The Fever Motivation of the Next Ten Years——The first round of the fight against STAX SR-X9000
Author: garyvictor
SR-009 is the cause of my earphone fever in the last ten years, and SR-X9000 will be Next.
It’s been a while since the release of SR-X9000, I really have to suppress all the excitement to calm myself down-even when writing these words, I still feel a little uncontrollable excitement, yes, I Hearing her voice and having the opportunity to understand her more deeply, this understanding is not only based on long-term listening, but also based on in-depth communication with the original factory.
SR-X9000 is technically surprisingly similar to SR-Ω. The plate technology of both comes from STAX SR-X. This headset was launched in 1970 and is in STAX. The first electrostatic headset SR-1 and its later model SR-3 are developed on the basis of its design goals, in general, quite similar to the Hi-Res of the year (I guess SR-X is from the bandwidth It really can pass today's Hi-Res test). Many technologies on SR-X are also inherited and carried forward from SR-Ω, such as the famous mesh plate, ultra-thin diaphragm, and even the increase in unit diameter (SR-X MK3). These design ideas have reached an unprecedented peak on SR-Ω, and this headset has a status as a sword in the history of the headset.
Later things may be familiar to everyone. STAX released the SR-009 in 2011. Compared with 007, this headset is closer to the fundamentalism of the legendary SR-Ω, sweeping the entire headset circle. Later, on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of its establishment, the improved SR-009s was launched on the basis of SR-009. I believe everyone is familiar with these two headphones.In order to save space, I quote my previous evaluation as a reference. If you are interested, you can read the relevant part of the reference reading at the end of the article.
and SR-X9000 is the master of all technologies in the entire Ω series. First of all, SR-X9000 pioneered the use of SR-X and SR-Ω mesh plates Combined with the SR-009(s) series of rounded perforated plates, it is deposited as MLER-3 substrate technology, which not only can effectively guarantee the sound quality, but also has a huge improvement in durability. The technical difficulty here lies in the mesh plate. STAX uses a technology called diffusion junction (hot pressing) for the reliable connection with the open-hole plate. After a long development cycle, the plate is finally completed. In order to ensure durability, it is specially plated. The thick layer of gold makes the visual effect extravagant. This special plate is also one of the sources of SR-X9000's naming, that is, the plate grid derived from SR-X. STAX president Mr. Nakata said that in the naming rules of the new generation of headphones, the prefix X represents the mesh grid, the pure number represents the circular non-mesh grid, and Λ (Lambda) represents the oblong non-mesh grid; L represents the upgraded version of Λ (Lambda). I thought it might be called SR-X-Ω, but there are both mesh grids and circular grids. The product number must be SR-X+number. After careful internal voting by STAX, the product model is still fixed at SR -X9000. I wonder if there will be SR-X10000 in the future?
The diaphragm size and technology is the second huge evolution of SR-X9000. SR-X9000 designer Imai pointed out that the diaphragm area of this product ranks second in the Ω product line, reaching about 6000mm², which is only about 6% behind the first ranked SR-Ω, and 20% higher than SR-009 . Moreover, the diaphragm material, thickness and coating have also been improved this time. However, the diaphragm of SR-X9000 is one of the most secretive technical secrets even inside STAX. For reasons of technical secrecy,This part of the information STAX has not disclosed too much.
The third major technical improvement is the newly designed high-transparent cavity, which consists of three parts. The first part is a lower-height earmuff. Although the front-high and back-low settings are used to make the unit tilted to optimize the axis pointing performance, the height of the SR-X9000 earmuffs is lower than that of the SR-009 series, which will effectively reduce the volume of the ear chamber and change some mixing characteristics. The second part is the double-layer different-plane rear mesh cover of the earphone. The opening rate of the rear mesh cover of the SR-X9000 is much greater than that of the previous product, and the hole pattern has been redesigned. The double-layer rear grille adopts different planes (with a certain angle in the middle) to improve the reflection and projection ratio and enhance the reverberation effect. The third part of the improvement is the huge openings of the front metal mesh. After removing the soundproof fabric, it can be found that the metal front mesh is bold and uses huge triangles with openings. This is for better sound transmission. In general, this cavity will have a huge impact on the tone of the entire headset.
The fourth aspect of the technical improvement is the newly designed appearance and interchangeable cable structure. SR-X9000 is the first headset in the Ω series equipped with interchangeable cable mechanism, inside STAX The evaluation of SR-X9000 is very high, and engineers said that this is actually a new version of SR-Ω that improves quality and stability. For such a product, the golden STAX wiring must be used. One long and one short wiring is also convenient for users in different scenarios (I love the short wiring, and finally I don’t have to roll the wire every time I listen to it). Add a small grading strategy for STAX products, judging from the color of the wire logo, if it is a golden line, then it must be a high-end product, if it is a silver stripe, the positioning is a bit inferior. There is a certain gap in the quality and impedance of the two wires. . I don't know what effect the change of the electrostatic earphones will bring. I really want to try it later.
the same,Another criterion for judging the positioning of STAX headsets is the appearance. There is no side nameplate of the SR-009 series on both sides of the SR-X9000. The low-key makes people feel inexplicable. However, this is also one of the judgment points of STAX products. The more low-key products are more likely to be a big killer, such as dark surface treatment (SR-Ω, SR-X9000, SR-009BK). STAX hopes that users can focus more on the sound, instead of judging everything by appearance (although STAX is also beautiful).
I have seen the SR-X9000 sound discussion at home and abroad sporadically before, and I have also tried some system matching these days. The use system is as follows:
turntable:
Xiangsheng AMC-D1 Deluxe Edition
Xiangsheng D300 REF
CHORD BLU-MK2
Decoding:
Yulong DA-1
CHORD DAVE
XIAUDIO Formula P1000
CLOVER AUDIO GEISHA
amplifier :
STAX SRM-700S
STAX SRM-T8000
Signal line and power line:
reference gray crystal br br br br br 5br, ON
, etc. Headphones: 009BK
In view of the premise that they are all top electrostatic systems, the three properties of tri-frequency response, transient, and extension are all fully stretched.There is no need to discuss, we will directly make a brief comment on some of the issues that everyone cares about.
First of all, no matter which system or collocation is used, some conclusions can be drawn on the characteristics of the headset.
1. The sound field and spatial performance of SR-X9000 are significantly better than that of SR-009BK
2. The sound fluency and looseness of SR-X9000 are significantly better than that of SR-009BK
3. The sound of SR-X9000 is more accurate on the basis of accuracy. It is more aesthetic, while the SR-009BK's sound is more straightforward, and it is more of a monitoring direction.
From the perspective of amplifier matching, if you must choose:
1. Regardless of whether it is paired with SR-009BK or SR-X9000, the sound of SRM-T8000 is as delicate and delicate as ever.
2. SR-X9000 and SR-009BK can faithfully reflect the characteristics of the amplifier, SRM-700S still appears more straightforward.
3. If you use the original amplifier, SR-X9000 is recommended to use the pre-amp + amplifier form to drive.
About the previous stage:
1. XIAUDIO Formula P1000 sound comparative monitoring, suitable for combining with SRM-700S+SR-009 series to form a relatively comparative monitoring style. SR-X9000 can also work well with this relatively straightforward combination.
2. CLOVER AUDIO GEISHA, the style is very delicate and durable, and when paired with SRM-700S, it can give full play to the beauty and musicality of SR-X9000.
3. The two preamps are matched with SRM-T8000. When comparing SRM-700S, it is not difficult to find that there are differences in the processing of music contours. The contour lines of the former are more soft, the latter tend to express the lines of music clearly.
Descriptive record of subjective evaluation (based on auditory records):
1. The connection between the phrases under the performance of SR-X9000 is very smooth-you are after every note Expectant,You know how it is connected later, but you don't know how to connect it so smoothly. This is similar to some of Daao's processing. It sounds extremely natural and smooth, but it does have a very special coloring.
2.SR-009BK is more of an engineer’s romance, while SR-X9000 is more inspired by artists. It is certainly not possible to arbitrarily deny the value of the SR-009 series because of the SR-X9000. The latter's straightforward voice is also a reason for preference for some people. Of course, the progress of the SR-X9000 is undoubtedly very huge. Accuracy and beauty coexist, and it can even be compared with Daao in terms of the integrity and close connection with the sound.
3. I don’t like SRM-T8000 anyway. At first glance, Yamato Nadeshiko is good, but the details of SR-X9000 are very good, but they are not direct enough, and the sound is a bit old. The tune is always half a beat too slow, which is a bit out of season. The first half of the song has always been in a dull and dull state. Feelings suddenly spring up without knowing how, and the vocals are a bit dry. Instead, the SRM-700S+ front stage is more coherent and has stronger lines.
4. The vocal instrumental music of SR-009BK has a larger separation degree , and the expression of musical emotions is not as good as that of SR-X9000. If you directly AB, you will find that the music level is not so rich, and the convergence of phrases can also be felt. stiff. But the same SR-009BK vocals driven by SRM-700S are not as dry as SR-X9000 driven by SRM-T8000.
5. The commonality of the two: I really want to turn the volume up a bit, and the power without distortion is great. This is also an important sign of the STAX Ω series. The reason I chose to directly order the SR-X9000 is because this kind of sound can easily infect the audience. When engineers understand aesthetics, art and romance, they are simply not resistant. There is no doubt that this is an epoch-making product!
Of course, does not mean that SRM-700S or SRM-T8000 must be the only combination of SR-X9000.No matter how the front-end or front-end changes, this only represents a preliminary understanding of the current time and conditions. At least we can learn more about the basic properties of STAX SR-X9000 through the configuration of the dual amplifier/pre-stage_ strong186strong, if you have to ask about the matching direction, I think T2 is still the first choice in terms of emotion and impression, but I have no chance to verify this point for the time being. I hope that one day I can hear T2 again and SR on T2. -The sound of X9000. Due to time constraints and the electrostatic system does require a long period of time to sort out and adjust slowly, the above are just some preliminary impressions. I have accumulated a little experience in the construction and adjustment of the SR-009 series system in the last 10 years. , This will also guide me in the next ten years to make the next round of system adjustments and upgrades based on SR-X9000. This will also become an important source and motivation for me to continue to have a fever with headphones. I hope to work with you fans. Explore the unknown excitement in this part!
finally ends with Taro Hakase, Another Sky. Every time I go to Japan, I try my best to take the ANA flight. Because of the thoughtful and gentle service, the last song is also deeply impressed. ANA is this kind of beauty, mechanical The combination of aircraft and artistic inspiration plus human services produces a magical appeal. On the whole, the pursuit is a comprehensive experience based on art, products and services.
I would like to thank rambler and STAX China for their strong support, the president of STAX Nakata, the designers Mr. Imai and Mr. Suzuki for their comprehensive and patient answers to technical issues. I look forward to seeing each other again after the epidemic and bringing more content to everyone.
