By Svein Erik Bakken
Stax Electret models
Not much has been written about Stax’s electret headphones or earspeakers as Stax like to call them. They have a polarized membrane that is pre-charged witch means that it will loose it’s charge eventually. People own and use their electret headphones after thirty years. It’s not clear how long the charge is maintained within the diaphragm. The reason for making electret headphones is that you no longer need a bias voltage from the amplifier. You just need the music-signal, that makes it easier regarding amplification. The Stax Electret models are headphones meant for the masses!
Stax SR-40
Stax SR-40, came out in 1975 and was offered as one set of SDR-44. It contained the SR-40 headphones, and the SRD-4 adapter for use on speaker terminals. This headphone could as mentioned be used on all Stax amplifiers that have the Stax ¨standard¨ output terminals, regardless of bias. I got no information about the thickness of the diaphragm. They are sonically quite balanced with a slightly accentuated midrange, airy treble with a good sense of space, and very linear bass.
Stax SR-60
Stax SR-60, also came out in 1975, this was also offered together with SRD-4 as a set called SR-64. They have a slightly different color than SR-40 on the cups. SR-40 have silver around the cups were SR-60 is completely black with a silver ring around the mesh. Sound-wise similar to the SR-40.
Stax SR-60MK2
The Stax SR-60 MK2 was launched in 1983, but is not mentioned much either by Stax or others. It’s got the same driver as SR-60 but they used a different head-assembly. The sound is supposed to be pretty much the same as SR-40 and SR-60.
Stax SR-50
Stax SR-50, this came out in 1979 and is one of two closed models from Stax in this period. These models are quite rare as not many were made, they also became popular for use in the recording-studio. They were also offered as a package together with the SRD-4.
Stax SR-30
SR-30 came out in the lovely year of 1982. Also this came as a set together with the SRD-4 and looks similar to the SR-60 and sounds similar to the SR-40 and SR-60.
Stax SR-30MKII
Stax SR-30MK2, came out in 1984 and had a different headband along with different ear pads. Sonically very similar to the SR-40 and SR-60.
Stax SR-30 Professional
Stax SR-30 Professional, came out in 1989and even though it say ¨Professional¨ in the name, this has nothing to do with pro bias at 580v. Simply explained it was upgraded ear pads and the same headband that was found on the SR-30MK2. This is supposed to give it slightly better midrange and a bit more emphasis in the upper bass area.
Stax SR-80
This came along in 1982 and was often referred to as ¨Lambda Junior¨ as they had the same rectangular shape but somewhat smaller. They were also offered as a set together with the SRD-4 under the name SR-84. The stated thickness of the membrane is 6 microns. They have type designation in silver lettering on the headband. In terms of sound, these should be quite good, but not in the same level as the pure SR Lambdas.
Stax SR-80 Professional
Stax SR-80 Professional came in 1989 and offered new ear pads along with the SRM-X amplifier. Together they became the SR-80MX set. The SR-80 Professional have a slightly thinner diaphragm of 4 microns. The type designation came in gold letters on the headband. They are supposed to have deeper bass reproduction vs SR-80.
As a small addition, I can mention that the SR-80 was also offered for sale in 1991 together with the SRD-4. As a set they became SR-84 Gold. They had a sticker on the box with the name Gold. Also SR-80 and SRD-4 had gold font writing on them.
Some last words
As often with Stax, the upgrades are done in baby steps, with small improvements. Stay tuned for more Stax-history on Headphoneer!
- 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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