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
- Detailed, clear, and precise audio is delivered
- Exceptionally smooth and extended high frequencies, good for acoustic guitars and percussion
- Lightweight and comfortable for extended listening
- Wide and airy soundstage
Product Considerations
- Bass response can be lacking and soft, especially in the sub-bass region
- Build quality is perceived as cheap due to the extensive use of plastic, which may not be reflective of its price
- Open-back design provides no isolation and leaks sound
- The midrange can sound a bit nasal and congested due to a peak around the 1kHz range
- Some reviewers found uneven bass response
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Stax SR-009: SR-009 has superior bass performance, with definition and quantity, with a more even presentation across songs and genres
Takeaway: The SR-L700 is a very detailed headphone with good comfort that has great clarity. The SR-L700 offers an enjoyable listening experience with its unique electrostatic sound.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
SR-L700 MKII
reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Type: Push-Pull Open Back Oval Electrostatic Earspeaker Headphone
- Frequency Response: 7 - 41,000Hz
- Electrostatic Capacitance: 110pF (including cable)
- Impedance: 145k Ω (including cable, at 10kHz)
- Sound Pressure Sensitivity: 101dB / 100V r.m.s. 1 kHz
- Maximum Sound Pressure: 118dB / 400Hz
- Bias Voltage: 580V DC
- Left & Right Identification: "L" and "R" indicated on the arc assembly Left channel cable is marked with a solid line. Right channel is marked with a dotted line.
- Ear Pads: Genuine Lamb Leather (direct skin contact), high-quality synthetic leather (surrounding portion)
- Cable: Silver-coated 6N (99.9999%) OFC parallel 6-strand, low-capacity special wide cable, 2.5m full length
- Weight: 0.8lb without cable / 1.1lb with cable
Description
The first SR-Lambda series was introduced 36 years ago and it has further developed into a new-generation SR-Lambda with its newly designed enclosure - the new SR-L700 advanced-Lambda series Earspeaker.
The MK2 models have adopted the cable-exchangeable structure as well as the case holder made from aluminum aiming at user-friendliness and wearing comfort when listening to music.
Exchangeable cable structure
The exchangeable cable structure of recent trend for high-quality headphone has been employed. This enables the prospective correspondence to a high-definition cable, and the easy maintenance to sudden disconnection, thus improving the user-friendliness of earspeaker.
Case holder made from aluminum
The change of material has enabled the mechanism design with more high flexibility. In the MK2 models, changing the case holder design from conventional linear style into moderate curve form produces the effect that ear pads fit more naturally on both-sides-of-the-head part. Moreover, the curve form gives high rigidity and prevents from generating unnecessary distortion or twist at the time of wearing, resulting in the great improvement of fit feeling. In an open-air type earspeaker, the degree rise of adhesion at the time of wearing greatly contributes to the improvement of low-frequency reproduction.
Exchangeable cable structure
The exchangeable cable structure of recent trend for high-quality headphone has been employed. This enables the prospective correspondence to a high-definition cable, and the easy maintenance to sudden disconnection, thus improving the user-friendliness of earspeaker.
Case holder made from aluminum
The change of material has enabled the mechanism design with more high flexibility. In the MK2 models, changing the case holder design from conventional linear style into moderate curve form produces the effect that ear pads fit more naturally on both-sides-of-the-head part. Moreover, the curve form gives high rigidity and prevents from generating unnecessary distortion or twist at the time of wearing, resulting in the great improvement of fit feeling. In an open-air type earspeaker, the degree rise of adhesion at the time of wearing greatly contributes to the improvement of low-frequency reproduction.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
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
Select product comparisons
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.
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Avg. Product Price
$1,001-$2,500
Used For Sale
0
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
191
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
8
Founding Year
1938
Our take on the brand
Stax is renowned for pioneering electrostatic headphones, which deliver an airy, ethereal sound signature with unparalleled clarity compared to traditional dynamic and planar magnetic drivers. The brand has cultivated a devoted following of "Staxists" who collect multiple models, drawn to their ruthlessly revealing nature that exposes both strengths and flaws in recordings.
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What if you spend more?
Meze
Empyrean II
2999
2999
/
13
Reviews
Meze Audio is a hifi brand known for their unique Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver technology, which provides an immersive sound experience with a frequency range of 3 Hz to 112 kHz. Their headphones feature distinctive design elements like black walnut wood ear cups and detachable magnetic ear pads, setting them apart from typical plastic or metal designs in the premium headphone market.
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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
Meze Audio is a hifi brand known for their unique Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array driver technology, which provides an immersive sound experience with a frequency range of 3 Hz to 112 kHz. Their headphones feature distinctive design elements like black walnut wood ear cups and detachable magnetic ear pads, setting them apart from typical plastic or metal designs in the premium headphone market.
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Austrian Audio
The Composer
2699
2699
/
10
Reviews
Austrian Audio, founded by the former AKG Vienna core team, manufactures its own ceramic CKR12 capsules and Hi-X headphone drivers in-house in Vienna. Their capsule consistency is so precise that any two microphones can be used as a stereo pair without matching. The brand's microphones feature unique tech, including dual-output mode for reshaping polar patterns in post-production, and real-time wireless polar pattern control via Bluetooth.
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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
Austrian Audio, founded by the former AKG Vienna core team, manufactures its own ceramic CKR12 capsules and Hi-X headphone drivers in-house in Vienna. Their capsule consistency is so precise that any two microphones can be used as a stereo pair without matching. The brand's microphones feature unique tech, including dual-output mode for reshaping polar patterns in post-production, and real-time wireless polar pattern control via Bluetooth.
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Abyss
Diana MR
2995
2995
/
8
Reviews
Abyss is a hifi headphone brand that uses a patented single-sided planar-magnetic driver architecture and machines all-aluminum chassis with foamed-aluminum acoustics in their New York facility, targeting a "speakers-in-room" sound rather than typical headphone presentation. The brand offers granular fit adjustments through magnetic pad systems and interchangeable acoustic pads that allow owners to intentionally shift tonal balance, supported by a 10-year warranty and vertical integration from driver production to final assembly.
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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
Abyss is a hifi headphone brand that uses a patented single-sided planar-magnetic driver architecture and machines all-aluminum chassis with foamed-aluminum acoustics in their New York facility, targeting a "speakers-in-room" sound rather than typical headphone presentation. The brand offers granular fit adjustments through magnetic pad systems and interchangeable acoustic pads that allow owners to intentionally shift tonal balance, supported by a 10-year warranty and vertical integration from driver production to final assembly.
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final
D8000 Pro Limited Edition
4499
4499
/
7
Reviews
Final is a hifi audio brand known for deep in-house manufacturing control by designing and building its own diaphragm-forming machines and assembly jigs, while engineering products like their D-series headphones for longevity through screw-fastened parts that enable user repairs and future upgrades.
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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
Final is a hifi audio brand known for deep in-house manufacturing control by designing and building its own diaphragm-forming machines and assembly jigs, while engineering products like their D-series headphones for longevity through screw-fastened parts that enable user repairs and future upgrades.
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What competes at this price?
ZMF
Atrium
2499
/
Released
2022
The ZMF Atrium is our most open design, which features our patent-pending rear damping system that accentuates stage layering, depth, tactile "feel" with realistically natural timbre. The Atrium expands the range of spatial sound experience first incepted with the auteur (now the "auteur classic"), through its shared biocellulose driver heritage and linear ZMF tuning.
ZMF is a boutique hifi headphone brand that crafts one-of-a-kind wooden headphones from stabilized resin-wood billets, each harvested, processed, and assembled in the USA. Their patented acoustic systems include the Atrium Damping System (ADS) and the Caldera's trapezoidal magnet structure. The brand offers lifetime driver warranties and maintains measurement transparency using professional B&K equipment. They have created a distinct enthusiast culture around their annual "ZMF November" limited-edition sales.
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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
ZMF is a boutique hifi headphone brand that crafts one-of-a-kind wooden headphones from stabilized resin-wood billets, each harvested, processed, and assembled in the USA. Their patented acoustic systems include the Atrium Damping System (ADS) and the Caldera's trapezoidal magnet structure. The brand offers lifetime driver warranties and maintains measurement transparency using professional B&K equipment. They have created a distinct enthusiast culture around their annual "ZMF November" limited-edition sales.
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Mod House Audio
Tungsten
1699
/
Released
2023
Introducing Tungsten, Mod House Audio's first headphone designed from the ground up. Tungsten is the crowning achievement of over 3 years worth of work in research and development.
Mod House Audio builds high-impedance planar headphones (≈155 Ω) with sound quality rivalling summit-tier options at far more reasonable prices, though have a reputation for being among the most difficult headphones to power properly, attracting enthusiasts who prioritize performance over efficiency. Offering user-selectable single or double-sided magnet drivers with 24k gold conductors and extensive Cerakote ceramic customization options.
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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
Mod House Audio builds high-impedance planar headphones (≈155 Ω) with sound quality rivalling summit-tier options at far more reasonable prices, though have a reputation for being among the most difficult headphones to power properly, attracting enthusiasts who prioritize performance over efficiency. Offering user-selectable single or double-sided magnet drivers with 24k gold conductors and extensive Cerakote ceramic customization options.
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HEDD
HEDDphone TWO
1999
/
Released
2023
HEDD Audio, founded by physicist Klaus Heinz, pioneered Air Motion Transformer (AMT) technology. Typically reserved for tweeters only due to difficulty achieving low frequency output, HEDD was the first to achieve full 20hz-20khz in a headphone design with the HEDDphone, later refined and improved with the HEDDphone 2 and 2 GT. The brand hand-builds their products in Berlin, with their headphones particularly noted for exceptional detail retrieval and natural soundstage, making them suitable for both professional and audiophile use.
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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
HEDD Audio, founded by physicist Klaus Heinz, pioneered Air Motion Transformer (AMT) technology. Typically reserved for tweeters only due to difficulty achieving low frequency output, HEDD was the first to achieve full 20hz-20khz in a headphone design with the HEDDphone, later refined and improved with the HEDDphone 2 and 2 GT. The brand hand-builds their products in Berlin, with their headphones particularly noted for exceptional detail retrieval and natural soundstage, making them suitable for both professional and audiophile use.
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Sendy
Peacock
1499
/
Released
2021
Sendy Audio Peacock is an open-back planar magnetic headphone with an 88mm ultra-thin composite diaphragm, designed for natural mids, elastic bass, and extended transparent highs up to 40kHz within a wide soundstage.
Sendy is a hifi headphone brand known for its Quad-Former planar driver architecture that uses four coils to drive the diaphragm, reducing distortion and enhancing transient response across models like Apollo and Peacock.
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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
Sendy is a hifi headphone brand known for its Quad-Former planar driver architecture that uses four coils to drive the diaphragm, reducing distortion and enhancing transient response across models like Apollo and Peacock.
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Warwick Acoustics
Bravura
2190
/
Released
2021
From the Italian for brilliant performance, the BRAVURA headphone system brings you the music you love in the most exquisite detail.
Warwick Acoustics specializes in electrostatic headphones featuring patented HPEL transducers that use a 15μm laminated film with no obstructive front grid, reducing diffraction and coloration. Unique also for their drastically higher bias voltage of 1800V compared to 230V or 580V in most other electrostatic headphones. Their BD-HPEL diaphragms use multilayer film with vapor-deposited 24-karat gold conductors and gold-plated stators. Each driver is built into rigid polycarbonate cassettes and software-tuned for precise resonances, delivering electrostatic speed with atypically physical bass and grounded imaging that departs from the usual airy electrostatic presentation.
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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
Warwick Acoustics specializes in electrostatic headphones featuring patented HPEL transducers that use a 15μm laminated film with no obstructive front grid, reducing diffraction and coloration. Unique also for their drastically higher bias voltage of 1800V compared to 230V or 580V in most other electrostatic headphones. Their BD-HPEL diaphragms use multilayer film with vapor-deposited 24-karat gold conductors and gold-plated stators. Each driver is built into rigid polycarbonate cassettes and software-tuned for precise resonances, delivering electrostatic speed with atypically physical bass and grounded imaging that departs from the usual airy electrostatic presentation.
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