STAX SR-L500MK2 open-back electrostatic earspeaker for focused listening

The STAX SR-L500MK2 is an open-back, oval electrostatic earspeaker that builds on the long-established Lambda design. It is intended for discerning listeners who want to hear recordings with a spacious presentation, clearly separated musical layers and a balanced tonal approach during dedicated home listening. Its push-pull operating principle and open enclosure make it fundamentally different from conventional moving-coil headphones. The design is especially suitable for quiet listening rooms where sound leakage is not a concern and where the listener can appreciate subtle changes in phrasing, ambience, recording depth and instrumental texture without outside distractions.

At the centre of the SR-L500MK2 is a hand-selected thin-film diaphragm working between durable fixed stainless-steel electrodes. STAX describes this arrangement as delivering deep bass, delicate treble and a smooth midrange in balanced proportion. The specified frequency response is 7 to 41,000 Hz, with a sensitivity of 101 dB at 100 V r.m.s. and 1 kHz. Its six-strand HiFC pure-copper cable measures 2.5 metres and uses a wide, flat parallel layout designed to reduce capacitance between the conductors. Total electrostatic capacitance is rated at 110 pF including the cable, while impedance is specified as 145 kΩ at 10 kHz.

Comfort and repeatable adjustment are addressed by a ten-click headband slider derived from higher-positioned STAX designs. Once the head pad height has been selected, the mechanism retains its setting, helping the earspeaker remain consistent between listening sessions. Hand-finished synthetic-leather ear pads provide a soft contact surface and contribute to the intended acoustic fit around the ears. As a 580 V DC bias electrostatic model, the SR-L500MK2 requires a suitable STAX driver unit or compatible electrostatic energizer rather than a standard headphone socket. Keep the cable free from sharp bends, store the earspeaker in a dry place and consider the SR-L500MK2 for a revealing, purpose-built home listening system.