STAX SRS-X1000 EARSPEAKER SYSTEM $980 REVIEW

August 18, 2024 Comments Off on STAX SRS-X1000 EARSPEAKER SYSTEM $980 REVIEW

For many audiophiles, electrostatic systems represent the pinnacle of headphones. However, the price of entry is steep for most of the systems, leaving out a large group of potential listeners. The STAX engineers have created a system that costs less than a decent pair of headphones, thus placing ownership within reach of most of us. When I unpacked the SR-X1 earspeakers and the SRM-270S amplifier, my first impression was just how tiny and almost toy-like this system was. When I previously reviewed the STAX SR-L500 MK2, I had to clear my desk and re-arrange my gear to make space for the energizer. This time, nothing got moved. The SRM-270S amplifier sat on top of my Topping, with room left over for the Topping remote, and the SR-X1 earspeakers took up almost no airspace hanging from a headphone stand. It makes it possible to add an electrostatic system to an existing system. It gives someone not familiar with electrostatic headphones, a way to explore their unique sound with hardly any additional impact to valuable desk real estate.

Grado SR325x $295 Review

August 16, 2024 Comments Off on Grado SR325x $295 Review

https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/grado-sr325x

Comfort is another area where these headphones divide opinions. At 340g, they’re not heavy, and there’s enough in the way of adjustment to cope with a wide variety of heads. But not everyone will get along with the new foam earpads, or the on-ear design – which is becoming increasingly rare in a world dominated by noise-cancelling wireless cans. These are firmly wired headphones aimed at home use, so we would warn against taking these out on the move.

Even as long-term Grado users, it takes us a while to get used to them due to their thinness and overall shape, but it’s worth persisting. A few days of acclimatisation makes us more kindly disposed towards them, particularly as the new earpads cause a subtle shift to the balance of the SR325x’s sound, making them a less demanding listen.

We compare the two types of earpads and it becomes clear that the headphones sound smoother and more authoritative in the bass with the new design. We try the new pads on previous generations of the SR325s (we have both the older ‘e’ and even older ‘i’ versions on hand) and in each case the sonic changes are consistent; a more direct presentation with greater top-end refinement and improved low-end solidity.

Drop + Grell OAE1 Review

August 16, 2024 Comments Off on Drop + Grell OAE1 Review

Warwick Bravura Electrostatic Headphones Review

August 6, 2024 Comments Off on Warwick Bravura Electrostatic Headphones Review

Auribus Acoustics Sierra Open Back  Review

July 31, 2024 Comments Off on Auribus Acoustics Sierra Open Back  Review

New HiFiMan Susvara $8,000 Review

July 24, 2024 Comments Off on New HiFiMan Susvara $8,000 Review

Final D7000 Headphones Review

July 23, 2024 Comments Off on Final D7000 Headphones Review

Meze Audio Liric II Headphones Review

July 6, 2024 Comments Off on Meze Audio Liric II Headphones Review

The emphasis in the low end is in the mid bass region with a focus around 150Hz and a decline on either side of that peak. That emphasis combined with the elevated treble creates a moderately V-shaped tuning that is a bit different than the original.  

The mid bass emphasis also helps add a bit of warmth and weight giving the Liric II more body than the original. Mid bass textures are good with plenty of detail and more than enough speed; the Liric II sounds clearer and more impactful overall in this area.

Final Audio Reveals New D7000 Planar-Magnetic Headphones $3499 Review

June 12, 2024 Comments Off on Final Audio Reveals New D7000 Planar-Magnetic Headphones $3499 Review

The D7000 is designed to strike a balance between the detailed highs of planar-magnetic drivers and the dynamic lows typically found in other headphone types. Listeners should expect clear vocals, nuanced strings, and a smooth overall sound. Constructed from lightweight aluminum-magnesium alloy, the D7000 offers both durability and an aesthetically pleasing design.

HiFiMAN’s Mini Shangri-La Electrostatic Headphone System is Only $2,300?

June 8, 2024 Comments Off on HiFiMAN’s Mini Shangri-La Electrostatic Headphone System is Only $2,300?

The matching all solid state amplifier eschews the transformer that commonplace models use to boost low voltage output but invariably distorts details and sound quality as a whole. Instead, the Mini Shangri-La voltage is directly sent from the power output transistors for a path that is clean and uncluttered.
Rounding out the amplifier is a linear power supply and a discrete filter system for further filtering of distortion and other anomalies, and a fully balanced design in both the input and output stages.

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