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
- Noted for its clarity, detail, and rich tone, delivering a great audio experience
- Delivers a wonderfully balanced sound and is tonally well-balanced
- The design takes cues from older Stax models like the SR-1 and SR-X
- Lightweight (234g or 235g), making it comfortable to wear for long listening sessions
Product Considerations
- Headband design can cause pressure and hot spots on the head after 30-40 minutes of use
- The build quality feels basic and somewhat flimsy
- The soundstage is quite small and in-the-head, lacking 3-dimensionality
- There have been reports of developing imbalances after some weeks, with a driver eventually dying
- It requires a specific amp with a 580 volt bias to use
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The SR-X1 delivers a punchier and tighter sound, compared to Mini Shangri-La headphones
- Compared to the Stax Lambda, the SR-X1's bass is fuller
Takeaway: The Stax SR-X1 is a great entry point into electrostatic headphones that offers clear and detailed sound. It's light and comfortable and can be a joy for casual listening and other daily activities.
All
SR-X1
reviews

Manufacturer details
- Format: Push-pull electrostatic circular sounding body, rear open enclosure
- Unit shape: Medium-sized circular
- Fixed electrode: High-precision etching electrode
- Reproduction frequency band: 7-41,000Hz
- Capacitance: 110pF (including attached cable)
- Impedance: 145kΩ (at 10kHz/2.5m including attached cable)
- Sound pressure sensitivity: 101dB/100Vr.ms input/1kHz
- Bias voltage: DC580V
- Cable conductor: OFC
- Cable shape: 6 parallel cores, wide low capacity cable, 2.5m
- Ear pads: Genuine sheepskin (part that touches the skin), artificial leather (mounting part)
- Weight: 234g (body only)
- Country of origin: Japan
- JAN: 4996476001084
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.
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Used
Stax
What if you spend more?
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
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
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
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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
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Beautiful design and build quality with premium materials, like a magnesium yoke and genuine leather headband
- Good comfort with memory foam earpads and breathable cloth, though some find the pads shallow
- Well-rounded tonal balance with surprisingly strong bass for an open-back headphone
- Easy to drive and forgiving with different audio sources
- Clear and spacious sound presentation, with accurate imaging
Product Considerations
- The price point may be higher than some consumers want to pay
- The relatively small size might not fit all head shapes comfortably
- Stock cable is reported to have memory and be unwieldy
- Sound staging isn't the widest
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Focal Azurys: Some prefer the sound of the Azurys for some songs and use cases
- Vs Sennheiser HD600: Hadenys has improvements in the bass and treble response, and there's more oomph and weight in the bass
- Vs Focal Clear MG: Hadenys manages to provide a remarkable amount of Clear MG for a lower price
- Vs Focal Elex: dynamics are not on par with the Focal Elex
- Vs Sennheiser HD 660S2: The Focal manages to feel as solid, while looking better, wearing better and sounding better
Takeaway: The Hadenys offers a stylish design, comfortable fit, and well-rounded sound, making it a versatile headphone for enjoying music at home. Its solid construction and easy-to-drive nature make it a worthwhile choice for those seeking a premium listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Uses premium materials like carbon fiber, metal, sheep lambskin earpads, and zebra wood faceplates for a luxurious feel, with excellent build quality
- Has a mostly neutral sound signature, with lambskin pads bass response is very good with a tasteful emphasis placed on the sub-bass region, and a decent midrange
- Provides good detail retrieval, resolution, and transparency of sound, the drivers can show plenty of information and micro detail
- A pad swapping system allows changes to sound characteristics, with lambskin pads and breathable fabric pads included
- Comes with a quarter-inch adapter and a 4-pin XLR adapter for use with portable or desktop devices
Product Considerations
- The stock cable is 3 meters long, which is too long for desktop use
- Headband adjustment can be a little stiff to move
- With leather pads, the highs can get slightly sharp
- There is a slight sharpness in the upper treble that might pose a problem for some listeners, using fabric pads can mitigate this
- Weight distribution could be better, there's not enough padding on the headband, and the clamp force is low, this distributes all the weight across the top of the head, which can be bothersome after 40-50 minutes
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs HiFiMan Susvara: Has a similar driver structure
- Vs HiFiMan HE1000 Unveiled: Is close in terms of technical performance like resolution, transient response, soundstage, depth, and openness
- Vs HiFiMan Arya Stealth: Has a better build quality and bass response
Takeaway: The FiiO FT7 is a well-built, comfortable headphone that offers a neutral-leaning-warm sound that can be tailored with different earpads. The FT7 competes with other headphones that cost significantly more, making it a great pick at its price point.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent stereo separation for mixing and monitoring
- Built with aluminum, it has a durable feel
- Designed for reference listening
- Clean, linear, and very detailed mids
Product Considerations
- Sound can be considered somewhat restrained, lacking upper midrange and low to HF 'hype'
- Cloth ear pads may not feel as soft or luxurious as velour pads on some other headphones
- Lacks impact and bite
- Headband padding is uncomfortable
- Single-entry cable is on the right side, which is an unusual placement
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sennheiser HD650: Differences come down to something similar to a full-range studio monitor versus a full-range hifi speaker of equal build quality and similar design, Sennheisers are geared more towards enjoying the brain-pleasing sounds of music, while you probably want to mix with the Neumanns
- Vs Sennheiser HD600/650: The HD600 and HD650 are more comfortable, with a better industrial design than the NDH-30
Takeaway: The Neumann NDH 30 is a tool that can be very helpful for mixing sessions, especially for identifying details in the mid-range of a mix. Its design and build quality also make it a lasting product.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The Wraith features an all-metal alloy body that feels sturdy and durable
- The earcups feature a rotating mechanism, making it convenient to rest the headphones around the neck
- The design is considered stylish, industrial, and unique
- The suspension headband design distributes weight evenly, making it comfortable to wear for long listening sessions
Product Considerations
- The Wraith's headband adjustment system is not very practical and requires a screwdriver to adjust
- Stock pads may not create the best seal, impacting sound isolation
- The soundstage is intimate, and the resolution is average
- The 2.5mm connectors on the earcups might limit replacement cable options
- Sub-bass can roll off with stock pads
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs HiFiMan Edition XS: The Edition XS has better resolution, clarity, and sub-bass response out of the box, but the Wraith has superior build quality, materials, robustness, and comfort
- Vs Sendy Audio Aiva: The Wraith and Aiva share a similar bass roll-off
- Vs Moondrop Venus: The Moondrop Venus costs slightly more and provides a wider soundstage and more refined sound
Takeaway: The ThieAudio Wraith has excellent build quality and a unique design, making them durable and comfortable for many users. The sound is warm and laid-back, making them suitable for casual listening.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Improved bass response compared to the original HD 660S and other HD 6XX series headphones adds warmth and a richer, fuller sound
- Lightweight design (around 260g) and comfortable earpads make them suitable for extended listening periods
- Detailed and nuanced sound, with a well-balanced midrange and smooth treble, provides a clear and crisp listening experience without being overly analytical
- Precise imaging allows for accurate instrument placement and a good sense of sound direction
- It comes with both 4.4mm balanced and 6.35mm single-ended cables, providing connectivity options for various sources
Product Considerations
- Some feel the price is high for the level of upgrade compared to the original HD 660S, especially with other competitive options available
- While the bass is improved, it's not a bass-heavy headphone and might not satisfy those seeking a thunderous bass response
- The clamping force can be a bit tight out of the box, which may cause discomfort for some users
- The soundstage isn't exceptionally wide, which may not be ideal for those seeking a very spacious and out-of-head experience
- The build quality, while durable, does not feel as premium as other headphones in the same price range due to the extensive use of plastic
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The HD 660S2 is generally considered an improvement over the HD 660S, primarily due to the enhanced bass response and slightly smoother sound
- The Sivga SV023 offers a brighter, crisper sound for less money, while the HD 660S2 provides a fuller, more vocal-oriented sound
- The Harmonic Dyne G200 is more exciting and energetic, but has a less natural tonality and may be less comfortable
- The Meze 109 Pro is a better headphone in almost every way, but it is more expensive and may be a little sibilant for some listeners
- HD 660 S2 offers better sub-bass reach and imaging, but the Sennheiser HD 650 still remains unmatched for male vocals
- The HIFIMAN Edition XS sounds bigger, deeper, and wider, while HD 660S2 is more about the tonality
Takeaway: The HD 660S2 is a comfortable and well-rounded headphone with a more balanced and enjoyable sound signature than its predecessor, especially with its improved bass response. It's a great choice for those who appreciate a smooth, detailed, and easy-to-listen-to headphone for various genres.
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