STAX HISTORY – PART 2 – The Headphoneer

By Svein Erik Bakken

We continue the history of Stax earspeakers with the X series. The series was developed to meet the demand from professional users. The looks were totally different compared to the SR1-2-3-4-5. The cups were made of aluminium but the shape of the driver is the same.

Professionals used the x – series for many purposes in the studio but it became popular among audiophiles as well. They used it to adjust their pick-ups on the turntables, finding ground loops and of course listening to music.

SR-X

Stax SR-X was launched in 1970 with a thinner diaphragm vs the SR-3 of the time. The thickness was 3,8 microns and they used the Normal bias of 200v. The cable was covered with black fabric. The goal for Stax was to make a neutral sounding headphone for the demanding professional user.

SR-X MK2

This one came along in 1972. Stax had developed new and even thinner drivers for the X – series. The diaphragm thickness is 2 microns. The sound is very neutral, except that the upper bass is a little bit forward sounding. The imaging is also a bit better. They are still on the normal bias of 200v.

SR-X MK3

The MK3 saw the light of day back in 1975. It have the same drivers as the MK2 and normal bias of 200v. The cable was a little different with red dotted markings. They also reworked the housing with bigger mesh openings. The sound is supposed to be much the same as the MK2.

SR-X MK3 Pro

This version was launched in 1985 with some big changes. It is one of the rarest Stax – models ever made. There is no official production numbers but I can say with certainty that they produced between 130 to 150 pieces. Nearly all of them went to the American and the domestic Japanese market.

As the name suggests this was the first SR-X with the Pro bias of 580v. This headphone can be used with todays Pro amplifiers (energizers). The driver is the same as in the SR-Gamma/Alpha Pro with diaphragm thickness of 1,5 microns. The looks are pretty much the same as the MK3, just a tad paler compared side by side. The sound of these is supposed to be balanced with very good mids. The stage is great with supreme imaging. Some say it is the best headphones Stax ever created. I have never heard them but if I’m so lucky to get a hold of a pair, I will buy them instantly.

SUMMARY

The Stax X-series was produced from 1970 until 1985. Stax produced around 15.000 units of the X-series in 15 years. There were only made around 600 of the legendary SR-Omega, which are super rare and go for astronomical prices whenever they are up for sale. The SR-X mk3 Pro, which you might remember were only made in 130-150 units, is even rarer. It’s one of the ultimate Stax collector’s items.

To be continued…

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Electrostats History STAX