A Revered Japanese Hi-Fi Company Just Unveiled a Stunning Pair of Audiophile Headphones

The heritage audio brand has reimagined its standout headphones from the 1990s.

Published June 25, 2025

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Most headphones you’re familiar with have dynamic drivers — pretty much all headphones $300 or less have them (and a lot more expensive models have them, too). These headphones are easy to drive and are known for delivering big sound with big bass.

The next step up the audio food chain is planar magnetic drivers. Headphones with these are typically bigger, but they’re able to deliver a more detailed sound. Additionally, many planar magnetic headphones remain easy to drive, allowing you to plug them directly into your laptop.

Then there are headphones with electrostatic drivers, which are considered the crème de la crème among audiophiles. They’re known for their exceptional audio quality (and price tag), plus they require an external amplifier to drive them.

The newest Stax SR-007S headphones fall in this latter category.

Stax SR-007S

Japanese made

Stax is a storied Japanese hi-fi company that specializes in electrostatic headphones — or, as it calls them, electrostatic earspeakers. It’s been making them since the early 1960s.

Today, the company offers a wide range of electrostatic headphones, spanning from the entry-level SRX1 ($535) to the flagship SRX900 ($6,200).

Its newest model, the Stax SR-007S ($2,390), sits near the top of the brand’s offerings. It’s an updated version of the original SR-007 and its successor, the SR-007A, which were released in 1998 and 2007, respectively.

The upgrades

Stax has given the SR-007S several key upgrades over the previous models. It builds on the “timeless” design of the SR-007 and SR-007A, but features updated diaphragms and fixed electrodes. Stax says this “elevates sound detail clarity while maintaining deep, resonant tones.”

The SR-007S have a new Anti-Resonance Structure (ARS) inspired by its flagship SR-X9000 electrostatic headphones. It utilizes a “seamless stainless steel plate for enhanced rigidity and vibration reduction,” which promises to lead to an even purer sound.

Additionally, Stax has equipped the SR-007S with new sheepskin earpads, which it claims also enhance the audio experience. “The material enhances sound quality by reducing unwanted reflections and optimizing acoustic absorption,” states the brand.

Finally, the SR007S are equipped with detachable cables, making the headphones easier to repair (and also travel with).

Price and availability

The Stax SR-007S electrostatic headphones will go on sale on June 30th, 2025. They cost $2,390.

Stax SR-007S

Stax is a storied Japanese hi-fi company that specializes in electrostatic headphones — or, as it calls them, electrostatic earspeakers. It’s been making them since the early 1960s. The Stax SR-007S is an updated version of the original SR-007 and its successor, the SR-007A, which were released in 1998 and 2007, respectively. Compared to those models, the SR-007S features updated diaphragms and fixed electrodes, which Stax says “elevates sound detail clarity while maintaining deep, resonant tones.” They also have a new Anti-Resonance Structure (ARS) inspired by brand’s flagship SR-X9000 electrostatic headphone, which promises to lead to an even purer sound. Additionally, Stax has equipped the SR-007S with new sheepskin earpads.

About the Author:

Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol’s editorial team since 2014. As a Tech Staff Writer, he tracks everything in the consumer tech space, from headphones to smartphones, wearables to home theater systems. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.