Looks better there - but still a little homespun for my tastes. Like early Exposure Amps 
In note you use the Linn KDS - since Linn have launched a new one there seem to be plenty of these on the market, and I’m thinking that the huge data retrieval might suit the electrostatic modus operandi - and provide the totally different presentation to the Naim sound I have on the main system.
An interesting review by Alan Sircom on the T8000
@glevethan i think you mentioned that Stax had teased a product release - I can’t seem to find anything on that - could you possibly point me in the right direction? …just about to push the button on some 009S Cans!
7:30am here and just getting started however - HOLD OFF - tomorrow is the big reveal.
Forum rules do not allow me to post a link however with Google you can go to Stax’s Japan website and see this (screen shot taken just now so one more day to go).
staxperiodjapanperiodcoperiodx
People are expecting a new flagship.
(I will answer your Carbon, BHSE QUESTION in a few).
Best
Gregg
Ah yes - thanks - well hidden by only being on the Japanese site (so not on English language Instagram for example) and linking though to Japanese Language Twitter!
Looks pretty clear based on the numbering (The Roman numeral approach was tried by apple, and fools nobody - we all know what comes after 9!) that this will be a new Flagship…. No buttons pushed here, so I await with extreme interest! 
During my headphone / amp search a couple of years ago, I recall discussions about the absence of CE approvals for several of the well regarded but small manufacturers of amps for electrostatic headphones. Not sure if that’s still the case but it might be worth keeping in mind, depending on your location and thoughts on how your insurance might view things, should the worst happen. Stax are CE approved.
Do not quote me however I believe the HeadAmp Blue Hawaii has approval. They have had a booth at CanJam London for several years so one would think that regulatory approval has been met - otherwise how would they be demonstrating the amp at a London hotel?
Best
Gregg
I don’t know how it works regarding demos - I just had a quick look on their web site and from the photo of the back of the SE Anniversary, it doesn’t appear to be CE marked. I understood approval had to be marked but I don’t know for sure, or if it is perhaps marked elsewhere or simply an old photo.
Both the Blue Hawaii and Carbon are universally acknowledged to be end game amplifiers for Stax headphones (with the exception of the DIY T2 which is overwhelmingly considered to be at the pinnacle). You will find opinion is split 50/50 as to preference. I have owned my Carbon for 3 years and brought in the BHSE for an extended demo due to my desire to try a tube amp. At the end both were of equal capability - if confronted with the choice mine would be the Carbon. With that said for every person who chooses a Carbon there would be another who would choose the BHSE.
From an aesthetic perspective the Justin’s BHSE walks all over Birgir’s Carbon - there really is no comparison. BHSE build quality, fit and finish is on the same level as Naim.
As for the Alan Sircom T8000 review in HiFi+ - for the 1 or 2 postive reviews in the HiFi comics Google will show you ten times as many singing the praises of the BHSE or Carbon. There really is no comparison. Some will say you could purchase the recently discontinued Stax 353 amplifier for less than $1000 and obtain great performance.
Considering the Carbon costs less than the T8000, and the BHSE costs the same, the T8000 would not be a wise purchase.
Google HeadAmp BHSE and look at the google images for some amazing Stax porn. HeadAmp’s instagram page is a pleasure as well.
All eyes wait until the big announcement tomorrow.
Best
Gregg
Some beauties on an image search that’s for sure….
I wonder in your system if you went for the Volume Pot upgrade? ….or if you use the Linn DS output to control the volume?
The ALPS volume pot upgrade is quite costly - but I read 70% of BHSE customers tick that box….
Indeed - exciting! …I’m thinking the cost will be high even compared to the 009s - which I understand from my dealer will stay in the range - so by default I think we can therefore expect a 30-50% uplift in price over the 009….
Hello Stax-fans,
my amp is the Solaris from AudioValve (Germany), which drives the 009 quiet good… 
You should also have a look on amp from Paltauf (Austria):
atb, Tom
Both lovely looking things!
This one’s looks remind me of my '70s Pioneer Receiver.
Difficult to obtain here in the States however lovely looking amplifiers.
Now let’s see what Stax announces tomorrow.
Best
Gregg
Just announced
SR-X9000
Looks a thing of Beauty - progress in all areas - but the 20% larger diaphragm offers the potential for a real step forward in dynamics and dynamic range. Exciting.
Here is the link to the announcement in English…
Why so Richard? …the “usual” differences between Solid State and Valves, or something more?
…these things are hard to demo…Very few dealers have the range (I know of just one - fortunately quite near me) and even then it’s a case of living with the sound for an extended period. More than any other HiFi component I think.
The Paltauf looks like a well designed and elegant solution. Have you any experience either first hand or anecdotal on it?
Their Instagram is nice…
And they have a nice website too…
…which seems to suggest Austria, Germany and France are their only current markets with distribution.
Those oiled wood sides though 
Matt, a bit of my STAX history; I used to have Lambda Pros and an SRD7 Pro energiser from the late '80s. They were fantastic headphones. Their only weakness was that they could be a little light in the bass. But they were so good in every other respect - such a thrill to listen with - I could easily forgive them. Then many years later, I was offered some SR-404 Signatures with an SRM-006T for a great deal and couldn’t resist, so I traded my Lambda Pros and energiser. That was probably a mistake as I just didn’t quite gel with the 404 signatures with the SRM-006T. There was more low end, but it was a bit ponderous and detached. It was very detailed but a bit soft and lacked something I loved in the previous Lambda Pro set - for want of a better word, we’ll call it “tension”.
So, feeling a bit silly, I made a point of getting out there and trying as many STAX setups as I could. What I found was surprising. I found I favoured the solid state amp (can’t recall the model now but it was a 3 something) over the valve 006T (the 007T was better and if you wanted valves, worth the extra). But overall none had the sense of dynamics and the thrill I got with the Lambda Pro/SRD7 Pro pairing.
I still have my Lambda Pros and an SRDX-Pro plumbed into my 52, they haven’t been used for years, this has tempted me to give them a listen again. When I’m back from London I’ll fire them up.
I remember trying the SRD-X Pro at the time - I really wanted to love it as it offered line level input and the option of battery power. However I much preferred the SRD7 Pro. I think the Lambda Pros are/were peaches though and well worth trying on other energisers.
