crinacle
78Crinacle ranking: grade B+, tone B, technical S-, signature: Neutral.
Read the full reviewSTAX SR-404
55/ 100
Average
HearWiki score
Pricey for what it is
$320
typical price, USD
Discontinuedupdated 
At a glance
- Brand
- STAX
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Fit
- -
- Connection
- Wired
- Noise cancelling
- -
- Released
- 1999
Score breakdownaverage overall
Sound7.2
The HearWiki takeAI-condensed
The STAX SR-404 is a wired electrostatic over-ear headphone with an exceptionally transparent and neutral sound signature, delivering remarkable detail and speed across a wide frequency range. It offers a very high impedance of 145,000 ohms, requiring a dedicated electrostatic amplifier to perform, and is lightweight at 295 grams for comfortable listening sessions. This model is a solid entry point into high-end electrostatic audio, prioritizing precision and clarity over warmth or bass impact.
What works
- Exceptional clarity and detail retrieval
- Neutral, accurate sound signature
- Very lightweight for an over-ear design
- Wide frequency response from 7 Hz to 41 kHz
- Fast transient response typical of electrostatics
What doesn't
- Requires a specialized electrostatic amplifier
- Very high impedance limits portability
- Lacks deep bass punch compared to dynamic headphones
- May sound too analytical for casual listeners
Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.
Specifications
| Driver | electrostatic |
|---|---|
| Driver type | electrostatic |
| Frequency response | 7 Hz - 41 kHz |
| Sound signature | neutral |
| Impedance | 145000 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW |
Audio
| Driver | electrostatic |
|---|---|
| Driver type | electrostatic |
| Frequency response | 7 Hz - 41 kHz |
| Sound signature | neutral |
| Impedance | 145000 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW |
Design
| Weight | 295 g |
|---|
Where to buy
Retailers we matched to this exact model. Prices are periodic snapshots - the link always opens the retailer's current listing.
What the reviews said
1 source(s) feeding this product's score.
Own these? Rate them.
A minute of your experience with the STAX SR-404 helps the next person shopping for them.
Alternatives in the $160–$650 range
Other over-ear models at a comparable price, ordered by HearWiki score.
More from STAX
Other STAX models in the database, same category first.
Where it sits in our rankings
The data-driven guides this model qualifies for.