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Are there speakers after Stax?

I just got a chance to listen to my new Stax SRS-4040
Signature System II, and it blows away any speakers I have ever heard. It has its own dedicated, direct-drive tube amp (006t) and the full-range electrostatic drivers use a diaphram that is actually lighter than air.

The coherency and balance is outstanding, as is the transient response. But the delivery of fine, inner nuances and minute details is simply mind boggling. No speaker I have heard even comes close to what these baby's can deliver -- and this without highlighting any particular segment of the audible frequency spectrum. The bass is ultra quick and smooth, the midrange, beyond compare, and the high frequencies the most delicate and detailed that I have ever heard.

I may find it difficult to go back to speakers after hearing what this system can do. When you don't have to deal with room reflections, bass anomalies, and controlling vibrations/acoustic feedback, not only is there a true performance advantage, but the price/performance ratio is much better.

I know that some 'philes shun cans, but after my session last night, I feel these folks are missing the boat.

In a couple of months I'll be moving out of state and looking to buy new reference speakers for my new home. As fine and detailed as my InnerSound Mk-II speakers were, the Stax SRS-4040 system seems to be an order of magnitude better. I really don't think there are any speakers that can compete at this level, but I'm open to suggestions. Does anyone else feel this way???
plato
kuvasz
1 posts
 
I have had a couple of Stax headphones, some Fontek electret headphones, the Jecklin floats, and Soundlab A-1 speakers.

The Jecklin electrostatic was my favorite. I always used it laying down. The headphone didn't touch your ear and the weight was supported by the bed. They were very good.

The soundlabs are actually better than the headphones for me.
malcolm100
2 posts
 
I've just bought a 4040 system and agree with many of the comments above, especially the irreplaceable physical effect of listening to room speakers, amazing though the 4040s are.

BTW, I need to change my SRM 006t from 240v to 120v operation. Does anyone know how this is done? Are there jumpers / switches inside the unit?

Thanks,

Malcolm
william_yourshaw
1 posts
 
I've been enjoying my Stax Lambda Nova Signatures (which the SR-404's replaced), along with a modified SRM-T1 amp using Siemens 7308 tubes, and I've found all speakers boring and uninvolving by comparison since I started. I haven't heard any 20 or 30K speaker systems, though. I love to listen at night and not have to worry about disturbing anyone else. I really don't miss the soundstaging with speakers, and would much rather enjoy the increased detail with headphones. So, you're not alone, and I feel much the same way you do.
markpao
519 posts
 
I miss my Stax SR-5's (lower end model back then) that I sold a short while ago (still not sure why). I replaced them with the Sennheiser HD650 powered by a Cayin HA-1A. IMO, the wow factor is just not there like it was with the Stax.
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