About STAX SRM-D10 Headphone Amplifier
The STAX SRM-D10 is the missing link in the STAX line-up. It is not only a STAX Earspeaker Driver but also a high quality DAC. But wait, there's more, it's also battery powered and portable. Holy audio nirvana Batman, what is the world of high class headphones coming to?
It was only a matter of time before STAX developed a two-in-one DAC/Driver Unit for its svelte electrostatic headphones. And right on cue comes the SRM-D10.
A versatile model, the D10 brings high-performance audio not only to PCs and Macs but also outdoors and on the move. And of course, the driver electronics are tailored for STAX headphones. So what you get is a compact high-end package that will take your music files to another level.
Portability is assured thanks to the D10's built-in rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery pack, yet so compact and portable it will slip easily into a pocket. The D10's chassis is exquisitely built, but it's also sturdy and rugged to withstand the grind of being moved about from place to place.
Features are many, as you'd expect from a heavyweight brand the calibre of STAX. They include an XMOS USB interface with support for up to PCM 384kHz & DSD128. The D10's ESS ES9018 DAC is also no slouch. It uses TI OPA1642 ultra-low distortion op amps to get that delicate bit stream to where it wants to go without a hint of loss.
STAX has also given the D10 an impeccable high voltage amplifier, so you get perfect drive across all frequencies and consistent top-shelf sound. Internally the D10 sports audiophile grade components in every nook and cranny of its sleek aluminium housing. And yes, the D10, of course, carries the standard STAX 5-pin connector to be used with any of its headphones.
Why Electrostatic Headphones?
Electrostatic headphones operate on a different principle than conventional "dynamic" or "moving coil" designs. In a conventional headphones there is a coil of wire inside a magnet, generally glued to a stiff cone or dome that's held in place with a springy suspension. This makes it more difficult to re-create detail in playback due to mass. Or to put simply there are more heavy moving parts.
Pioneered by STAX in 1959 – an electrostatic design works by placing a static (non-moving) electric charge on a film that floats between two perforated metal plates. When audio voltages are applied across the plates, static cling and repulsion causes the entire film to move by itself. This film is so thin, it effectively weighs less than the air around it, and has no resonances or energy storage which leads to distortion inherent in moving coil speakers.
These factors are some of the reasons why STAX electrostatic Headphones sound so much better than conventional designs. During playback the listener is experiencing minimal interference from the headphone itself, in turn bringing you that much closer to the original artist's performance.
Our Take
We have been waiting a long time for a product like this from STAX. In short, it's a battery powered, portable DAC & headphone driver. A first for STAX and what a wonderfully fully formed product it is. It feels weighty in hand, operates beautifully and sounds amazing. Being able to pick it up and take it into another room with ease is such a game changer. Whilst it might be a trifle large for your evening run it is great for taking on holidays or for those who work away from home and need a high quality sound solution to take with them. Whether at home or on the go it has the quality of sound and construction we have come to expect from STAX. Come and have a listen to the STAX range in our comfortable showrooms in Ringwood, Melbourne.
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: Compact Portable Electrostatic PRO Series Headphone Amplifier/DAC
- Use with these STAX Earspeakers: STAX SR-L300, STAX SR-L500 Mk2, STAX SR-L700 MK2 & STAX SR-003 MK2
- Power: Battery-powered, rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- DAC: High-resolution Digital-to-Analog converter, supports up to PCM 384kHz & DSD128
- Build: All-aluminium chassis
- Output: 5-pin PRO bias Stax earspeaker output
- Inputs: Micro USB digital input, 3.5mm analogue input
- Battery Operating time: 4.5 hours (analogue input) / 3.5 hours (digital input)
- Supply voltage: DC 14V (charger included)
- Frequency response: 20Hz - 40KHz (+0dB,-3dB)
- Rated input level: 230mV (100V output)
- Harmonic distortion: <0.025% / 1KHz-10KHz
- Input impedance: 10 KΩ (analogue input)
- Maximum output voltage: 200Vr.m.s / 100Hz-10kHz
- Power consumption: 6.4W (USB input) 5W (analogue input)
- Recommended operating temperature: 0-35°C
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 75 x 32 x 141mm
- Weight: 450g
- Manufacturer's Warranty: One Year
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.