OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
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REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
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Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Stax Sr 009 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£2,640Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Stax Sr 009 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Stax Sr 009
5.3/10

Overall score

Score
5.3/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
Score components

80%

5.0

Technical score

20%

6.5

User score

â–¼Worse than 92% of headphones
4.0

Value for money

Value for money
4.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components

70%

5.3

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

â–¼Worse than 99%
5.0

Technical score

Technical score
5.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
Score components

52%

5.8

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

4.8

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.3

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 92%
6.5

User score

User score
6.5/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

2.1

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 93%
  • stax-sr-009
  • stax-sr-009
stax-sr-009
stax-sr-009
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Stax Sr 009

Technical score
Technical score
5.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
Score components:

52%

5.8

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

4.8

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.3

Calls & Controls

5.0
User score
User score
6.5/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

2.1

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
6.5
Popularity
Popularity
2.1/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
Popularity:
Stax Sr 009 has a popularity score of 2.1 points, which is lower than that of 72.1% of products in this category.
2.1
Value for money
Value for money
4.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components:

70%

5.3

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

4.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
electrostatic
Driver size
80 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 80 mm, larger driver size than 97.7% of headphones and equal to 0.4% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
5 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones 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
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
no
This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while 15.1% is. 84.9% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
?
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
N/A
Show more
Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
no
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Stax
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
454 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 454 g, heavier than 97.6% of headphones.
Acoustic design
open-back
Clamp force
4.9
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 4.9, higher clamp force than 59.7% of headphones and equal to 8.5% of headphones.
Show more

Stax Sr 009 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 40 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (80 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    80 mm vs 40 mm
  • Spatial audio support
    This pair of headphones supports spatial audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 15.9% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (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
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (42,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    42,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 0.29 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.01 % vs 0.3 %
  • 29 mm more spacious earcup width
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (73 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    73 mm vs 44 mm
  • 13 mm more spacious earcup height
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup height than the average pair of headphones (73 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    73 mm vs 60 mm
  • 1.3 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (2.5 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    2.5 m vs 1.2 m
  • 29 mm more spacious earcup width
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (73 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    73 mm vs 44 mm
  • 13 mm more spacious earcup height
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup height than the average pair of headphones (73 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    73 mm vs 60 mm
  • 1.3 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (2.5 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    2.5 m vs 1.2 m
  • Open-back design
    This pair of headphones uses an open-back design, while the average pair of headphones does not. 9.1% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 40 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (80 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    80 mm vs 40 mm
  • Spatial audio support
    This pair of headphones supports spatial audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 15.9% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (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
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (42,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    42,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 0.29 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.01 % vs 0.3 %
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 2.08x higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (454 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    454 g vs 218 g
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 29.33x more expensive
    Stax Sr 009 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£2,640 vs £90).
    £2,640 vs £90
  • 81.1% worse value for money
    Stax Sr 009 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (4.01 vs 7.3).
    4.01 vs 7.27
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 29.33x more expensive
    Stax Sr 009 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£2,640 vs £90).
    £2,640 vs £90
  • 81.1% worse value for money
    Stax Sr 009 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (4.01 vs 7.3).
    4.01 vs 7.27
  • 22.7% lower user score
    User score
    6.5/ 10
    ✕
    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 distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Stax Sr 009
    the average pair of headphones
    Stax Sr 009 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (6.52 vs 8).
    6.52 vs 8
  • 2.76x less popular
    Stax Sr 009 is less popular than the average pair of headphones (2.13 vs 5.9).
    2.13 vs 5.87
  • 2.08x higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (454 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    454 g vs 218 g
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • No travel bag
    This pair of headphones does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 0.6 higher clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a higher clamp force than the average pair of headphones (4.9 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    4.9 vs 4.3
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • No neodymium magnet
    This pair of headphones does not use neodymium magnets, the average pair of headphones does. 81.9% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
    non-magnetic driver design.
  • 1 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (101 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    101 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 5 older release date
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2011 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    May 2011
    2011 vs 2016

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.5
the Honest Audiophile
≈ estimated
11/12/2021
Hands-on review · sound, staging and comfort with energizer
Verdict
Stax SR-009 with its energizer has stunning imaging and detail, and it is hard to give back.
9.5
Z Reviews
≈ estimated
09/12/2020
Listening session · comparison with other electrostatic headphones
Verdict
Stax SR-009 still impresses after comparisons, sitting in a league of its own among electrostatics.
4.0
VeryCoolAlan
≈ estimated
24/06/2017
Rant review · price and value opinion
Verdict
Stax SR-009 sounds great, but the price is ridiculous and it's not worth spending your money on.
9.5
VeryCoolAlan
≈ estimated
02/06/2017
Hands-on review · sound, build and drive tests
Verdict
Stax SR-009 sounds crystal clear and is easy to drive, though its sound won't change your life.
Hands-on video, no verdict
Brand video

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

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 don't like 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

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.

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