Over-Ear
STAX SR-007 (Mk2.5)
85Outstanding
$2205
Full review dataSTAX SR-007 (Mk2.5) 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.
STAX SR-007 (Mk2.5)
Sound9.0
Value6.5
STAX SR-009S
Sound9.5
Value6.0
Specifications
| Spec | STAX SR-007 (Mk2.5) | STAX SR-009S |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $2205 | $3290 |
| HearWiki score | 85 / 100 · Outstanding | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | - | 2018 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | Electrostatic | electrostatic |
| Driver size | 106 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 6Hz-41kHz | 5Hz-42kHz |
| Sound signature | Warm neutral | - |
| Impedance | 170000 Ω | 145000 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW | 101 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 365 g | 589.67 g |
What reviewers said
STAX SR-007 (Mk2.5)
The STAX SR-007 Mk2.5 is a premium electrostatic headphone known for its warm-neutral tuning and exceptional technical performance. It delivers a smooth, refined sound with impressive detail retrieval and a natural, non-fatiguing presentation, though its fit can significantly alter the listening experience. Built with high-quality materials, it offers a laid-back character that prioritizes musicality over aggressive dynamics, making it a favorite among audiophiles seeking a relaxed yet highly resolving sound.
- Pro:Excellent build quality with premium materials
- Pro:Smooth, non-fatiguing sound with natural timbre
- Pro:Fast and detailed transient response
- Con:Sound signature is laid-back and can seem veiled
- Con:Bass lacks heft compared to expectations
- Con:Sound is highly sensitive to proper fit
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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