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STAX SR-L500MK2Image © STAX

STAX SR-L500MK2

72/ 100
Great
HearWiki score

Good value

$600
typical price, USD
Discontinuedupdated
Manufacturer pageBuy now onAmazon

At a glance

Brand
STAX
Type
Over-Ear
Fit
-
Connection
Wired
Noise cancelling
No
Released
2021

Score breakdowngreat overall

Sound8.6
Value7.6

The STAX SR-L500MK2 is a new-generation Lambda series electrostatic earspeaker with a detachable cable, featuring a hand-selected thin-film diaphragm and stainless fixed electrodes for balanced sound. It includes a 10-click headband adjustment and low-capacitance HiFC wide cable.

The HearWiki takeAI-condensed

The STAX SR-L500MK2 is a mid-tier electrostatic headphone that delivers the signature open, detailed STAX presentation with excellent clarity and refinement. It offers strong technical performance for its price point, though it requires a dedicated amplifier and lacks wireless features.

What works

  • Excellent electrostatic clarity and detail
  • Open, airy soundstage with refined treble
  • Good value within the STAX Lambda lineup
  • Detachable cable for easy replacement

What doesn't

  • Requires a dedicated electrostatic amplifier
  • No active noise cancellation
  • Leatherette pads may not suit all listeners

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

Specifications

Audio - STAX SR-L500MK2
Driver2× electrostatic
Driver typeelectrostatic
Drivers per side2
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

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

headphonesty.com

This review calls the SR-L500MK2 a strong value in the STAX lineup and argues that it deserves more attention than it typically gets. The reviewer highlights its electrostatic clarity and refinement while noting that it sits in the shadow of the more talked-about Lambda models.

Read the full review

hometheaterhifi.com

The review presents the SR-L500 MK2 as a capable electrostatic headphone with strong technical performance and the expected STAX house sound. It emphasizes the model’s detailed, open presentation and positions it as an appealing mid-tier Lambda option rather than an all-out flagship competitor.

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

Positiveacross 2 videos

Reviewers agree the STAX SR-L500MK2 delivers excellent midrange clarity, high resolution, and an airy, balanced sound that makes it a strong entry point into electrostatics at its price.

Reviewers liked

  • Excellent midrange clarity and balance
  • High resolution and detail retrieval
  • Comfortable and lightweight design

Reviewers flagged

  • Plasticky build with creaking headband
  • Recessed bass lacking impact
  • Treble can be spicy for some listeners
4:08

Stax SR-L500MK2 Review: Electrostatic Euphoria!

The Product Critiques498 viewsAug 2023

The reviewer finds the Stax SR-L500MK2 to be an underappreciated electrostatic headphone that offers excellent mid-range tuning, impressive resolution, and a well-balanced sound, making it a strong value at $830. While the build quality is plasticky with some creaks, and the bass lacks impact, the headphone's detail retrieval and airy presentation make it a great entry point for electrostatic enthusiasts.

4:09

Stax SR-L500MK2: Audiophile Delight | Review

UK Pro Reviewer240 viewsMay 2024

The reviewer finds the STAX SR-L500MK2 to be a compelling mid-range electrostatic headphone that offers excellent resolution and a balanced, airy sound, especially in the midrange. While build quality and bass reproduction have some weaknesses, the overall sonic performance and value at its price point make it a strong recommendation for those exploring electrostatics.

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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Alternatives in the $300–$1,200 range

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Where it sits in our rankings

The data-driven guides this model qualifies for.