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STAX SR-X1Image © STAX

STAX SR-X1

71/ 100
Good
HearWiki score

Good value

$410
typical price, USD
Discontinuedupdated
Manufacturer pageBuy now onAmazon

At a glance

Brand
STAX
Type
Over-Ear
Fit
-
Connection
Wired
Noise cancelling
No
Released
2020

Score breakdowngood overall

Sound8.4
Value7.4

The STAX SR-X1 is a new entry-level electrostatic earspeaker with a circular unit, offering flat and neutral sound reproduction. It features a lightweight metal arc design, sheepskin ear pads, and a low-capacitance wide cable.

The HearWiki takeAI-condensed

The STAX SR-X1 is an affordable entry point into the world of electrostatic headphones, delivering exceptionally fast, detailed, and transparent sound with a balanced tonal character. It offers a spacious and neutral presentation that remains lightweight and comfortable for extended listening, though it requires an external electrostatic amplifier and is not suited for portable use. While its bass is less impactful than dynamic counterparts, it still impresses with surprising low-end authority for an electrostatic design.

What works

  • Exceptional speed, detail, and transparency
  • Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
  • Spacious and neutral soundstage
  • Strong value within the Stax ecosystem
  • Surprisingly robust bass for electrostatics

What doesn't

  • Requires a dedicated electrostatic amplifier
  • Not portable-friendly due to wired, open design
  • Bass impact is less than dynamic headphones
  • Build can feel fragile during handling

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

Specifications

Audio - STAX SR-X1
Driver30 mm electrostatic
Driver typeelectrostatic
Driver size30 mm
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

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

ecoustics.com

The SR-X1 is presented as an affordable entry into Stax electrostatics that delivers exceptional speed, detail, transparency, and a balanced tonal character. The review also notes clear tradeoffs: it is not portable-friendly, its bass is less impactful than dynamic headphones, and it still requires an external electrostatic energizer or amplifier.

Read the full review

hifi-regler.de

The referenced Audio Stereoplay test is strongly positive, highlighting neutral and transparent sound, impressive dynamics, unusually strong bass for an electrostatic headphone, and excellent wearing comfort. It frames the SR-X1 as offering outstanding value for money.

Read the full review

kuulokenurkka.com

This review emphasizes that the SR-X1 offers a spacious, neutral, and highly detailed sound while remaining unusually light and comfortable. It also presents the model as a compelling lower-cost Stax option, with the main appeal being its electrostatic performance rather than premium accessories or extras.

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soundbsessive.com

The reviewer describes the SR-X1 as an excellent-sounding electrostatic headphone with strong tone and good value relative to more expensive Stax models. The overall impression is positive, especially for listeners who want the electrostatic presentation without moving to the brand’s top-tier prices.

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t3.com

The review of the SRS-X1000 system, which includes the SR-X1, praises the setup for clarity, detail, dynamism, and comfort. It also warns that the design is very open, can feel fragile to handle, and does not deliver obvious value on price alone.

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.

9:48

The Perfect Electrostatics? You Won’t Believe the Price! Stax SR-X1 review

Passion for Sound14K viewsOct 2024

The reviewer finds the STAX SR-X1 to be a well-balanced and enjoyable electrostatic headphone that offers excellent sound quality for its price, despite having basic build quality and comfort issues. It is recommended as a great entry point into electrostatics, especially when paired with the SRM-D10 portable energizer, though its smaller soundstage may not satisfy those prioritizing spatial cues.

11:40

What?! STAX Headphones You Can Actually Afford?! - SRS-X1000 Earspeaker System (SR-X1 + SRM-270S)

Zadius Tech5.1K viewsMar 2025

The reviewer finds the STAX SRS-X1000 system (SR-X1 headphones with SRM-270S energizer) to be an excellent entry point into electrostatic audio, offering superb clarity, detail, and controlled bass at an affordable sub-$1000 price. Comfort is rated highly due to the extremely light weight, though the small ear openings and heavy cable are noted drawbacks. Overall, it is praised as a great value and a significant improvement over the older SRL300 in build and comfort.

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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Where it sits in our rankings

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