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

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Marvey

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STAX SR-404LE Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
« on: June 19, 2012, 07:37:09 PM »

STAX 404LE Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots




Listening Impressions:
  • Midrange shout is the most noticeable shortcoming.  At least for me
  • These sound very different from SR507s.
  • Some occasional treble issues, but really not too bad.
  • Bass roll off
« Last Edit: July 10, 2012, 03:27:40 AM by purrin »
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MuppetFace

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Re: STAX 404LE Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
« Reply #1 on: June 19, 2012, 08:09:40 PM »

The SR-404LE was a definite improvement over the SR-404 I think, but I got it right around the time the SR-507 came out, so it was kind of overshadowed for the most part for me. I find it has the most bass presence / quantity of the three, so it's a fun listen, though the SR-507 has better bass extension.

Interesting tidbit: I believe these were first released by a company called Airbow as the SC1, who marketed them as "cryo-treated Stax SR-404s" which seemed like BS. I figured Stax just gave them the better drivers, and then finally released it themselves as the SR-404LE.
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Marvey

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Re: STAX 404LE Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
« Reply #2 on: June 19, 2012, 08:33:47 PM »

So the Airbow SC1 is the LE?
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spritzer

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Re: STAX 404LE Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
« Reply #3 on: June 19, 2012, 08:39:34 PM »

There are definitely more than one version of the SR-404 drivers out there.  I've owned about three dozen or so 404's and all of them sounded the same (quite poor IMO) but then I buy one and it sounds just like the SR-SC1.  No markings on it so probably a fluke or Stax have started to cryo random sets on the production line.... 

The SC1 is similar to the SE but the leather pads are bound to make a difference. 
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ultrabike

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Re: STAX 404LE Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
« Reply #4 on: June 19, 2012, 10:12:01 PM »

Thanks for taking the time to test and measure these Marv. I really appreciate it.
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anetode

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Re: STAX SR-404LE Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
« Reply #5 on: June 20, 2012, 05:30:15 AM »

cf. http://www.innerfidelity.com/images/StaxSR404LtdSSL0670.pdf

The bass roll-off might have something to do with fit, I've heard the 404LE's stretch all the way down.

Shouty midrange easy to hear when switching between this Lambda and a 007, which sounds warmer by comparison.

Thanks for running the measurements!
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Hroðulf

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Re: STAX SR-404LE Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
« Reply #6 on: October 30, 2012, 05:29:02 PM »

So, um how should I put it- I may want to jump into electrostats via this headphone. I have never heard an electrostat and there isn't one in a few hundred mile radius. The question might be- is this a good headphone?

Currently I'm listening to the HD650 so I would like some improvement. I also don't know how well would these stand against the new ortho phones.

Thank you for any constructive input and have fun with the other kind.
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donunus

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Re: STAX 404LE Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
« Reply #7 on: October 30, 2012, 05:32:00 PM »

The SR-404LE was a definite improvement over the SR-404 I think, but I got it right around the time the SR-507 came out

just wondering if you've also heard the 407. I read somewhere that they were the same as the 507s except for the pads.
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MuppetFace

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Re: STAX SR-404LE Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
« Reply #8 on: October 30, 2012, 06:34:51 PM »

Haven't heard the 407s yet, but they do seem to be mostly similar to the 507 save for the frame, pads, and cables.

The first Stax I purchased for myself were the original 404s. They're not the best Lambdas by a long shot (the 202s and 404LEs are better), but at the time I was still pretty much impressed by them. As to the question of whether the 404LEs are better than other stuff out there, I think that really depends. The HD600 and HD650s are still some of the best dynamics out on the market, and the 404LE isn't going to "blow them away" or anything. But the presentation of Lambdas is so distinct and unique, so satisfying and addictive, that it's a side step well worth taking IMHO.

I think Lambdas are the quintessential introduction to 'stats, as they're just so stereotypical of what the technology is all about, what it does well, what its limitations are.
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donunus

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Re: STAX SR-404LE Frequency Response and CSD Waterfall Plots
« Reply #9 on: October 30, 2012, 06:50:52 PM »

I had the 2050 system with the 202s before and I liked them except or that softness in the sound that it had. i wasn't sure if it was the amp or the 202s themselves that sounded soft but I definitely had the feeling that the 202s could improve with the bigger stax amps vs the 252 that came with the 2050 bundle.
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