Over-Ear
STAX SR-4070
78Great
$1700
Full review dataSTAX SR-4070 vs ZMF Tessidera: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the ZMF Tessidera comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: ZMF Tessidera - Outstanding overall at around $2500.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
STAX SR-4070
Sound8.5
Value6.0
ZMF Tessidera
Sound9.2
Value7.5
Specifications
| Spec | STAX SR-4070 | ZMF Tessidera |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1700 | $2500 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | - | 2026 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | Electrostatic | Planar magnetic with 1-micron diaphragm |
| Driver size | - | 80 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 7Hz-41kHz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Sound signature | Mid-centric | - |
| Impedance | 145000 Ω | 35 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 97 dB/mW | 92 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | none | - |
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Battery | ||
| Wireless charging | No | - |
| Features | ||
| ANC type | none | - |
| Transparency mode | No | - |
| Companion app | No | - |
| Custom EQ | No | - |
| Wear detection | No | - |
| Controls | none | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 480 g | 570 g |
| Water resistance | none | - |
| Foldable | No | - |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | - |
What reviewers said
STAX SR-4070
The STAX SR-4070 is a high-end electrostatic headphone that prioritizes midrange clarity and detail retrieval over bass impact or treble sparkle. Its exceptionally low-distortion driver and wide frequency response make it a technical powerhouse, but it demands a dedicated electrostatic amplifier and offers no modern conveniences. This is a niche, serious-listening tool for audiophiles who value precision and neutrality above all else.
- Pro:Exceptional technical performance with superb detail and separation
- Pro:Neutral, mid-focused tuning that avoids harshness or fatigue
- Pro:Detachable cable adds flexibility for custom setups
- Con:Requires a specialized electrostatic amp, adding significant cost and bulk
- Con:No built-in controls, app support, or EQ options
- Con:Heavy at 480g and not foldable, limiting portability
ZMF Tessidera
The Tessidera is a premium open-back planar headphone that channels ZMF's signature warm, musical tuning into a planar driver format. It delivers a smooth, full-bodied sound with particularly rich vocals and natural timbre, all while being relatively easy to drive for a high-end model. The build is solid overall, though the stock grill finish shows minor cosmetic imperfections.
- Pro:Smooth, full-bodied tuning with rich vocals
- Pro:Excellent timbre and natural instrument reproduction
- Pro:Relatively easy to drive despite large 80mm drivers
- Con:Mid-forward balance can vary with amplifier pairing
- Con:Minor cosmetic roughness on the stock grill
- Con:Heavy at 570g, requiring a sturdy headphone stand
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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