{"id":5146,"date":"2026-04-23T14:39:04","date_gmt":"2026-04-23T12:39:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vumetre.com\/en\/?p=5146"},"modified":"2026-04-25T13:30:49","modified_gmt":"2026-04-25T11:30:49","slug":"stax-sr-l500-mk2-srm-d10-ii","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vumetre.com\/en\/en\/tests\/types\/headphones\/stax-sr-l500-mk2-srm-d10-ii\/","title":{"rendered":"STAX SR-L500 mk2 & SRM-D10 II"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

While the reputation of headphones designed around electrostatic transducers is based on the finesse of their sound reproduction and the sharpness of the sound image they deliver, this technology remains particularly difficult to implement. Very few manufacturers venture into this field, even among the most expert in the world of headphones. Japanese headphone designer Stax has over 70 years of expertise and mastery of this technology. Today, it presents a unique combination of electrostatic headphones and a dedicated portable headphone amplifier. A first in this field!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Lambda SR-L500, which has undergone numerous optimizations, is now available in a Mark 2 version. This latest model is all about excellence. It will satisfy even the most demanding audiophiles, exceeding their expectations in terms of the naturalness and realism of the sound it delivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A VERY LOW-MASS MOVING ASSEMBLY<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unlike electrodynamic transducers, whose architecture is identical to that of miniature speakers, electrostatic transducers have no coil or magnet. Here, their flat membrane is based on a thin sheet of Mylar covered with a thin metal layer deposited by vacuum evaporation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two grids frame it. A high voltage, in the order of 500 to 600 V, is applied to these grids, which has the effect of immersing the flat Mylar membrane in a powerful electric field. By then applying a high alternating voltage, which is the analog signal corresponding to the sound message, the membrane is attracted to one of the grids and repelled by the other, and vice versa, depending on the polarity of the voltage it receives. It thus begins to vibrate in response to the signal and reproduces the sound message. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This type of operation has many advantages. Firstly, as the moving part has no coil or connecting wire and consists of a simple sheet of Mylar, its mass can be extremely low. This specific feature gives electrostatic transducers the ability to reach very high frequencies. For the SR-L500MK2, Stax claims a frequency response of up to 41 kHz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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EVEN DISTRIBUTION OF FORCES<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, unlike electrodynamic transducers, where the moving coil exerts its force only at the center of the membrane, in an electrostatic transducer this force is distributed evenly across the entire surface. This even distribution of the membrane’s displacement force significantly reduces the distortion rate of this type of transducer by preventing, among other things, the appearance of surface ripples. Similarly, their performance is flawless when reproducing the most complex transients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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ESSENTIAL HIGH VOLTAGE MANAGEMENT<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, as is often the case, there is a downside to this advantage. As mentioned above, the operating principle of electrostatic transducers requires the management of high voltages. In addition to the voltage used to create the electric field in which the membrane is immersed, the voltage from the signal applied to it must also be high. Several hundred volts are involved here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, while current electronics, based on semiconductors, excel at managing low impedances, and therefore modest voltages, high voltage management is far from being their forte. Electrostatic headphones must therefore be driven by specific amplifiers, whose output stages are often equipped with tubes. These components are only capable of handling high voltages. This is a problem for electrodynamic devices with low impedance, which require the use of an output transformer, but in this case it becomes an advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A SUBTLY DESIGNED HEADBAND<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

However, while having transducers with exceptional performance is essential, they must also be combined with a high-quality chassis in order to perform to their full potential. To meet this requirement, Stax has given the SR-L500MK2 an aluminum chassis specifically designed to eliminate unwanted vibrations that could affect the purity of the sound reproduction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same vein, its headband has a curvature that ensures the ear pads fit perfectly over the wearer’s ears. This ensures a good seal between the listener’s skull and the transducers, guaranteeing excellent reproduction of the deepest bass frequencies. Finally, to preserve the subtlety of the sound, Stax has equipped the SR-L500MK2 with a high-quality cable with very low capacitance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It uses six very high-purity copper conductors. Titanium is added to the conductors to further optimize their signal transmission characteristics. The end of the cable features a five-pin connector, standard on this type of headphone, allowing the SR-L500MK2 to be connected to the various electrostatic headphone amplifiers offered by Stax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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SRMD10 II portable amplifier for electrostatic headphones<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether it’s smartphones or portable music players capable of playing the best Hi-Res audio files, portable players are designed to be used with electrodynamic headphones. The reason for this choice is simple. The few volts delivered by the internal battery of this type of equipment are sufficient to drive them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, many purists would like to pair them with higher-quality headphones, particularly electrostatic ones, in order to fully appreciate the subtle sound reproduction they are capable of offering. But this poses a major problem. Unlike dynamic headphones, which require only low voltages, electrostatic headphones need voltages of several hundred volts to operate. These voltages are obviously not available on portable devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Stax opens up portability to electrostatic headphones<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Japanese designer therefore decided to design a portable amplifier specifically designed to meet their requirements. This elegant box is inserted between the portable music player and the headphones. As with all conventional portable equipment, it is powered by a small internal battery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The high voltages required to drive electrostatic headphones are generated by a high-frequency DC voltage converter and then filtered to provide stable DC voltages. The headphone bias voltage is 580 V, which is fairly common for this type of equipment. Similarly, the output stages of the SRMD10 II, as this portable amplifier is called, have a very high voltage excursion. It reaches 200 V rms over a frequency range extending from 100 Hz to 10 kHz. This feature allows the headphones to perform to their full potential, even when dealing with the most extreme dynamic swings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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MANAGEMENT OF THE LATEST DIGITAL STREAMS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In addition, to ensure that the SRMD10 II can make the most of the best Hi-Res audio files, Stax has equipped it with the latest generation of digital-to-analog converters. It should be noted that although it is possible to connect the SRMD10 II directly in analog using its 3.5 mm line input jack, it is preferable to feed it digital streams directly from Hi-Res audio files. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Digital-to-analog conversion is then performed by its internal DAC based on an AKM AK4493 chip. It supports native DSD from the SRMD10 II’s USB input. Similarly, PCM playback capability is extended to 384 kHz\/32-bit, meeting the requirements of the latest Hi-Res audio streams. It should be noted that Stax has also attached great importance to the selection of passive electronic components used, such as resistors and capacitors. These are sourced from the highest quality ranges of the Korean manufacturer Samsung.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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READY FOR THE FUTURE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Finally, the SRM-D10 II is encased in a sturdy aluminum alloy shell. This not only gives it an elegant and modern look, but also ensures durability and high corrosion resistance. This design choice reflects Stax’s desire to combine aesthetics and longevity, making this amplifier not only a device with technical capabilities that guarantee it a certain lead over evolving formats, but also a durable piece of equipment that is ready to face the future with confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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THE SETUP OF THE STAX SR-L500 MK2 ET SRM-D10 II<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It couldn’t be easier! Connect a device (iPhone, iPad, music player, or computer) to the SRM-D10 II for network and\/or file access using a USB cable, and you’re ready to go. The SRM-D10 II is easy and pleasant to use. It powers a single pair of Stax headphones via a proprietary five-pin \u201cpro\u201d connector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inside, its AKM 4493 DAC takes care of your data. Finally, this preamplifier can be used either plugged into the mains or on the go. It was in this second configuration that it gave us the best sound results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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THE SOUND OF THE STAX SR-L500 MK2 ET SRM-D10 II<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As soon as you place it on your head, you completely forget about the flexible leather headband, and comfort, such a fundamental aspect of headphones, can be enjoyed over the long term, without any excessive pressure. Even without a single note being played, the Stax magic is already at work. This set also offers spatial qualities that are more typical of speaker reproduction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This explains why audiophiles appreciate the Japanese manufacturer’s creations so much. They find much of what they enjoy when listening to their speakers. It’s true that Stax is unique in the world of headphones because it allows you to enjoy a completely coherent and vast soundstage without disturbing those around you. Let’s not forget that the brand refers to its products as earspeakers rather than earphones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The three-dimensional image unfolds very naturally on a frontal plane. Rarely will a conventional stereo headphone manage to create such a feeling of openness. You benefit from all the sharpness that their thin membranes are capable of, but also from this fluid atmosphere that unfolds very widely with great ease. Added to this are the remarkable qualities of resolution and precision across the entire frequency range. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is particularly striking in the low and extreme low registers, where you can hear signals that traditionally tend to be lost. This is evident in the sound of an acoustic double bass. This extension and power at the low end of the spectrum is another hallmark of the Japanese manufacturer, which has always provided us with ultra-wide bandwidth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And since this \u201cStax magic\u201d can now be enjoyed on the go thanks to the brand’s specially developed preamp, there are virtually no limits to its use. In all honesty, we didn’t feel any obvious frustration compared to the so-called residential box. And you’ll need to upgrade to the higher-end model to really notice the jump in quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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OUR CONCLUSION<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Stax continues to build its legend by offering relevant products in all price ranges. The Japanese brand now offers a comprehensive range of products that covers all needs at prices that are certainly high, but which allow most music lovers to find what they are looking for within their means. We really appreciated this combination of traditional electrostatic headphones and a portable power supply with a high-quality DAC. This will allow traveling music lovers to always have the best music with them. A great success that we warmly applaud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Author(s):<\/strong> Est\u00e8ve Fabry<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Technical Sheet: Stax SR-L500 mk2 and SRM-D10 II<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n