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Stax - International SR-X1 Electrostatic Earspeaker
A new entry-level model that traces the roots of earspeakers
Development Concept
Introducing the SR-X1, a new entry-level model that recreates the traditional circular ear speaker with modern design concepts. Delivering authentic electrostatic sound to the next generation. The heritage design, which is based on the motif of successive ear speakers, SR-1 and SR-X, incorporates such thoughts.
Newly designed medium-sized circular unit with flat and neutral reproducibility
The sounding body, which is the basis of sound quality, is equipped with a newly designed medium-sized circular unit. It features flat and neutral reproducibility, which is a characteristic of electrostatic type. Compared to previous models, the sound production unit is placed directly inside the housing, and the seams between each part are minimized to achieve accurate and focused sound. The open back slit structure has an uneven thickness and a smooth curved shape to allow sound waves to pass through smoothly and reduce distortion. Mechanically, it uses a re-cable structure. The rational design and thorough pursuit of minimization for high sound quality in various parts bring out the maximum performance from the SR-X1.
Revamped arc design and improved fit.
Using metal material for the frame structure suppresses unnecessary resonance. The rigidity of the arc assembly, which was often overlooked in conventional entry-level machines, has also been updated. By proactively using metal materials, the arc and head pad are integrated, making it lightweight enough to prevent listening fatigue even when listening for long periods of time. The ear pads are made of soft sheepskin. The interior uses new memory foam to further improve the fit.
NEW LOW CAPACITANCE OFC WIDE CABLE
OFC cable has been employed for the core wires. The entire cable are then arranged in a flat, WIDE format configuration to lower the capacitance between each wires and finished with the most suitable structure to drive the earspeaker.
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Professional Reviews 90/100
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
92/100
Comfort Fit
84/100
Build Quality
80/100
Features Usability
78/100
Value for Money
96/100
With startling electrostatic transparency and intimate, organic vocals, the SR-X1 makes an unusually convincing case for affordable stat listening. ecoustics applauds its clean speed, precise imaging and airy treble, while Passion for Sound highlights its balanced, tightly controlled presentation. Add impressively extended bass and holographic imaging, and this is a remarkable home-listening specialist.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Exceptional resolution, speed and transparency for the price, with nuanced vocal and instrumental detail.
Precise, layered imaging and strong instrument separation create a spacious, holographic presentation.
Balanced, natural tuning with clean, airy treble and controlled bass extension that is impressive for an electrostatic design.
Lightweight design can be very comfortable for extended listening sessions.
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Cons
Requires a dedicated electrostatic energizer rather than a conventional headphone amplifier, increasing total system cost.
Bass is quick and extended, but lacks the heavy sub-bass slam and weight of many dynamic or planar alternatives.
Basic construction and easily dislodged gimbal-mounted ear cups do not match the sonic performance.
The flat headband may create pressure hotspots after 30 to 40 minutes for some listeners.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 92/100
Reviewers consistently describe a highly balanced, fast and transparent presentation with unusually strong clarity for the price. Its particular strengths are vocal realism, fine detail and precise spatial placement, while bass impact and overall stage size are the main areas where preferences may differ.
Bass
91/100
Reviews praise tight, controlled and textured bass with notably good sub-bass extension for an electrostatic design. Ecoustics finds it lighter in weight and impact than other transducer types, particularly for electronically produced low bass, while other reviewers hear deep, tactile kick drums and generous extension.
Midrange
94/100
The midrange earns especially enthusiastic comments for its natural tone, clarity and rich vocal presentation. Reviewers describe male and female voices as organic, intimate and highly nuanced, while guitars and acoustic instruments retain convincing texture and body.
Treble
92/100
Treble is repeatedly characterized as airy, clear and detailed without becoming fatiguing. There is some lower-treble presence that brings female vocals forward, but reviewers generally find cymbals realistic and the upper range clean rather than biting.
Resolution Detail
96/100
Resolution is the SR-X1's most consistently celebrated trait. Multiple reviewers call out exceptional transparency, speed and micro-detail, with Amplify Audio Reviews judging its resolving ability stronger than many far more expensive alternatives.
Soundstage Imaging
90/100
Imaging is widely praised as precise, layered and holographic, with strong instrument separation and stable positional cues. Stage scale is less universally celebrated: Ecoustics hears generous width and height, while Passion for Sound finds the overall space comparatively compact but still well focused.
Dynamics
90/100
Reviewers describe the SR-X1 as punchy, snappy and quick, with clean percussion attack and solid drum impact. It favors speed, control and small dynamic nuance over the sheer low-end slam associated with some dynamic or planar headphones.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Comfort Fit
84/100
Its low weight, plush sheepskin pads and moderate clamp receive strong praise, with two reviewers finding it comfortable for long listening sessions. Passion for Sound, however, reports pressure and hotspots from the flat headband after roughly 30 to 40 minutes, so fit may be more variable than the light chassis suggests.
Build Quality
80/100
The construction combines metal bands with polymer ear cups and is described by one reviewer as robust and serviceable. Ecoustics experienced both ear cups becoming detached from the headband/gimbal assembly during unboxing and felt the physical execution did not match the headphone's sonic performance.
Features Usability
78/100
The SR-X1 is a straightforward open-back electrostatic headphone with a permanently attached 2.5 m cable and no portable-source compatibility. It requires a dedicated Stax-compatible energizer rather than a normal headphone amplifier, an important system requirement for prospective owners.
Value for Money
96/100
At $535, reviewers repeatedly consider the SR-X1 exceptional value for its resolving ability and tonal balance. Amplify Audio Reviews calls it 'insane value,' while Ecoustics notes that the $980 cost of an SR-X1 plus SRM-270 system can compare favorably with pricier competing electrostatic setups.
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Authorized dealers for Stax - International SR-X1 Electrostatic Earspeaker
- 3mA Audio — online and in-store — Houston, Texas, United States (website)
- Acoustica — online and in-store — Chester, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Ambiance Concert — in-store — Angers, Pays de la Loire, France (website)
- Analogue Seduction — online and in-store — Whittlesey, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Arctic Audio — in-store — Fargo, North Dakota, United States (website)
- ATR - Audio Trade — in-store — Eltville am Rhein, Hessen, Germany (website)
- AUDIO 2000 — in-store — Wuppertal, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany (website)
- Audio 46 — online and in-store — New York, New York, United States (website)
- Audio Evolution — online and in-store — Volla, Campania, Italy (website)
- AUDIO EXCLUSIVE — in-store — Wels, Oberösterreich, Austria (website)
and 85 more verified dealers