About The STAX SRM-D10 II Portable Headphone Amplifier
The STAX SRM-D10 II 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?
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.
Enhanced Sound Quality: The SRM-D10 II utilizes hardware decoding and high-quality audio capacitors to deliver unparalleled sound quality, ensuring every note is crisp and every detail is vivid.
DSD and PCM Support: With support for DSD sampling rates up to DSD256 and PCM sampling rates up to 384kHz/32bit, the SRM-D10 II can faithfully reproduce high-resolution audio formats, preserving the artist's original intention.
High-Quality Power Amplifier: The SRM-D10 II is equipped with a high-quality power amplifier, providing outstanding performance and remarkable power, allowing you to experience music in its purest form.
High Voltage Output: A robust DC 580V DC bias enhances the amplifier's output, resulting in a more dynamic and powerful soundstage.
Rugged Aluminium Alloy Shell: The aluminium alloy shell not only exudes a sleek, modern design but also offers higher strength and corrosion resistance, ensuring the SRM-D10 II is built to last.
Versatile Connectivity: The SRM-D10 II supports both USB-C digital and 3.5mm analogue audio inputs, offering flexibility in connecting to a wide range of devices.
Compatibility: Designed to complement all STAX PRO-type headphones, the SRM-D10 II ensures that you can enjoy the full potential of your earspeakers.
Battery Life: And you can enjoy a transportable experience with the SRM D10 II with a battery life that drives for approximately 4.5 hours on the analogue input and 3.5 hours on the digital input.
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 Headphone Amp/DAC
- Recommended STAX Headphones: SR-003 MK2, SR-X1, SR-L300, SR-L500 MK2 & SR-L700 MK2
- Power: Battery-Powered, Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery
- DAC: High-Resolution AKM 4493 Digital-to-Analog Converter, supports up to PCM 384kHz/32bit & DSD256
- Build: All-Aluminium Chassis
- Output: 5-pin PRO Bias STAX Earspeaker Output
- Inputs: USB-C Digital Input, 3.5mm Analogue Input
- Battery Operating Time: 4.5 hours (analogue input) / 3.5 hours (digital input)
- Supply Voltage: DC 5V/9V/12V/15V (charger included)
- Gain: 53dB
- 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: 475 g
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 1 Year
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.