The Headcase Stax thread

[DefQon]

When i asked spritzer how to change it as i my headband is flaking but still in perfect shape he said carefully unclip it. I tried and used a bit of force and would not budge. I didn't try further in case I break it by unnecessary force.

[Cucera]

Tyll made a second measurement of the 009 because Spritzer gave him a KGSS to use as a reference, not because he had two different 009s. The measurements are also almost identical.

]

I am well aware why Tyll did this measurement. But I don't think that the KGSS can make a 5 dB difference between 7-9KHz. The second one will definitely be less bright.

The two had different SN maybe such variation within a lot is not unusual. Should also explain the vastly different impressions.

I am sure Birger can shed some light.

[spritzer]

We have no way of knowing when Stax did the change but no way the amp is responsible for that change.  Unit to unit variation could be a part of this but no way it's the sold reason. 

 

Just received an SR-Gamma Pro. And I wonder how to change the headpad, since its a bit stiff, stiffer than today's pads and also plastic-framed vintage pads.

There aren't any screws on the mounting parts, only plastic chips...and I don't want to break anything. 

Did anyone already performed this ?

Thanks.

 

Ali

 

Two ways to do this, first unclip the two sections and they fall apart.  Almost impossible to and shows that Stax never thought this stuff would be taken apart. 

 

The way that actually works is to unscrew the fork and remove it, then slowly pull the pieces off the arc while making sure the brake inside doesn't get caught.  Hard to get it back together though... 

[Ali-Pacha]

Thank you Birgir. Good idea to unmount the fork, but since the Don himself says it's tricky...I think I'll keep it that way 

The headpad is not worn nor stretched, just a bit twisted, probably bad storage. I suppose I just have to wear it / let it rest on a good shaped stand to get something a bit more good looking.

 

BTW, very pleasant set of cans. SR-5 / SR-X family sound without any doubt, but more kick and more extension

 

Ali

Edited November 10, 2014 by Ali-Pacha

[nikongod]

Gamma pro FTMFW. 

Seriously, one of the most under appreciated STAX. 

 

I would just live with however they are subtly fucked up rather than risk damaging them worse. 

[Ali-Pacha]

I was especially looking for this rarity, even if they aren't in the same unobtainium league as SR-X/mk3 pro sibling. And the price was a real steal.

You're right, I'll keep them that way 

 

Ali

[Torpedo]

I like my Gamma Pro, but they're a bit uncomfortable. Sound is smooth, clean and pretty balanced, specially considering their current price. I got mine as a present from a friend I still have to find the courage to remove the foam as the Don advised. Kind of scared of screwing off something.

[spritzer]

One way to fix those headpads is to submerge them in water.  It is a good idea to clean the top of the headpad too as what ever Stax used them dries out and leaves this nice black residue everywhere. 

[Ali-Pacha]

Back or front ? Back foam (yellow one + thin black grid) is in perfect shape on mine, no more front foam tough...I'll cut in some HD600 foam disc one day or another to avoid too much skin oil on plastic inner frame.

BTW, headpad is almost completely in good shape, simply using it 

 

Ali

Edited November 10, 2014 by Ali-Pacha

[TMoney]

RE: new version of the 009s.

 

I've noticed at meets the earpads on some of the newer pairs of 009s are different from my pair. My pair was the first one Tyll measured (SZ9-1207).

[GeorgeP]

I noticed different earpads on the newer ones too - but thought they weren't as nice as the earlier ones. Not sure if they make a difference as the dimensions appear to be the same.

[spritzer]

My earpads have already been modified, stuffed some foam under them at the back for a better angle. 

[Tachikoma]

http://page10.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/m95216502

 

Birgir, would you mind getting one of these and let us know whether its any good? It could be a Woo WES at half the price (at worst), but I do wonder how good this guy's amps are as he's selling some really interesting DHT amplifiers as well (845, 45 etc).

[nopants]

Those DHT amplifier prices are pretty cheap, I would be wary. Those prices would only cover the cost of output transformers in certain cases

[kevin gilmore]

there is no way that is a T2. for a start the transformer is way to small

and no way to stuff all those parts in a box that size

[DefQon]

Those amp's have been on YJ for a long time now, Spritzer mentioned in the old Stax thread on shit-fi that they are based on the older Stax tube designs. 

[Tachikoma]

Yeah, they have, but with a complete dearth of information (in English) about these amps, it would be nice if someone knowledgable would take a closer look at them.

 

I'd try my luck with one of those 45 headphone amps if I had a dynamic setup, 100% positive feedback on YJ should mean something.

 

It seems that this is the "Hatt audio lab" YJ account, and the company also makes and sells output transformers, which may account for the low prices. Also I think the tubes aren't included in some of the amps.

Edited November 11, 2014 by Tachikoma

[nopants]

just recabled my 007s with a black cable, I think the sound is too dark now. It still squeals a bit, I might need to clean up the solder joints. I get the shakes when trying to reflow the solder haha

 

btw I have SN70111, but the teflon/resin/whatever housing the driver is one single piece. I was under the impression that the earlier models have some sort of resin piece + 2 screws that holds the cable entry in place?

 

Also has the carbon fiber box

Edited November 11, 2014 by nopants

[Dusty Chalk]

just recabled my 007s with a black cable, I think the sound is too dark now.

There's your problem right there.

[Ali-Pacha]

When I set my amp with the AC cable from my raclette device, mids are way more fatty, indeed.

 

Ali

Edited November 11, 2014 by Ali-Pacha

[nopants]

There's your problem right there.

but the brown cable makes it sound so muddy

[spritzer]

That "T2" amp has either a choke or a transformer on the output.  Think WES in quality...

 

I have better things to waste money on. 

 

just recabled my 007s with a black cable, I think the sound is too dark now. It still squeals a bit, I might need to clean up the solder joints. I get the shakes when trying to reflow the solder haha

 

btw I have SN70111, but the teflon/resin/whatever housing the driver is one single piece. I was under the impression that the earlier models have some sort of resin piece + 2 screws that holds the cable entry in place?

 

Also has the carbon fiber box

 

It probably a fit issue that's the core reason behind the change in sound signature. 

 

The first units have a solid resin ring below the earpads so the cable entry is obscured.

Edited November 11, 2014 by spritzer

[Tachikoma]

To be fair, so does FrankCooter's amp... granted the EL34 isn't an 845. At least this one has a chance of being decent since they can wind their own transformers.

[luvdunhill]

I have better things to waste money on.

.

Wait, there's a new Cavalli amp?

[spritzer]

Just because somebody is winding their own transformers doesn't mean they have any clue how to make something so niche as an electrostatic output transformer. 

 

Wait, there's a new Cavalli amp?

 

Indeed the LLmk2T, a tube unit but also not.     Hello tube Exstata with a totally unnecessary SS output stage.