Comments on: Stax SR-Lambda Review

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 26 Sep 2013 10:46:00 +0000

In reply to Tus-Chan. Different amps only change the coloration. Vintage Staxes are really not that different in terms of technicalities.

By: Tus-Chan

Tus-Chan — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 01:12:00 +0000

I strongly disagree with your method of using two entirely different amplifiers to compare the SR-202 and the Lambda NB. The amplifier makes a huge difference in the sound of an electrostat. You should have used an amp where there are both a Pro and Normal bias output wired in parallel (such as the T1 or SRM-1/MK2), so you can compare the two on even ground.

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 24 Sep 2013 06:24:00 +0000

In reply to matthew_wilson.

Thanks good question. The review was done by Hadi who’s my Stax expert friend.

I don’t remember precisely since this review was done some 3 years back, but if I remember correctly:

The Lambda is a normal bias while the SRM1Mk2 is the variant that only works with Pro bias, which includes the SR-002. Hence pairing the Lambda with the SRD-7 (and if I remember correctly the SRD-7 also comes in two versions: normal and pro bias).

Later I did a review which includes the Lambda Pro which is a newer variant of the Lambda that supports Pro bias.

By: matthew_wilson

matthew_wilson — Sat, 21 Sep 2013 22:54:00 +0000

I’m curious why you didn’t use the SRM-1/MK-2 to operate both the SR-Lambda and the SR202, thereby eliminating any variables between source/amplifiers? Would this have not given you a more unbiased review of the headphones themselves?

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 06:15:20 +0000

In reply to Derek McLachlan. I'll let Hadi answer this one as he's far more familiar with Lambdas. :)

By: Derek McLachlan

Derek McLachlan — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 02:37:11 +0000

Thanks for the comments on SR-Lambda & SRD-7 sound. Removing the back padding sounds like a good idea.

My inside padding disintegrated & fell out years ago – any suggestions on how to fix that?
It makes me nervous that I will end up with my ears on the panels!

By: Mike

Mike — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 17:43:23 +0000

In reply to Tom. Thanks Tom. I've heard of that mod before. But normally such mods is a gain some-lose some deal. Perhaps you notice anything that's missing from the original sound after removing the padding?

By: Tom

Tom — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 15:30:36 +0000

I still have and use my SR-Lambdas. They sound much better if you remove the back padding. This removes/subdues some sibiliances due to reflective nature of the padding.

By: Mike

Mike — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 09:55:33 +0000

In reply to Hadi.

Slightly off topic. Last night I opened up the Stax SR-34 electrets (http://www.headfonia.com/stax-sr-34-short-review/), and hooked the SRD-4 to a combination of Zana Deux (preamp) and Adcom GFA-5802 (power amp). The sound was remarkable, and much more alive than when I listened to it the last time. So I'm sure that the Zana has a good role in that sound. Treble was a little harsh though, and I think that's due to the GFA-5802. I need to find a low power, good quality and neutral solid state to drive the SRD-4 with. I think the result will be very good.

Perhaps next time I can try the Omega2 out of a good SRD-7 set up.

By: Hadi

Hadi — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 00:45:30 +0000

Hi Derek, glad to hear that they are still running strong. The SR-Lambda is quite underrated among the Lambda frame Stax.

I have only tried SRD-7 with 3 amps: a very cheap chinese T-Amp, a Pioneer vintage receiver, and an adcom preamp. I have also tried the SR-Lambda with an SRM-1/MK-2 amplifier. I quite like the SRM-1/MK-2 a bit more than the SRD-7+amp combos, as it fills some unevenness in the frequency balance that is evident through SRD-7 combos I've tried. How much better? I guess that really depends on your expectation.

Also, the SRD-7 sound is dependent on the amp behind it, and with a good amp, who knows whether it will be better than th SRM-1/MK-2.

Hopefully that helps.

By: Mike

Mike — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 05:31:30 +0000

Hi Derek,
I think Hadi did a comparison on that and found the sound to improve with the SRM1Mk2 driver. With the SRD-7, and depending on the amp you use at the backend, you get better impact, but with the SRM1Mk2, you get better resolution.

By: Derek McLachlan

Derek McLachlan — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 03:46:54 +0000

I have had the Stax SR-Lambda since the early 80’s & love them.
I am using the SRD-7 adaptor & wondered if the sound would be much better with a SRM-1 driver?