Stax Flagship model with new fixed electrode MLER-3

Stax Flagship model with new fixed electrode MLER-3

The ideal form of an electrostatic earspeaker comes with a fixed electrode that reduces the effects of air resistance and reflection, and ensures high sound transmission. That vision was already found in the metal mesh electrodes of the SR-X, which was launched in 1970. Then, in the 90’s, Stax once again challenged the dream of using metal mesh electrodes with the SR-Ω. However, mass production of the large metal mesh electrodes mounted on SR-Ω was extremely difficult due to the challenges in manufacturing at the time. This is the reason why SR-Ω has been produced in small quantities while continuing to maintain its very high standards for build quality and sound performance.

After that, Stax continued with the introduction of the Lambda series, which continues to this day, and also developed the SR-007 series, which adopted a circular form. In 2011, STAX released the SR-009, which is the foundation of the current flagship model.

Since the beginning, we have continued to design and manufacture new and improved electrostatic audio products. The development perspective and manufacturing technology gained during that time has become indispensable for the continued developments of Stax products in the future.

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Now, ideas that were difficult to realize with the SR-X and SR-Ω are realities with ​​new ideas in processes in manufacturing technologies and development. Case in point, large metal mesh electrodes revived in modern times with products capable of showcasing that performance and prowess yet unimaginable just a short while ago. And that is the foundation and the DNA of the STAX SR-X9000.

Evolution to “MLER-3”

It has been more than 20 years since the first release of the SR-Ω. During that time, in addition to improving the accuracy of metal mesh manufacturing, the manufacturing know-how of multi-layer fixed electrodes cultivated during the development process of SR-009 became a major driving force for the birth of SR-X9000. The “MLER-2” mounted on the SR-009S has evolved into a 4-layer structure “MLER-3” in which a mesh electrode and a conventional etching electrode are newly crimped by thermal diffusion coupling. The manufacturing technology of multi-layer fixed electrodes, which has matured through the two-generation flagship model, has made a great contribution to the stable mass production of large metal mesh electrodes. “MLER-3” has both rigid characteristics that are strong against resonance while smoothly evolving the sound transmission characteristics compared to the conventional multi-layer fixed electrodes.

Thoughts on metal mesh

In the past, the circular metal mesh mounted on the SR-X was one of the ideal designs as an electrode, that reduces the effects of air resistance and reflection, and enhances sound transmission. However, if the size and thinness of the metal mesh electrode are pursued for sound quality, the strength will be insufficient and resonance will cause the reproduced sound to become muddy, so there was a big hurdle to cross before introducing it to this product. The SR-Ω, which was developed again in the 1990s as a product equipped with a metal mesh, aimed to increase the size of the metal mesh, so at the same time, it was necessary to perform delicate manual reinforcement using an adhesive on the mesh surface. For this reason, the manufacture of SR-Ω metal mesh electrodes was extremely difficult, and stable mass production was not possible. This is the reason why only a small number of SR-Ω earspeakers were released to the world.

Diaphragm that is 20% larger than the previous flagship

The SR-X9000 uses a diaphragm made of ultra-thin super engineering plastic film. By reducing the mass as close to zero as possible, excellent transient characteristics have been achieved, and sound followability has been improved from low to high frequencies. The diaphragm area has succeeded in increasing the diameter by 20% compared to SR-009S, and has acquired a vast sound field that breaks the limits of headphone listening.

Machined aluminium housing that eliminates unnecessary resonance

The main body that houses the sounding unit uses a tough machined aluminium housing. Adopted a new design that firmly fixes the sounding unit and thoroughly eliminates unnecessary resonance of the housing itself. The flow of sound waves from the sounding unit has been made smoother, and the acoustic characteristics inside the housing have been improved.

Tilt guard mesh structure

The guard mesh placed parallel to the sounding body produces many direct reflections that affect the hearing of the sound. In order to solve this problem, SR-X9000 adopts a strut structure with different heights in the front and rear to change the height of the gap between the sounding body and the guard mesh. As a result, the guard mesh is not parallel to the sounding body and controls the reflection angle of the sound. We have acquired clearer sound quality that is not affected by unnecessary reflected sound.

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Stainless steel arc assembly with adjustment click

Stainless steel is used for the arc assembly. We have increased resistance to twists and twists, aiming for a more stable listening fit. In addition, the “I” type aluminium stabilizer installed on the top of the arc suppresses the resonance of the arc itself and reduces the return of unnecessary vibration to the sounding unit. Genuine leather is used for the head pad that comes into direct contact with the head. The position can be adjusted with an adjuster that has a 9-step click mechanism.

Genuine leather ear pads with excellent breathability and fit

Genuine leather (sheepskin) with excellent breathability and flexibility is used for the ear pads. You can keep the proper contact between the ear speaker and the head for a long time, and you can fully experience high-quality low-frequency expression and fresh sound quality. It also contributes to reducing fatigue and comfortable listening for a long time.

Original wide low-capacity cable with a hybrid structure of high-purity 6N-OFC + silver-plated annealed copper wire 6N OFC high-purity annealed copper wire (φ0.14 × 3) with excellent low-frequency reproduction is used for the center line, and silver-plated annealed copper wire (φ0.08 × 9) with high high-frequency characteristics is placed on the outer circumference. Adopts Stax’ original wide 6-core parallel cable structure that reduces line capacitance.

Detachable Cables

By using a detachable cable it makes it easy to swop in brand new high-quality cables and minimizes wear and tear. Includes two cables with 2.5m and 1.5m specifications that can be exchanged according to the listening style. In addition, based on ergonomics, the cable mounting part does not face vertically downward, but by providing an angle in the front, it has the effect of reducing the mounting burden during listening due to the weight of the cable itself.

Paulownia storage case

“Paulownia wood” is used for the storage case. It has low heat conduction and excellent humidity control effect, and provides optimum storage conditions for ear speakers.

Specifications
  • Type: Push-pull electrostatic (electrostatic type), rear release type enclosure
  • Unit shape: Large circular
  • Fixed electrode: MLER-3
  • Playback frequency band: 5-42,000Hz
  • Capacitance: 110pF (including attached cable)
  • Impedance: 145kΩ (at 10kHz / 2.5m including attached cable)
  • Sound pressure sensitivity: 100dB / 100Vr.m.s. Input / 1kHz
  • Bias voltage: DC580V
  • Cable conductor: 6N (99.9999%) OFC + silver-plated annealed copper wire
  • Cable shape: Parallel 6-core, wide low-capacity cable, 2.5m, 1.5m
  • Cable left and right display: Gold solid line (left), gold dotted line (right)
  • Ear pads: Genuine leather sheepskin (the part that comes into contact with the skin), artificial leather (mounting part)
  • Weight: 432g (main unit only)
  • Country of origin: Japan
  • EAN Code: 4996476000995