STAX SR-009D vs Yamaha Yh-5000se: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the STAX SR-009D comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 81. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: STAX SR-009D - Outstanding overall at around $2600.

Over-Ear

STAX SR-009D

81Outstanding

$2,600

Full review data

Over-Ear

Score breakdown

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

STAX SR-009D leads on 4 of 4 measures.

STAX SR-009D
Yamaha Yh-5000se

HearWiki score

Sound

9.7

9.1

Value

7.4

5.7

Price (USD)

$2,600

$5,000

Specifications

SR-009DYh-5000se

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $2,600; $5,000
HearWiki score: 81; 72
Released: 2024; 2023
Availability: Discontinued; Discontinued
Driver: 2× electrostatic; 50 mm planar magnetic
Driver type: electrostatic; planar
Driver size: -; 50 mm
Drivers per side: 2; 1
Frequency response: 5 Hz - 42 kHz; 5 Hz - 70 kHz
Impedance: 145000 Ω; 34 Ω
Sensitivity: -; 98 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling: No; -
ANC type: none; -
Transparency mode: No; -
Companion app: No; -
Custom EQ: No; -
Wear detection: No; -
Weight: 452 g; 320 g
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
USB-C: No; -
Pad material: leather; leatherette
Connector: -; 4.4 mm balanced
Balanced connection: -; Yes

Specification comparison of STAX SR-009D vs Yamaha Yh-5000se
Spec	STAX SR-009D	Yamaha Yh-5000se
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$2,600	$5,000
HearWiki score	81 / 100 Outstanding	72 / 100 Good
Released	2024	2023
Audio
Driver	2× electrostatic	50 mm planar magnetic
Driver type	electrostatic	planar
Driver size	-	50 mm
Drivers per side	2	1
Frequency response	5 Hz - 42 kHz	5 Hz - 70 kHz
Impedance	145000 Ω	34 Ω
Sensitivity	-	98 dB/mW
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	-
ANC type	none	-
Transparency mode	No	-
Companion app	No	-
Custom EQ	No	-
Wear detection	No	-
Design
Weight	452 g	320 g
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
USB-C	No	-
Pad material	leather	leatherette
Connector	-	4.4 mm balanced
Balanced connection	-	Yes

What reviewers said

STAX SR-009D

The STAX SR-009D is a premium open-back electrostatic headphone engineered for audiophiles seeking exceptional clarity and detail. With its ultra-wide frequency response and refined driver design, it delivers a transparent, highly resolving soundstage, though it demands a dedicated amplifier and a substantial investment. Its leather pads and detachable cable add to a luxurious, high-end experience.

Pro:Exceptional transparency and resolution
Pro:Wide frequency response for detailed highs and lows
Pro:Premium build with leather earpads

Con:Very expensive
Con:Requires specialized electrostatic amplifier
Con:No noise cancellation or wireless features

Yamaha Yh-5000se

No summary yet - we haven't aggregated enough reviews.

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 STAX SR-009D Yamaha Yh-5000se