Stax Sr 009 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£2,640
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Stax Sr 009 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

3.9

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

3.3

Technical Score

20.0%

6.2

User score

Poor
3.3

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

3.8

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

4.3

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

1.2

Calls & Controls

Poor
6.2

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

1.2

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(2)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Good
  • 0.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 0.5
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    1.0

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 0.2
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 1.4
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

  • No image
No image

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Stax SR-009 is a flagship open-back circular electrostatic headphone featuring an ultra-thin polymer diaphragm less than 2 microns thick and advanced Multi-Layer ElectRodes (MLER) for precise sound wave transmission. It boasts a wide frequency response of 5Hz – 42kHz, an impedance of 145kΩ (at 10kHz), and a sensitivity of 101dB, requiring a dedicated 580V DC Pro-bias 'energiser' to operate. Main pros include its class-leading transparency, blindingly quick transient response, and a spacious soundstage with pinpoint imaging, all housed in a lightweight 454g machined aluminum chassis with genuine lamb leather pads. However, potential cons include its extremely high cost, the mandatory requirement for expensive specialized amplification, a non-detachable cable on original units, and a lean bass profile that some listeners may find lacks physical impact compared to planar magnetic alternatives.

Technical Specifications of Stax Sr 009

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

3.8

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

4.3

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

1.2

Calls & Controls

3.3
Stax Sr 009 has a technical score of 3.26 points, which is lower than that of 96.9% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

1.2

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(2)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

6.2
Stax Sr 009 has a user score of 6.23 points, which is lower than that of 90.9% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
1.2
Stax Sr 009 has a popularity of 1.2 points, which is lower than 72.1% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

3.9

Overall score

40.0%

1.0

Price

3.0
Stax Sr 009 has a quality-to-price ratio of 3 points, which is lower than 99.2% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
Stax Sr 009 does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

electrostatic
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

80 mm
Stax Sr 009 uses a driver size of 80 mm, larger driver size than 97.6% of headphones and equal to 0.5% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
Stax Sr 009 uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

5 Hz
Stax Sr 009 reaches a lowest frequency of 5 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 86.3% of headphones and equal to 10.8% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Stax Sr 009 is not headset-ready, while 15.3% is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

N/A
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A
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Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wired
Stax Sr 009 supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more
Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Stax Sr 009 does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

no
Stax Sr 009 does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
Show more
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Stax
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

454 g
Stax Sr 009 weighs 454 g, heavier than 97.7% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

open-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

4.9
Stax Sr 009 has a clamp force of 4.9, higher clamp force than 59.5% of headphones and equal to 8.8% of headphones.
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Stax Sr 009 vs the average headphone

  • 40 mm larger driver size
    Stax Sr 009 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (80 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
    When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Stax Sr 009 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (80 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.80 mm vs 40 mm
  • Spatial audio support
    Stax Sr 009 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
    What it is: Supports immersive surround sound playback
    When it matters: When movies, games, and immersive mixes are part of your listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Stax Sr 009 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    Stax Sr 009 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    Stax Sr 009 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.5 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 22,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Stax Sr 009 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (42,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=24000 Hz

    Stax Sr 009 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (42,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.42000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 0.29 % lower distortion
    Stax Sr 009 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
    When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <=1%

    Stax Sr 009 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.0.01 % vs 0.3 %
  • 30 mm more spacious earcup width
    Stax Sr 009 offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (73 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
    What it is: Internal width of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When earcup fit affects comfort and pressure around your ears.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Stax Sr 009 offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (73 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.73 mm vs 43 mm
  • 13 mm more spacious earcup height
    Stax Sr 009 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (73 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Stax Sr 009 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (73 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.73 mm vs 60 mm
  • Open-back design
    Stax Sr 009 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones use an open-back housing that lets air and sound pass through more freely than a closed design.
    When it matters: When you listen in quiet places and care more about spacious sound than blocking outside noise or preventing sound leakage.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Stax Sr 009 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 30 mm more spacious earcup width
    Stax Sr 009 offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (73 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
  • 13 mm more spacious earcup height
    Stax Sr 009 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (73 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
  • Open-back design
    Stax Sr 009 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 1.3 m more useful cable length
    Stax Sr 009 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (2.5 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
  • 40 mm larger driver size
    Stax Sr 009 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (80 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • Spatial audio support
    Stax Sr 009 supports spatial audio, the average headphone does not. 30.7% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    Stax Sr 009 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 22,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Stax Sr 009 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (42,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 0.29 % lower distortion
    Stax Sr 009 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
  • 2.08x higher weight
    Stax Sr 009 is heavier than the average headphone (454 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Fixed cable
    Stax Sr 009 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • No travel bag
    Stax Sr 009 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 0.6 higher clamp force
    Stax Sr 009 has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (4.9 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Stax Sr 009 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • No neodymium magnet
    Stax Sr 009 does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
    non-magnetic driver design.
  • Not headset-ready
    Stax Sr 009 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • No voice assistant support
    Stax Sr 009 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 6 years older release date
    Stax Sr 009 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,011 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    May 2011
  • No passive noise reduction
    Stax Sr 009 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
    When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Stax Sr 009 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 2.08x higher weight
    Stax Sr 009 is heavier than the average headphone (454 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    Stax Sr 009 is heavier than the average headphone (454 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.454 g vs 218 g
  • No voice assistant support
    Stax Sr 009 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
    What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
    When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

    Importance: LOW

    Stax Sr 009 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Stax Sr 009 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
    What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
    When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Stax Sr 009 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Not headset-ready
    Stax Sr 009 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
    When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Stax Sr 009 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 29.33x more expensive
    Stax Sr 009 is more expensive than the average headphone (£2,640 vs £90).
    Stax Sr 009 is more expensive than the average headphone (£2,640 vs £90).£2,640 vs £90
  • 2.25x worse value for money
    Stax Sr 009 has worse value for money than the average headphone (3.00 vs 6.736).
    What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
    When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
    Stax Sr 009 has worse value for money than the average headphone (3.00 vs 6.736).3 vs 6.74
  • 28.5% lower user score
    Stax Sr 009 has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.23 vs 8.000).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    Stax Sr 009 has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.23 vs 8.000).6.23 vs 8

Graphic comparison of Stax Sr 009 and

Attribute category
Attribute
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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Stax Sr 009?

  • World-class transparency and resolution providing extreme detail retrieval
  • Exceptional soundstage depth and imaging precision
  • Highly comfortable for long listening sessions with excellent weight distribution
  • Outstanding bass texture and speed compared to typical electrostatic designs
  • Stunning treble performance that is airy and neutral without being clinical
  • Premium build materials featuring machined aluminum and high-quality leather

What customers dislike about Stax Sr 009?

  • Extremely dependent on high-end amplification and DACs for optimal performance
  • Prohibitively high total system cost
  • Some plastic components in the headband and slider feel out of place at this price
  • Sound signature can be perceived as slightly bright or analytical for some listeners
  • Fragile electrostatic diaphragms require careful handling and dust protection
  • Lacks the intimate presentation found in some competing flagship headphones

Expert reviews

S
stereophile.com
11/10/2011

This Stereophile technical analysis highlights the performance of various Stax electrostatic earspeakers, noting the flagship SR-009's exceptionally flat frequency response and transparency, alongside the SR-007's warmer, punchier signature. The measurements demonstrate that while models like the SR-507 and SR-404 Ltd offer high detail, all units, particularly the in-ear SR-003,...Read more

S
stereophile.com
03/09/2020

Tyll Hertsens' Stereophile review concludes that the Stax SR-009 electrostatic headphones, paired with elite amplifiers like the HeadAmp Blue Hawaii SE, offer "sonic Nirvana" characterized by unparalleled detail retrieval, immense vocal realism, and authoritative driver control. However, the experience is described as a high-stakes "rich man's game" that demands significant...Read more

H
hifipig.com
25/08/2014

In her review for Hifi Pig, Janine Elliot evaluates the flagship Stax SR-009 electrostatic headphones (£3,495), characterizing them as a premium investment built exclusively for committed audiophiles. Tested with high-end source gear alongside both the SRM-006tS and the SRM-007t II Kimik vacuum tube energisers, the SR-009 stands out for its exceptional sound quality, massive spatial...Read more

H
head-fi.org
05/06/2011

The Stax SR-009 is a flagship electrostatic earspeaker celebrated on Head-Fi for unparalleled transparency, offering immense detail across the spectrum and exceptional spatial imaging for a neutral, airy sound. Praised for its comfort and lightweight, luxurious design, the headphones are considered a top-tier ergonomic experience. Conversely, they require high-end, costly equipment...Read more

T
theaudiophilecafecom.wordpress.com
26/07/2021

The The Audiophile Cafe review provides a highly enthusiastic, first-hand evaluation of the STAX SR-009 Signature Edition Electrostatic Earspeaker, praising it as a masterclass in high-end audio engineering. On the positive side, the reviewer highlights its luxurious comfort and exceptional weight distribution, which eliminates noticeable clamping force and prevents heat buildup...Read more

S
stereophile.com
25/12/2012

Tyll Hertsens' Stereophile review highlights the Stax SR-009 electrostatic headphones for their exceptional speed, transparency, and detailed sound, though notes they are highly sensitive to amplification and can display a glaring top-end if poorly matched. While high-end amplifiers like the HeadAmp Blue Hawaii SE (BHSE) and Woo Audio WES are shown to unlock world-class...Read more

H
head-fi.org
11/11/2012

The Stax SR-009 electrostatic headphones offer exceptional transparency, micro-detail, and spatial precision, delivering a highly balanced sound with fast treble, as detailed in reviews on Head-Fi. Key advantages include an expansive, accurately imaged soundstage and a comfortable design featuring high-quality leather pads. Despite the audio quality, the headphones face criticism...Read more

S
stereophile.com
19/09/2011

The Stereophile review highlights the Stax SR-009 as an extraordinary, world-class electrostatic headphone offering immense resolution, speed, and exceptional midrange/treble clarity. Proponents will appreciate the "you are there" realism, featuring deep, articulate bass and spectacular spatial imaging, capable of reproducing complex orchestral music without congestion. Conversely,...Read more

S
stereophile.com
25/09/2011

The Stereophile review of the Stax SR-009 praises these open-back electrostatic headphones for their exceptional neutrality, revealing mids, and rapid, detailed bass, which together create a highly coherent and lifelike listening experience. Despite these strengths, the review notes that the lowest sub-bass is slightly subdued and the upper-midrange features a minor, bright tonal...Read more

O
open-end-music.com
19/01/2014

Here is a summary of the headphone review: The Stax SR-009 is praised as the technically best headphone available, offering a very smooth, clean treble that is never annoying, high resolution, and impressive bass for a Stax model. However, it has the narrowest soundstage and smallest spatial reproduction of the three models. Its overall sound is polite and calm, meaning it lacks an...Read more

C
connect.de
23/09/2013

The Stax SR-009 is a high-end electrostatic headphone priced at 5,000 Euros that delivers an exceptionally neutral, distortion-free, and life-like sound stage, especially within the critical midrange. Driven by high-voltage driver units like the tube-based SRM-707t II or the solid-state SRM-727 II, its ultra-lightweight diaphragm responds effortlessly to transient shifts. In...Read more

F
fidelity-online.de
13/06/2019

The Stax SR-009 and SRM-T8000 amplifier set delivers an exceptionally neutral, rapid, and uncolored audio performance that uncovers the precise reality of any recording. The flagship open-back electrostatic headphones feature redesigned multilayer electrodes and an ultra-thin membrane, offering high pulse fidelity and a wide frequency range stretching from 5 Hz to 42,000 Hz. Paired...Read more

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forum.tellementnomade.org
16/04/2019

The STAX SR-009S is an exceptional electrostatic headphone that refines its predecessor, the SR-009, by delivering a warmer, fuller, and smoother sound signature. The pros of the new SR-009S include a highly improved bass response that digs deep into the sub-bass with substantial impact, akin to high-end planar magnetic headphones. It smooths out the upper treble registers to...Read more

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viedegeek.fr
05/08/2013

This review outlines a firsthand testing experience of the Stax SR-009 electrostatic headphones paired with the SRM-727II active amplifier, comparing it to older electrostatic models (Stax SR-5) and modern dynamic headphones (Sennheiser HD600). The reviewer notes that the SR-009 offers an overwhelming amount of acoustic detail, precision, and nuance that completely eclipses...Read more

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fwd.nl
03/03/2022

The Mark Levinson No. 5101 is a high-end "3-in-1" component from the more accessible 5000-series, combining a SACD/CD player, a network streamer, and a high-performance DAC. Built with an aesthetic of glass and aluminum, it features the "Precision Link II" DAC and a "Pure Path" analog output stage to maintain the brand’s signature sound quality. The reviewer found its performance...Read more

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