All of the No.333's measurements were taken using the balanced inputs. After a one-hour, 1/3-power preconditioning, the heatsinks were too hot to keep my hands on. The wideband S/N Ratio (ref. 1W into 8 ohms) measured a reasonable 62.5dB, this improving to 79.5dB when A-weighted. The channel separation (not shown) was better than 90dB below 5kHz, decreasing above that frequency to a still-good 70dB at 50kHz, due to capacitive coupling between the channels. The amplifier's voltage gain into 8 ohms measured 26.7dB, it didn't invert polarity, and its input impedance…
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Ah, yes, headphones again. The market for super–high-end headphones must be small, but manufacturers nevertheless keep introducing new designs. At least two manufacturers—Stax and Sennheiser—seem to have carved out a big chunk of this market for themselves, and are currently slugging it out with their respective takes on the best that electrostatic headphones have to offer. Headphones aren't for everyone, but if you're a fan of private listening (or are one of that small but vociferous audiophile subset—a binaurophile), you need to pay attention to what these two companies are up to. In…
It was also possible to overload the SR-Omegas in the bass, though it was difficult to predict which material would challenge it. Pictures was handled without a hitch. Two bass transients on "Second Hand Copter," from the Clear and Present Danger soundtrack (Milan 73138-35679-2), however, broke up badly at high levels, though the SR-Omegas handled most of the (very deep) bass on this recording with ease. Occasionally, the SR-Omegas showed definite but less overt signs of strain. There were hints of breakup, without things actually pulling apart, where powerful deep-bass passages are…
Sidebar 1: Specifications
Stax SR-Omega: Open-back design. Transducer principle: electrostatic, push-pull. Frequency range: 6Hz–41kHz (no tolerance specified). Sensitivity: 99dB/100V RMS input (1kHz). Maximum SPL: 120dB at 400Hz.
Weight: 1.3lb (580gm, less cable).
Serial number of unit reviewed: 00133.
Price: $3000, headphones only; $4000 with SRM-T1 tube amplifier; $4500 with SRM-T1S balanced-input tube amplifier (1995).
SRM-T1S direct-drive amplifier: Frequency response: DC–44kHz, –1.5dB. Gain: 60dB. THD: 0.02% at 100V RMS output. Maximum output voltage: 300V RMS.…
Sidebar 2: Review System
The Stax headphones were evaluated with their amplifiers driven directly from a Mark Levinson No.35 D/A converter. A Krell KPS-20i CD player was used as a transport, and alternately from its own analog outputs. The digital link, when used, was a Kimber AGDL coax; the analog interconnects were Cardas Hexlink Five Series.—Thomas J. Norton
This is the fifth year Stereophile has named a select few components as "Products of the Year." By doing so, we intend to give recognition to those components that have proved capable of giving musical pleasure beyond the formal review period.
There are six individual categories: Loudspeakers (including subwoofers); Amplification Components (preamplifiers, power amplifiers, etc.); Digital Sources (CD players, transports, processors); Analog Sources (phono cartridges, turntables, tonearms, FM tuners, etc.); Home Theater Components (other than video); and Accessories (everything else).…
Joint Loudspeakers of 1996
Aerial Acoustics 10T ($5500/pair; reviewed by Wes Phillips, Vol.19 No.4, April 1996 Review)
Dunlavy Audio Labs Signature SC-VI ($24,995/pair; reviewed by Steven Stone & John Atkinson, Vol.19 No.8, August 1996 Review)
Finalists (in alphabetical order):
Acarian Systems Alón V ($4950/pair; reviewed by Russell Novak & Robert J. Reina, Vol.19 Nos.7, 8, & 9, July, August, & September 1996)
Audio Artistry Dvorak ($5990/system; reviewed by Shannon Dickson, Vol.19 No.4, April 1996)
Avalon Acoustics Radian HC ($13,995/pair;…
Amplification Component of 1996
Krell Audio Standard monoblock power amplifier ($35,000/pair; reviewed by Wes Phillips, Vol.19 No.10, October 1996 Review)
Finalists (in alphabetical order):
Audible Illusions Modulus 3A preamplifier ($1995; reviewed by Michael Fremer, Vol.19 Nos.2 & 9, February & September 1996 Review)
Audio Research PH-3 phono preamplifier ($1495; reviewed by Michael Fremer, Vol.19 No.9, September 1996)
Ayre V-3 power amplifier ($3450; reviewed by Sam Tellig & Wes Phillips, Vol.19 No.3, August 1996 Review)
Balanced Audio Technology VK-…
Digital Source of 1996
Nagra-D 4-channel open-reel digital recorder ($25,000–$35,000; reviewed by John Atkinson, Vol.19 No.1, January 1996 Review)
Finalists (in alphabetical order):
Audio Alchemy DDSPro CD transport ($1595; reviewed by Kalman Rubinson, Vol.19 No.9, September 1996)
Audio Alchemy DTIPro 32 ($1595; reviewed by Robert Harley, Vol.19 Nos.3 & 7, March & July 1996 Review)
Audio Research CD-1 CD player ($2995; reviewed by Wes Phillips & Thomas J. Norton, Vol.18 No.12, December 1995, Vol.19 No.11, November 1996 Review)
Genesis Technologies…
Analog Source of 1996
Naim ARO tonearm ($2000; reviewed by Markus Sauer & Wes Phillips, Vol.16 No.6, June 1993; Vol.19 No.2, February 1996 Review)
Finalists (in alphabetical order):
AudioQuest 7000 Fe5 phono cartridge ($2550; reviewed by Michael Fremer, Vol.19 No.4, April 1996 Review)
Clearaudio Insider phono cartridge ($7500; reviewed by Jonathan Scull, Vol.19 No.5, May 1996)
Lyra Clavis Da Capo phono cartridge ($1895; reviewed by Michael Fremer, Vol.19 No.4, April 1996 Review)
Rockport Series 6000 air-bearing tonearm ($4500; reviewed by Michael Fremer, Vol.…