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-   -   Stax Ultimate Combo (https://www.audioaficionado.org/showthread.php?t=43626)

Masterlu 08-23-2018 01:31 PM

Stax Ultimate Combo
 
Today, I pulled the trigger on the Stax T8000 Electrostatic Amplifier, and Stax SR-009S New Flagship Headphone.

I should have them in a few weeks. :music:

enatai252 08-23-2018 02:44 PM

Congrats. Look forward to hearing your thoughts on the T8000 and whether STAX has stepped up their game here. I ordered the 009S recently as well (have 009 and both Mk1/Mk2 of 007s). But use a Woo WES as my driver currently

DVass13 08-23-2018 05:03 PM

It's been quite a while since I've listened to a pair of Stax 009s (not 009S). I"ve heard many very positive reviews of the 009S with the HeadAmp BHSE and I'm curious how they would compare against my current setup. I feel that my Focal Utopias with the HeadAmp GS-X Mk2 is already an amazing setup, but I still can't help but wonder... :scratch2:

Masterlu 08-25-2018 08:48 PM

https://www.headamp.com/wp-content/u.../04/SR009S.jpg

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/01...g?v=1524338474

mulveling 08-26-2018 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DVass13 (Post 928279)
It's been quite a while since I've listened to a pair of Stax 009s (not 009S). I"ve heard many very positive reviews of the 009S with the HeadAmp BHSE and I'm curious how they would compare against my current setup. I feel that my Focal Utopias with the HeadAmp GS-X Mk2 is already an amazing setup, but I still can't help but wonder... :scratch2:

Both 009 and 009S match great with a HeadAmp BHSE; it comes down to a matter of preference there. I own both headphones, and just sold my BHSE as I've taken delivery of a commissioned-build T2. The BHSE is still considered the defacto best "commercial" amp for these headphones. It is a phenomenal sounding amp for all top Stax headphones - 009/S, 007, L700. There were high hopes for the T8000, but impressions from the Stax enthusiast crowd (I've personally not heard one) have disappointed so far - i.e. they say not at the level of the similarly priced BHSE in terms of sound quality, power, or even circuitry sophistication. It should still sound good with 009S, I would hope - from reports, the T8000's slightly bright nature might be assumed to match with the 009S's slightly warm nature.

I also just sold my Utopias - I used them with the HeadAmp Gilmore Reference (predecessor to the GS-X) and Headroom Max Balanced (competitor to GS-X). I can easily say the BHSE with 009 or 009S performs at a higher level of sound quality, though the Utopia was certainly excellent in its own right. The only issue I had with 009/BHSE was low net gain, which can cause difficulty for some vinyl-based setups. The low gain structure of BHSE is ideal for 4V+ output balanced DACs. The Utopia setups always had tons of gain to spare - so I still used and enjoyed them with vinyl until I got the T2 for my 009/S, which also has plenty of gain.

I've been a huge Stax fan for 5 years now, since I first heard the 009 on a T2 (still the easy-win ultimate, of everything I've heard). It's unlikely any other headphone brand will ever eclipse Stax for me, though I'm partially hopeful for a new Sennheiser baby Orpheus that is Stax-compatible.

enatai252 08-26-2018 08:44 PM

I am thinking of pre ordering the Woo 3ES Elite version for the 009S pairing. I was hoping to get a few out in the wild with some reviews prior to pulling the trigger. Will also eagerly await Ivan's thoughts on T8000

Robert_Anderson 08-27-2018 08:02 AM

I know someone who might want that setup.

HiFiGuy528 08-29-2018 12:55 PM

:lurk::hphones:

Masterlu 08-29-2018 01:52 PM

They have shipped! :banana:

GaryProtein 08-29-2018 02:56 PM

I just don't know. . . .

I really like the Orpheus [not that I'm running out to buy one] with its carrera marble case, electric opening top and glowing tubes.

How does the Stax compare? :music: :scratch2:

You know I wouldn't get a bargain basement product! :D :smoking:


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