Fostex TH-900mk2 Closed-Back Premium Reference Wired Stereo Headphones

2017-08-23T11:32:45

Even if I owned a Utopia, LCD-4, or even a TOTL Stax system, I'd likely still keep these headphones. Thanks to their bass response and crisp treble, these offer a presentation that I've heard nowhere else. They are not a reference headphone with neutral sound. They are for fun and are uncompromisingly good in that respect. Pros: +lively V-shaped presentation +amazing bass response +very comfortable +relatively lightweight +beautiful to look at Cons: -treble is a bit too bright, needs EQ -very poor isolation -cable too long

James M.

2017-08-23T05:36:44

These are excellent headphones. Smooth as silk - no graininess or unpleasantness outside of a bit of a spike in the high treble that is softening as they break-in. Mid-range is effortless, warm and full. Low-end doesn't reach as deep as a planar set but great dynamics/impact. They are very easy to drive - I barely get to 11'clock on the Schiit Jotunheim and I'm happy with the volume level. If I was told I could never listen to any other headphone except this one I'd be content.

Caleb K.

2017-06-07T03:42:03

Only with 950 if they were 7.1 headphones.

Thomas R.

2017-02-22T12:03:35

These headphones have the cleanest, most pronounced bass of any cans. It might not shake your head, but it's excellent. Mids and highs are very detailed. They do leak sound and let external sounds in but they are very comfortable to wear for long periods.

Carl M.

2016-11-03T14:55:18

At the beginning,I said a bit expensive,but I was so curious what kind of sound a ($) cans can deliver. I have 8 or 9 different ones,including a bunch of IEM'S. Skeptical at the beginning,now I do understand you get what you pay for. And I am telling you,I got a heavenly sound,and such clarity and precision of my music,and also many notes that I can swear I did not heard them before,that is really,really hard to describe.At the beginning also Ilistened to my music trying to catch up with the many new sounds and notes,that now I could hear them through this amazing cans. I can finally tell one thing only,when you pay more for an item you pay for quality and a lot of fun,with this headphones be ready to be entertained and amazed at the same time. I do not have other, pair of headphones like this ,for sure,but if one try to bring some sunshine to your music,and fun to your life,find a friend or a store that has these headphones,and try them for few minutes,will be love at first notes of music and you will sleep less at night until you will have this headphones for yourself, I do suggest to the manufacturer an adapter (1/4 to 1/8),and a nice case for the headphones,it will be nice to consider these suggestions.

MARIAN M.

2016-09-12T15:48:54

Well, they do sound quite good, no question there. The bass and sub-bass is really phenomenal. Still, I have to say that I like the sound of my beyerdynamic DT 770 (not the pro model, BTW) better, and that one can be had for less than ($) Specifically, in one EDM song that I like very much, some treble sounds are coming out very harsh out of the TH-900 - so much so that I have to turn down the volume to be able to bear it, at which point it wasn't as fun any more (the great bass and sub-bass doesn't help when you have to turn the volume down that much). The DT 770 fared a lot better. I listened to other EDM songs as well, and also classical music. And I liked the DT 770 better with everything that I tried it with. Also, the isolation isn't any good. I was actuallyally looking for headphones that would isolate (nearly) as good as the DT 770 but sound better. Well, the TH-900 does neither. As for the finishing - they do look very premium, of course (and a lot better than the DT 770). But I'd actually like plain wood finishing better (like the TH-XX purpleheart - which really look great, IMO). I decided to go with the TH-900 because I heard so many good things about the sound of these. Well, I guess I will be looking elsewhere for an improvement over the DT 770.

Deniz A.

2016-09-05T21:03:05

I bought these headphones when they were on sale for ($) and they are phenomenal. These are the prettiest headphones on the market and the sound is equally good in my opinion. If you haven't seen the video of how the red wooden cups are manufactured I highly suggest you watch that before buying. The sound of these headphones is immersive with great soundstage for a closed headphone and they have great imaging as well. These do have a v-shaped sound signature so vocals can sound a little too far away sometimes which can be a negative on some songs. At first I thought the treble was too pronounced, but after a week I no longer felt that way. Comfort wise, these are above average. There is very little clamping force and the pads are spacious so the headphone feels very light when wearing. Assuming you have air conditioning, you can wear these all day with no discomfort. They are definitely expensive, but you get what you pay for.

Sergio C.

2016-09-05T21:03:05

I bought these headphones when they were on sale for ($) and they are phenomenal. These are the prettiest headphones on the market and the sound is equally good in my opinion. If you haven't seen the video of how the red wooden cups are manufactured I highly suggest you watch that before buying. The sound of these headphones is immersive with great soundstage for a closed headphone and they have great imaging as well. These do have a v-shaped sound signature so vocals can sound a little too far away sometimes which can be a negative on some songs. At first I thought the treble was too pronounced, but after a week I no longer felt that way. Comfort wise, these are above average. There is very little clamping force and the pads are spacious so the headphone feels very light when wearing. Assuming you have air conditioning, you can wear these all day with no discomfort. They are definitely expensive, but you get what you pay for.

Sergio C.

2016-09-05T08:54:04

I have been using the Th900 MKii predominantly over my HD800. The headphones can rock, and produce a nice low end, where the HD800 lacks in. I find the Fostex to be greater fun to listen to, and use the HD800 for when I want to listen to music critically. The Fostex can rattle your eardrums if you EQ it and increase the low-end dB. Personally, I enjoy the stock signature and find it fun enough. Just like the HD800, the soundstage is wide (though not as wide) and the separation is excellent, at times you find yourself confused about the source of sound...is it from your headphone, or somewhere else in your home? The sound may or may not be sibilant at first, but your rates will adapt in a couple of days, and you will realize such a signature is required so the sound is not drowned out by the low end. It would be a difficult decision to choose between the Fostex and Sennheiser; if you can afford it, I recommend obtaining both.

Ertan K.

2016-08-18T11:13:52

I own several other headphones. This one definitely worth the price. It's very comfortable to wear, to listen to. Impressive treble and bass. Great to Jazz music.

YUETING S.