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
- World-class resolving capability, stellar transient response, and pleasing levels of separation from top to bottom
- Each piece was designed and crafted with microscopic precision to work symbiotically with each other
- Each pair is handmade in Herford, Germany and looks stunning in black matte finish
- Offers an extremely comfortable experience for the wearer
- Immaculate soundstage
- Warm and delicious sound and superb tonal bass reproduction
Product Considerations
- Solitaire P-SE is assertively open-backed, only a few orders of magnitude quieter from the outside than they are from the inside
- The plastic material construct is lighter and slightly cheaper to produce than the Solitaire P's heavier CNC-milled aluminum elements
- Can be a bit bass light for some listeners
- Unless "must feel large" is high on the list of new-headphones requirements, prospective customers may reject the Solitaire P-SE when they put a pair on
- Some elements of peakiness in certain regions never deterred from enjoying this sound signature
- It may be a bit pale, and a more exclusive headphone output on a hifi amplifier will improve it
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. HIFIMAN HE-1000se: The Solitaire P-SE is somewhat quieter at the top and does not have the same energy in the overtones, making the HE-1000se experienced as even more airy
- Vs. Audeze LCD-X: T+A's headphones do not have the same thunderous thump in the bass as the Audeze LCD-X, and are more restrained
- Vs. HIFIMAN HE-1000se: Solitaire P-SE has a more natural midrange, slightly darker—while He1000SE sounds brighter
- Vs. Dan Clark Audio Expanse: The Solitaire P-SE offers a lower clamping force, more airy sound and wider soundstage, a more neutral bass, and smoother, gentler voicing
- Vs. Audeze LCD-5: Solitaire P-SE offers a much better package, better comfort, and an airier, wider, and more holographic sounding headphone for a lower price
- Vs. Crosszone CZ-8a Enhanced: Solitaire P-SE creates a wider, more holographic soundstage that is simply unbound by the laws of physics, and it also sounds much more natural, immediately having a spot-on tonality in the midrange, more natural voicing, less bass, but a higher resolution and revealing ability across all frequency ranges
Takeaway: The T+A Solitaire P-SE is a well-made set of high-end headphones for home use that offers warm and balanced sound, perfect for music listening. It has very good balance and fantastic control of the dynamics.
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Manufacturer details
- Transducer principle: Planar-magnetostatic
- Impedance: 45 Ohms
- Frequency responce: 8 Hz - 45 kHz
- Distortion: < 0,015 % @ 100 dB
- Maximum sound pressure level: > 130 dB
- Transducer size: elliptic 110 x 80 mm
- Type of construction: Open, over ear
- Connectivity: Wired transmission (3m), un-balanced 6.35 mm, balanced 4.4 mm Pentaconn or XLR-4-Pin
- Material: Thermo plastic, steel, allergen-free synthetic leather and velour
- Weight: 440 g excl. cable
From the TPM 2500 converter system to the headband connections every single component and sub-assembly is manufactured to the tightest possible tolerances using precision tools. The headphones' construction employs various plastics with differing characteristics, selected according to function and specific application: the cups exhibit very high internal damping, the yokes and headband attachments are mechanically strong and extremely robust. The surfaces are finished in special top-quality lacquers developed for aviation applications.
The sophisticated design of the TPM 2500, in conjunction with the magnet arrangement, the sound duct and the diaphragm, linearises the sound field and the radiation characteristics. Music is reproduced in its purest form: the Solitaire P-SE shows the music for what it is. Natural, totally faithful reproduction is the first commandment of all T+A devices.
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:
- T+A leverages a high-voltage (HV) power supply to achieve a tube-like response from solid-state components, increasing the voltage rail to 100 volts compared to the typical +/-16 to 24 volts.
- They employ a proprietary "True 1-bit" DSD converter, processing DSD data in its native bitstream form, rather than converting it to PCM, in select DACs and players.
- T+A incorporates in-house designed switching power supplies over off-the-shelf components, maximizing current delivery and improving sonic payoff.
Select products
CALA Series:
- Positioning: Designed for music enthusiasts who value compactness and simplicity without compromising on sound quality.
- Description: Offers a sleek design with a purist front panel. Features a DSP-controlled sound management system, which is not found in the more traditional E-Series, providing enhanced sound customization options.
Caruso Series:
- Positioning: A compact all-in-one music system that combines modern functionality with high-quality sound.
- Description: Stands out with its integrated 7-inch HD touchscreen and NavigatorOS, offering intuitive control and a modern user interface, unlike the more traditional controls of the E-Series. It handles streaming, CD playback, and radio in a single device.
E-Series:
- Positioning: A classic stereo system that integrates modern digital capabilities with traditional high-fidelity sound.
- Description: Combines the sound quality of an audiophile amplifier with digital streaming capabilities, offering a balance between traditional and modern audio needs. Unlike the more compact Caruso, provides higher power output and more connectivity options.
R-Series:
- Positioning: T+A's oldest and most important product group, known for its high-end performance and classic design.
- Description: Uses high-voltage technology for superior linearity and transient response, setting it apart from the more compact Series 200. Designed for users who prioritize high power output and detailed sound reproduction.
HV-Series:
- Positioning: T+A's flagship line, representing the pinnacle of high-end audio technology and performance.
- Description: Uses high-voltage technology to achieve exceptional sound quality, with separate high-performance converters for PCM and DSD. Offers the highest level of performance and build quality compared to other series.
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What if you spend more?
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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.
Video review
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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
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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.
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Video review
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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
- 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
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Our Summary
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.
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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.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- All-new 4th generation planar magnetic driver and breakthrough Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System (AMTS)
- Balanced, natural, and transparent tonality with excellent resolution and detail
- Excellent comfort, due to features like the self-adjusting suspension system, comfortable pads, and well-distributed weight
- Unique and stylish design, with high-quality materials
Product Considerations
- Requires a lot of power to drive properly
- Some reviewers found the clamping force to be slightly high
- Proprietary Hirose connectors limit aftermarket cable options
- Bass may be light for those who prefer a bass-heavy sound
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Dan Clark Audio STEALTH, the Expanse also has a bigger soundstage, but this is by design, as an open back is going to have a wider sound
Takeaway: The Dan Clark Audio EXPANSE offers a combination of comfort, beautiful design, and high-end sound, making it a top-tier choice for audiophiles. It is an engaging and versatile headphone that should impress with its detail and expansive soundstage.
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