Are there speakers after Stax?


I just got a chance to listen to my new Stax SRS-4040
Signature System II, and it blows away any speakers I have ever heard. It has its own dedicated, direct-drive tube amp (006t) and the full-range electrostatic drivers use a diaphram that is actually lighter than air.

The coherency and balance is outstanding, as is the transient response. But the delivery of fine, inner nuances and minute details is simply mind boggling. No speaker I have heard even comes close to what these baby's can deliver -- and this without highlighting any particular segment of the audible frequency spectrum. The bass is ultra quick and smooth, the midrange, beyond compare, and the high frequencies the most delicate and detailed that I have ever heard.

I may find it difficult to go back to speakers after hearing what this system can do. When you don't have to deal with room reflections, bass anomalies, and controlling vibrations/acoustic feedback, not only is there a true performance advantage, but the price/performance ratio is much better.

I know that some 'philes shun cans, but after my session last night, I feel these folks are missing the boat.

In a couple of months I'll be moving out of state and looking to buy new reference speakers for my new home. As fine and detailed as my InnerSound Mk-II speakers were, the Stax SRS-4040 system seems to be an order of magnitude better. I really don't think there are any speakers that can compete at this level, but I'm open to suggestions. Does anyone else feel this way???
plato

Showing 4 responses by plato

Hey, wait a minute Ivanj. The Jecklin Floats are not only the ugliest headphones I've ever seen, but they were designed by a fellow named "Jurk". In view of that, the phones must sound very good -- for the company to have stayed in business so long. :)
TWL, your points are well taken and I believe that I will ultimately have both speaker- and headphone-based reference sysetms; and will be able to enjoy each for what they do best.

A while back, I also owned the SRA-12S, but with the original Lambda phones (I know the Sigmas are somewhat different sounding). For me, the original Lambdas lacked bass and were overly bright with a lot of material. These new 404s are better balanced, i.e., not as hyped-up in the treble and have MUCH better bass extension and articulation. I think you'd be surprised at the improvement if you have a chance to use them in your system.

Megasam, I can appreciate your sentiments, and I agree that headphones cannot physically vibrate your body the way that speakers with bass extension and slam can. However, the 404s do have their diaphrams angled to the ear in such a way that they provide expansive soundstaging effects and even a sense of depth and layering. Athough the soundstage is a little different than what you get from speakers, it is interesting and aurally satisfying in that regard, at least to me. And it's nice to finally hear all the nuances and fine details that get "swept under the carpet" with speakers. It does add depth and meaning to the musical program...
Kirk,

Sound Lab does make some great-sounding electrostats, but they are quite large and expensive. They are a possibility, but I'll have to wait and see how large my new listening room will be.
Duke,

Thanks again for your comments. I'm sure my new audio room will be larger than 12 x 12, or I won't be buying that house. :) I may check in with you once I am settled.

Wmcmanusm, thanks for your information as well. I may go to the Omegas eventually, but as you noted, they are quite expensive. The 4040 system seems to do what I like, so I'll probably enjoy it for a while. If I find someone in my area (central NJ, soon to be Tucson, AZ) who owns the Omegas and/or the 007t, I'll be sure to arrange an audition.

This is the first time I've heard about the AKG-1000. From what I've read so far, they use dynamic drivers, not electrostatic. Also, they are not supposed to sound their best with the stock cable and you need a complete high-end system, from source to amp, to use them. Still, their open-air design that allows interchannel crosstalk (like speakers) is intriguing and I will have to check them out sometime.

Happy Listening!