padam

And I wouldn't be surprised to see the a similar DAC in the T8000 expansion slot as well (except with 'audiophile high-grade' components)

The H actually stands for that same HiFC copper, so I think that's what they are using now, it is not supposed to be the same. Or it's just a simple naming trick but it sounds better Originally it looked to have silver connectors, but it seems that they've found some gold

You can google the name as well as anybody, neither has been released yet. My guestimation is around 1500$ MSRP, maybe a bit less. It might not be that different to a 252S besides the built-in DAC, but we'll see. My other prediction is that the SR-007 is going to be updated next after that, because now it is the only headphone in the lineup to use the "outdated" wide PC-OCC cable. They have started using Hitachi copper in the L500 for instance, if that actually accounts for anything. Maybe it is simply what's become available now.

No, it will be called the SRM-D50

Stax-tube is now on How to baby your SR-009 earpads How to remove dirt from your headphones if you have a stand

It's not just a question of Mk1 or Mk2. If I counted them right in total there are three versions of each (plus the 'Mk2' vs 'A' paint scheme) But generally they all sound like SR-007s, so just get one for a good price which you can resell if you don't like it. The cable entry can fail on the Mk1, but it's not something that can't be fixed. And if you need replacement head- or earpads, they are only available in black color.

Yes, it is a custom pot, which I've found out the hard way, when I received a 717 which got damaged during transit... It is just the non-feedback for short (non-nfb to be precise, but whatever). The Sig is not modified in any way (but it needed a fair bit of cleaning and I put the new mesh inside the old pads to avoid touching those metal grilles) Well, after just 6 hours of runtime the 727 blew a fuse. But after replacing it, it seems to work fine without any issues (which is good, because there was only one piece in the shop), so not sure what caused that in the first place. But now I avoid using that cheap power distributor just to be safe and plug it directly to a different outlet, the DAC also acted funny a few times in the past, until I moved that to a different outlet. Maybe I will get something decent after I move everything.

The amp mod is now done and normal bias added in as well (thanks everyone for the contribution). It runs pretty hot for being quite big and solid-state, maybe I'll move the whole setup away from its current location. Well, shoot me and, but I think the Lambda Signatures actually sounded better in its stock NFB from, there was a bit of bass bloom, warmth and also sparkle to its midrange (but not peaky) that was actually quite pleasant. This is smooth but also thin and lean, not sure about the matching on this one. The SR-404s have improved, the bass is now more in control. If they were my own headphones I could potentially get used to them, but I don't think they are my cup of tea. Because... I just prefer the SR-Lambdas (what a surprise), they are just better balanced and the slight upper bass emphasis makes them fuller, but the 'unforced', yet very clear midrange is my favourite bit. Shame I couldn't try them unmodded, it may have been interesting. I feel they sound leaner and brighter than with the SRA3S. Those original Hitachi tubes just seem to have superb synergy with them, while the phones are able to provide plenty of 'magic' on their own, there was something particularly alluring with the midrange, which is not quite there here, it's just more 'plain'. I will say though that the SRA-3S wasn't as clear, spacious or detailed as the modded 727 (it's great to have the option of disabling the Alps pot and I also prefer balanced connection), so maybe it's a sound that will grow on me as time goes. I do remember that the old version KGSSHV sounded even brighter than this. Maybe a CCS modified SRM-T1(S) / SRM-007t with some nice tubes is able to sound more pleasant than this with the Lambdas while costing about the same or even less, but this is all just speculation based on one opinion at the other place. All I know is that the SR-007 Omega IIs (any variant) are definitely much better with the modded 727, overall it just a rather neat 'little' amp and at a good price point as long as one likes a more solid-state sound. Hopefully I can do a direct side-by-side with a stock demo unit to do this properly. It would be great just to really see how much difference is actually there, what differences I've ignored, and how much is just imagination.

Not yet, maybe next week. And there is not much point in running the Signature at normal bias, it won't sound very good, it is intended for the original SR-Lambda (I have three Lambdas right now) I meant that for my other dynamic amp, not the Stax amp. I will probably leave the gain as-is (for now), so that hopefully I will be able to do a direct A-B to a stock unit at the distributor to evaluate how much better it really is. As-is, it does a good job of taming down the etch in the Signature (not so much on the SR-404), it is just the lack of overall fullness, which is a bit of a shame, but it does its magic with symphonic music.

The more I listen to it, the more it reminds me of those movie scenes where everything is there, nice and tidy and looks good etc., and yet there is a suggestion that something is not quite right. That's how I can sort of describe this "semi-bland, semi-dynamic" sound. Sometimes I think it works quite ok actually, I prefer to preserve my hearing and keeping things at lower volumes (the bloom/lack of control becomes more apparent, when pushing it more) I already have some experience from a few years back, through a local friend, I had the pleasure of testing with a set of 009s it for a week or so, that seemed like a bit better match, but the mod still improved it. After the mod, it just gains back it solid-state-ness, more grip on the sound. It sounds very very similar to a 717 - slightly clearer, less diffused stage and a bit less bass bloom - and that was described as not far off the T8000 (by KG). Just wanted to know if there is any (theoretical) sonic benefit to raising the gain and feeding more voltage from the source side, that's all, with the feedback reinstated, the stability problems should be absent. I also have a dynamic amp (a CEC HD53N) with a gain switch and it certainly sounds a bit different when switching those modes and changing the input level, I think I like it with low gain and with 4V RMS input which is the maximum recommended one for XLR input and adjusting the rest on the amp. But with the Stax amps it always seems best when the attenuator is bypassed. Probably best to leave that gain as-is, the adjustment remains easier. Yes, although so far in my world every Lambda lived as a shadow under the original, except the latest ones, which I haven't heard yet. That's my assessment anyway. I prefer the bass quantity of the SR-404s but they lack the smoother, more musical voicing of the Lambda Signature (it is more like 'rough and ready'). The trouble with the latter is still the same - it just tilted a bit too much on the lightweight/bright side for me and the mids are close, but yet not quite there. So back again where I've started a few times already. That is, the NB Lambdas just seem to hit the nail on its head. And they weren't even designed to be like that, just a tamed down derivative of the NB Sigmas that accidentally managed to sound really good and less 'Lambda-like' in some aspects. Unfortunately, a recent factory visit article confirmed what was already known anyway, while they do acclaim older models, but they are not looking backwards (meanwhile, Leica makes a shitload of money re-making old lenses) The thought of the HE60 popped into my head many times, but I think besides the construction I would have similar 'too bloody bright' complaints to the Siggy, but this one I may seek into after all. So I think I will have to have the "full Arthrimus" mod done as well. And of course after all this hassle comes the point, when I realize that all this is nothing else, but a gateway drug to a world of DIY designs...

They should have priced it higher. As-is, not sure if it can redefine the landscape, if there are other products like it. As a more grown-up version of the Jr., maybe it will be the called the Graduate.

Well, I just received mine, it is the last version as well. I think with the Lambda Signature there is nothing that strikes out as particularly bad about it in stock form (it seems somewhat less synergistic with the SR-404, where it gives more of an impression of being rolled off, as Tyll wrote in his shootout). Although the more I listen to it, the more that "half blandness" starts to stand out. And it doesn't quite have the mid sweetness of the hybrid variants either, so I can see why people dislike it, it is neither this nor that. If I use it in bypass mode with XLR input anyway, is there any benefit or adding in the extra gain as well besides the feedback mod? In theory is it better to feed it more input level or less? Or it doesn't really matter?

Probably almost as painful as Ultrasone

I mainly watch EU prices and right now you can get it brand new for 1500 Euros and I see a used pair for sale for 1400 Euros. The confusing thing is always the version, since the earlier SZ3 is supposed to be the not so great one, therefore less desirable but that doesn't necessarily mean that you can't sell it for a similar price as other SR-007 versions. So I would probably price it around 1600$ and see what happens and maybe adjust it accordingly.

You can check this thread at the other place If that actually tells us anything, the hybrid / all-tube DIY electrostatic amps seem to change hands a lot less (and quicker) than the solid-state ones.

Sounds the same as before? (Those SRE-950S extension cables aren't that cheap)

It was a racing incident imho (just like that Webber-Vettel a few years earlier). I agree with him If we look back at the glory days, the great champions would have defended similarly vigorously (if not even more). But with the massive technical changes, the speed differences are magnified. A very entertaining race, but without all of these incidents, it would be pretty boring to be honest (and it could be on other circuits). The tyre regulations, DRS, halo graphics, etc. are all there to mask a bigger problem. The most surprising thing for me was Raikonnen crossing the line ahead of his teammate.

Did you just leak the new upgraded stator? Liking the size and the gold plated asymmetrical design

Btw, it is somewhat similar with Japanese sites where it is listed mostly at 497k yen but in a few other places it is 447k yen, that seems more in line with a modest increase over the SR-009 originals' 325k yen street price (why I can't just use the grammatically correct word SR-009s...silly naming) . And I don't believe that they will say "sorry, we found out it is 10% more", it may just be the rest getting a few extra markups on that. I saw it with the SR-L300 Limited as well, it was listed at a lower price (I guess underestimated demand) then it got raised back soon, but that's understandable, it is a limited edition after all. I am also confused by the site with the original leaks (and then it suddenly got removed, then back again...), the price seems decent for being inside the EU, "normal" dealers will probably list it around 5000 Euros. But if it turns out to be legit, at least I might be able to use it as a shrewd negotiating tool with the local dealer... It would actually be the first 100$+ headphone that I wouldn't buy second-hand. https://audioconcept.se/product/stax-sr-009s/ They say the UK price is going to hover around 4000 pounds.

Why is it 400$ more than with Woo Audio? (D10 is the same) I see no reason to rush it and buy one now, unless the price can be even better than that.

Will there be When there will be a HC group buy?

There were also some minor revisions to the SR-009 but it is unclear if these have any effect on this issues. Do what works for you, what you hear as better, don't sweat it. Sometimes I turn it on for a few hours, sometimes for a day. Sometimes I think I hear a difference, sometimes I don't. Again, same with the higher grade amp. Is it going to sound even better? Probably. Is it too much of a price to pay considering the improvements you get? Possibly. Can you invest in something else instead, like an SR-007 Mk2 SR-009 S (X Y Z) or something and upgrade the amp later on when it might be more noticeable? Absolutely.

The HF thread dedicated to the problem seems very quiet at the moment. But that doesn't mean it can't still just happen. About a month ago I still saw a SR-009 on auction in Japan with failed drivers sold 'as-is'... I think it went for 150,000 yen in the end. And according to the seller, the repair cost was quoted at 60,000 yen, not sure how accurate that is, seems lower than I expected for a new pair of matched drivers.