Stax at Walrus

Stax

Stax SRS-2170 system new!

The SRS-2170 is the new affordable electrostatic system comprising the SRM-252S energiser and the SR-207 headset. The energiser is DC coupled and has adequate sensitivity to drive direct from a line-level component such as a CD/digital audio player or phono amplifier. A set of loop-through sockets is provided to make it easy to feed another amplifier if wished.

The headset has the new generation Stax electrostatic drive units which are thinner and lighter than previously, and mounted in a more rigid support. The new membrane is also very inert making it stable over a wider temperature and humidity range than previously.

More info and specs can be found on the Stax website - please click the image below.

Stax SRS-3170 system new!

The replacement for the mid-range 3050 II system, the 3170 comprises of the SRM-323S energiser with the SR-307 headset, which uses the new generation Stax electrostatic drivers for an even more transparent sound and greater stability to temperature and humidity changes. The energiser is a considerable step up from the SRM-252S used in the 2170 system, and has simultaneously more maximum output and a more effortless sound.

More info and specs can be found on the Stax website - please click the image below.

Stax SRS-4170 system new!

The SRS-4170 is a combination of the SRM-006tS energiser with the new SR-407 Signature headset. The energiser is a true balanced design which has an XLR balanced input plus two phono single ended inputs selectable from the front panel making it possible to select source without the need for a separate preamplifier. The volume control is a genuine 4-gang balanced design and amplification is by matched FETS in the input stage and 6FQ7 valves in the output stage.

More info and specs can be found on the Stax website - please click the image below.

Stax 007 Omega Reference System II

I'm not spending time describing the Omega Reference system because it's simply the most awesome system Stax has ever built, and quite possibly the best headset in existence!

The SRM-007t II energiser uses four 6FQ7 valves and is, like the SRM-006, available at extra cost with "Kimik" approved mods which upgrade the valves, add dampers, and features a 5 day bias and balance setup period.

The SR-007 headset is different to any other Stax headset. Apart from neutrality and speed of transient response, the frequency range, especially the bass extension, is unmatched.

We have these on demo at present, but this is subject to change, so please 'phone or email for the latest information.

Discontinued models below for information only

Stax 2050 II system (discontinued)

The 2050 II system consists of the SRM-252 II energiser together with the SR-202 headset and is the "entry level" full size electrostatic system (as opposed to the portable systems). Being so-called "entry level" doesn't imply any lack of quality, as this system is still better than most non-electrostatic 'phones of the same or greater price.

The energiser is a miniature Class-A amplifier with volume control which can be driven from any line level source (CD, phono amp, tuner etc) and also provides the high bias voltage for the headset. All modern Stax headsets are to the Stax "Pro" standard (which defines their bias voltage requirements and unique connection plug) and as such can be freely interchanged between the various energisers. So, it's quite possible to get a more expensive Stax system in the future and retain your starter headset for "dual" listening.

The sound of a Stax system is very difficult to describe if you've not experienced it, as it's essentially neutral and equal to the best loudspeaker systems. Because the headset diaphragms are so light without the coil required on normal "dynamic" headphones, transient response is superb, lending particular realism to percussive instruments. Bass response is another aspect superior to normal 'phones, being deep and very even.

Unlike some competing products, Stax is supported by spares availability, at a reasonable price, which extends to models many years old, so your investment ought to be protected in the future - always nice to know! Also, in the (very unlikely) event of repairs being neccessary, Stax service in the UK is undertaken by an agent who has many years experience of the brand - another bonus.

Such is its popularity, we almost always have the 2050 system available for demo in our shop, but it's important to 'phone or email in advance, please.

Stax 3050 II system (discontinued)

The 3050 II "Classic" system consists of the SRM-323 II energiser and SR-303 headset. Incidentally, both of these are available separately too, and buying as a system represents a substantial savings over individual prices.

The energiser in particular is a considerable step up from the SRM-252 II supplied with the "entry level" 2050 II system. It features an FET input stage and a DC coupled circuit, together with a larger power supply. The dynamic range is greater, yet the sound is also a touch smoother. Maximum output is, subjectively at least, higher, suiting rock and orchestral music alike!

Two outputs are provided, both for Stax "Pro" headsets. Older "non-Pro" spec headsets will not work with this unit, as is the case with all modern Stax energisers. The large volume control is divided into sections which allows for balance adjustment.

We do not currently have the 3050 II system on demo, but it's worth a quick phone call or email to check. This doesn't reflect our opinion of the excellent 3050 II system, but is merely budgetary, and liable to change!

Stax 4040 II system (discontinued)

The 4040 II system is the most affordable Stax "top end" system and features the SRM-006t II valve energiser and SR-404 headset. It is, rightly, one of Stax' most popular systems after the 2050 II "entry level" system, as it provides a considerable taste of what the top Omega system is capable of at a huge savings!

The SRM-006t II energiser in particular is a very sophisticated unit. Apart from the FET input stage, 6FQ7 valve output stage, and balanced configuration, the unit features 2 phono inputs and 1 XLR balanced input, all switchable from the front panel, allowing the unit to replace a normal preamp in some situations.

The energiser is also available in "Kimik" tweaked form at slightly greater cost. This is an "approved" mod carried out by the UK agent and comprises selected cryogenically treated 6FQ7 tubes with 24k gold plated pins plus EAT tube dampers. Bias and balance adjustments are also performed over a 5 day period for optimum performance.

The 4040 II system (non-Kimik) is normally available for demo, please 'phone or email first.