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REVIEW: Stax SRS-2020 Basic II System Headphones

68.110.210.81


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Model: SRS-2020 Basic II System
Category: Headphones
Suggested Retail Price: $825
Description: Electrostatic headphone with dedicated amplifier
Manufacturer URL: Stax
Manufacturer URL: Stax

Review by rkeman ( A ) on September 11, 2004 at 19:05:44
IP Address: 68.110.210.81
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for the SRS-2020 Basic II System


The Stax SRS-2020 Basic II System consists of an electrostatic headphone and dedicated amplifier. The headphone is a decendant of the Stax Lambda system of years past and shares a similar physical appearance and driver design. The small amplifier has a volume control. a set of unbalanced (RCA jacks) inputs and utilizes a "wall wort" power supply. Larger solid state and tube amplifiers are available should the upgrade bug bite. The headphones themselves are an on-the-ear design with open backs, leather-like earpads and are adjustable for a variety of listeners. Glasses are no problem with the Stax phones and long-term comfort is reasonably good.

So how does the Stax Basic II System sound? Open, transparent and clean are the terms that best descibe the presentation with these headphones. The frequency balance is smooth from bottom to top. The bass is clearly articulated without any of the chestiness so often noticable with headphones. Imaging is somewhat less "in the head" than with many of the competitors, but these are still headphones, so a deep, wide soundstage is not in the cards. The amplifier has a very low noise floor and can produce far higher sound pressure levels from the headphones than I can tolerate.

Comparisons to the Grado SR-225 and Grado RA-1 headphone amplifier clearly point out a number of differences. The Grado combination provides a warmer tonal balance and is very musical, but not as true to the source material. If I could have only one, it would be the Stax. This is the third Stax headphone I have used (SR-34 in the '80s and SR-Gamma in the mid '90s) and the Basic II System is the best by a considerable margin. Highly rcommended for those looking for a fine headphone.


Product Weakness: Limited availability makes auditioning difficult.
Not inexpensive.
Product Strengths: Exceptional clarity and neutral tonal balance.
Amplification is included.


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: Ayre V-3
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): None
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Benchmark DAC-1, Theta Data CD transport, Pioneer Elite DV-45A DVD player, Motorola digital cable converter
Speakers: SEAS Thor
Cables/Interconnects: DIY and Vampire Wire
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Classical and pop
Room Size (LxWxH): 22 x 14 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments: Normal furnishings
Time Period/Length of Audition: 4 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): None
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: Stax SRS-2020 Basic II System Headphones - rkeman 19:05:44 09/11/04 ( 1)