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STAX SR-L300Image © STAX

STAX SR-L300

64/ 100
Good
HearWiki score

Priced about right

$550
typical price, USD
Discontinuedupdated
Manufacturer pageBuy now onAmazon

At a glance

Brand
STAX
Type
Over-Ear
Fit
-
Connection
Wired
Noise cancelling
No
Released
2016

Score breakdowngood overall

Sound8.1
Value6.8

The HearWiki takeAI-condensed

The STAX SR-L300 is a wired, open-back electrostatic headphone designed for audiophiles who value pristine detail and an expansive soundstage. It offers a remarkably wide frequency response and a lightweight build, but it requires a dedicated electrostatic amplifier to function, making it part of a larger system investment rather than a plug-and-play product. Its tuning leans toward vocal clarity and musicality, appealing to listeners seeking a specialized, high-fidelity experience.

What works

  • Excellent detail and clarity across a wide frequency range
  • Very lightweight for an electrostatic design
  • Natural, engaging vocal reproduction
  • Good entry point into electrostatic sound quality

What doesn't

  • Requires a dedicated electrostatic amplifier, adding significant cost
  • No built-in controls or wireless features
  • Leatherette pads may not suit all comfort preferences
  • Limited to wired use with specialized output

Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.

Specifications

Audio - STAX SR-L300
Driverelectrostatic
Driver typeelectrostatic
Drivers per side1
Frequency response7 Hz - 41 kHz
Impedance145000 Ω
Sensitivity101 dB/mW

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

4 source(s) feeding this product's score.

headfonics.com

88

Headfonics characterizes the SR-L300 Limited as a strong-value electrostatic option with a tuning that brings out vocals well. The review portrays it as a distinctive, musical earspeaker rather than a bass-heavy all-rounder.

Read the full review

audiophilestyle.com

Audiophile Style describes the SR-L300 very positively, calling it impressive and highlighting its wide frequency response. The review suggests it performs at a level that can stand out among electrostatic headphones.

Read the full review

futureaudiophile.com

FutureAudiophile notes that the SR-L300 is extremely light for an electrostatic headphone and sounds impressive, but its real-world cost is higher once a compatible amplifier is included. The reviewer emphasizes that it is a system purchase, not just a standalone headphone.

Read the full review

headphonesty.com

Headphonesty presents the SR-L300 as an entry-level gateway into Stax electrostatics with the expected need for dedicated amplification. The review focuses on its electrostatic design and technical traits rather than assigning an easy consumer-style value judgment.

Read the full review

What YouTube reviewers say

Video reviews we found, each condensed to its verdict. They do feed the HearWiki score, at a measured weight below what a published written review carries.

The consensus

Mixedacross 6 videos

Reviewers consistently praise the STAX SR-L300 for its exceptional sound quality, particularly its detailed treble, rich vocal reproduction, and fast, transparent presentation, with many noting it offers strong value for an entry-level electrostatic headphone.

Reviewers liked

  • Excellent sound clarity and detail
  • Direct, non-sibilant treble with strong vocal reproduction
  • Fast, transparent electrostatic sound with good value for the price

Reviewers flagged

  • Cheap, plasticky build quality
  • Thin stock pads cause comfort issues
  • Requires a dedicated electrostatic amplifier, adding to the total cost
10:19

LLAT: Stax SR-L300 Review - Time To Say Goodbye

lachlanlikesathing55.6K viewsSep 2017

The reviewer praises the Stax SR-L300 for its excellent sound quality, particularly its direct treble and vocal presentation, which he prefers over the Sennheiser HD 800. However, he criticizes the build quality as cheap and plasticky, and notes comfort issues with the stock pads. He considers it a great value for around $1000, but is selling his unit because his listening habits have shifted away from desktop setups.

12:04

Stax SR-L300 VS HiFiMan Ananda – RTINGS.com

RTINGS Home Theater13.1K viewsMar 2019

The reviewer compares the Stax SR-L300 and HiFiMan Ananda, concluding that the Ananda is the better choice for most critical listeners due to its superior build quality, more comfortable pads, and significantly better bass performance. The Stax are lighter and slightly brighter, but their plastic build, non-detachable cable, and the added cost of a required energizer make them less appealing overall.

14:27

STAX SR-L300: Audiophile Bliss or Overhyped?

Zadius Tech5.6K viewsMay 2024

The reviewer is highly impressed with the STAX SR-L300 electrostatic headphones, praising their surprising bass response, detailed yet non-sibilant treble, and excellent vocal reproduction. They note the headphones require a powerful energizer and have a medium soundstage, but overall consider them among the best they've heard, especially for vocals and bass.

8:49

STAX SR L300 - Review, Test, Mixing, Sound Test, Sound Demo, Recensione, обзор, Studio Headphones.

HEADPHONES2.5K viewsOct 2023

The reviewer conducts laboratory-style measurements of the STAX SR-L300, focusing on frequency response linearity and transient speed, comparing them to a reference signal. The video presents objective test results and scores derived from algorithms rather than subjective listening impressions, indicating a technical evaluation of the headphone's performance.

23:26

STAX SR-L300 Electrostatic Headphones - Review

The reviewer was pleasantly surprised by the STAX SR-L300, finding its sound quality far exceeding expectations for a $450 electrostatic headphone. He highlights its transparency, speed, and seamless frequency transitions, particularly praising the rich mid-range and smooth yet detailed treble. While noting the bass is not the most extended, he found it fast and engaging, and overall considers it a compelling entry point into the STAX ecosystem.

2:51

Stax SR-L300: Audiophile-Grade Headphones Review

UK Pro Reviewer25 viewsMay 2024

The reviewer praises the Stax SR-L300 electrostatic headphones for their exceptional sound quality, citing clear, detailed, and precise audio with a wide soundstage. They also highlight the comfortable, stylish design and premium build, concluding that despite the high price, the headphones are a worthwhile investment for audiophiles.

Summaries are AI condensations of each video's own conclusion, not transcripts. Titles, thumbnails and view counts belong to their channels.

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