Source : www.hometheaterhifi.com
by: Carlo La Raso
Most consider electrostatic headphones to be at the pinnacle of the personal audio pecking order, and the first company most people consider when it comes to electrostatic headphones is STAX.
The STAX SR-X9000 is the latest flagship model electrostatic headphone (or earspeaker as they are often called) in the company’s lineup. They currently cost $6,200.00 which is already an eye-watering price for a set of headphones. They (like all electrostatics) require specialized amplification, of which STAX sells various models. STAX sent along their flagship headphone amplifier, the SRM-T8000 ($6,090.00) for a fully premium listening experience.
So, what does a just over $12K personal listening rig ultimately get you? It nets you every technological update and bit of experience that STAX has discovered over the past 85 years in this field. You get a set of truly handmade components that are still produced in Japan by legitimate craftsmen, one at a time. You also get a truly effortless listening experience that differs from any other headphone driver technology out there. I’ve now had a chance to listen to every current model of STAX earspeaker and the SR-X9000 offers the most balanced and sublime musical reproduction of all of them. Are they worth it? At the time of this writing, there is a 3-month waiting list to obtain a pair of these headphones. You tell me!