Realistic HP-100 Electrostat update.

[Big Bill]

Hello guys, I’d like to share an update regarding my Realistic electrostatic headphones system. I received a return package from AK member Wualta in the mail today. He concluded through extensive testing with known good like components that my father’s original sets of phones I sent him were shot but the original energizer did work. Wualta being the gentleman he is, offered me a replacement set of electrostatic phones he had lying about. After much reflection, I accepted his offer.

I’d like to publicly thank him for the selfless offer of help with diagnosing my system not to mention the replacement phones. His actions inspire me to continue to “pay it forward” to other AK members with this hobby of ours! :yes:

Now to the heart of the matter, the electrostatic phones. I really like their sound and it’s hard to believe 40-year-old phones can sound this good! The sound balance (left/right) is a little off and yet I still enjoy them. In summary, I believe I’ll be looking at other electrostatic headphone systems in the future!

Thanks Wualta!:thmbsp:

 

[wualta]

Yep, that HP-100 "can't get right" with its channel balance, but it's close enough to deliver healthy output on both sides. Just skootch the balance control over a smidge and there you are.

One interesting bit we've discovered about this headphone is that Fostex sold a version of it called the RCF-233: http://20cheaddatebase.web.fc2.com/fostex/RCF-233.html Fostex, as you may know, is a pro audio equipment manufacturer, but has done an awful lot of OEM work in the past. The question is, did Fostex build the headphone for Radio Shack, and did Stax toss in the driver as their contribution, OR did Fostex make the whole thing, OR did Stax make the headphone on an OEM basis for Fostex ?

 

[charliexxx]

Another stats convert - - - you may wish to look at the Stax line, especially their older line where you can get some phenomenal used cans such as the SR-X/Mk3 or Sr-5's (both very enjoyable 'musical' electrostats and relatively inexpensive), or my favorite , the SR- Lambda (normal bias).

 

[Big Bill]

Another stats convert - - - you may wish to look at the Stax line, especially their older line where you can get some phenomenal used cans such as the SR-X/Mk3 or Sr-5's (both very enjoyable 'musical' electrostats and relatively inexpensive), or my favorite , the SR- Lambda (normal bias).

Thank you, I will!

Bill.

 

[speaker dave]

Yep, that HP-100 "can't get right" with its channel balance, but it's close enough to deliver healthy output on both sides. Just skootch the balance control over a smidge and there you are.

One interesting bit we've discovered about this headphone is that Fostex sold a version of it called the RCF-233: http://20cheaddatebase.web.fc2.com/fostex/RCF-233.html Fostex, as you may know, is a pro audio equipment manufacturer, but has done an awful lot of OEM work in the past. The question is, did Fostex build the headphone for Radio Shack, and did Stax toss in the driver as their contribution, OR did Fostex make the whole thing, OR did Stax make the headphone on an OEM basis for Fostex ?

I've got a pair of the T50 Fostex from that web page. They are planer magnetics and sound pretty good. They are branded NAD and still look mint after 20 years.

Fostex was big and built a broad range of products. I wouldn't be surprised if they'd built the whole thing.

David

 

[danb44]

Interesting. I have an old set of Audio Technica ATH Pro 7 electrostatic phones from the 70's. I need cushions for them, but they still work. They were some of the best sounding phones I ever owned, as I recall. - dan

 

[wualta]

I've got a pair of the T50 Fostex from that web page. They are branded NAD and still look mint after 20 years.

You'll definitely want to join us over at HF on the Orthodynamic Roundup thread. Plenty of info on the NAD, which labels itself an "elektret" but isn't, and yes, it was made by Fostex.