Hi,
Having to my collection now a long-awaited new member name Stax SR-009 has happened, I want to be a short review of my first impressions after a three-hour hearing in comparison to my previous Stax reference headphones Stax Lambda Signature of 1989 and the new here AKG K812 per portray. Note: This is purely my subjective impressions a Klasifizierung the models mentioned everyone should make for themselves. Same listening does Klugt! Setup: Both Staxe run on modified SRM-T1S tube amp after modification with now two JJ ECC99 tubes is fitted and thus about the model SRM-600 Limited Edition, however, corresponds with higher basic signal amplification. The AKG K812 Pro runs on the 100 . ohm jack of BMC Pure Dacs players for both systems is a Mac Mini with Amarra Hifi software which is connected via USB to the Pure Dac. Music Used: Mainly from the pop / Songwriter area such as Katie Melua, Norah Jones, Birdy, Maria Mena, Madonna, Yello, Dire Straits and to the somewhat harder pace Jamiroquai. processing / comfort: The processing of the AKG K812 Pro and Stax SR-009 is beyond any doubt. Both convey an impression of high quality and visually they make in my eyes make something. The Lambda Signature However, on the other hand looks like a plastic toy, this Lambda design very robust and holds even in this model at least for 25 years! Comfort for me on all three models very well, I see a slight advantage for the AKG K812 Pro. spatiality / stage: Here the Signature scores closely followed by the K812. The SR-009 provides in comparison to the other two models, the smallest spatial reproduction and Bühenbreite. bass response: The bass response, the SR-009, Stax tuck in atypical quite beautiful and gives this clean again to the deep bass range is the K812 the SR-009 slightly inferior in the low bass range seems still pack on a shovel of K812. The Signature even has a very good bass but must admit defeat both with respect to quantity and quality. treble reproduction: Clearly, the domain of the SR-009 nice clean high-frequency reproduction with never annoying share absolutely relaxed, you could also say "ironed out". In contrast, the K812 looks a bit ausleuchtender in the high range but tends also in corresponding receptacles for easy focus. The Signature tops these illumination again and look brighter but unfortunately also with a penchant for even sharper play, however this is in my ears still far below the nerve factor potential of a Beyerdynamic T1 or Sennheiser HD-800 in low shots. Analytics: Here seems the K812 the to be followed by all analytischste Signature. The SR-009 is something "hi" moderate designed one could also say schönfärbender, like a Sennheiser HD 800th Tone / Naturalness: can Clearly the one enchant in my subjective perception of K812 with beautiful timbres both Staxe so in this type not deliver. resolution: Since the K812 seems to cheat a little by a treble boost in direct comparison is the resolution of an SR 009 higher and also a signature is at approximately the same level of K812. Instrumentenseparierung / audibility: point for the K812, it can this differentiation rather than the two Staxe. Where this most highly-driven differentiation sometimes too much can the be good, especially for complex pieces. centers: Unfortunately, these are found out at the BMC Pure Dac with the K812 back a bit as I did in a number of comparisons with other amps. Thus, of course, in comparison to the two Staxen. To quality, has here the SR-009 in the lead, followed by K812 and Signature in which the centers appear to be slightly raised. musicality: For me, currently a strength of the K812 to the music brings me closer as do the two Staxe. One enjoys formally at a good recording but the individual notes also suffers with a bad recording. The SR-009 acts here rather dignified and set without an emotionally to drive in one direction or another. The Signature plays more direct than the SR-009 and thus gives sometimes a little more emotion than the great Stax. brief: The SR-009 is in my ears technically the best headphones, there are on the market, nothing is too rest he seems everywhere to act confidently. I wanted a little more space at the SR-009 but this may also be owed by the not yet optimal driving the SRM-T1S. Experience has shown that the potential is up yes certainly present with corresponding DIY Amps. The K812 has a higher "fun" factor and can take an emotionally positive or negative rather when listening to music and offers a beautiful spatial reproduction. It can also permanently to "complex" work for some and is certainly more for analytically-inspired listeners as eg I am. The Signature is distinguished above all by its open and airy style of play, probably the thinnest to date at Stax built-up film from 1 to is owed. In the remaining points but he has to admit defeat to the two counterparties. To express the whole time ironically in the car Language: The SR-009 corresponds to a Bentley, a Ferrari and the K812 Signature of a solid BMW Premium class car. With the Bentley (SR-009), one can very easily a winding road uphill drive with enough power reserves at all times and even when times comes a pothole stick it away well. With the Ferrari (K812), this is also where one out when accelerating in bends ever can befall an adrenaline rush for a pothole but also hurts. The BMW (Signature) leaves something pulling power while out accelerate miss out curves, you can feel bumps a little more than the Bentley creates the ride but overall in a pleasant way. Which way is it now decides when driving or listening to music is all up to you. I'll probably an everyday BMW, need a luxurious Bentley and a Ferrari cover all possible areas of listening to music. Greetings! Sören
