New Products from STAX
The high-end headphones from STAX enjoy an excellent reputation worldwide, and this is especially due to the models of the successful Lambda series. Now, 36 years after their introduction, the series is receiving a major update and STAX is presenting two completely new models. In the sixties and seventies of the last century, Japan was the center of the hi-fi world. This was the era when the well-known major audio brands, still recognized today, were established. At the same time, there was also a very lively scene of smaller companies and dedicated developers who, away from the mainstream, followed their own ideal of pure sound and took unique paths. As a result, some truly outstanding, sometimes ingenious, and often simply quirky constructions emerged—ones that older hi-fi fans still look back on with nostalgia. Many of these small high-end manufacturers have long since disappeared from the market. The materials used were too expensive, the production too complex, and the potential target group too small for them to survive. However, STAX has survived, even if with some difficulties along the way. And that's not necessarily a given, because strictly speaking, one could certainly categorize the expensive STAX headphones as 'quirky' products. All headphones from the Japanese manufacturer work according to the principle of electrostatic sound transduction: an ultra-thin film is stretched between two electrodes and set into vibration by voltage changes between them. This approach offers undeniable acoustic advantages but is extremely complex and costly to develop and manufacture. As a result, even among large floorstanding loudspeakers, this technology is considered quite exotic. In the headphone sector, where all the technology has to function in a very limited space, STAX stands practically alone—apart from a few exceptions. The company handles this unique position with calm and confidence and even insists that they do not make headphones, but rather "Earspeakers"—loudspeakers for the ears. STAX-SR-1 – The first electrostatic headphone established the reputation of the Japanese manufacturer. And their success proves them right. Over the decades, STAX has built up a worldwide fan base because the sound of their "earspeakers" is truly unique. After more than 50 years of continuous development, they have mastered the technology and can make full use of its potential. Once you've listened to a STAX and experienced this incomparable openness, speed, and transparency, it's hard to ever put on another headphone again. Nevertheless, STAX remains a small company, and further developments in electrostatic technology take time. That's why it's a rare occasion when the Japanese introduce a new model. Recently, the time had come again and STAX announced two new models in the Lambda series, successful for 36 years:
STAX SR-L500, 900.00€
Technical data:
Principle: open-back electrostatic headphones (push/pull), oval membrane
Frequency response: 7 - 41,000Hz
Capacitance: 110pF (with attached cable)
Impedance: 145kΩ (10kHz, with attached cable)
Sensitivity: 101dB (100V r.m.s. / 1kHz)
Max. sound pressure: 118dB (400Hz)
Bias voltage: 580V DC
Earpads: high-quality synthetic leather
Cable: 6-core parallel cable, HiFC copper strands (99.99% purity), 2.5m length
Weight: 465g (with attached cable), 339g (without cable)
For further information, please refer to the manufacturer’s website.
STAX SR-L700, 1,700.00€
Technical data:
Principle: open-back electrostatic headphones (push/pull), oval membrane
Frequency response: 7 - 41,000Hz
Capacitance: 110pF (with attached cable)
Impedance: 145kΩ (10kHz, with attached cable)
Sensitivity: 101dB (100V r.m.s. / 1kHz)
Max. sound pressure: 118dB (400Hz)
Bias voltage: 580V DC
Earpads: genuine sheepskin on the skin contact area, high-quality synthetic leather
Cable: 6-core parallel cable, silver-plated 6N copper strands (99.9999% purity), 2.5m length
Weight: 469g (with attached cable), 360g (without cable)
For further information, please refer to the manufacturer’s website.
The powerhouse: STAX SRM-353X
Technical data:
Frequency response: DC - 90kHz (with SR-L headphones)
Input voltage: 100mV (at 100V output voltage)
Gain: 60dB
Distortion: <0.01% or less with SR-L500 at 100V r.m.s. / 1kHz)
Input impedance: 50kΩ (RCA) / 50kΩ x 2 (XLR)
Inputs: 1x stereo RCA, 1x XLR (switchable)
Max. output voltage: 400V r.m.s. / 1kHz
Standard bias voltage: 580V
Power consumption: 30W
Dimensions (W x H x D): 150 x 100 x 360 mm
Weight: 3.0kg
For further information, please refer to the manufacturer’s website.
As a bundle: STAX SRS-5100, 2,150.00€
