STAX SR-L700MK2 Earspeakers

Description

SR-L700MK2

The first SR-Lambda series was introduced 36 years ago and it has further developed into a new-generation SR-Lambda with its newly designed enclosure – the new SR-L700MK2 advanced Lambda series Earspeaker, now with detachable cable.

The sound element of the SR-L700MK2 employs a hand-selected, thin-film diaphragm as well as fixed electrodes machined through three-layer stainless etching using heat diffusion. This delivers a rich deep bass response, a delicate high frequency and a balanced, soothing mid-range too.

The headband (ARC) assembly of the SR-L700 is equipped with 10-click slider mechanism for head pad height adjustment. Once adjusted, the slider always maintains its optimal position, making readjustment unnecessary. This enables you to enjoy hours of pleasant music listening with utmost comfort.

6NCu high purity 99.99999% copper wires are employed for the core wires, and six silver plated high purity 99.9999% copper wires are arranged for the perimeter. The whole cable uses the conventional wide format parallel structure to lower the capacitance between each wires and finished with the most suitable structure to drive the earspeaker.

Finally, the new earpad design is carefully hand crafted with genuine lamb leather for utmost comfort during hours of music enjoyment, as well as sound performance.

Why call them "Earspeakers"?

STAX prefers to call its headphones Earspeakers – they say that such ultra-high fidelity devices for reproducing music can only be compared with the best loudspeakers, not other headphones, thus the term earspeaker is more descriptive of their contribution to today’s most advanced level of sonic transduction.

Electrostatic technology

Electrostatic transducers consist of two parallel-arranged fixed electrodes with a very thin high-polymer film diaphragm sandwiched and suspended in the middle of the electrodes.

The diaphragm is supplied with the biasing voltage from the energizing adaptors or from the driver unit.

When the fluctuating voltage of the audio signal is applied to the electrodes, the diaphragm is pulled by one electrode (which has the opposite charge of the diaphragm) and simultaneously pushed by the other electrode (which has the like charge of the diaphragm).

This continuous flow of alternating voltage causes the diaphragm to vibrate in faithful compliance with the amplifier output without lag, assuring undistorted sound waves. This is why the STAX electrostatic earspeakers sound so good.

Electrostatic driver required

Electrostatic reproduction has many quality advantages, however such units cannot be used directly with a conventional headphone jack, and require a special electrostatic amplifier (driver) unit.

The vibrating diaphragm requires Bias voltage of 580V (almost no current). Relatively high signal voltage to the fixed pole (up to 300-600V) must be supplied as push-pull, a rather special electrical signal. The STAX series of driver units are dedicated amplifiers strictly for STAX headphones.

Features

• Top quality sound element
• 10-click headband assembly
• Low capacitance wide hybrid cable
• New genuine lamb leather earpads

Specifications

• Type: Push-Pull Open Back Oval Electrostatic Earspeaker Headphone
• Frequency Response: 7Hz – 41kHz
• Electrostatic Capacitance: 110pF (including cable)
• Impedance: 145k ω (including cable, at 10kHz)
• Sound Pressure Sensitivity: 101dB / 100V RMS 1 kHz
• Maximum Sound Pressure: 118dB / 400Hz
• Bias Voltage: 580V DC
• Channel Identification: L / R indicated on the arc assembly. Left channel cable is marked with a solid line. Right channel is marked with a dotted line.
• Ear Pads: Genuine Lamb Leather (direct skin contact), high-quality synthetic leather (surrounding portion)
• Cable: Silver-coated 6N (99.9999%) OFC parallel 6-strand, low-capacity special wide cable, 2.5m full length
• Weight: 0.8lb (0.36kg) without cable / 1.1lb (0.5kg) with cable

Full STAX Range Available

Unilet Sound & Vision are official retail partners for STAX Audio, providing sales, advice and assistance on their entire range of high-quality audio products. Please do get in touch if you would like a demonstration or wish to purchase.

More Information

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Headphones#Electrostatic
• SR-L700MKII, by STAX Audio

Additional information

Brand

STAX

Founded in 1938, STAX brought the world's first electrostatic headphone to market in 1960. Today they continue their long tradition by offering the finest audio products for both professional and audiophile applications.

All STAX headphones are referred to as "earspeakers" - the company states that such ultra-high fidelity devices can only be compared with the best cost-no-object loudspeakers, not other headphones. Their unique amplifiers, earspeakers and drivers are highly sought-after products, and extremely well considered by aficionados in the audio industry.

Unilet Sound & Vision are one of the oldest STAX dealers in the UK, and one of the very few official outlets stocking their products. Do get in touch with us if you would like to audition the range, or need advice or assistance with choosing the right system for your needs.