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Author Topic: STAX SR-404LE Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots  (Read 8122 times)

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Hroðulf

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Re: STAX SR-404LE Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
« Reply #10 on: October 30, 2012, 07:09:43 PM »
Like many of us I started off with a Grado SR80i and basically what I would hate is the 404LE sounding thin and fatiguing. I liked the SR80i (and I understand why people love Grado sound), but these headphones were a harsh mistress. I felt that they were steering my musical tastes away from anything that had bass.

Then again I could turn this into a foray into orthos for a lot less as I see a HE-500 floating at HF for 500EUR (logistics included)... I wonder how that would tickle my fancy.

Thanks for answers everyone! Stay safe, if any of you happen to be in the windy side of states now.
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juantendo8

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Re: STAX SR-404LE Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
« Reply #11 on: October 30, 2012, 10:27:22 PM »
If you want a lambda that is not fatiguing, your best bet is probably either an LNS (Lambda Nova Signature) or an original standard-bias SR-Lambda. Unfortunately, I think all the new ones suffer from at least a small excess of energy up top.
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donunus

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Re: STAX SR-404LE Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
« Reply #12 on: October 31, 2012, 12:25:34 AM »
I can vouch for the 202 though having no brightness/harshness
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Hroðulf

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Re: STAX SR-404LE Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
« Reply #13 on: October 31, 2012, 07:35:51 AM »
Ok, I'll see how it goes. Getting an ortho seems like the easy way out. These HE500 do measure good tho.
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shipsupt

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Re: STAX SR-404LE Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
« Reply #14 on: December 08, 2014, 12:59:57 PM »
Wow, the 404LE is a pleasant surprise.  It's been a while since I've had a little Lambda shootout, but it may be time again as these could be contenders for top spot. 

Compared to a pair of Lambda pros I was listening to earlier in the week they are a nice change.  The nice little bump that fills out the bottom end makes these much more compatible with long listens. 

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MuppetFace

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Re: STAX SR-404LE Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
« Reply #15 on: December 08, 2014, 01:35:06 PM »
The 404LE is a nice improvement over the original 404. I'm pretty sure it started as a modified 404 for Airbow. Which makes me really curious about the newer Airbow SC21, as it's a modified 507. If they can improve the 507 like they did the 404, I think it would be worth checking out for stat enthusiasts.
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shipsupt

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Re: STAX SR-404LE Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
« Reply #16 on: December 08, 2014, 01:51:35 PM »
I keep looking at those SC21's and get tempted... I don't own the 507 but I've always liked them in the limited time I've spent with them.

The only thing that holds me back is the cost... PJ's got 'em at $909 right now.  Still pretty steep for headphones I'm only gong to use a little... I need someone to take the plunge and tell they are great! hint, hint...

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Sorrodje

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Re: STAX SR-404LE Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
« Reply #17 on: December 16, 2014, 07:41:43 AM »


Received my 404 (not LE) and my SRM1/mkII yesterday.  Listened to them for twenty minutes :

Quote from: marvey on June 19, 2012, 07:37:09 PM
Listening Impressions:

    Midrange shout is the most noticeable shortcoming.  At least for me

This ! Overall not Bad at all but if I trust these early impressions, this SR404 can't really compete with my HD800.

This shouty midrange  bothers me a bit. Moreover it worries me because it seems the Koss ESP950 seems to have the same kind of 2khz bump...
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shipsupt

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Re: STAX SR-404LE Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
« Reply #18 on: December 16, 2014, 11:39:47 AM »
I noticed that Marv heard some mid-range shout with the LE as well.... I'm not really noticing it with my pair.  :-Z  Maybe a little bit of a lift, but not a shout...

I've been listening to them at work regularly for the better part of two weeks now.  They certainly benefitted by the introduction of the nice rich Fulla sound.  The 252A is doing fine for them, but knowing how good they were from the BHSE I'm planning to drag one of my other amps into work; maybe the 717.

Did you really expect them to rival the HD-800?
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Sorrodje

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Re: STAX SR-404LE Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
« Reply #19 on: December 16, 2014, 12:06:37 PM »
Quote from: shipsupt on December 16, 2014, 11:39:47 AM
I noticed that Marv heard some mid-range shout with the LE as well.... I'm not really noticing it with my pair.  :-Z  Maybe a little bit of a lift, but not a shout...

I've been listening to them at work regularly for the better part of two weeks now.  They certainly benefitted by the introduction of the nice rich Fulla sound.  The 252A is doing fine for them, but knowing how good they were from the BHSE I'm planning to drag one of my other amps into work; maybe the 717.

Did you really expect them to rival the HD-800?


Yup you're right.. "shout" is a bit excessive but I think it's because I'm sensitive in this area and I think it's why I like the HD800 who has a dip in the 1-3 khz Area ;) . Matter of taste I presum. 

I didn"t expect the 404 would rival the HD800 but from what I remember of my comparison between a SR303 and my HD800 last year, I thought they would have been closer but I hadn't my current rig yet and my ears are more experienced .

BTW , I need more time of listening to elaborate a fair opinion.
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