STAX Classic Returns as the SR-009D Revives a Legend

For nearly a decade, the original 009 set the pace for high-end electrostatic listening, and demand for its particular take on transparency never really subsided. The company says this updated edition is a direct response to continued calls from enthusiasts who’ve been hoping for its return.

Rather than reinventing the wheel, STAX has focused on preservation and refinement. The SR-009D retains the core technology that made the original a benchmark, but introduces a series of practical revisions that bring it into line with the current STAX ecosystem. The new release follows STAX’s updated SR-007S, launched earlier this year, as the company continues refining key models across its electrostatic lineup.

Key to the design remains Multi-Layer-Electrode architecture (MLER), formed by bonding three stainless-steel plates at the atomic level. It’s a technique STAX has long championed, and here it is tasked with delivering the same see-through clarity and ultra-low resonance that defined the original. The brand claims a wide and immersive soundstage, with the kind of near-weightless detail that electrostatic fans expect.

One of the biggest changes is far more down-to-earth: the introduction of a detachable and fully replaceable cable. That alone will be welcomed by long-time STAX users, many of whom have spent years asking for improved maintainability and the option to upgrade in the future. Alongside this, a newly developed injection-moulded housing has been introduced to reduce overall weight, genuine sheepskin earpads are featured, and a revised ten-step headband mechanism has been designed for a more precise fit.

The SR-009D will also ship with a lightweight aluminium carrying case that offers protection against impacts and weather. It is a practical addition for owners who treat their earspeakers as long-term investments. It’s worth noting that, like all STAX electrostatics, the SR-009D won’t operate correctly without a dedicated headphone amplifier, and the company’s SRM-series energisers remain the recommended match for delivering the correct drive and performance.

Douglas Ip, Sales and Marketing Head at STAX, said the reissue reconnects directly with the model’s long-standing reputation:

The SR-009 has always held a special place in the hearts of our customers and in the history of STAX. With the SR-009D, we are thrilled to bring back that legendary sound, updated with the features that our customers have long asked for. It is the perfect gateway to the world of high-end electrostatic audio, offering an unmatched listening experience at a much more accessible price point.

For a company with more than 80 years of heritage in electrostatic design, the SR-009D’s return reflects STAX’s renewed interest in revisiting key models while updating them for modern expectations. How successfully it balances legacy and improvement is something we look forward to assessing once we have the SR-009D in for review.

The SR-009A is available now and priced at A$5,690 with additional regional pricing to be confirmed shortly. 

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