top electrostatic HPAS
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The various electrostatic headphone amplifiers listed below are our subjective picks for the top electrostatic headphone amplifiers in the world, based upon our reviews. That said, the list is a dynamic list and as we review new electrostatic headphone amplifiers that we feel deserve a spot on the list, the list and the ranking will change to accommodate the new electrostatic headphone amplifier. Things do change.
“You-are-there” describes succinctly my experience with the Viva Egoista STX electrostatic headphone amplifier. And it is an experience that will not soon be forgotten. As mentioned, the Top-Of-the-Line STAX SRM-T8000 is not a contender, though at approximately one third the price, it shouldn’t be. It isn’t. As I write this, there is no competition for the Viva Egoista STX electrostatic headphone amplifier. $17,000
Natural. Yes, again this word has found its way through my notes and into the Conclusion. Suffice to say that, in this respect, the ability of the BHSE to move beyond simulacra to instigate with ease one’s suspension of disbelief, stole away many hours spent listening to entire albums, when I had only planned to listen to a given, well known song, track, or movement. $6,995
In truth, I was not prepared for the leap in performance that the STAX SRM-T8000 offered. Of course, I though it would better its immediate kin—SRM-700S, SRM-700T—truly spectacular on their own, but this was something else. The one telling factor that I continuously noticed was that in every case, the music moved along a bit too quickly, was more enjoyable, and was always over sooner than it had ever been. $6,200
The Trilogy H1 energizer is the child of electrostatics and single-ended triodes and it is sublime in the extreme. Did I mention the Trilogy H1’s blazing, transient speed, its openness, its hypnotic immersiveness, and delicious tonality? “Yes.” Well, okay. That this is a first outing for Trilogy in the electrostatic realm is remarkable and speaks to a well researched and developed first electrostatic product. That it is not more widely known is only temporary, in this reviewer’s opinion. $6,850 (USD) for Silver, $7,250 (USD) for Stealth Black.
5.
LTA Z10E
The LTA Z10e is, perhaps, one of the most versatile integrated/headphone amplifiers on the market today. It is certainly the most versatile headphone amplifier that I have ever come across. And it will align beautifully with all headphones types and technologies—Dynamic, Planar, Electrostatic, and even IEMs! And, I understand, it even drives efficient speakers (90dB+) too. $6,950
Yeah, I’ll take them both—STAX SRM-700T and SRM-700S—to cover all possible angles of music playback, from the tip-top treble regions, on their way to Jupiter or Alpha Centauri, to the sub-bass depths of the Holy-Bass-Head-Grail, to that transparent, preternaturally engaging midrange. If only… Count me twice surprised now by a tubed electrostatic headphone amplifier—STAX SRM-700T—sporting 6SN7 tubes in the power role and now by a solid state electrostatic headphone amplifier—and now the STAX SRM-700S $3400
The summary effect of the STAX SRM-700T is beguiling musicality, very good to incredible control of the bass regions (depending on the synergy), exceptional detail and resolution, and incredible spaciousness. The mix of these traits contribute to a rather fascinating you-are-there realism, which I have mentioned throughout my notes and in my reviews of, literally, everything STAX! $3400
The Warwick Acoustics Bravura & Sonoma M1 represent the classic and well sought after electrostatic sound, like the transducers—Quad ESL 57, Martin Logan CLS—that began this rather exceptional modality! That said, the Bravura & Sonoma M1 system will not plumb to the sub-bass depths for the “Holy-Bass-Head-Grail” again like the VOCE and the speakers mentioned above but, in truth, only a few electrostatic headphones do and they tend to be quite a bit more expensive. And the Bravura & Sonoma M1 will not scale the treble peaks of Mt. Olympus as other electrostatic headphones do, but if you’ve not heard the best of the best electrostatics, you will not miss this… $5,995
No doubt, the SRM-500T was STAX’s way of saying this was constructed for those new to electrostatics, for whom it may serve as a beacon to a world that is immensely charming, musical, and communicates as if a breath of fresh air. There will also be those, who see the STAX SRM-500T as but the point of entry to this world. Their sights will, no doubt, lead them farther into this incredibly beautiful, transparent, and detail rich electrostatic world. $1,340