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
- Unparalleled transparency and sublime musicality offers a very beautiful listening experience
- Exceedingly light and comfortable, they can be worn for hours without discomfort
- Surprisingly deep and impactful bass
- Beautifully made, well designed, and quite stylish
- Requires a dedicated amplifier for operation
Product Considerations
- The sound might be too 'laid back'
- May 'tell on' horrible recordings, but they will still be rendered well
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Stax SR-L700MkII, the SR-007A pushes the boundaries of rendering space, foundational weight, low bass heft and solidity, and even musicality
- Compared to Stax SR-L700MkII, the SR-007A has more weight added across the entirety of the frequency spectrum, making images more palpable and more solid
- Compared to Stax SR-L700MkII, the SR-007A brings a more palpable and textured midrange, and a beguiling sweetness that seems almost dichotomous with its transparency
- Compared to Stax SR-L700MkII, the SR-007A extends or soars in like-manner, but with a richness—that renders the entire affair sublime, in the extreme
- Compared to Focal Stellia and HiFiMAN HE-1000v2, the SR-007A had an exceptional balance to their presentation, details did not sound overly exaggerated
Takeaway: The SR-007A is a reference level home listening system for serious headphone enthusiasts with a sound quality that is beautiful and effortless. Its light weight and comfortable design lets you enjoy music for hours.
All
SR-007A
reviews

Manufacturer details
- Type: Push-pull electrostatic open-air type headphone
- Frequency response: 6 to 41,000 Hz
- Impedance: 170 KΩ (at f = 10 KHz)
- Capacitance: 94pF (including cable)
- Sensitivity: 100 dB / 100 V r.m.s. at f = 1 KHz
- Bias voltage: 580 V / DC
- Ear pads: Real leather (Lamb) used on a part coming into contact with the skin. High-quality leather used for the surrounding part.
- Cable: 2.5m, PC-OCC, wide, low capacitance cable
- Weight: 365 g (Body), 512g (Including cable)
- Operating temperature range: 0 to 35
- Humidity range for use: Less than 90% (without condensation)
AN EARSPEAKER LIKE NO OTHER
The innovative SR-007A is, like all other STAX headphones, an ultra-high fidelity device due to its electrostatic technology. However, unlike other STAX Earspeakers, it features a different design for its deep powerful sound and is hence, an Earspeaker like no other.
RICH POWERFUL SOUND
The unique electrode structure has a gold-plated outer edge. Unlike other Earspeakers, these electrodes do not have any holes, causing the diaphragm to vibrate more. This not only gives you a rich powerful sound but also lets you experience the delicate details in your music.
RIGID METAL HOUSING
To thoroughly eliminate distortion, STAX encases the sound element in a thick insulated resin case. This case is firmly attached to the SR-007A's body. This makes sure that only the diaphragm vibrates, giving you a sound that's almost magical.
EXTREME COMFORT
The SR-007A is made for long listeni...
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:
- Stax pioneered electrostatic headphone technology, creating "earspeakers" with a unique sound signature known for its clarity and detail.
- The brand's products, particularly the Lambda series, are recognized for their rectangular design and open-back construction, prioritizing functionality and comfort over aesthetics.
- Stax headphones demand specialized amplifiers ("energizers") to deliver the high-voltage signal required by their electrostatic drivers, necessitating a dedicated amplification ecosystem.
Select products
SR-X1 Electrostatic Earspeaker
- Positioning: An entry-level model that revives the classic circular earspeaker design while delivering authentic electrostatic sound.
- Description: Offers a newly designed medium-sized circular unit with a flat, neutral sound and a low capacitance wide OFC cable arranged in a modern re-cable setup. In comparison to higher-tier models like the SR-009S and SR-X9000, it targets users with modest budgets and basic functionality needs for smaller rooms.
SR-L500 MK2 Earspeaker | Advanced-Lambda series
- Positioning: A mid-tier option in the Advanced-Lambda series that focuses on balanced acoustic performance with improved mechanical design.
- Description: Uses a hand-selected thin-film diaphragm paired with tough stainless fixed electrodes and a low capacitance HiFC wide cable to achieve balanced deep bass and clear highs. Compared to the entry-level SR-X1, it offers richer sound qualities.
SR-L700 MKII Earspeaker | Advanced-Lambda series
- Positioning: A refined mid-range solution in the Advanced-Lambda series featuring enhanced sound elements and upgraded headband assembly.
- Description: Uses a hand-selected thin-film diaphragm and a 10-click slider headband for precise and comfortable adjustment, resulting in improved clarity and reduced resonance. In comparison with the SR-L500 MK2 and the high-end models, it provides a balanced upgrade.
SR-009S Signature Electrostatic Earspeaker
- Positioning: A premium offering that emphasizes refined engineering and reduced diaphragm mass to deliver high transient performance.
- Description: Features an ultra-thin super engineering plastic diaphragm and a redesigned aluminum enclosure engineered to minimize resonance and achieve accurate sound reproduction. When compared with the Advanced-Lambda series products, it delivers advanced engineering characteristics.
SR-X9000 Electrostatic Earspeaker (Flagship Model)
- Positioning: The flagship product that represents the pinnacle of Stax electrostatic technology and design innovation.
- Description: Features the advanced MLER-3 four-layer electrode and a 20% larger ultra-thin diaphragm to achieve lightning-fast reactions and an expansive sound field. In contrast to other lineup models such as the SR-009S, it incorporates decades of research, offering the highest technical sophistication and build quality.
Our take on the brand
Look inside the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
Used
Stax
What if you spend more?
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
Our take on the brand
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.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Delivers a beautifully smooth and refreshingly beefy tuning compared to previous Diana headphones
- The most comfortable planar magnetic set of cans ever worn
- Build quality is very impressive
- Good mid-range
Product Considerations
- Needs additional padding for optimal scalp comfort
- Treble can become problematic
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Diana MR most remind reviewer of a super version of the HIFIMAN Edition XS
- Spatial presentation is better from the HIFIMAN HE1000SE, and the midrange is better balanced as well
Takeaway: The Diana MR is the most accessible set of high-end open-back planar headphones to date from Abyss. It is a fun and impressive listen.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Natural sound, evoking a dynamic driver sound but with planar magnetic performance
- Excellent resolution, while maintaining smooth treble
- Holographic stereo image, which contributes to its lifelike character
- Good layering and separation of instruments
- Incredibly wide and tall soundstage, providing a very dynamic experience
Product Considerations
- Bass extension is not spectacular, with noticeable roll-off below 50Hz, and can be a bit soft without great impact for some listeners
- Can tend towards sibilance on some signal chains
- Overall presentation is amp sensitive, and can vary the experience significantly
- The D8000 Pro Limited Edition can be finicky, and requires careful signal chain pairing to achieve the best sound
- May slightly lack the charisma that one looks for in a more expressive or musical headphone
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Dan Clark Audio Expanse: The D8000 Pro LE has a more natural sounding bass and tighter attack on drums, while the Expanse has more bass emphasis and a wider soundstage
Takeaway: The Final Audio D8000 Pro Limited Edition provides a thrilling and engaging listening experience with its natural sound and incredible detail. It could be a worthwhile addition to a collection for listeners who appreciate acoustic music and a highly immersive soundstage.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Stunning aesthetics and high-quality craftsmanship with various wood options and grill designs available
- Creates a wonderful sense of space with a great spherical soundstage and natural depth
- Has an amazing ability to be both smooth and detailed at the same time
- Provides a deep reaching and encompassing bass sound with a punchy and impactful profile
- Natural and lifelike tonal quality with vibrant midrange and textured vocals
Product Considerations
- Not ideal for those seeking maximum detail retrieval or a reference-level sound
- May not be the best choice for music that relies heavily on aggressive, distorted electric guitars due to potential mid-range harshness
- Bass extension may not reach as deep as some planar headphones
- The stock cable has shape memory, and some may prefer aftermarket options
- It's a heavier headphone, so comfort may be a concern for some users
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs ZMF Verite: The Atrium sits alongside it, and is a significant step above the Auteur, in the sense that it is competing absolutely with the Verite, whereas the Auteur doesn't quite reach the heights of the Verite
- Vs Sennheiser HD650: The Atrium overall tuning is very reminiscent of the Sennheiser HD 650, where it is still fairly neutral, but it tends towards a little bit of warmth
- Vs HIFIMAN HE1000 V2: The HE1000 V2 has a bigger soundstage, but the imaging and the separation handle spatial reproduction much better than the Atrium does
Takeaway: The ZMF Atrium offers a beautiful design and a unique sound signature that combines smoothness and detail, making it a very enjoyable listening experience across many genres. Its ability to create a lifelike and engaging soundstage makes it a worthwhile option for those looking for something special.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Nice cable made in partnership with Viking Wave
- Attractive design with some components being 3D printed
- Comfortable to wear with well-distributed weight and ZMF earpads
- Stands out with its 'warm yet balanced' sound signature, described as having flat bass extension and an emphasized lower mid-range
- Delivers instrument separation, and sounds reasonably spacious
Product Considerations
- Build quality can feel a little rough around the edges, which may be noticeable
- Requires a dedicated headphone amplifier
- The dual-sided version is more expensive, while the single-sided version is affected by pressure changes inside the pad
- Sound can come across a little bit crunchy and trebly
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Against Audeze MM500, the MM500 has better build quality
- Against Meze Empyrean 2, the Empyrean 2 is more comfortable
- Against Dan Clark Audio E3, the E3s overall sound more competent
Takeaway: The Modhaus Tungsten is a unique headphone built with care. It's enjoyable to listen to, has good bass extension, and the sound can be customized by swapping earpads.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Improved ergonomics and comfort compared to the original HEDDphone, largely due to a significant weight reduction and the innovative HEDDband system for adjustable fit
- Highly detailed and resolving sound, particularly in the midrange, with excellent timbral resolution and microdynamic control
- Unique and expansive soundstage that doesn't restrict the sonic image to inside the head, resembling a good pair of speakers in a well-tuned room
- High-quality build with premium materials and a 5-year warranty inspires confidence
- Excellent accessory package including a carrying case, spare earpads, and multiple cable options
Product Considerations
- Can be picky with recording quality, performing best with well-recorded tracks and less impressive with lower-quality productions
- Some reviewers find the clamping force of the headband to be too strong, even on the lowest setting
- Bass response may lack sub-bass extension or 'oomph' for some listeners, especially those craving a strong low-end rumble
- The treble might be perceived as bright or sibilant by some listeners, particularly due to an elevation in the upper treble region
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs HEDDphone One: The Two is lighter, more comfortable, and has a more neutral and technical sound, while the original has more bass impact and a unique timbre
- Vs Audeze MM-500: Both are aimed at professionals with a neutral tuning, but the HEDDphone Two has greater technical performance, microdynamic control, and detail retrieval
- Vs Sennheiser HD800S: The HD800S has a greater sense of soundstage, openness, and instrument separation, while the HEDDphone Two has better low-level detail for individual instruments and microdynamics
- Vs HIFIMAN Arya: The Arya has more midbass punch and upper treble energy, while the HEDDphone Two offers greater technical performance
- Vs Meze Elite: The Elite offers a more rich and entertaining signature, where the HEDDphone Two is more neutral and reference-like
Takeaway: The HEDDphone Two is an innovative headphone with impressive sound and design, offering improvements over the original and it is worth buying if one is looking for excellent sound quality and detail. While its aesthetics may not be its strongest attribute, it delivers on technical sound and offers an enjoyable listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The Peacock uses long-lasting, high-quality materials in its construction, with minimal plastic, and has a handmade feel
- Comfortable to wear for long listening sessions due to its soft leather headband, memory foam earpads, and suspension strap system
- Good left-to-right soundstage and spatial qualities, with precise imaging
- Natural sound, focusing on the bass and midrange regions
- Easy to drive and has high sensitivity (103 dB per milliwatt), meaning it sounds good even with ordinary headphone jacks
Product Considerations
- Some reviewers describe the treble as metallic and unnatural, with an unwanted ringing or resonance that can be fatiguing
- Soundstage depth and imaging are not as impressive as its width, creating a 'tunnel-like vision' or 'b-dimensional' sound
- Detail retrieval and transparency are lacking compared to other headphones in its price range
- Heavy (578-580g), which may be a challenge for some listeners
- Aesthetics may not appeal to everyone due to mismatched design elements, resulting in a lack of cohesion in its appearance
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Audeze LCD-X: Has a wider soundstage, but the LCD-X is more resolving, detailed, and technically proficient
- Vs HIFIMAN Arya Stealth: Has more impactful bass and a fuller midrange, while the Arya has clearer treble and greater detail retrieval
- Vs Audeze LCD-2: Vocals are more emphasized and engaging, but the LCD-2 is clearer and more detailed
- Vs Focal Clear MG: The Clear MG's are warmer with more bass impact, more even and forward mids, and darker, less peaky treble
- Vs Sendy Audio Aiva: Offers better looks, build quality, comfort, clarity, transparency and more details compared to the Aiva
Takeaway: The Peacock is a stylish and comfortable headphone that offers a warm, smooth, and enjoyable listening experience, especially for those who prioritize musicality over technical precision. Its easy-to-drive nature and wide soundstage make it a good option for relaxed listening sessions.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Comfortable to wear for extended periods, thanks to plush, soft earpads and a generously padded headband, although some found the clamping force substantial
- Delivers a natural, transparent, and detailed sound, a hallmark of electrostatic headphones
- Good bass response, with impact that is noticeably improved compared to the Sonoma M1
- Excellent instrument separation is highlighted, creating a sense of sounds floating around the listener's head
- The mids are a standout feature, with vocals presented right up front
Product Considerations
- The complete system (headphones and amplifier) is required because of the unique voltage requirements, it's not possible to mix-and-match components with other systems
- Some reviewers found the cable to be stiff and microphonic, although its unique character and design are a result of the system's electrostatic nature
- The volume control on the Sonoma M1 energizer/amp offers only stepped adjustments, making fine-tuning volume levels difficult for some users
- The power switch is located on the back of the Sonoma M1 amplifier, which is considered less convenient than a front placement
- The headphone still retains some excess clamping force
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sonoma M1: The Bravura offers enhanced SPL, more robust bass, and increased resolution compared to its predecessor, the Sonoma M1
- Vs Dan Clark Audio VOCE: The Bravura offers more impactful bass
- Vs HiFiMan Shangri-La Jr.: The Bravura offers a smoother sound
Takeaway: The Bravura headphone system is a great option for those who value detailed and natural sound, especially for genres like classical, jazz, and vocals. It offers a complete listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
How to buy
Headphones
Search all hifi products
Explore our database of 10,000+ new and 25,000+ used hifi products.























.png)












