Massdrop x Koss ESP/95X Electrostatic System Discussions | Drop

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Massdrop x Koss ESP/95X Electrostatic System

Sep 18, 2018

In spite of being excited about this system (and joined < 50), I'm considering cancelling because IME I've yet to listen to any Koss headphone produced in the last 20 years that I would call good. Even at their more inexpensive price point, they tend to be rather unimpressive. So my question to myself here is: am I buying the excitement of a electrostatic system or am I buying a great sounding setup? And I keep thinking it's the former rather than the latter. I still have couple of weeks to decide, but not feeling super convinced at the moment.

Sep 18, 2018

Pankaic

Sep 18, 2018

rdodevFrom what I've gathered, the esp950 has the electrostatic sound, but has a more natural and delicate presentation than the entry-level stax offerings. If that's what your looking for in a great sounding setup, I'd say stick with it. I am a bit disappointed they didn't do anything to improve the energizer tho, which seems to be the weakest link in the system. I personally prefer a more energetic sound signature, but this'll be a good complement to what I already own.

Sep 18, 2018

Vote

Barondla

146

Sep 18, 2018

rdodevIf it helps, these came out more than 20 years ago. Heard a set on a Stax amp. Amazing. No idea how they will sound with their electronics.

Sep 18, 2018

FrankFeng

Sep 19, 2018

rdodevThis is definitely a great sounding setup. The original pads are the weakest link, and should be vastly improve by the new pad design. The energizer is not the best but it does a decent job. I compared my ESP 950 on original E/90, STAX SRM-1 MK2, and STAX SRM-007 T2 energizer (with conversion cable). They do sound slightly different, but the original E/90 definitely sound good (at least not worse) comparing with other two. On same energizer, ESP 950 sounds as good as (or at least comparable to) my STAX SR-L700 headphone. The only minor drawback of the E/90 energizer is its volume knob, which is difficult to reach target volume and balance match at the same time. In conclusion, for the current price, even only the ESP 950 itself is very attractive. Not to mention the set includes a good sounding energizer. Any time in future if you want to experience different sounding/tired of fighting with the volume knob, you can get a conversion cable and a STAX driver easily. The new ESP 950 is strongly recommended.

Sep 19, 2018

DWHC

Sep 20, 2018

rdodevI've had my ESP950 with the stock energizer for a few years and really enjoy them. Very comfortable to wear, and the clearest performance of any of the headphones I own (I've spent way too much on headphones). The price here is less than I paid, and I wish I could get the ear pads that are included in the drop. The pads on the non-Massdrop model are not horrible, but the new pads look much nicer. I have regretted some of my headphone purchases, but never the ESP950. They always exceed expectations.

Sep 20, 2018