it, but a couple of hours of Infected Mushroom, via the Chord stack (Ultima 5) and Pro iESL has been quite mesmerizing. SR1a does some things better, but the SR-009S in this configuration has it definitely licked on bass.
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Yes sir! it is a (“Martzy”) build of the KGSSHV! It was a fun experience getting these in the house for a bit!
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I just received my SR009S headphones and from the first 30 seconds of the first track I clicked on I was sold on the sound quality. No EQ necessary for me - which is a first for me. I’m using an old Stax SRM-1/MK-2 that I purchased new eons ago that easily drives the headphones. I am not lacking any power but am now searching for the last detail I can get from my amplification chain. I emailed Mjolnir but have not heard back. I’m also considering the BHSE but would never need the power. All of the Stax amps are considered thin by some who seem to know but mine works and sounds just fine - but I have not heard any of the state of the art offerings nor any of the newer Stax amps.
Always looking for any good advice from the many knowledgeable forum members.
Victor B.
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Another observation regarding the 009s is that it doesn’t exhibit any coloring in a very sensitive area for me (250hz to 850hz). It is dead neutral in this sensitive area which I find very remarkable. I also don’t find it even remotely hot in the 1.5k to 2.5k area which is another sensitive area for me. Very neutral - not warm but neutral.
Last but not least [garbage in = garbage out]. If the recording is bad the 009s will really reveal all of the shortcomings.
A very remarkable headphone. I am hoping my ZMF Verite will be as neutral - it’s still a couple of weeks out for delivery.
Victor B.
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After listening now for about a week I can confidently say that this has been the best audio purchase I have made for at least a decade. I should have purchased the 009/s long ago but just didn’t… my loss.
I have them now and am awaiting my ZMF Verite Open which I hope are somewhere in the same audible window. If not I will send them back or immediately offer them for sale.
For me these are great audio times…
Victor B.
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Hey Guys, here is my 009S review, if some are interested 
Stax SR009S with the HeadAmp BHSE
Hi Guys,
Today we are talking about the first electrostatic headphone I have done a full review on, the former flagship of Stax Headphones, the SR009S. Stax, a legendary brand in the headphones space, focuses on Electrostatic headphones, and has done for decades. I think it would be fair to say they are the main player in the electrostatic space, which is admittedly a niche within a niche of the headphone hobby. Still, with that being said, they offer unique performance and capabilities, and have a truly die hard following.
For this review, all my listening was done with a HeadAmp Blue Hawaii SE amplifier, a Schitt Yggdrasil GS DAC, and also an iFi Pro iDSD Signature DAC. I mostly want to talk about the headphones themselves in this review, but some mention of amplification had to be made given the electrostatic nature of the headphones. For most reading this review, you likely already know that Electrostatic headphones need dedicated amplifiers or energizers to produce sound, requiring much higher voltages than typical dynamic or planar magnetic headphones. Stax themselves do make their own amplifiers for their headphones, but there is also a thriving DIY community around electrostatic headphone amps, and a few builders of said DIY designs, which sell to the public. The HeadAmp BHSE is one of the more commonly talked about amps in the electrostatic space, though other popular designs do exist. For the SR009S, it is the only amp I had on hand for the review, but is known as a competent model, and I think did the headphones justice.
SR009S close up.
The SR009S could be considered an evolution of the original SR009, which took the headphone world by storm back when it was released in 2011. The “S” model, was released a few years ago, and as far as I understand, aimed at mitigating some of the complaints that developed around the SR009. I did not have an SR009 on hand for direct comparison, but I have heard it in the past. When the SR009S was released, I think some people were disappointed, as it wasn’t the all new flagship they had hoped for. Of course, at the time or writing this review, that complaint has been rectified with the release of the new SR-X9000, Stax’s new $6200USD flagship headphone. I hope to hear and review that at some point, and June looks like a possible time frame for that review.
However, lets get back to the SR009S, how it sounds, and performs.
The bass of the SR009S was actually better than I had remembered the SR009 being. Electrostatics by their very nature are not exactly renowned for their bass response. With that being said, the 009S did maintain the driver speed and delicacy that Stax does so well. I think for most people, especially if their listening consists of largely jazz or classical music, the stock level of the bass response will be suitable. However, I did experiment with a small boost, about 3db, in the form of a low shelve via EQ. This worked incredibly well, better than I had expected it might. That brought the 009S’s bass level more in line with my personal preferences, and it managed to maintain the speed and quick nature of the driver. Now, in terms of impact, it still wasn’t similar to the Abyss 1266TC, but it was actually better than some other headphones, which surprised me. I think in terms of impact,or “slam” it was similar to the Hifiman Susvara. The bass, in overall terms is quick, some what round sounding, and keeps up even with very complex and fast low end passages. I enjoyed the 009S’s bass more than I was expecting too, but do still prefer some other models for their more visceral sense of the low end.
The mids were actually a bit thicker sounding than I remembered the original 009 being. Certainly not at the level of warmth and thickness the SR007mk2 has, especially in the lower mids, but definitely more so than the original 009. Given that some found the original 009 a bit bright and thin sounding, I can see what Stax was going for with the 009S frequency response. There did seem to be a bit of a peak around the 3k “presence” region, but I found it totally listenable, unlike the Audeze CRBN in this region, which I found overly forward and shouty (review forthcoming on the CRBN.)
The Gold Stator of the SR009S.
In terms of treble, the 009S was more subdued overall than I remember the 009 being. I’m not sure I would say it was dark, but definitely wasn’t as lively and bright as the 009. In terms of treble response, I actually prefer a little bit more energy than the 009S has in its stock tuning, especially in the 7-8khz range. Still, I think this depends on your individual preferences. The upper treble was fine in my opinion, it had enough air, space, and feeling of speed to it. This is certainly one area that Stax seem to excel in. The treble. Perhaps not in terms of tuning (which is personal) but in its overall speed and how quick the driver sounds. I remember the first time I heard the 009, I said it was so quick it was like the notes were tied together. The 009S has a certain sense of this also, but perhaps not as much as the 009, due to the slightly darker tuning.
That brings me to the technical performance of the 009S. Overall, it is a strong performer, similar to its older 009 sibling with slight improvement overall. The overall detail levels are up there with the other high end headphones in this space, though I do think that over the past ten years, the gap has been closed by the more conventional, non electrostatic headphones. It used to be a large chasm in terms of speed and detail, nowadays, much less so. Supposedly the SR-X9000 has improved upon this area again, as you would hope from a new flagship, but I have not yet heard it to do a direct comparison. In terms of dynamics the 009S with its quick nature conveys swings from quiet to loud, both micro and macro very well, but if you are looking for the most impact and slam you can get, you would be better served by other headphones on the market. Sound staging is very natural sounding on the 009S, similar to the Hifiman Susvara in terms of width but with slightly less depth than the Susvara has. Although I still favour a wide sounding soundstage on a pair of headphones, I have come to appreciate more natural sound in terms of width, similar to the Hifiman Susvara and Meze Elite. It is nice to have options, and I appreciate both. With that being said, I’m still not a big fan of smaller soundstages, like the Focal Utopia or perhaps the HD650, but I do understand why some people prefer that approach.
In terms of how easy to drive the 009S is, it is actually quite easy compared to a few other electrostatic headphones that I have done direct comparisons with. The 007mk2 from Stax is vastly more difficult to drive, and requires a good 1/8th (or more) of a turn of the volume knob, to achieve the same volume as the 009S. So far, the 009S is actually the easiest to drive headphone I have tried in the electrostatic category, with the 007mk2, Audeze CRBN, and Hifiman Shangri-La all being more difficult.
In the category of build quality and comfort, the SR009S did well. The overall build quality is not tank like, but it was satisfactory. I think that there is a tradeoff that companies have to try to balance between quality materials that feel sturdy, and the comfort and weight of their headphones. The 009S is an incredibly comfortable headphone, and I never found it feeling too heavy, or causing hotspots on top of my head. It does feel a tiny bit rickety in terms of the build quality and materials, but again, I think that may have been done to reduce weight. Supposedly the new flagship. SR-X9000 improves on the feel and build quality, as you would hope I suppose, at its $6200USD MSRP. Still, I felt the 009S was comparable to a lot of other flagship headphones on the market, and while it wasn’t class leading, it was entirely satisfactory in this area.
The Stax SR007mk2
In terms of comparisons to other headphones, especially ones that I was able to do directly, the most obvious to start with is the Stax SR007mk2, the 009S’s sibling. The 007mk2 is slightly less comfortable than the 009S, but entirely wearable and much better than some other models on the market. In terms of the frequency response the 007mk2 is warmer, thicker, and darker sounding. If you prefer warm headphones, I would recommend trying the 007mk2 over the 009S. What surprised me was the 007mk2’s technical ability, and how much quality it provides, especially for the prices they are available for on the used market. The 009S does slightly eclipse the 007mk2 in overall technical performance, but perhaps not as much as the gulf in MSRP would suggest. Overall, if you are ok with a slightly brighter response, and want more comfort, go for the 009S. However, if you are looking for a beginner electrostatic headphone, the 007mk2 might be a very good place to start, especially if you find a used model in good condition. One thing to caution is that the 007mk2 is hard to drive, the hardest electrostatic I have tried thus far. Decent amplification is required in my opinion to consider a pair. The 009S is much easier to pair with various amps, and might be worth considering in that sense, vs the 007mk2. It will entirely depend on your amplification situation, and your preferred frequency response, in terms of which I would recommend overall.
The Audeze CRBN
The next headphone I compared the 009S to was the Audeze CRBN. I will write more about the CRBN soon in the form of a full review, but I preferred the sound of the 009S overall. The Audeze won in terms of materials and build quality, where it is amongst the best on the market. Still, the 009S had slightly less shout to its frequency response, and after a slight boost in the low end, a similar level of bass. The CRBN had a bit more impact or slam to its low end, but the 009S seemed a bit more airy, ethereal, and “electrostatic-like” in its overall sonic presentation. I preferred the 009S, but YMMV. The CRBN seems to be up some peoples alley, in a very strong way.
Abyss Headphones 1266TC
Compared to my usual reference, the Abyss 1266TC, the 009S didn’t have the same width in the soundstage, and seemed to be slightly behind in terms of overall detail levels and technical performance. The 009S did have slightly more speed, and again the “ethereal” and “airy” sound vs the more dense and impactful sound of the 1266TC. For me, the 1266TC is still my favourite headphone, but I can absolutely understand why some feel exactly the opposite. The 009S and 1266TC are incredibly different headphones, and excel in different areas. Both are great, I feel.
I think the 009S is for the listener who knows what they are looking for. Perhaps they know they prefer the traditional electrostatic airy and ethereal sound. Where the sound seems to just appears from nowhere and floats into your ears. I know that description is perhaps hard to understand, but I think if you have heard high end electrostatic headphones, you might know what I mean. If budget is more of a concern, I would suggest checking out the SR007mk2 (currently $2205USD new) as I think it offers more sound for the money, on the used market in particular. With that being said, if the 009S is in your budget range, it does offer a more technically competent and detailed performance, and I do prefer its tonality over the 007mk2’s tonality. It being slightly less warm, and a bit more treble energy. The 009S is a very comfortable headphone, which lends itself to long listening sessions, and its weight didn’t bother me once.
Overall, I think the 009S is in a bit of a difficult position. It’s not the Stax Flagship, yet it still maintains an MSRP of $4545USD, which is not insignificant. The 007mk2 is clearly the better value proposition, and those who can afford the 009S might also be able to stretch to the price of the flagship SR-X9000. Perhaps the 009S would be better positioned at an MSRP of around about $3400USD? I need to meditate on that question, and consider the market as a whole, especially as the delays around the delivery of the X9000 mean there are not many impressions available about them currently. With all that being said, if you are looking for the sound qualities that electrostatic headphone typically do best, the 009S from Stax is a very worthy consideration, and I could happily listen to a pair all evening long.
11 Likes
I appreciate the review, but find it hard to think of the SR007 (any of them from the first one to the mk2) as a “beginner electrostatic”. There is the SR-L300 through SR-L700 range. Not to mention Koss. Always interested in e-stat reviews, as I’ve always loved the e-stat strengths. While I’m not presently in the market for a new e-stat, my current go-to headphone is the Nectar Hive. Maybe one of these days I’ll channel my inner Dr. Who Cyberman and try an Abyss, but the opportunity is rare, and the budget is directed toward some speakers for the living room next.
4 Likes
Thats a fair enough point. I suppose I meant within the context of the “SR…” Stax headphones, vs the L range, and other manufacturers.
You are certainly right, the massdrop version of the Koss ESP would certainly be more of the beginner level.
But if someone is looking to spend like Hifiman Arya levels of money, and want a “beginner” electrostatic, they could do a lot worse than the SR007mk2 at used pricing. Of course, amping also has to be taken into consideration, because its always an added expense that comes with the electrostatic territory.
5 Likes
Hi Guys,
Today we are finishing up my set of reviews of Stax Headphones current Lambda series. The L300, L500mk2, and the subject of todays review, the L700mk2. The L700mk2, which I will just refer to as the L700 for the rest of this review, is the top of the current Lambda range. In terms of pricing it splits the difference between the L500mk2 at $830USD, the first headphone in the Omega Range, the SR007mk2, at $2205USD, coming in at an MSRP of $1649USD. This makes it comparable to headphones like the Hifiman Arya, and others, in the sort of “not the most expensive, but still great” performance category.
For the majority of this review I used the Stax D50 DAC/Amp combo unit, the Stax SRM-500T tube amp, and I also tried the L700 out on my KGSSHV Carbon and DIYT2. The DAC used was the Schitt Yggdrasil A2/Unison.
For the most part, I found the L700 to be similar to its Lambda siblings, with some improvements in terms of technical performance. The overall tuning struck me as being mostly balanced, not overly bright or lacking low end.
The bass seems similar to the other Lambda headphones. Some roll off in the lowest sub bass region, but in real world listening, entirely satisfying. I do think the L700 has slightly more impact in its low end than the L500/L300 but the difference isn’t massive. Compared to the SR009 I felt the L700 actually has a better bass response. Slightly more in terms of level, but also slightly more impact/slam. With that being said, you do need to keep in mind this is a pair of Stax electrostatics, and the bass impact isn’t the same as something like the Abyss AB1266. Also, if the bass level isn’t in line with your preferences, the L700 does take a low shelve via EQ very well, and you can adjust it to your tastes very easily.
The mids of the L700 are slightly less forward overall than the L300, and pretty similar to the L500. As with the other Lambda models, there is a bit of a peak around the 1khz range, which can lead to some song sounding a bit nasal and congested. I do feel it’s not enough of a peak to become really problematic, but it also very easy to reduce slightly via EQ should it annoy you. Apart from that peak, the overall sense I got from the mid range was one of slight warmth, and not a cold and clinical recession. This makes the L700 play well with multiple genres and slightly more “easy” to listen to than something like the SR009, which can be a bit more fatiguing. This is always a bit of a difficult balance to get right, between being accurate sounding, and easy going, but the L700 strikes a good balance between the two.
The treble performance of the L700 again struck me as being similar to the L500. It is slightly less bright and forward than the SR009, but there is more treble energy than with the SR007mk2. Similar to the mid range performance, I think Stax was going for a balanced treble, rather than a brighter more fatiguing sound signature. I think that if you are a treble head, there may not be enough high frequency energy, but again, this is something that you can tweak very easily via EQ. For the average listener though, I think the treble of the L700 will strike a balance between clarity, air, and being too dark or muted sounding. Similar to the L500, the L700 seems to strike a balance between the SR007mk2, and SR009 in its treble response, which works well for many genres, rather than being a specialist at one or two things.
In terms of detail, and overall technical performance, the L700 does slightly increase its performance vs the L300, and L500. There is definitely an increase in overall detail performance, both micro and macro. Its not a massive difference, but it is clearly audible. The entire Lambda range does lack some of the ultimate driver speed that the higher end Stax have, but I do feel they are faster than some of their dynamic driver, or planar magnetic driver rivals on the market place. The L700 sounds slightly more natural overall than the L500, and especially the L300, where I found a “plastic-y” timbre to come out at times. The soundstage performance is a bit wider, and deeper than the L500. The difference is not huge, but is audible. I do think the L700 has different pads than the L500 and L300, so this may contribute to this perception. It is quite an airy and open sounding headphone, perhaps due to its electrostatic nature, as well as very open design.
The build quality of the L700 is similar to the L500, but does feel slightly more premium. There is really not much difference between the two however, apart from the pads. However, it does feel more premium than the L300, which is understandable given the massive difference in cost between the two. I found the comfort to be great, and very easy to wear for long listening sessions. Slightly less clamp force is present than the L300, again being similar to the L500 in this area. Apart from the metal yolkes, the L700 is mostly made of plastic like its siblings, which doesn’t lend itself to the most premium feeling build. With that being said, I never had a problem with any of the parts, it feels well put together, and the plastic usage helps keep the weight low (371g, sans cable.)
As with all other Stax headphones, they are electrostatic designs and require a dedicated amplifier of some form. As I mentioned earlier, I mainly used two of Stax’s more affordable models for this review, the D50 and SRM-500T. I will report back about those in a full review in a couple days. In the headphone community, the Stax made amplifiers get a pretty hard time vs some of the DIY designs, but the L700 worked well off of both of them. I did try the L700 off my KGSSHV Carbon and DIY T2, but they did not scale as well the Omega models may do. This is a good thing in my opinion, as it allows them to sound their best off of more modest source equipment, and also allows people to get into electrostatic headphones at a more affordable price than having to spend thousands upon thousands on an amplifier.
Having now spent time with all three models from Stax’s Lambda entry range, I feel I have a pretty good idea of what they are all about. They do a lot of things very well, with a few areas that are somewhat weaker simply due to their electrostatic nature. I think that if you hear a pair of Stax, and they speak to you in a good way, there really isn’t anything like them. The Lambda range offers three different price points, and you can decide which might be the best for you and your budget. They do get better as you move up the range, culminating in the L700mk2, which is certainly the best of the three in terms of overall sonic performance. If you happen to be curious about electrostatic headphones, but don’t want to go all out and spend a lot on one of the Omega range Stax headphones, then I would suggest trying to find a local dealer to hear a pair of Lambda’s. Lots of high end two channel stereo shops seem to stock Stax, so have a look on google and you might be able to find a shop locally that would let you try them out. In terms of value, I think the L500mk2 is the winner of the three for price/performance ratio. With that being said, the L700mk2 is the better headphone, should you be able to afford its pricing
The L700mk2 has been fun to get to know, and does offer the best sound quality out of the current Lambda headphones. I love the quirky square vented look, keeping the tradition going from the original 1980’s models. They do require dedicated amplification of some form, but if you are willing to take that into account, sound absolutely great. They strike a really good balance between detail and clarity, and warmth and ease of listening. Whilst they don’t reach the overall sonic performance heights that the more expensive Omega headphones do, they are more easy going, easier to drive, comfy, well built, and still retain a ton of sound quality. I definitely recommend trying these out if you can get a chance too, and I think that if you like them, then you will really like them. Two thumbs up from me
7 Likes
So, I’ve toyed with getting another eStat. My old STAX SR-5N is quite long in the tooth. Haven’t really listened to any modern STAX, I’m very pleased with my Nectar Hive. I’ve been perched on the horns of a dillemma - If I were to buy, should I go L700mk2 or the SR-007 mk2?
Thoughts?
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Would recommend a used Sr007mk2 if you like a warmer signature, or are willing to EQ them to your preference. Also, the 007mk2 is hard to drive in terms of E-stats, so it would depend on what you were planning to drive them with.
The L700mk2 is much easier to drive, and probably a more preferable tonality un-EQ’d. The 007mk2 at a good deal on the used market does offer more sound for your money however. At new pricing, I’d probably go for the L700mk2.
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I have a Spritzer modified SRM-T1S so I expect it would handle either. The unmodified version was the original pairing for 007.
As far as price, it’s more a matter of do I want to go for either rather than affordability.
The marginal value of another pair of headphones is the larger question.
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I’d probably go for the 007 in that case.
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