Stax Sr 407 Review | 93 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price in UK: ~£530
  • Avg. price in US: ~$520
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Stax Sr 407 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

3.6

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%

3.6

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Poor
3.6

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%

4.3

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

4.7

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

1.1

Calls & Controls

Poor
?

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%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 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

  • 0.7
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    2.2

    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

  • 1.8
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    2.2

    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

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £530

Best rankings

?

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

Verdict

The Stax SR-407 is an open-back electrostatic 'ear speaker' from the Lambda series featuring a push-pull oval sound element with a frequency response of 7Hz to 41,000Hz and a sensitivity of 101dB. It utilizes a 1.35µm thin-film diaphragm encased in a vibration-minimizing resin, connected via a 2.5m low-capacitance wide cable with a 580V DC bias. Main pros include exceptional speed, surgical detail retrieval, and a vast, airy soundstage that offers realistic instrument separation. However, users often cite a lack of deep bass impact compared to dynamic drivers and a build quality that feels overly plastic or fragile.

Technical Specifications of Stax Sr 407

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%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

3.6
Stax Sr 407 has a technical score of 3.56 points, which is lower than that of 92.9% 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%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
Stax Sr 407 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% 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%

3.6

Overall score

40.0%

7.7

Price

4.8
Stax Sr 407 has a quality-to-price ratio of 4.8 points, which is lower than 96.1% 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 407 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

90 mm
Stax Sr 407 uses a driver size of 90 mm, larger driver size than 98.2% of headphones and equal to 0.3% 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 407 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

7 Hz
Stax Sr 407 reaches a lowest frequency of 7 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 83.2% of headphones and equal to 1.3% 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 407 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

0
Stax Sr 407 has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 74.1% of headphones and equal to 25.9% of headphones.
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
Show more
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 407 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 407 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 407 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

340 g
Stax Sr 407 weighs 340 g, heavier than 89.7% of headphones and equal to 1% 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

?
Show more

Stax Sr 407 vs the average headphone

  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Stax Sr 407 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
    What it is: Certified for high-resolution audio playback
    When it matters: When official support for high-resolution playback matters to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Stax Sr 407 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 50 mm larger driver size
    Stax Sr 407 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (90 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 407 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (90 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.90 mm vs 40 mm
  • 11 Hz lower bass extension
    Stax Sr 407 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (7 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 407 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (7 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.7 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 21,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Stax Sr 407 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (41,000 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 407 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (41,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.41000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 0.29 % lower distortion
    Stax Sr 407 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 407 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 %
  • Open-back design
    Stax Sr 407 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 407 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 407 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.
    What it is: Length of the supplied audio cable
    When it matters: When your desk, TV, or audio setup needs more or less movement range.

    Importance: LOW

    Stax Sr 407 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.2.5 m vs 1.2 m
  • 5 mm more spacious earcup height
    Stax Sr 407 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (65 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 407 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (65 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.65 mm vs 60 mm
  • Open-back design
    Stax Sr 407 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 407 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.
  • 5 mm more spacious earcup height
    Stax Sr 407 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (65 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Stax Sr 407 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 50 mm larger driver size
    Stax Sr 407 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (90 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 11 Hz lower bass extension
    Stax Sr 407 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (7 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 21,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Stax Sr 407 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (41,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 0.29 % lower distortion
    Stax Sr 407 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
  • 56% higher weight
    Stax Sr 407 is heavier than the average headphone (340 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Fixed cable
    Stax Sr 407 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Stax Sr 407 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
    no tangle-free listening cable is present or specified.
  • No travel bag
    Stax Sr 407 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Stax Sr 407 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • No neodymium magnet
    Stax Sr 407 does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
  • Not headset-ready
    Stax Sr 407 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Stax Sr 407 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    Stax Sr 407 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 7 years older release date
    Stax Sr 407 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,010 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Stax Sr 407 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 407 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 56% higher weight
    Stax Sr 407 is heavier than the average headphone (340 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 407 is heavier than the average headphone (340 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.340 g vs 218 g
  • No voice assistant support
    Stax Sr 407 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 407 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Stax Sr 407 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 407 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Not headset-ready
    Stax Sr 407 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 407 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 5.89x more expensive
    Stax Sr 407 is more expensive than the average headphone (£530 vs £90).
    Stax Sr 407 is more expensive than the average headphone (£530 vs £90).£530 vs £90
  • 40.1% worse value for money
    Stax Sr 407 has worse value for money than the average headphone (4.81 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 407 has worse value for money than the average headphone (4.81 vs 6.736).4.81 vs 6.74
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Stax Sr 407 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 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

    Stax Sr 407 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1

Graphic comparison of Stax Sr 407 and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Stax Sr 407?

  • Exceptional detail retrieval and transparency for high-fidelity listening
  • Incredible speed and effortlessness in sound reproduction, outperforming many high-end planar and dynamic headphones
  • Smooth, refined, and grain-free sound signature compared to previous series models
  • High level of instrument separation with a 3D-like, airy soundstage
  • Extremely lightweight and comfortable for long listening sessions despite the bulky appearance
  • Excellent value for money, often described as the 'best bang-for-the-buck' in its line

What customers dislike about Stax Sr 407?

  • Build quality feels subpar or cheap due to the extensive use of thin, 'plasticky' materials
  • Lacks substantial bass impact or 'slam,' which may disappoint bass-heavy music fans
  • Soundstage width can feel narrow or disappointing compared to other open-back designs
  • The heavy ribbon cable can be cumbersome if left dangling
  • Can sound slightly bright or 'ethereal' in the upper registers depending on the recording and seal

Expert reviews

C
changstar.com
04/11/2013

The STAX SR-407 electrostatic headphones deliver exceptional midrange performance but feature a notably bright treble profile. Main pros highlighted by the reviewer include excellent detail retrieval, an immediate and immediate presentation, and a highly uniform, solid "tasty" performance in the 100–1000 Hz midrange frequency band. The impulse response is also described as...Read more

H
head-fi.org
01/01/2011

The Head-Fi review of the Stax SR-407 highlights these electrostatic headphones as a highly refined upgrade from the Lambda Signatures, offering exceptional detail retrieval, transparency, and an expansive soundstage. It provides a cohesive frequency range that eliminates the upper-midrange etch of previous models, resulting in a smoother, grain-free sonic presentation....Read more

H
hifipig.com
19/08/2014

The Hifi Pig review outlines the Stax SR-407 "Ear Speakers" as a clinically precise yet highly musical entry point into serious electrostatic audio. Evaluated alongside the 6FQ7 valve SRM-006ts energizer as the SRS-4170 system, the headphones boast a vast 7-41,000 Hz frequency response. The pros highlight an exceptionally quick, precise, and deep bass transient response, alongside...Read more

P
prof-x.de
04/07/2017

This forum discussion explores the technical mechanics and acoustic performance of STAX electrostatic headphones, focusing closely on the experiences of community members with various Lambda and Omega series models. The primary advantages (pros) highlighted by users include the headphones' exceptionally open, clear, and natural sound quality, which often provides a highly...Read more

Y
yumpu.com
16/01/2015

The provided document from Yumpu features an Italian audio magazine review highlighting the Sennheiser HD 800Go to product viewer dialog for this item. headphones as a new benchmark for dynamic audio performance. The review emphasizes the exceptional acoustic rendering, noting its highly natural sound signature that stays faithful to every audio detail. A standout benefit is the...Read more

O
opusklassiek.nl
01/03/2011

This review analyzes the Stax Lambda-Nova series (Basic and Classic models) and the ultra-compact SR-001 mini earspeaker system. The Lambda-Nova series continues Stax's tradition of open-back, oval electrostatic designs that offer exceptional transparency, rapid impulse response, and a crystal-clear sonic image from the lower-mids to the highest frequencies. Key technical...Read more

Video reviews

Compare Stax Sr 407 with

VS
VS

Compare