Over-Ear
STAX SR-007S
83Outstanding
$2,390
Full review dataSTAX SR-007S vs STAX SR-009S: 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
STAX SR-009S
67Good
$3,290
Full review dataScore 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.
- STAX SR-007S
- STAX SR-009S
HearWiki score
83
67
Sound
9.5
9.2
Value
7.2
4.3
Price (USD)
$2,390
$3,290
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 7 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 7 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- SR-007S20257 yr newer
- SR-009S2018
Specifications
SR-007SSR-009S
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $2,390
- $3,290
- HearWiki score
- 83
- 67
- Released
- 2025
- 2018
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 2× electrostatic
- electrostatic
- Driver type
- electrostatic
- electrostatic
- Drivers per side
- 2
- 1
- Frequency response
- 6 Hz - 41 kHz
- 5 Hz - 42 kHz
- Impedance
- 145000 Ω
- 145000 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 101 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
- -
- Weight
- 430 g
- 441 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- USB-C
- No
- -
What reviewers said
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
STAX SR-009S
The STAX SR-009S is a premium open-back electrostatic headphone that delivers exceptional transparency, speed, and detail, making it a top-tier choice for discerning listeners. Its refined, slightly warmer tuning than the original SR-009, combined with a spacious soundstage and precise imaging, offers a highly immersive experience, though it demands high-quality source material and dedicated amplification. It stands among the best in its class, with only a few newer models potentially edging it out.
- Pro:Exceptional detail resolution and speed
- Pro:Wide, open soundstage with precise imaging
- Pro:Comfortable fit with large earcups
- Con:Very revealing, unforgiving of poor recordings
- Con:Requires specialized electrostatic amplifier
- 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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