Over-Ear
Meze ARTA
86Outstanding
$6000
Full review dataMeze ARTA vs STAX SR-009S: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the STAX SR-009S comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: STAX SR-009S - Outstanding overall at around $3290.
Over-Ear
STAX SR-009S
88Outstanding
$3290
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Meze ARTA
Sound9.0
Value5.0
STAX SR-009S
Sound9.5
Value6.0
Specifications
| Spec | Meze ARTA | STAX SR-009S |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $6000 | $3290 |
| HearWiki score | 86 / 100 · Outstanding | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2026 | 2018 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | Rinaro High Impedance Isodynamic Hybrid Array MZ5 HΩ | electrostatic |
| Driver size | 102 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 3Hz-115kHz | 5Hz-42kHz |
| Impedance | 225 Ω | 145000 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 98 dB/mW | 101 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 495 g | 589.67 g |
What reviewers said
Meze ARTA
The Meze ARTA is a premium open-back planar flagship that delivers a warm-neutral, speaker-like sound with an expansive stage, making it ideal for classical, jazz, and vocal-heavy recordings. It demands high-quality desktop amplification due to its high impedance and sensitivity, while its striking design, serviceable build, and luxurious accessories justify its six-figure price tag for serious enthusiasts.
- Pro:Rich, warm-neutral tonal balance with natural timbre
- Pro:Huge, three-dimensional soundstage for immersive listening
- Pro:Premium craftsmanship with fully serviceable components
- Con:Extremely high cost limits accessibility
- Con:Requires powerful, high-end desktop amp to perform fully
- Con:No noise isolation or wireless connectivity options
STAX SR-009S
The STAX SR-009S is a premium electrostatic headphone that refines the original SR-009 formula with a slightly smoother, less bright tuning while retaining exceptional speed, detail, and openness. It offers a wide, precisely imaged soundstage and a very comfortable fit, making it a top-tier choice for critical listening, though it demands high-quality recordings and a dedicated amplifier system to shine. Its performance places it among the very best headphones available, with only the newer X9000 potentially edging it out in some respects.
- Pro:Extremely fast and detailed electrostatic sound
- Pro:Wide, immersive soundstage with precise imaging
- Pro:Comfortable fit despite large earcups
- Con:Very revealing of poor-quality recordings
- Con:Requires specialized electrostatic amplifier, adding cost and complexity
- Con:High price point limits accessibility
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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