Headline/Hicap or Stax SRS 3170

Posted by: Nigel on 25 October 2015

Hi

 

Due to kids sleeping etc I’ve been instructed to investigate the use of headphones for evening listening.  My local reseller has advised me to consider the Stax SRS 3170.  However, these are fine if you like radiator ears!  An alternative would be a headline powered by a HiCap.

 

I just wondered if anyone had done a comparison at all?

 

My system is a NDS/555DR/282/250.2

 

Many thanks in anticipation.

 

Nigel

Posted on: 25 October 2015 by Adam Meredith
Originally Posted by Nigel:
An alternative would be a headline powered by a HiCap.

 

I just wondered if anyone had done a comparison at all?

 

The 'clever' answer is - no, it wouldn't as you would still need headphones.

 

Even the 'dumb' answer will require you to specify which headphones for the comparison.

Posted on: 25 October 2015 by feeling_zen
I did a new Headline HCdr combo recently for the exact same reason you mentioned. Was using it with HD600 but not getting the best of it so went to HD800.

When choosing the headphone amp a dedicated Sennheiser amp was considered since I could at least use whatever headphones I wanted. Stax in general always sound incredible but then you're stuck with the Stax amp/headphone combo. Found it hard to give them serious consideration for that reason alone.

Headphones and headphone amps are incredibly personal so you need to hear for yourself. I think a HiCapped Headline is a world class headphone amp (despite no balanced headphone support) and although it costs you the opportunity of using Stax headphones, it  rewards you the option of using everything else and will blow almost any other analog headphone amp away.
Posted on: 26 October 2015 by Nigel

Hi Feeling_zen

 

Thanks for your reply.  I currently have an old pair of Sennheiser Ovation 560 which has served me well over many years, but never on the Naim system.  I was considering replacing these with HD600 or possibly the HD800 if funds allow.  So your comparison is almost what I was considering.  As the Stax system limits you, I found this hard to justify even if the quality was not quite as good on other offerings, at least you are able to be flexible with the configuration at a later date.

 

Thanks for your suggestion, I will get an audition arranged and see where we go from there.

 

Nigel

Posted on: 26 October 2015 by Richard Dane

See if you can get a demo of the Stax system.  They're unlike other types of headphone system - in terms of transparency and clarity they're probably without peer.  

Posted on: 26 October 2015 by Nigel

Hi Richard

 

Thats exactly what the hifi shop has been telling me.  To be honest the looks more than anything are what has put me off, but I should judge on audio quality first.  I'm going to arrange a demo of both and see how I get on.

 

Thanks for your help.

 

Nigel

 

 

Posted on: 26 October 2015 by Richard Dane

Nigel, I used to have a STAX Lambda Pro set-up and these days I have the STAX SR-404 with SRM-006T.  STAX headphones may look a little strange but they are exceptionally comfortable to wear and the ear pieces are cunningly angled to ensure you a little bit less of that "inside the head" sensation that is the main drawback of headphones.  My Sennheiser HD-600s are like some kind of instrument of torture by comparison - they clamp the head so tightly.

Posted on: 26 October 2015 by feeling_zen
I'd definitely take Richard's advice and at least listen. As I said, headphones are very personal and comfort varies greatly  to each person. I also listened to several pairs of Audeze cans and they were really exceptional. But hurt like hell where the HD800 didn't. I did a long writeup on the experience in a thread I started a couple months ago.
Posted on: 26 October 2015 by schizo

Hi,

 

I use STAX Lambda Novas on the rare occasions that I use headphones, and they are great.

 

A few years back I picked up a pair of Sennheiser HD-600s from Richer Sounds. When I mentioned this to my dealer, he commented that they don't work well with the Headline, and that those in the shop preferred Beyer Dynamic.

 

Hope this helps.

 

regards,

 

Schizo. 

Posted on: 26 October 2015 by Nigel

Hi Guys

 

Thank you all for your advice, it's appreciated.  The dealer will be delivering some new kit next week, so he's agreed to leave the Stax for a demo.  I will let you know how I get on.

 

Thanks again.

 

Nigel

Posted on: 26 October 2015 by J.N.

"See if you can get a demo of the Stax system.  They're unlike other types of headphone system - in terms of transparency and clarity they're probably without peer".

 

I'd concur with Richard's statement above; and add to it 'fabulous soundstage'.

 

But ............ for me, the Stax electrostatic models lack balls and dynamic drive. I have Sennheiser HD800's running with a balanced lead off the matching (and obviously synergistic) Sennheiser HDVA 600 h/p amp. For a large headphone, they are light and comfortable.

 

I changed to the Sennheiser amp from a Naim Headline; which is think is in need of redesign/replacement. There are several very good h/p amps on the market. Whether they work as well with a (normal) Naim amplifier is another matter. The Headline can also get 'messy' and expensive in terms of power-supply requirements.

 

As ever; it's all about personal taste and equipment matching.

 

John.

 

 

Posted on: 26 October 2015 by John Bailey
I have owned both HD600's and Stax (currently use the same system as Richard). I enjoyed the Sennheisers but for comfort Stax have definitely got them beaten fair and square.

Of course both are open back so others in the room may well find them irritating when you are using them.
Posted on: 26 October 2015 by Richard Dane

I agree with John, the STAX are fabulous but not as ballsy on some types of music as certain Dynamic set-ups. So if you only listen to pop or rock music, there may well be better choices out there. It's also why the STAX are not my only headphones...