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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
megasam's avatar
megasam
798 posts
 
Audiophile Headphones are extremely good at certain things and very lacking in other areas. They are almost unmatched in fine detail and tonal presentation, are able to extract fine detail/musical neuances almost impossible for full size speakers to reveal at any price.

They are very lacking in 3D soundstage presentation, that little image between your ears cannot compare to huge room filling soundstage full size speakers present. Also the viscereal impact of deep bass you can "feel" all over your body cannot be duplicated with headphones.

I really enjoy audiophile headphones when private listening is required, but it will never replace full size stereo for me.
plato OP
1,543 posts
 
TWL, your points are well taken and I believe that I will ultimately have both speaker- and headphone-based reference sysetms; and will be able to enjoy each for what they do best.

A while back, I also owned the SRA-12S, but with the original Lambda phones (I know the Sigmas are somewhat different sounding). For me, the original Lambdas lacked bass and were overly bright with a lot of material. These new 404s are better balanced, i.e., not as hyped-up in the treble and have MUCH better bass extension and articulation. I think you'd be surprised at the improvement if you have a chance to use them in your system.

Megasam, I can appreciate your sentiments, and I agree that headphones cannot physically vibrate your body the way that speakers with bass extension and slam can. However, the 404s do have their diaphrams angled to the ear in such a way that they provide expansive soundstaging effects and even a sense of depth and layering. Athough the soundstage is a little different than what you get from speakers, it is interesting and aurally satisfying in that regard, at least to me. And it's nice to finally hear all the nuances and fine details that get "swept under the carpet" with speakers. It does add depth and meaning to the musical program...
kirk930's avatar
kirk930
285 posts
 
anybody ever heard of the older 250k stax amps. i would love to hear a pair of those. stax headphones are awsome as well. i feel the same way that most of you do. i prefer the impact of a speaker. you may want to try sound lab speakers i think they are far better then any stat i have ever heard.
newbee
4,767 posts
 
Before I listened to my first Stax system I found it increddible that some one would pay the money just for headphone - I told the saleman as much. I bought them on the spot and never regretted it, for all the reasons you have described. However, as with Twl, I missed the impact of good dynamic speakers, and to some degree I found a lot of recordings that just didn't sound as good (imaging/staging) in your head. I don't use them as much now but I still enjoy them for late night listening.
plato OP
1,543 posts
 
Kirk,

Sound Lab does make some great-sounding electrostats, but they are quite large and expensive. They are a possibility, but I'll have to wait and see how large my new listening room will be.
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