Over-Ear
STAX SR-009S
88Outstanding
$3290
Full review dataSTAX SR-009S vs Yamaha Yh-4000: 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
Yamaha Yh-4000
88Outstanding
$2500
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
STAX SR-009S
Sound9.5
Value6.0
Yamaha Yh-4000
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | STAX SR-009S | Yamaha Yh-4000 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $3290 | $2500 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2018 | 2026 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | electrostatic | planar |
| Driver size | - | 50 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-42kHz | 5Hz-70kHz |
| Impedance | 145000 Ω | 34 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 101 dB/mW | 97 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Battery | ||
| Wireless charging | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| ANC type | - | none |
| Transparency mode | - | No |
| Companion app | - | No |
| Custom EQ | - | No |
| Wear detection | - | No |
| Controls | - | none |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 589.67 g | 320 g |
| Foldable | - | No |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| USB-C | - | No |
| Balanced connection | - | Yes |
What reviewers said
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
Yamaha Yh-4000
The Yamaha YH-4000 is a premium open-back planar headphone that prioritizes exceptional detail retrieval and a natural, airy soundstage. Its lightweight build and plush comfort make it easy to wear for long sessions, while the robust construction and balanced connection cater to discerning audiophiles. It's a high-end choice for those seeking a transparent, composed listening experience without digital extras.
- Pro:Outstanding detail and clarity across the frequency range
- Pro:Very lightweight and comfortable for extended listening
- Pro:Excellent transient response with low distortion
- Con:Very high price point limits accessibility
- Con:No noise isolation or ANC due to open-back design
- Con:Lacks built-in controls or app support
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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