Over-Ear
STAX SR-007S
83Outstanding
$2,390
Full review dataSTAX SR-007S vs ZMF Auteur: 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
ZMF Auteur
63Good
$2,430
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
- ZMF Auteur
HearWiki score
83
63
Sound
9.5
8.6
Value
7.2
5.2
Price (USD)
$2,390
$2,430
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.
- SR-007S20258 yr newer
- Auteur2017
Specifications
SR-007SAuteur
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $2,390
- $2,430
- HearWiki score
- 83
- 63
- Released
- 2025
- 2017
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 2× electrostatic
- 50 mm dynamic
- Driver type
- electrostatic
- dynamic
- Driver size
- -
- 50 mm
- Drivers per side
- 2
- 1
- Frequency response
- 6 Hz - 41 kHz
- 10 Hz - 25 kHz
- Sound signature
- -
- neutral-bright
- Impedance
- 145000 Ω
- 300 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 101 dB/mW
- 97 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
- 470 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- No
- No
- Balanced connection
- -
- Yes
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
ZMF Auteur
The ZMF Auteur is an open-back, wired over-ear headphone from ZMF that pairs a 50mm dynamic driver with a handcrafted wooden design for a distinctive, musical presentation. It delivers a wide, spacious soundstage with intimate vocals and a neutral-bright tuning that emphasizes tonal richness and engaging dynamics. While not purely analytical, its 300-ohm impedance requires a capable amplifier, and its 470g weight makes comfort a consideration for long sessions.
- Pro:Engaging, musical sound with excellent tonal quality
- Pro:Wide soundstage and intimate vocal presentation
- Pro:Beautiful artisanal wooden build and craftsmanship
- Con:Requires a powerful amplifier due to 300-ohm impedance
- Con:Relatively heavy at 470g for extended wear
- Con:Neutral-bright tuning may not suit listeners preferring a warmer signature
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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