Qobuz ad banner
Qobuz ad banner
Products
Used Deals
Brands
Dealers
Distributors
Record Stores
Content
Watt’n Potatoes

Authorized dealers for Stax - International SR-X9000 Electrostatic Earspeaker (Flagship Model)

  • 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

Potato score: 92.05

92%

Stax - International SR-X9000 Electrostatic Earspeaker (Flagship Model) #1
Stax - International SR-X9000 Electrostatic Earspeaker (Flagship Model) variant 1
Stax - International SR-X9000 Electrostatic Earspeaker (Flagship Model) variant 2
Stax - International SR-X9000 Electrostatic Earspeaker (Flagship Model) variant 3
Stax - International SR-X9000 Electrostatic Earspeaker (Flagship Model) variant 4
Stax - International SR-X9000 Electrostatic Earspeaker (Flagship Model) variant 5
Stax - International SR-X9000 Electrostatic Earspeaker (Flagship Model) variant 6
Stax - International SR-X9000 Electrostatic Earspeaker (Flagship Model) variant 7
Stax - International SR-X9000 Electrostatic Earspeaker (Flagship Model) variant 8
Stax - International SR-X9000 Electrostatic Earspeaker (Flagship Model) variant 9

Stax - International SR-X9000 Electrostatic Earspeaker (Flagship Model)

Japan flag
View at Stax - International

SR-X9000

SR-X9000 is the new flagship Earspeaker that marks the pinnacle of Stax electrostatic headphones production. A major technology advancement is the "MILER-3" (Multi-Layer-Elect-Rords) - a four-layer fixed electrode combining mesh electrodes and conventional etching electrodes that are crimped by thermal diffusion bonding. The newly developed manufacturing technique matures through a 20-year accumulated research and development, allowing a rigid structure that is resistant to resonation while smoothly evolving the transmission characteristics of sound compared to conventional multilayer fixed electrodes.


A product development story: the circular metal mesh once mounted on the SR-X was one of the ideal electrodes to reduce the effects of air resistance and reflections and increase sound permeability. However, there was a big hurdle in installing metal mesh electrodes in products because they lack strength and are resonant-prone that causes playback sound to become muddy. In the 1990s, the original SR-Ω was developed with the goal of increasing the size of the metal mesh; however, the manufacturing technique was at its infancy as it was unpractical to produce stable products. As a matter of fact, there was only a few pairs of SR-Ω were made.


The SR-X9000 diaphragm is made of ultra-thin engineering film that is 20% larger than the previous flagship SR-009S. The diaphragm mass has been reduced to create a lightning-fast reaction speed and high-frequency response range that elevates headphone listening to a whole new level.


The diaphragm is made of ultra-thin super engineering plastic film. Due to weight saving close to zero, great transient characteristic is realized. From the base to the high range, the linearity of the sound is improved. The area of the diaphragm increases by 20% compared to SR-009S. This breakthrough realizes the widest sound field ever.


The enclosure of the sound unit is made of tough machined aluminum. This new design firmly fixes the sound unit and completely eliminates unnecessary vibrations. The sound wave from the unit flows more smoothly. The improved acoustic characteristic inside the enclosure realizes clearer sound unaffected by sound reflection.


The guard mesh which is installed parallel to the sound element generates the direct reflections which affect a bad influence on the sound. This problem is solved for SR-X9000. The guard mesh has pillars of different lengths in front and back. This design changes the height of the gap between the sound element and the guard mesh. So the guard mesh cannot be parallel to the sound element and the reflection angle is completely controlled. The sound wave flows smoothly.


The main material of the arc assembly is upgraded to stainless steel. The arc assembly is more tolerant to torsion and the earspeaker more stably fits your ears. The material of the head pad which directly contacts to the skin is genuine leather. The position can be adjusted by the slider parts with 9 step clicking system.


The material of the ear pads is genuine leather (sheep skin) which has excellent breathability and softness. Genuine leather makes the earspeaker to closely fit your ears for a long time and you can fully enjoy the high quality bass and vivid sound. This also reduces fatigue and you can comfortably listen to the music for a long time.


The material of the core cable is a 6NCu ultra-pure annealed copper wire (φ0.14×3). The material of the around core cable is a silver plated annealed copper wire (φ0.08×9). So high and low frequency is improved. The cable can be changed (recable). 2 cables (2.5m and 1.5m) are attached and you can choose the cable according to your listening style. The storage case is made of "paulownia wood" which has low thermal conductivity and humidity control capacity. This case is the best storage solution.

Save your favorites. 
Compare them anytime.

WATT RECOMMENDS

Save your favorites. Compare them anytime.

Create a free HiFi Hub account to save products to your Wishlist and compare your favorites side by side.

Join us at T.H.E Show - September 25-27 - NJ!

T.H.E. Show

+

HiFi Hub Logo

Professional Reviews 92/100

Rating for SR-X9000 Electrostatic Earspeaker (Flagship Model)

Deliciously Crispy

Sound Quality

94/100

Comfort Fit

95/100

Build Quality

91/100

Features Usability

85/100

Value for Money

85/100

Stax SR-X9000 turns electrostatic speed into a vast, holographic soundstage, natural transparency and startlingly nuanced tone. SoundStage Solo heard exceptional layering and clean, controlled bass, while The Absolute Sound highlighted its remarkable retrieval of low-level musical detail without artificial treble emphasis. Luxurious comfort and superb transient finesse complete a flagship built for deeply immersive listening.

What Reviewers Are Saying

"When you want, for all intents and purposes, that almost perfect personal listening experience. You go to STAX, and you ask for the SR–X9000 electrostatic earspeakers."

— HomeTheaterHifi

Pros

Exceptionally transparent, low-distortion presentation reveals fine musical detail while remaining natural and musically coherent.

Expansive, three-dimensional soundstage with precise imaging, convincing layering and natural venue decay.

Deep, highly controlled bass and lightning-clean transients deliver orchestral scale without blurring detail.

Light clamp, soft leather pads and low perceived weight make it exceptionally comfortable for long sessions.

&

Cons

Deep sub-bass is controlled but less physically forceful than the best dynamic or planar designs; very low synth bass can roll off.

Slight lower-midrange recession can leave some vocals a little lean or less full-bodied.

Requires a dedicated electrostatic energizer, adding cost and reducing plug-and-play convenience.

SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 94/100

Reviewers describe an exceptionally transparent, natural and immersive presentation, with unusually convincing space, layering and low-level insight. Its balance is generally considered smooth and coherent, though some listeners note a slightly leaner lower midrange and less physical low-bass impact than the very best dynamic designs.

Bass

89/100

Bass is widely praised for its clarity, control and tonal balance; HomeTheaterHifi heard satisfying weight and impact, while SoundStage Solo found it deep and exceptionally well controlled. The main reservation is sub-bass physicality: The Absolute Sound heard a steep low-bass roll-off, and SoundStage Solo characterized the bass as heard more than felt.

Midrange

93/100

Voices and acoustic instruments are repeatedly described as natural, richly textured and convincing. HomeTheaterHifi found Diana Krall's vocal balance especially lifelike, while AUDIOKEY REVIEWS praised the honest timbre of voice, piano and strings. The Absolute Sound does note a very slight lower-midrange recession that can leave vocals short of a little fullness.

Treble

96/100

The top end is celebrated for air, delicacy and natural decay rather than artificial brightness. Reviewers describe pristine, highly resolved cymbal work and beautifully rendered upper instruments, while SoundStage Solo specifically heard brilliance without glare or stridency. The Absolute Sound likewise found no treble emphasis used to create a false impression of detail.

Resolution Detail

97/100

Exceptional transparency and retrieval of fine musical information are among the SR-X9000's most consistent strengths. The Absolute Sound called it the best headphone it had heard for naturally revealing detail, and HomeTheaterHifi described a remarkably clear window into recordings with no discernible distortion. Importantly, reviewers find this insight remains organic and musical rather than analytically forced.

Soundstage Imaging

97/100

Reviewers consistently report a remarkably expansive and convincing headphone soundfield. SoundStage Solo heard large-scale three-dimensional space, natural hall decay, stable instrument placement and clear orchestral layering, while AUDIOKEY REVIEWS called the presentation holographic with exceptional positioning. The presentation is not merely broad: individual performers remain easy to follow within a cohesive whole.

Dynamics

92/100

The SR-X9000 is praised for extremely clean transient response, from rimshots and cymbal strikes to large orchestral crescendos. SoundStage Solo felt it decisively disproved the idea that electrostatics cannot deliver dynamics, and AUDIOKEY REVIEWS heard convincing explosive impact from timpani. The Absolute Sound found dynamic swings capable rather than truly exceptional, keeping the presentation more refined than overtly forceful.

Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.

Comfort Fit

95/100

Comfort receives unusually unanimous praise despite the substantial 432 g specification. HomeTheaterHifi reports hours-long sessions with cool, comfortable sheepskin pads, while SoundStage Solo credits the light clamp and well-distributed arc assembly for preventing the headphones from feeling heavy. AUDIOKEY REVIEWS even describes the fit as comfortable for day-long use.

Build Quality

91/100

HomeTheaterHifi calls the material selection and build quality top-notch, with a beautiful fit and finish. Supersonido similarly remarks that the product feels extremely high quality and carefully finished. The available reviews offer less direct evidence on long-term durability or serviceability.

Features Usability

85/100

The SR-X9000 includes two supplied cable lengths and reviewers note that its cable can be exchanged, adding practical flexibility to a specialist design. Its light clamp and nine-step fit adjustment also support everyday usability. It requires a dedicated five-pin electrostatic energizer or amplifier and cannot be used with conventional headphone outputs.

Value for Money

85/100

At roughly $6,200 for the earspeakers alone, and with a suitable energizer adding substantially to system cost, this is an uncompromising flagship purchase. SoundStage Solo calls the complete setup one of the finest headphone experiences available, but does not make a direct affordability or bargain claim. The other reviews focus chiefly on performance rather than comparing its value with competing flagships.

Reviews

Online Reviews & Mentions

YouTube Reviews

Forum Mentions

No forum mentions found yet

store
store
store
store
store
store
Stax - International logo

Verified Dealers

Online Dealers

All Dealers

Zoom out the map to see more dealers

Authorized dealers for Stax - International SR-X9000 Electrostatic Earspeaker (Flagship Model)

  • 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

3mA Audio logo
Acoustica logo
Ambiance Concert logo
Analogue Seduction logo
Arctic Audio logo
ATR - Audio Trade logo
AUDIO 2000 logo
Audio 46 logo
Audio Evolution logo
AUDIO EXCLUSIVE logo