Over-Ear
STAX SR-009S
88Outstanding
$3,290
Full review dataSTAX SR-009S vs ZMF Verite: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the STAX SR-009S vs ZMF Verite, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.
Over-Ear
ZMF Verite
Not yet scored
$2,500
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
ZMF Verite
No sub-scores yet - not enough rated reviews.
Specifications
| Spec | STAX SR-009S | ZMF Verite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $3,290 | $2,500 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | Not scored |
| Released | 2018 | 2024 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | electrostatic | dynamic |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-42kHz | 10Hz-25kHz |
| Impedance | 145000 Ω | 300 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 101 dB/mW | 97 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 589.67 g | 430 g |
| 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
ZMF Verite
The ZMF Vérité is a premium open-back dynamic headphone that uses a beryllium-coated PEN driver to deliver quick, detailed sound with a natural tonal balance. It offers an expansive, three-dimensional soundstage that sets it apart from many traditional dynamics, making it a strong choice for critical listening. Built with high-end craftsmanship, this wired model is best paired with a quality amplifier given its 300-ohm impedance.
- Pro:Fast, planar-like transient response
- Pro:Natural and realistic timbre
- Pro:Immersive, 3D soundstage
- Con:High impedance requires a powerful amp
- Con:No noise cancellation
- Con:Heavy at 430 grams
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.