STAX SRS-X1000 Electrostatic Earspeaker System

"Excellent product, incredibly detailed just make sure you have it hooked up to a decent DAC"

— Dillon (5/5)

Sound great, but check for channel imbalance

"The sound on these is quite good for being relatively affordable. I had never listened to an electrostat before, but these compare favorably to some nice planar magnetics that I own. I had read that most electrostats had weak bass, but these do just fine down low. Not quite as much impact as the planar magnetics, but I don't feel like I'm missing out. They are very fast and detailed and sound good on just about any track I throw at it. They do sound better with a mild EQ to enhance the bass and tame a couple of peaks. These are pretty comfortable to wear for long sessions, mostly because they are so light. They could do with a bit of padding on the headband though, and the earcups are a bit small so if you have large ears these might not be ideal. I almost returned these because of channel imbalance. The right cup was much lower in volume than the left which was really messing up the imaging. I managed to fix it though after finding a forum post on the problem. First put your thumb across the tips of all 5 pins of the plug at once to discharge them, then give a firm but not hard slap to both sides of the affected earcup. Apparently part of the diaphragm can become stuck to part of a stator, and this method frees it. I have used these for weeks since then without a problem."

— Jacob R. (4/5)

Love it!

"I generally find headphones uncomfortable but I couldn't resist the urge to take the plunge as it was my dream to listen to an electrostatic system and these were quite affordable considering the typical price point of an electrostatic system. The pads felt amazing to the touch and I found the headphones quite comfortable. I could use them for hours at a time. As for the audio, it was super clear and precise. The SRM-270s driver unit is perfect for driving the SR-X1s. So far, I have not needed to turn the level dial beyond the halfway mark. With my setup, there is also absolutely no static noise of any sort so I am very pleased altogether and feel no need to upgrade in the near future :) For those ordering from outside North America, please note that the power adapter is for North America only. You would have to buy a separate adapter for your region to power the amplifier which is inexpensive and easily ordered online. I am very grateful to Justin from HeadAmp for contacting me to notify me of this fact as I would have made a very expensive mistake otherwise."

— Shirak H. (5/5)

Affordable, compact electrostatic headphone system with impressive sound quality

"The SRS-X1000 system consists of the SR-X1 headphones and the SRM-270S energizer/amp unit. The SR-X1's lightweight design and comfortable fit, combined with its affordable price, make it an exceptional choice for those seeking a quality, compact electrostatic headphone system without breaking the bank. Its balanced tonality is a pleasant surprise, defying expectations for its price range. The SR-X1 has smallish ear cups with comfy sheepskin leather over-the-ear pads and light clamping force afforded by the thin, unpadded headband. The pads have a smallish oval cavity that may not accommodate larger ears without touching the pads. It has a high-quality detachable cable. Build quality is OK for the price, but the SR-X1 should be handled gently to avoid accidental damage. The open-back design does not appear to incorporate a backside dust shield, so it should be protected from dust when not in use. The SRM-270S complements the SR-X1 perfectly, offering a low-profile design with ample power and a separate wall wart power supply. While the lack of muting circuitry is heard by a soft "pop" sound whenever power is switched on or off, it is a minor inconvenience compared to the overall performance and portability of the system. The option to purchase the SR-X1 and SRM-270S separately adds flexibility for users to tailor their audio setup to their preferences. The SR-X1's sound quality does benefit from the use of higher caliber, expensive amplifiers, but it is not essential. The SR-X1's sound profile is engaging, with a bass impact that impresses, a clear and focused midrange, and a smooth treble that contributes to a non-fatiguing listening experience. Although it has an intimate soundstage and is less precise in rendering holographic sound sources and venue ambiance than more expensive electrostatics and planars, this does not detract from the headphone's enjoyment for non-analytical listening, especially considering its entry-level position in the electrostatic market. Overall, the SRS-1000X stands out as a competent, compact, and well-rounded entry-level electrostatic system that is perfect for all-around listening. Its balanced tonality ensures pleasurable enjoyment for a variety of genres."

— Thomas C. (5/5)

STAX SRS-X1000

"These are my first experience with electrostatic headphones and it has been quite positive overall. The phones themselves are incredibly light and comfortable. I have large ears and the pads work well for long listening sessions. The presentation is quite fast and detailed with satisfying frequency balance. Timbre is realistic though this is using a tube preamp. Since this is also how I listen through a solid state amp to dynamic headphones, this is a fair comparison. I have single sided deafness and listen to headphones in mono. So there is an increase in information and these handle the challenge well. The energizer (SRM-270S) has more than adequate power ( usually listening with volume control at 1/3 of range. A great introduction to electro stats and makes one wonder what higher levels can do."

— Michael W. (4/5)

Very, Very Nice

"These sound very much like my Logan’s! They have a very live feel, that doesn’t get tiresome to the ear!"

— Greg S. (4/5)