Electrostatic headphone amplifier recommendation


Finding a reasonably priced electrostatic headphone amp is proving harder than I thought.  It seems like everyone likes the blue Hawaii  for my stax 'phones (SR 009) but at $6k!  Yikes!  I'm hearing mixed things about Staxs own amps, that they can be a little noisy.  Looking to spend less than $2500 ( used).  

russellrcncom

If you are looking for a venue for serious comparison, you'll find it at a hi-end stereo show. Obviously, it may be a while before one actually happens but generally there are most manufacturers of both headphones and driver units. They are worth waiting for if you are planning to make an expensive purchase (even $2500).

Can anyone share their experience with the LSA's? Walter is so skilled at copywriting that I'm simply skeptical. But perhaps it's an excellent deal for the price.

To: russellrcncom

True Blue Hawaii is expensive at $6K but the Stax/Blue Hawaii combo is a bargain compared to Sennheiser Odyssey or HiFiMan Shangri La which are order of magnitude pricier. I have doubts whether they're better sounding. The Stax009s/Blue Hawaii is killer with Stax 009s airier than Stax 009. The 009 is great but the s gets you over the top.

I recently got a KGSS amp for the Stax 009 which replaced a Stax 007tii.  The KGSS is definitely much better than the 007tii.  More dynamics and better bass.  There are many versions of KGSS and you should read up on it at headfi.org.  I paid $2200 for the KGSS.  
Rich
I use my Stax SR L700 ($1500) with a Stax SRM 006s driver ($1300) using NOS RCA clear top tubes, and get great results.

I used to own a Stax SR 009 headphone, but that was too overly detailed, and "bright " for my tastes.

I have heard very expensive driver amps that are not any better.