Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Visually stunning and premium look with a blend of intricate metal design and lush soft leather
- Low mass driver designed to be very rigid to prevent distortion
- Sounds neutral overall
- Fantastic clarity and nuance to balance out the raw power
- Very comfortable to wear with an excellent balance of both lateral and vertical pressure
Product Considerations
- Not the most neutral-sounding headphone
- Soundstage is not very wide
- Not quite as nice as the Susvara at pointing out bad recordings or signal chain issues
- At 490g, relatively heavy
- Unbalanced cable is too short
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Focal Utopia OG: Warmer, a little bit smoother, and a little bit more forgiving
- Vs HIFIMAN Susvara: Just behind the Susvara in terms of sounding real
Takeaway: The Focal Utopia 2022 is a flagship headphone that is well-built, comfortable, and sounds very pleasing. The Utopia 2022 provides an amazing listening experience with great transparency, making it easy to pair with different sources and amps.
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Manufacturer details
- Product type: Open-back headphones
- Loudspeakers: 15/8" (40mm) pure Beryllium 'M'-shaped dome
- Frequency response (+/- 3dB): 5 Hz – 23 kHz
- Harmonic distortion rate: <0.2 % @ 1 kHz / 100 dB SPL
- Impedance: 80 Ω
- Maximum SPL (peak@1m): 104 dB SPL
- Weight: 490 g / 1.08 lb
- Carrying case depth: 120 mm / 4.75 in
- Carrying case height: 250 mm / 9.87 in
- Carrying case width: 240 mm / 9.5 in
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Focal monitors are noted for their "mid-forward" sound, guiding users toward balanced mixes, particularly in the midrange frequencies, which aids in crucial EQ and dynamics decisions.
- They integrate an inverted dome tweeter crafted from Aluminum/Magnesium or Beryllium, optimizing high-frequency dispersion and minimizing distortion through back wave absorption.
- Focal frequently employs flax or "W" composite sandwich cones in their mid-bass drivers, providing a lightweight yet rigid diaphragm construction that delivers exceptional definition and controlled bass.
Select products
Theva
- Positioning: The entry-level series in Focal's high-fidelity lineup.
- Description: Features Focal's signature technologies like the TNF tweeter for clear treble. Compared to the Aria Evo X, offers a more budget-friendly option with simpler cabinet designs. While it lacks the advanced materials found in the Kanta series, still provides a solid performance for its price range, suitable for basic home audio setups.
Aria Evo X
- Positioning: Sits in the mid-range of Focal's lineup, offering a balance between performance and affordability.
- Description: Features flax cone technology, providing natural sound and excellent dynamics. More refined than Theva, offering better build quality and soundstage.
Kanta
- Positioning: A premium series, offering advanced technology and design.
- Description: Known for their innovative design and use of materials like the Flax sandwich cone and Beryllium tweeter, delivering precise and detailed sound. They offer a more sophisticated sound profile than Aria Evo X, with enhanced clarity and warmth.
Sopra
- Positioning: A high-end series, just below the flagship Utopia line, focusing on compactness and performance.
- Description: Excels in sound transparency and precision, featuring technologies like the Infinite Horn Loading system for improved treble. They offer a richer harmonic experience than Kanta.
Utopia III Evo
- Positioning: Focal's flagship series, representing the pinnacle of their speaker technology.
- Description: Renowned for their exceptional sound quality and luxurious design, incorporating technologies like the Beryllium tweeter and W composite sandwich cone. They surpass Sopra in every aspect, offering groundbreaking soundstage and detail, ideal for large dedicated listening rooms and those with no budget constraints.
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Product Strengths
- Outstanding sound quality with clarity, texture, and detail
- Natural sound provides a you-are-there presence
- Improved microdynamics make them quick and fast
- Easier to drive than the original Susvara due to a changed metal trace on the diaphragm
- Very comfortable, with good weight distribution
- Driver is exposed, making it vulnerable to damage
Product Considerations
- Can be unforgiving on poor recordings
- Lacks soundstage depth and layering compared to some competitors
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Mesa Elite: The Mesa Elite offers greater bass weight and depth in the soundstage
- Vs Audeze LCD-5: The LCD-5 provides more insight into the music, but the Susvara Unveiled excels in reproducing the attack and energy of plucked strings and in bass reproduction
- Vs Focal Utopia 2022: The Utopia balances everything well—tonality, punch, detail, staging—however both have a little edginess from the treble
- Vs HiFiMan HE1000 Unveiled: The HE1000 is brighter and seems a little faster and more detailed, but the Susvara Unveiled is smoother
- Vs Original Susvara: The Unveiled model is more agile and lively, with added energy, clarity, and upper-treble extension, and the original is more laid back
Takeaway: The Susvara Unveiled provides detail and resolution that one has likely never heard before, making them astonishing headphones. If the priority is a reference-style tuning for orchestral music with excellent balance, scale, and tonal response, these headphones can provide a massive sonic treat.
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Evolution to "MLER-3"
At the heart of the SR-X9000 lies the revolutionary MLER-3 electrode. Evolved from its predecessor found in the SR-009S, this four-layer electrode combines etched and metal-mesh layers through advanced diffusion junction technology. This enhancement not only enables the production of larger, round-shaped metal-mesh electrodes but also elevates sound transparency and minimizes vibration-induced distortion, setting a new standard for clarity and responsiveness.
Passion for metal-mesh
The round shaped metal-mesh which was installed in SR-X reduced air resistance and the effect of reflection. This increased the sound transparency. So, metal-mesh is the ideal material of fixed electrodes. However, bigger and thinner metal mesh electrodes are poor in rigidity and may make sound unclear. This is the reason why it was too hard to install metal mesh electrodes in STAX products. In 1990s, SR-Ω, in which the metal mesh electrode is installed, was developed. Because the metal mesh electrode was made bigger for this model, it had to be reinforced with an adhesive by hand. This is a very high precision work. So, it was extremely difficult to manufacture metal mesh electrodes for SR-Ω. The stable mass production could not be realized. This is the reason why SR-Ω was sold in very small quantities in spite of its high sound quality.
The diaphragm increases 20% in size compared with the previous flagship model
The SR-X9000 showcases an enlarged diaphragm, 20% larger than its forebear, the SR-009S. Crafted from an ultra-thin, super-engineered plastic film, this diaphragm achieves a near-weightless state, ensuring swift transient response and unparalleled linearity across all frequencies. The result is an expansive sound field that reveals the finest details in your music.
The enclosure which is made of tough machined aluminum eliminates unnecessary vibrations
Encasing these advanced components is a robust machined aluminum enclosure. This meticulously designed structure secures the sound unit in place, eliminating extraneous vibrations and ensuring a pure, undistorted auditory experience. The innovative tilt guard mesh further refines sound delivery, its unique arrangement optimizing reflection angles to ensure crystal-clear, uncolored sound.
The tilt guard mesh design
Complementing the structural advances, the SR-X9000 earspeakers boast a stainless-steel arc assembly, equipped with a 9-step adjustment system for a precise and comfortable fit. Complemented by a stabilizer to dampen residual vibrations and genuine leather head pads and ear pads, these earspeakers promise unparalleled comfort for extended listening sessions.
The stainless-steel arc assembly with 9 steps adjusting click system
Connectivity is equally considered, with STAX's bespoke low-capacity, wide hybrid cable employing ultra-pure 6NCu annealed copper and silver-plated wires. This configuration, coupled with replaceable cable options, ensures not just exceptional sound transmission but also durability and adaptability to personal listening preferences.
The comfortably fitting ear pads
The material of the ear pads is genuine leather (sheep skin) which has excellent breathability and softness. Genuine leather makes the earspeakers to closely fit your ears for a long time and you can fully enjoy the high-quality bass and vivid sound. This also reduces fatigue and you can comfortably listen to the music for a long time.
STAX original low-capacity wide hybrid cable made of 6NCu ultra-pure annealed copper wire and silver-plated annealed copper wire
The material of the core cable is 6NCu ultra-pure annealed copper wire (φ0.14×3). The material of the around core cable is silver plated annealed copper wire (φ0.08×９). STAX original wide parallel 6-strand cable is used.
Replaceable cables
Connectivity is equally considered, with STAX's bespoke low-capacity, wide hybrid cable employing ultra-pure 6NCu annealed copper and silver-plated wires. This configuration, coupled with replaceable cable options, ensures not just exceptional sound transmission but also durability and adaptability to personal listening preferences.
The storage case made of "paulownia wood"
Finally, the SR-X9000 is presented in an exquisite paulownia wood storage case, chosen for its thermal and humidity regulation properties. This case not only protects but also enhances the longevity and performance of these exceptional earspeakers. Embrace the heritage and experience the future of audio with the STAX SR-X9000 earspeakers, where the legacy of sound meets the pinnacle of auditory craftsmanship.
Product Strengths
- Astoundingly resolving, pulling out a lot of detail from the music signal
- Very light unit made with nice materials and a comfortable design
- Detachable cables with thick pins, spaced far apart to prevent damage and shocks
- The best electrostatic that Stax has made, a culmination of their experience
- Purity, tonal neutrality, rhythmic ease and resolve that reviewers have not previously experienced with headphones
Product Considerations
- Head size adjustment could be more solid, and it slides on the head a bit
- Bright tonality and forward resolution can be fatiguing after long listens
- Lacks bass punch or slam, it's there but not powerful in rumble or physicality
- The bass region on these headphones is a hit and miss
- Underwhelming soundstage
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs HIFIMAN Shangri-La Jr: The Shangri-La Jr is a little warmer but not as detailed, nor as holographic in its spatial presentation
- Vs Susvara: Susvara has more warmth and fullness, a more natural timbre, and more sub-bass rumble and slam, whereas the SR-X9000 can come across as a little bit dry at times
- Vs SR-009S: SR-X9000 smoother, richer, and had better micro-details, while the 009S seemed a tad more dynamic and brighter
- Vs Meze Elite: SR-X9000 is the clear winner on soundstage size, speed, transient response, instrument texture and realism, however, the Elite was the winner when it comes to density, body, dynamics, and bass
Takeaway: The SR-X9000 is the most complete and competent Stax headphone, its resolution is stunning, and its spatial presentation is very holographic. It is worthy of being in that top-of-the-line tier, a solid effort from Stax.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Sounds big and open for a closed-back headphone, with an impressive soundstage for its type.
- Offers a warm-leaning, smooth, mid-forward sound signature.
- Very good imaging creates an immersive listening experience, and detailed separation of instruments.
- Easy to drive with a low impedance and high sensitivity, making it suitable for use with portable devices.
- The wooden earcups have a large internal space that brings sufficient volume and breathing room to the driver.
Product Considerations
- Build quality may be disappointing for the price, particularly the headband, which is considered cheap compared to other headphones in the price range.
- Comfort can be an issue due to the weight and headband design, which may cause discomfort on the scalp for some users.
- Lacks clamping force, so the weight is felt on the top of the head, and it does not isolate sound very well.
- Treble response might be somewhat softer or less energetic compared to other headphones, which might not appeal to those seeking a more exciting sound.
- One review mentions an issue with a dip around 5kHz and a peak around 10kHz that impacts some instruments, though it is admittedly 'nitpicking'.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs HIFIMAN HE-R10D: There is a difference in price and sound signature.
- Vs HIFIMAN Susvara: The HE-R10P has less soundstage, the Susvara has more transparency, but the HE-R10P has more mid-bass presence.
- Vs Focal Stellia: The HE-R10P has a larger soundstage and more powerful bass, but Stellia has a safer tuning with a brighter high end.
Takeaway: The HiFiMan HE-R10P is a closed-back planar headphone that delivers exceptional sound quality with remarkable imaging and detail, making music sound lively and fun. Its unique design aims to create an open and spacious listening experience, allowing listeners to enjoy music for hours.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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Product Strengths
- Offers a combination of electrostatic resolution with dynamic timbre and planar bass extension, delivering the 'best of all worlds'
- The build quality is superb, with premium materials and craftsmanship that surpass competitors
- Delivers perfectly extended bass with a planar-like slam, with detail, texture, and physicality
- Has a wide soundstage with excellent imaging that creates a holographic feeling of voices and instruments, with a true 360-degree experience
- Very comfortable to wear, despite being somewhat heavy, with good weight distribution and no hot spots
Product Considerations
- Requires a powerful headphone amp to get the most out of it, due to the need for a current drive interface/transformer
- The weight (610g) may be a concern for some users, though the weight is distributed well
- Some vocalists, particularly some female vocalists, may sound more distant than desired
- Bad mastered songs tend to immediately show problems
- Frequency response is dependent on synergy with the amplifier
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs HIFIMAN Susvara, it combines the weight of the original Susvara with the soundstage and resolution improvements of the Susvara Unveiled—more power is needed
- Vs Abyss 1266, it has more body of sound, smoother highs, and tighter, more natural bass, while the Abyss has a wider soundstage, better positioning, and more bass impact
- Vs Dan Clark Audio Stealth, it has a wider soundstage and feels more effortless, and is more open, while the Stealth is closed, has more bass quantity, and a more pleasing treble
- Vs RAAL-requisite CA-1A, it improves upon the CA-1A in terms of body of sound, bass, and timbre, while remaining comfortable, and the CA-1A has a lighter and more forward soundstage
Takeaway: The Immanis is an exceptional headphone that blends various sonic qualities together, boasting great build quality and an immersive sound experience. With the right equipment to support it, one can enjoy a detailed and spacious sound that makes it a top contender in the flagship headphone market.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Top-notch build quality, with premium materials and a comfortable design
- Excellent sound quality with a balanced presentation—no outstanding weaknesses across the frequency spectrum
- Two sets of earpads are included (Duo and Alcantara) for sound customization
- The design has a strong aesthetic, and the magnetic pad swapping system is easy to use
- Wider soundstage and more three-dimensional imaging
Product Considerations
- Sensitivity has dropped compared to the original Empyrean and Elites, requiring slightly more power to drive
- There might be a little bit of extra emphasis around the three to four kilohertz mark, which can make them a little bit fatiguing—a little bit bitey in the treble
- Not the largest soundstage that can be experienced at this price point
- The open design leaks sound and doesn't offer much in the way of isolation
- Those particularly sensitive might hear some spikiness in the lower treble region
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Original Meze Empyrean: Empyrean II has a more neutral tuning, is more defined, and has better detail separation
- Vs Meze Elite: Empyrean II offers stronger bass extension and more of the engaging emotional delivery
- Vs Meze Elite: The Elite seems more expansive than Empyrean 2, though not by a lot
- Vs HIFIMAN HE1000SE: The HE1000SE sound is more spacious, the bass is snappier, and the amount of detail is slightly above the Elite and Empyrean
Takeaway: The Empyrean II is an enjoyable headphone, improving on the original with a more accurate and versatile sound that maintains the core Empyrean identity. The comfort, build quality, and well-balanced sound make it a great choice for a high-end listening experience.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Offers a combination of dynamic driver, planar magnetic, and electrostatic qualities, providing impressive bass, speed, treble reach, and broad frequency resolution
- Exceptional clarity and resolution across the frequency spectrum
- Has a natural and immersive sound, very refined, with exceptional staging, positioning, layering, relative spacing, and image stability
- Very comfortable, lightweight (415g), and foldable for portability
- The Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS) delivers smooth, accurate, and detailed high frequencies, while minimizing unwanted distortions
Product Considerations
- Requires a good seal to be effective, and the seal can be easily broken by movement or glasses
- The Stealths require a bit of power to sound their best, marginal efficiency at 86-89dB
- Less sensitive than other headphones, requiring higher volume settings and more powerful amplification
- Revealing of poor recordings and distortion in the system
- Can lack slam or macro contrast
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Stealth is more comfortable, better built, more isolating, has amazing quality control, and is more resolving and fun, while sounding more accurate due to the AMTS, compared to the Dan Clark Audio Ether 2
- The Stealth has better balance, with the Focal Stellia having too much bass, smoother treble, and better instrument separation, though the Stellia has better punchiness
- The Stealth is lighter, has better instrument separation, and better tuning without needing EQ, compared to the Audeze LCD-XC
- The Stealth gives a more tonal 'normal' presentation, wins for instrument separation, and has excellent design, compared to the ZMF Verite
Takeaway: The Dan Clark Audio Stealth headphones combine excellent sound quality with a comfortable, portable design, making them a good choice for audiophiles who want a high-end listening experience at home or on the go. It is a good all-arounder that does everything well with its design.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent technical performance and detail retrieval, considered several cuts above other IEMs
- Outstanding imaging performance, with precise soundstage and instrument separation
- The bass response is a highlight, delivering a punchy sub-bass with texture and articulation
- Offers a warmer tonal balance that is easy to get into with a mostly 'neutral' sound
- Bone conduction enhances low-frequency extension, reverb, and detail
Product Considerations
- Large chassis that may be uncomfortable for some users, particularly those with smaller ears
- The subdued treble range may not provide enough energy and sparkle for some listeners
- Stock cable is lackluster in terms of usability due to its plasticky feel, rigidity, and microphonic feedback
- Driver flex (a harmless crinkling sound upon insertion) is present
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Legend Evo delivers a stronger bass impact, depth, and extension than the Legend X
- Legend Evo produces better constructed highs than the Legend X
- Legend Evo shows better clarity than the Legend X, and has more detail
- The Legend X can sound veiled concerning the Legend Evo
- The Legend Evo feels a touch smoother than the Empire Ears ODIN
Takeaway: The Legend Evo is a top-tier IEM with innovative bone conduction technology that creates a unique and immersive listening experience with enhanced bass. It is a great option for those seeking flagship-level performance with a warm, bass-focused sound signature.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Lightweight design at 320-325 grams, making it comfortable for long listening sessions
- Excellent detail resolution and clarity across the frequency spectrum
- High-quality construction with materials like magnesium for the earcups and steel in the headband
- Accurate imaging and spatial placement contribute to a detailed and separated soundstage
- Comes with a complete package, including a dedicated metal stand and a choice of single-ended or 4.4mm balanced cables
Product Considerations
- Requires a high-quality source and amplification to perform at its best, one can't skimp on partnering electronics
- Headband adjustment sliders can sometimes slip, requiring readjustment
- Soundstage is not the largest, being more intimate and forward-facing
- Some reviewers found its tuning target-deviant, and it may not be suitable for all listeners
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Dan Clark Audio Expanse, the YH-5000SE is now the reviewer's all-time favorite open-back headphone, dethroning the Dan Clark Audio Expanse
- Vs Focal Utopia (2022), the YH-5000SE offers a bolder treble approach and more emphasis on bass
- Vs Audeze LCD-5, the YH-5000SE has a bigger, more atmospheric sound, deeper and more natural bass, and a significantly more open top end
- Vs Sennheiser HD800, the YH-5000SE offers more verve, a quality of being detailed, transparent and big—soundstage
- Vs Abyss Diana TC, the YH-5000SE has bass that is both more elevated and less clean, and the reviewer found more moments of glory
- Vs ZMF Caldera, the YH-5000SE is a much more interesting sounding headphone, but may sound eccentric at first
Takeaway: The YH-5000SE offers exceptional sound and a comfortable listening experience, and its unique design elements justify its price tag. It is a great choice for listeners who want an immersive audiophile experience.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Built with premium, high-quality, sturdy materials with a solid feel
- Very comfortable and relatively lightweight, suitable for long listening sessions
- Easy to drive with low impedance and reasonable sensitivity
- Delivers a reference-grade sense of clarity, balance, and vast soundstage
- Excellent instrument separation and imaging
- Easy to drive with low impedance and reasonable sensitivity
Product Considerations
- Some reviewers found the range of headband adjustment limited, making it potentially unsuitable for those with smaller heads
- The banana plug cable connectors are proprietary, limiting third-party cable options
- The stock cable is acceptable, but not particularly premium feeling
- The bass is a little lightweight and might require EQ adjustment for some listeners
- A dip at 2kHz was noted by some reviewers
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sennheiser HD800S: The Composer has better bass extension, but the HD800S has better resolution and detail
- Vs HIFIMAN Arya/HE1000 series: The Composer sounds more natural than some HIFIMAN planars, and it may have greater bass depth
- Vs Meze Audio Empyrean II: The Composer goes deeper in the soundstage, with better layering and more sub-bass presence, but the Empyrean II is softer and more relaxed
- Vs ZMF Outure Classic: The Composer has better bass response but is smoother and more tame in the treble
Takeaway: The Austrian Audio Composer is a well-built, comfortable, and easy-to-drive headphone with a balanced, clear, and detailed sound signature. It offers a reference quality that can be great for critical listening and casual enjoyment.
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