top 5 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
4.
LTA Z10e
I have spent quite some time with the LTA Z10e and have heard it with every headphone in house and those that have come and gone. In this respect, the Z10e is a reviewer’s dream for its wide-ranging compatibility with headphones, ALL headphones! And the Z10e will bring to them a profound naturalness and musicality, an air-filled-spaciousness, and a transparency that is, in my experience, astonishing! $6,950
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!. $3,400
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