Sony is a Japanese company that specializes in various electronics products, including HiFi audio equipment.

Sony

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc., often referred to simply as McIntosh, is an esteemed American brand renowned for its high-quality audio equipment. Founded in 1949 in Binghamton, New York, McIntosh has established itself as a pioneer in the high-fidelity audio industry. The brand is synonymous with enduring build quality, aesthetic elegance, and unparalleled sound performance, making it a choice of audiophiles and music enthusiasts worldwide.

Known for its distinctive design, McIntosh products feature signature black glass front panels, aluminum end caps, and the iconic "McIntosh Blue" watt meters, which have become a symbol of audio excellence. Their product range encompasses a wide array of audio equipment, including amplifiers, preamplifiers, speakers, turntables, and other audio accessories, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail and acoustic perfection.

McIntosh's dedication to producing high-quality sound reproduction is evident in their use of advanced technologies and precision engineering. Their products are often the result of extensive research and development, ensuring that they not only meet but exceed industry standards.

In addition to sound quality, McIntosh is committed to the longevity and durability of its products. Many McIntosh units from decades past are still in use today, a testament to their build quality and the company's commitment to sustainability through longevity.

Whether for home audio systems, professional studios, or luxury car audio, McIntosh provides an audio experience that is both immersive and emotionally engaging, offering a level of performance that is as close to the original recording as possible. Their legacy and ongoing innovation continue to set the standard in high-end audio, making McIntosh a prestigious and revered name in the world of hi-fi audio systems.

McIntosh

Denon is a brand that specializes in manufacturing high-quality audio and video equipment. They offer a wide range of products including AV receivers, speakers, headphones, and Blu-ray players.

Denon

Pro-Ject is a brand that specializes in manufacturing high-quality turntables and audio equipment.

Pro-Ject

Ortofon is a Danish company that specializes in the design and production of high-quality audio equipment, particularly phono cartridges and styli. They are known for their precision engineering and superior sound reproduction.

Ortofon

Stax is a Japanese brand known for producing high-quality electrostatic headphones and earphones.

Stax

Exploring the nuances of high-fidelity sound, one encounters the Stax SR-X9000, an impressive manifestation of electrostatic headphone technology known for its impeccable audio reproduction. The detail and clarity that these headphones provide allow for a deep dive into the layers of one’s favorite tracks, revealing subtle elements that typically remain hidden with conventional audio equipment. It's an auditory journey through the landscape of sound, where each frequency is presented with striking definition.

Paired with the SR-X9000 is the IFI audio Pro IESL, a capable energizer that ensures these sophisticated headphones are powered to deliver their full sonic potential. It’s an essential piece of the high-fidelity puzzle, facilitating the delivery of clean and consistent audio. In alliance with the Pro IESL, the Stax SRM-717 amplifier serves as the backbone of this setup. Known for its stability and precision, the SRM-717 underscores the experience by offering a steady hand to guide the electrostatic performance to its fullest expression, ensuring that every listening session is as rich and engaging as a live performance.

by: an_2a3

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Nuances of Electrostatic Headphones

IFI audio Pro IESL

The Stax SRM-717 is a solid-state headphone amplifier designed specifically for electrostatic headphones. It is engineered to deliver high-quality audio reproduction with exceptional speed and clarity. Featuring a fully DC-coupled signal path, the SRM-717 eliminates the use of capacitors in audio pathways, resulting in a more direct and transparent sound. The architecture is built primarily on a current domain amplification design, which facilitates a rapid response and extended frequency range. The amplifier's first stage functions as a voltage-controlled current sink, with a subsequent stage transitioning to a current-controlled voltage source, culminating in a constant current sink in the last stage. This design approach reduces the Miller Effect, thus enhancing high-frequency performance. With a low output impedance of approximately 25 ohms, it is well-suited to drive electrostatic headphones, and it achieves a total harmonic distortion of under 0.02%. The amplifier can handle voltages up to 800 volts peak-to-peak, allowing for loud output levels suitable for electrostatic models like the Omega series. With its compact and robust build, the SRM-717 is appreciated for its reliability and sound fidelity, making it a compelling choice for serious audio enthusiasts looking to drive advanced headphone technology.

SRM-717

The Stax SR-X9000 is a flagship electrostatic earspeaker that incorporates advanced technologies for an unparalleled listening experience. It features the newly developed MLER-3 (Multi-Layer Electrodes) fixed electrode technology, which consists of a four-layer design combining mesh and conventional etching electrodes. This allows for a rigid structure that significantly reduces resonance and enhances sound transmission characteristics compared to traditional designs. The diaphragm utilizes ultra-thin engineering film, which is 20% larger than that of the previous model, SR-009S, providing a lightning-fast reaction speed and a broad frequency response. The SR-X9000 boasts a frequency response range of 5 - 42,000Hz and an impedance of 145kΩ, with a sound pressure sensitivity of 100dB, operating on a bias voltage of 580V DC. Its construction features a tough machined aluminum enclosure to eliminate unnecessary vibrations and enhance acoustic clarity. Additionally, the guard mesh is uniquely designed to control reflections, ensuring smoother sound wave flow. The earspeaker is equipped with genuine leather ear pads, improving comfort and sound isolation, while its stainless steel arc assembly enhances durability and fit. Included are ultra-pure annealed copper and silver-plated cables, available in two lengths, and it is packaged in a wooden case made from paulownia wood for optimal storage.

Stax HiFi Setups

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Nuances of Electrostatic Headphones