[ufospls2]

At the mention of @Aspirant Audiophile I thought we could maybe do with a general thread for discussion of the DIYT2.

Based on the original T2 from Stax, and the design of Kevin Gilmore, there are a few variations, notably the more popular currently Eksonic, "Kerry T2." There are also builds of the original DIY design through members like @georgep

All T2 discussion welcome, but if you could specify which one you have, that might be helpful for other members.

Some previous discussion about the DIYT2 is elsewhere on the forum, but three main hubs have been the threads below

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/t2-finally-bought-one.885161/

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/kerrys-got-a-new-co-eksonic.962153/

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/vin...pressions-thread.930051/page-61#post-17388958

and a thread on the original, from Stax back in the early 90's.

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/stax-srm-t2-staxs-greatest-electrostatic-amp-ever-made.847212/

A photo of my Kerry T2 is below, just as an example

 

[buzzlulu]

Well....here we go

 

[Aspirant Audiophile]

At the mention of @Aspirant Audiophile I thought we could maybe do with a general thread for discussion of the DIYT2.

Based on the original T2 from Stax, and the design of Kevin Gilmore, there are a few variations, notably the more popular currently Eksonic, "Kerry T2." There are also builds of the original DIY design through members like @georgep

All T2 discussion welcome, but if you could specify which one you have, that might be helpful for other members.

Some previous discussion about the DIYT2 is elsewhere on the forum, but two main hubs have been the threads below

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/t2-finally-bought-one.885161/

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/kerrys-got-a-new-co-eksonic.962153/

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/vin...pressions-thread.930051/page-61#post-17388958

A photo of my Kerry T2 is below, just as an example

Very happy to see a (clearly needed) new thread...I hope one day to listen to a T2 and maybe even own one In the meantime I will lurk with joy!

 

[Chefguru]

Curious about impressions of the CRBN with the T2 along with older lambda models

 

[ufospls2]

Curious about impressions of the CRBN with the T2 along with older lambda models

CRBN works very well with the T2. They seem to enjoy a lot of power behind them, not unlike to the 007mk2's. Seemed to have very good control over the drivers and top to bottom coherence.

I don't have any experience with the older lambda models at all, but I've heard all the current models with my T2. They don't seem to scale as much as the more TOTL stax headphones, and definitely don't need the T2, but they did sound good from it.

 

[Chefguru]

Does anyone here have an understanding of the differences between the Eksonic T2 and the original Kevin Gilmore DIY T2?

 

[paradoxper]

Does anyone here have an understanding of the differences between the Eksonic T2 and the original Kevin Gilmore DIY T2?

That's going to be a convoluted answer.

Kerry has always been at the forefront with modifications to the DIY T2. You can notably distinguish the introduction of the GRHV.
Otherwise there have been many running changes, those Kerry should clarify and also explain their meaningful influence.

 

[buzzlulu]

Kerry has always been at the forefront with modifications to the DIY T2. You can notably distinguish the introduction of the GRHV.
Otherwise there have been many running changes, those Kerry should clarify and also explain their meaningful influence.

Agreed

I will note when I was with Kerry during my demo of the T2 he explained that he "modernized" the build to allow the use of currently available parts as many used in the original design were now EOL. His build also utilizes SMD (surface mount devices) another nod to modernization.

Let's not forget that most of what we are enjoying is the result of Dr. Gilmore's efforts - so a large thank you goes to him.

Once again best getting clarification from Kerry. I ordered mine back in the spring of 2021 and it has flawlessly provided end game totl performance.

 

[Chefguru]

Agreed

I will note when I was with Kerry during my demo of the T2 he explained that he "modernized" the build to allow the use of currently available parts as many used in the original design were now EOL. His build also utilizes SMD (surface mount devices) another nod to modernization.

Let's not forget that most of what we are enjoying is the result of Dr. Gilmore's efforts - so a large thank you goes to him.

Once again best getting clarification from Kerry. I ordered mine back in the spring of 2021 and it has flawlessly provided end game totl performance.

Would love to know more about how this effects sonic differences - all for a commercial offering.

 

[buzzlulu]

Beyond my pay grade.
My impression was that it was for ease of build due to better parts availability.
I also believe it is the modern way of building things today

 

[ufospls2]

Would love to know more about how this effects sonic differences - all for a commercial offering.

The only person I know who owns both an original DIYT2 (georgep build if my memory is correct,) and a Kerry T2 is @mulveling

I remember him mentioning they sounded 99% the same, but perhaps he will chime with further thoughts

Here is the post in question

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/sho...ictures-please.529140/page-2256#post-17074718

I would guess there a few people out there who have heard both, Kerry included. He might be able to share more info if you messaged him.

 

[oneguy]

I’ll be joining the Kerry T2 ranks in 4-6 months. I sent the downpayment for an anodized black one a few days. I haven’t seen any pics of one with that finish yet so that should be unique. I also added a loop out customization so I don’t have to run a Y splitter between the DAC, T2 and preamp.

 

[dkdali]

I’ll be joining the Kerry T2 ranks in 4-6 months. I sent the downpayment for an anodized black one a few days. I haven’t seen any pics of one with that finish yet so that should be unique. I also added a loop out customization so I don’t have to run a Y splitter between the DAC, T2 and preamp.

Eksonic?
May i ask what it cost?
Electronics have been so expensive the last couple of years but looks like it is slowly winding down!? Having just been at a conference with the second largest electronics manufacturer in Europe they believe consumer electronics components will be dropping in price in 2023 but power electronics components on older nodes (40+nm) will still be constrained.

 

[oneguy]

@dkdali I just PMed you. The price structure I was given is good through March 31st. No idea if they will go up, down or extend current pricing after that.

 

[ufospls2]

I’ll be joining the Kerry T2 ranks in 4-6 months. I sent the downpayment for an anodized black one a few days. I haven’t seen any pics of one with that finish yet so that should be unique. I also added a loop out customization so I don’t have to run a Y splitter between the DAC, T2 and preamp.

Sweet! I considered the black anodised finish before deciding on the mirror black. Kerry sent me this photo of an aeras as an example. Should look cool in T2 form for sure