Electrostatic headphones

[tweet_my_ribbon]

Have you tried them, do you own some ? I'm tempted by Koss earphones as well as the classic Stax, although have never heard these in action. People on another forum were describing the clarity and detail but said they are a tad bass light.

I was interested in one question on a headphone forum asking if they were dangerous. High voltages and EM fields near the head over extended periods. One person scoffed and called that a conspiracy theory. It does concern me though.

Do the electrostatic ear- pieces put out much of a field or just cook the brain like a boiled egg ?

I like the idea of not having magnets stradelling the brain but are the electric ear phones safer ? I'd take detail over bass thump any day with earphones.

[Fretless]

I have, in the distant past, had a set of Audio Technica ATH-7 electrostatics that were incredibly detailed and a great listen.

Recently I discovered planar magnetostatic headphones and am very impressed by the detail and 'life' that they give. Also I am rather sensitive to EM fields but don't have much of a problem with these cans.

My favourites are Monoprice Monolith M1070 (open) and M1060C ( closed).

[Bencat57]

Funny you should pick on that set of headphones as they are not electrostatics but electret . Difference is that electrostatic has to have a constant current applied to them to maintain the static charge which gives the mylar panels rigidity . Electret is charged within itself and only needs topping up as the charge leaks away . Both sound wonderful though . I have Stax Electrostatics and for me they are just the best headphones I have ever used .

[Fretless]

Thanks for that clarification - never knew that !

[tweet_my_ribbon]

I wimped out on the expensive electrostatics. Maybe I'll be able to audition them one day, but until then my little Sony noise cancelling and Sennheiser HD206 will be on duty. Hard to jusify electros when headphones are only used infrequently.