Fostex

Fostex have outdone themselves with TH610, resetting expectations for what Head-Fi should come to expect from a three-figure closed-back headphone. Hi-Fi Choice rated it near-perfect. Coloured but correct – with a flat, linear bass, tons of mid-range space, detail and sparkle, and highs that extend into the ether – the U-shaped TH610 is as trustworthy and yet fun as they come. [See Product Desc. For More] Fostex build TH610 in beautiful matte finished black walnut housings, a plain finish that still reeks of sophistication, finesse and engagement. Do judge this book by its cover, at the sound quality awaiting you. TH610's 50mm driver is made of Biodyna. Stiff and lightweight as a diaphragm but also promising excellent damping, this biocellulose material allows Fostex to keep the large driver under control at all times even as frequencies rise, averting any harsh intermodulation due to cone modal break-up. Notes start and stop on a dime, transients properly defined without smear or bleed – clearly a low-distortion affair for even-handed and natural music reproduction throughout. A one-tesla magnet keeps TH610's driver locked down and under control at all times. Fostex have a mid-tier headphone that makes claim to get you all the way, carving a space for itself in an ever-more competitive market with its closed-back isolation by design and easy-to-drive nature from humble amplification. Hi-Fi World say TH610 is among the best. But for those seeking even better, browse how Fostex simply whets our appetites for what is to come at flagship level here, or browse our other headphones here.

A modern classic. Fostex distinguished themselves at the top of the luxury headphones list with TH900 and continue to do so – a pinnacle of sound quality, design and handcrafted build quality.  Whether in striking stock Bordeaux Red, or limited-editions Pearl White and Brilliant Purple, TH900s are instantly recognisable for their hand-applied Urushi lacquer finish. [See Product Desc. For More] This traditional Japanese art form undertaken by the Sa-kamoto Urushi Factory established over 100 years ago earmarks this Fostex flagship as a heirloom to be passed down for generations. Urushi applied over closed-back Japanese Cherry Birch cups allows Fostex to showcase the significance of each TH900, hand-built in Japan. Such allure and prestige invites us to put these featherweight and light-clamp headphones on, to be totally immersed in the incredible sound they produce. TH900 debunks so many myths about closed-back headphones. There is nothing small about the way this Fostex stages, its larger-than-life personality projecting sonic images and soundstage far beyond the confines of its wooden cups. Centre-image and depth are produced especially realistically. These have to be heard to be believed. TH900 grabs you and shakes you in one massive dynamic movement, also thanks to its 50mm driver that moves plenty of air. Made of Fostex's famous Biodyna biocellulose material and guaranteed huge excursion by a 1.5 tesla magnetic circuit, TH900 effortlessly produces the lowest bass. Biodyna is stiff and lightweight as a diaphragm material but also promises excellent damping. Biocellulose allows Fostex to keep the large 50mm driver under control at all times even as frequencies rise, averting any harsh intermodulation due to cone modal break-up. TH900's highs sparkle and breathe naturally, with a transparency ahead of its time for what was capable behind closed cups. Notes start and stop on a dime, transients properly defined without smear or bleed – clearly a low-distortion affair for even-handed and natural music reproduction throughout. Find out why Fostex earned Major HiFi's Gold Award when you listen to TH900 via our music players, and upgraded via PW Audio's No. 5 and No. 10 cables. Also browse the rest of Fostex's artisan handcrafted headphones here, or our other cans here.

Let's open up about a new modern classic. Fostex performed the ultimate factory mod on their defining TH900 and opened up its cups to give you TH909, for an exciting yet reference sound quality at home. It's a keeper for Headfonics, and there was never a boring moment for Headfonia. Hi-Fi Choice awarded 5 ⭐. Double-layered grills confer open-back status to legendary Fostex sound via TH909 – which are still instantly recognisable for their hand-applied Urushi lacquer finish. [See Product Desc. For More] This traditional Japanese art form undertaken by the Sa-kamoto Urushi Factory established over 100 years ago earmarks this Fostex flagship as a heirloom to be passed down for generations. Urushi applied over closed-back Japanese Cherry Birch cups allows Fostex to showcase the significance of each TH909, hand-built in Japan. Such allure and prestige invites us to put these featherweight and light-clamp headphones on, to be totally immersed in the incredible sound they produce. TH909 addresses the clamour to adapt the original TH900 for exclusive listening in quiet home and office environments, promising something more tonally neutral and evenly-balanced while remaining unmistakably Fostex. Double-layered etched metal grills are used as openings to TH909's housings, randomising resonance points and eliminating standing waves while appearing gorgeous to boot. A soundstage that already breathed naturally on TH900 blossomed and reached its climatic zenith in TH909. Centre-image and depth are produced especially realistically. TH909 grabs you and shakes you in one massive dynamic movement, also thanks to its 50mm driver that moves plenty of air. Made of Fostex's famous Biodyna biocellulose material and guaranteed huge excursion by a 1.5 tesla magnetic circuit, TH909 effortlessly produces a bass that is flat and linear in nature, without any sort of mid-bass bloat. More air and space allows for male and female vocal fundamentals to emerge, and their overtones dissipate magically into the ether around. TH909's Biodyna is stiff and lightweight as a diaphragm material but also promises excellent damping. Biocellulose allows Fostex to keep the large 50mm driver under control at all times even as frequencies rise, averting any harsh intermodulation due to cone modal break-up. TH909's highs sparkle and decay naturally as a result, without any harshness that some felt lingered on TH900. The former's notes start and stop on a dime, transients properly defined without smear or bleed – clearly a low-distortion affair for even-handed and natural music reproduction throughout. Find out why Fostex earned Gold Awards from Major HiFi and Soundnews when you listen to TH909. Also browse the rest of Fostex's artisan handcrafted headphones here, or our other cans here.