Brief Summary
The video is a follow-up to the initial impressions of electrostatic headphones, offering more fleshed-out opinions after extended use. The speaker discusses timbre, detail retrieval, bass response, and sound staging, comparing electrostats to planar magnetic and dynamic driver headphones. Ultimately, while appreciating the strengths of electrostats, the speaker concludes that they don't quite align with their personal preferences due to timbre and sound staging inconsistencies, preferring the more natural and organic sound of high-end planars and dynamics.
- Electrostatic headphones excel in detail retrieval and speed, particularly in the midrange.
- Timbre is a key differentiating factor, with the speaker finding some electrostats lacking compared to top-tier planars and dynamics.
- Sound staging consistency is another concern, as electrostats seem to vary more from track to track compared to planars.
Intro
The video serves as a continuation of the speaker's initial exploration into electrostatic headphones. Having spent more time with the Stax SR009, Audeze CRBN, and Stax 009S, the speaker aims to provide more comprehensive impressions. The focus is on what electrostatic headphones offer and how they compare to other high-end headphones in the market.
Timbre
Initially, the speaker found the timbre of electrostatic headphones to be somewhat dry and lacking the organic quality found in headphones like the Hifiman Susvara or Focal Utopia. While the Audeze CRBN didn't improve in this regard, the Stax 009S showed improvement with use, approaching the natural timbre of high-end planar magnetic headphones. The speaker places the Stax 009S in the middle of the pack when compared to headphones like the Audeze LCD5, Dan Clark Audio Stealth, and Meze Elite.
Electrostatic Speed and Detail Retrieval
The speaker reaffirms their initial opinion on the exceptional speed and detail retrieval of electrostatic headphones. All three models (Stax SR009, Audeze CRBN, and Stax 009S) excel at pulling out micro-details, making them a great choice for listeners who value resolution. Electrostats present details in a more forward manner compared to the relaxed presentation of the Hifiman Susvara, but not as aggressively as Abyss headphones. The electrostatic speed is most noticeable in the midrange, particularly in the rendering of room reverbs and subtle details.
Bass Response
Electrostatic headphones generally don't offer the same level of punch or slam in the bass as some planar magnetic or dynamic driver headphones. For those seeking strong bass, the speaker recommends considering Abyss or Audeze planars, or dynamic driver headphones like the Focal Utopia. Among the three electrostatic models, the Audeze CRBN has the most punchy bass, although its relaxed presentation can mask it. The Stax models have a more lively presentation, making their bass punchiness more apparent.
Comparison with Hifiman HE1000 V2 and Overall Preference
The speaker uses their Hifiman HE1000 V2 as a reference point to assess whether electrostatic headphones would be a worthwhile addition to their collection. Despite acknowledging the strengths of electrostats, particularly in resolution and spatial accuracy, the speaker concludes that they won't be making a switch. The Hifiman HE1000 V2, while not as resolving, offers a more believable and consistent sound stage, along with a more natural timbre.
Sound Staging and Timbre Preference
The speaker finds the sound stage of the electrostatic headphones to be inconsistent, changing from track to track, which they find distracting. They prefer the consistent and natural sound staging of the Hifiman HE1000 V2. The speaker also reiterates that the Hifiman HE1000 V2 has a more organic and natural timbre, which is a crucial factor in their preference. They feel that finding an electrostatic headphone with truly natural timbre is a lower probability compared to finding a planar or dynamic driver headphone with good timbre.
Flexibility and Variety
Planar and dynamic headphones offer a wider range of amp possibilities and more variability in sound signatures compared to electrostats. The speaker notes that headphone enthusiasts often have collections with different signatures to match various music genres. Electrostats, in their experience, tend to be more similar to each other, making the electrostatic game feel like it requires a more specific understanding of what one is looking for. Planars and dynamics offer more flexibility for exploration and experimentation.
Concluding Thoughts and Final Point
While the speaker enjoyed the electrostatic headphones, they ultimately find them lacking in the naturalness and realism that they have experienced with planars and dynamics. They acknowledge the argument that electrostats, with their low distortion and high resolution, may be presenting the recording as it truly is, while planars and dynamics introduce coloration. However, based on their lifelong exposure to live music and real instruments, the speaker finds that the best planars and dynamics capture the sound of real life more accurately than the electrostatic headphones they have tested.
