Grado PS2000e vs STAX SR-007S: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the STAX SR-007S comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 83. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: STAX SR-007S - Outstanding overall at around $2390.

Over-Ear

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

STAX SR-007S leads on 4 of 4 measures.

Grado PS2000e
STAX SR-007S

HearWiki score

Sound

9.0

9.5

Value

4.1

7.2

Price (USD)

$3,480

$2,390

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

The STAX SR-007S is 8 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price. For 8 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

PS2000e2017
SR-007S20258 yr newer

Specifications

PS2000eSR-007S

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $3,480; $2,390
HearWiki score: 65; 83
Released: 2017; 2025
Availability: Discontinued; Sold new
Driver: 50 mm dynamic; 2× electrostatic
Driver type: dynamic; electrostatic
Driver size: 50 mm; -
Drivers per side: 1; 2
Frequency response: 5 Hz - 50 kHz; 6 Hz - 41 kHz
Impedance: 32 Ω; 145000 Ω
Sensitivity: 99.8 dB/mW; 101 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling: No; No
ANC type: -; none
Transparency mode: -; No
Companion app: -; No
Custom EQ: -; No
Wear detection: -; No
Controls: none; none
Weight: 530 g; 430 g
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
USB-C: No; No

Specification comparison of Grado PS2000e vs STAX SR-007S
Spec	Grado PS2000e	STAX SR-007S
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$3,480	$2,390
HearWiki score	65 / 100 Good	83 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2017	2025
Audio
Driver	50 mm dynamic	2× electrostatic
Driver type	dynamic	electrostatic
Driver size	50 mm	-
Drivers per side	1	2
Frequency response	5 Hz - 50 kHz	6 Hz - 41 kHz
Impedance	32 Ω	145000 Ω
Sensitivity	99.8 dB/mW	101 dB/mW
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
ANC type	-	none
Transparency mode	-	No
Companion app	-	No
Custom EQ	-	No
Wear detection	-	No
Controls	none	none
Design
Weight	530 g	430 g
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
USB-C	No	No

What reviewers said

Grado PS2000e

The Grado PS2000e is a wired, open-back flagship headphone that delivers a fast, detailed, and natural sound signature, appealing to both long-time fans and newcomers to the brand. Its 50mm dynamic drivers are easy to drive, yet the headphone benefits from high-quality sources and amplification to fully shine. While built with premium materials and offering strong dynamics, its high price, open design, and unconventional aesthetics limit its appeal to dedicated audiophiles.

Pro:Excellent, engaging sound with strong dynamics
Pro:Natural and refined tonal balance
Pro:Easy to drive despite high-end performance

Con:Very expensive
Con:Significant sound leakage due to open-back design
Con:Polarizing, old-school looks

STAX SR-007S

The STAX SR-007S is a refined electrostatic flagship that builds on the classic Stax formula with updated internals and comfort-focused earpads. It delivers a spacious, highly detailed soundstage with warm bass and clear treble, all while maintaining a smooth, airy presentation. This wired, over-ear design is a perfectionist's choice for those seeking an evolutionary upgrade in high-end audio.

Pro:Spacious and precise soundstage
Pro:Warm, deep bass with clear highs
Pro:Improved comfort and reduced earcup resonance

Con:Requires a dedicated electrostatic amplifier
Con:Very high impedance limits portability
Con:No built-in controls or wireless features

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparison Grado PS2000e STAX SR-007S