2. misc-audio
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Just acquired some vintage Stax cans SRX Mk. III

Hey all,

I have a generous friend who just bestowed on me some Stax SR-X headphones and the SRD-7 "adaptor for ear speaker." I am thinking of trying to set up a separate can system with these babies, but I don't have any instructions, so I have a few questions. Maybe you guys can help out (you usually do):

1) They connect to the speaker-level outputs on an amp. I don't want to hook these into my main system and wire my speakers to the SRD7, but if I did, would it degrade the sound of my system?

2) As they do connect to the high-level outputs, is there any way I can hook these up to a modern headphone amp? Would that provide enought juice (see next question)?

3) If I get a separate amp/integrated/receiver for these, is power a consideration (ie is more better)? They're electrostats, obviously, and I know panel speakers like power (or more accurately, current).

4) As these are electrostats, and they sit on either side of one's noggin, should I be concerned about creating a powerful electromagnetic field around my brain? Seriously. Not that it would be the worst thing I've subjected my brain to, but I'd rather not do further damage at this stage of my life :)

Thanks. I'm looking forward to some time with the cans (I have a great recliner for this setup also). Any responses appreciated.

Jeff
jfacker

Showing 1 response by plato

plato
1,543 posts
 
Hi Jeff,

Even the Stax older models can sound fantastic if they are functioning properly. I have a pair of SR3s that sound wonderful as well as a pair of their more recent 404 Signatures (which are amazing!)

Don't use a receiver. While it would probably work, and sound okay, the Stax deserve the highest quality source and amplification you can feed them. They don't require high power/current, like speakers. A well-built amp capable of delivering 20 Wpc or more should work fine. I'd bet a decent tube integrated amp would be a great match. You cannot use a standard headphone output on your setup. It just is not designed to work that way.

I don't know if the small electrostatic fields that the Stax generate could cause any medical problems with long-term use but suspect the risk is minimal. It's certainly one I'm willing to take considering how great the phones sound. I don't think any long-term clinical studies have been conducted.

Another way to go would be to eschew the SRD 7 energizer, and look for a used Stax amp/driver unit. The solid-state models use class-A topology and can be found at good prices on the used market. The tube-amp models usually cost more, but sound amazing.

Check out the Stax website at: http://www.stax.co.jp/
If you go to the History page, you can see all the Stax phones, amps, and energizers, in chronologic order.

Happy Listening!
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