By Svein Erik Bakken
Stax SR-Lambda Series
This is a bit about the early SR-Lambdas that, in a way, embody the “Old School” sound philosophy from Stax. The “newer” models, starting with the SR-202 Basic, have a sound that’s tuned a bit more in a “V” style than the older ones. Personally, I really like the SR-Lambda Signature from 1987. The SR-404 Signature and SR-404 Limited are also two very good models. I intentionally excluded the Stax SR-507 as it sort of marks the “beginning” of the more modern models in the Lambda series from Stax, which will be covered in part 6.
Stax SR-Lambda
Stax SR-Lambda NB (Normal bias): This model marked the beginning of the SR-Lambda adventure, released in 1979 with a “Normal bias” at 230V and a diaphragm thickness of 2.0 µm. It shares the same driver as the SR-Sigma NB, featuring an all-black color scheme, including the cable and silver plugs. It offers a sonically neutral sound reproduction with excellent midrange and airy treble, reaching deep but not emphasizing the bass.
Stax SR-Lambda Pro
Released in 1982, this model introduced the “Pro bias” at 580V, a bias level that all subsequent Stax Lambda models adopted. It is essential to note that Stax increased the bias from “Normal bias” to “Pro bias” to satisfy Daimler Benz’s technicians, who wanted a headphone to listen to and remove low-frequency noise in their car cabins. The SR-Lambda Pro features a diaphragm thickness of 1.5 µm and the same black color scheme as the SR-Lambda NB. It offers an open and airy sound signature with a slightly more prominent bass compared to the “Normal Bias” model.
Stax SR-Lambda Signature
Released in 1987, this model stands out as it has a diaphragm thickness of only 1.0 µm. Despite its reputation for being “bright” upon release, it offers a magical and open sound experience. Its brown color scheme includes the headband, yoke, ear pads, and cable, with gold-plated connectors. Limited production quantities contribute to its rarity.
Stax SR-Lambda Pro Classic
Released in 1992 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the SR-Lambda Pro, this model differs from the original with a distinct cable and headband design. The diaphragm thickness is 2.0 µm. It provides a similar open sound but with a bit more punch in the bass region. In Japan, it was also available as the “SR-Lambda Spirit.”
Stax SR-Lambda Nova Series
The Nova series represents the last models produced by Stax before they went bankrupt. They are characterized by three distinct models within the same series.
Stax SR-Lambda Nova Basic (1994)
An entry-level model with a diaphragm thickness of 2.0 µm. It is balanced in sound with a good midrange.
Stax SR-Lambda Nova Classic (1994)
Featuring a diaphragm thickness of 1.5 µm, it offers a slightly wider soundstage with an airy treble and good bass reproduction.
Stax SR-Lambda Nova Signature (1994)
Shares the same driver as the Nova Classic but with a brown-colored housing, headband, ear pads, and cable. Known for its open, balanced sound with a wide soundstage.
Stax SR-202 Basic (1999)
This model marked the return of Stax after bankruptcy. It has a diaphragm thickness of 1.5 µm and offers a balanced sound signature with less emphasis on the “V” shape.
Stax SR-303 Classic (1999)
Similar to the SR-202 Basic but with different ear pads and cable. It maintains a balanced sound with an open treble and good bass.
Stax SR-404 Signature (1999)
A successful model with the same driver as the SR-303 Classic but featuring improved ear pads and a better cable. It provides a balanced and airy sound with good midrange and bass.
Stax SR-404 Limited (2009)
Released as a limited edition for the 30th anniversary of SR-Lambda, it includes genuine leather ear pads and a silver-plated cable with gold-colored markings. Sound-wise, it offers an airy treble, an excellent midrange, a wide soundstage, and deeper bass than the SR-404 Signature.
Stax SR-207 Basic (2011)
Introduced with a diaphragm thickness of 1.35 µm, it provides a balanced sound with good treble and bass but not as airy as previous models.
Stax SR-307 Classic (2011)
Similar to the SR-207 Basic but with different ear pads and cable. It offers a more open treble and slightly better bass.
Stax SR-407 Signature (2011)
Shares the same driver as the “07” series. It offers an open sound with enhanced dynamics.
Stay tuned for more of the Stax Lambda – series in part 6.!
Check out the complete STAX history:
- STAX History Part 1
- STAX History Part 2
- STAX History Part 3
- STAX History Part 4
- STAX History Part 5
- STAX History Part 6
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