Fostex TH900 Impressions & Discussion Thread - Page 166

Quote:

Originally Posted by songmic 
MacedonianHero, when using fully balanced headphone amps, is it really better to use balanced interconnects for balanced input (from source to amp)? For example, Schiit Mjolnir is a fully balanced amp that is purely balanced input to output, although it does offer a pair of RCA inputs too. I suppose in the latter's case, the amp converts unbalanced input signal to balanced (whereas in the former's case such conversion is not necessary), but would this conversion degrade sonic quality? While I too believe balanced amps work better for many hard-to-drive headphones including orthos, I hesitate to buy them because my DAC doesn't offer any balanced outputs. I'm afraid that I may not get the best out of a fully balanced amp unless I go balanced with my DAC too, which would cost a lot of money... So what do you think?

Although there are legitimate ways for amps to derive balanced output from unbalanced input (as the Schiit Mjolnir does, among others), the ideal, optimal way to set up a balanced system is with a source that has dual-differential balanced output (aka "dual-differential DAC configuration"). When properly implemented, balanced output from dual-differential DACs is essentially going to sound the best that it possibly can. Keep in mind that not all so-called "balanced sources" actually have dual-differential DACs - in some cases you need to literally get under the hood to see what a source is packing. Case in point: my Plinius CD-101, which has balanced output but only 2 PCM1704 DACs. Dual-differential output can't be achieved from two PCM1704s, because it's a mono-channel DAC. 4 of them are needed to achieve dual-differential output (2 per channel).

Balanced components are overrated IMO and aren't a necessity for hard-to-drive headphones. Unbalanced components have the potential to outperform balanced components. Generally, balanced components will also cost twice the amount of equivalent unbalanced components, as they generally require twice the amount of parts. That's part of the reason I recommend buying nothing cheaply when it comes to balanced components - a $500 balanced DAC, for example, won't be any better than a $250 unbalanced DAC. If you want optimal balanced components, you have to be prepared to pay for it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by songmic 

 

MacedonianHero, when using fully balanced headphone amps, is it really better to use balanced interconnects for balanced input (from source to amp)? For example, Schiit Mjolnir is a fully balanced amp that is purely balanced input to output, although it does offer a pair of RCA inputs too. I suppose in the latter's case, the amp converts unbalanced input signal to balanced (whereas in the former's case such conversion is not necessary), but would this conversion degrade sonic quality? While I too believe balanced amps work better for many hard-to-drive headphones including orthos, I hesitate to buy them because my DAC doesn't offer any balanced outputs. I'm afraid that I may not get the best out of a fully balanced amp unless I go balanced with my DAC too, which would cost a lot of money... So what do you think?

Depends on the design topology of the amp. For say the GS-X or WA22, balanced inputs are a must. But as for outputs, the GS-X really needs them to leverage the amp's balanced design, while not so much on the WA22. Sorry, but it kinda depends. 

its really starting to bug me that my TH900 earcups don't swivel evenly.  I wrote Fostex about a week ago, but haven't heard back.  Anyone know the easiest way to reach them? Maybe they can send me the part and it can be done at home?

Thankfully, I do not have the ear cup swivel problem but my pair is with a newer serial number. What bugs me is the headphone stand that comes with the TH900. The headphone stand was definitely not made for the TH900 as it loses balance when the TH900 is hanged on it, how could have Fostex not notice this? Does anyone else have this problem (I know Jude does)?

Quote:

Originally Posted by dukeskd 

Thankfully, I do not have the ear cup swivel problem but my pair is with a newer serial number. What bugs me is the headphone stand that comes with the TH900. The headphone stand was definitely not made for the TH900 as it loses balance when the TH900 is hanged on it, how could have Fostex not notice this? Does anyone else have this problem (I know Jude does)?

It's definitely not secure.  Bump it and it will fall over.  Plus it leaves imprints in the head band.  Definitely not a worthy stand for these headphones.  I would only put this with cheap headphones and even then I'd have a hard time justifying it.  I will soon be picking up a nice Woo Audio stand.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dukeskd 

Thankfully, I do not have the ear cup swivel problem but my pair is with a newer serial number. What bugs me is the headphone stand that comes with the TH900. The headphone stand was definitely not made for the TH900 as it loses balance when the TH900 is hanged on it, how could have Fostex not notice this? Does anyone else have this problem (I know Jude does)?

I dont use the stand, just a quick look was obvious it was a afterthought - they really should have just made the box smaller and kept that thing out.. definitely use a different stand for your th900s.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidMahler 

its really starting to bug me that my TH900 earcups don't swivel evenly.  I wrote Fostex about a week ago, but haven't heard back.  Anyone know the easiest way to reach them? Maybe they can send me the part and it can be done at home?

David,

Please PM me your contact details. I can put you guys in touch (however it'll be with Fostex Japan). The final response may end up being for you to contact Fostex in US but let's see what Fostex Japan says.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tokendog 

It's definitely not secure.  Bump it and it will fall over.  Plus it leaves imprints in the head band.  Definitely not a worthy stand for these headphones.  I would only put this with cheap headphones and even then I'd have a hard time justifying it.  I will soon be picking up a nice Woo Audio stand.

I've been using a Woo headphone stand for my TH900, which is quite heavy-duty and very solidly built like a tank. It surely does a much better job as a headphone stand than the stock one. However, I sold my Woo stand because I recently ordered a much better looking headphone stand.

www.audioappendix.blogspot.com

It looks like a typical Sieveking Omega headphone stand in terms of shape, but the wood is polished and covered with high-gloss piano lacquer, giving a much mature look for the TH900 at less than half the price of Sieveking. It was originally sold at a Head-fi classified thread, but it's closed now.

http://www.head-fi.org/t/637113/headphone-stands-piano-lacquer-finish-black-eu-83-ww-110-5-incl-s-h

It has been a pleasure doing business with Valentin so far, he's very responsive and offers these decent looking stands at a very affordable price. He says there aren't many left in stock for now, so order while you can if you're interested!

Looks like head-fi user Valentinhoga needs to be an MOT.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnakChan 

 

David,

 

Please PM me your contact details. I can put you guys in touch (however it'll be with Fostex Japan). The final response may end up being for you to contact Fostex in US but let's see what Fostex Japan says.

Great gesture AnakChan....first class all the way

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrtim6 

Pulled the trigger after demoing the TH900 "ear speakers" today - cost $1495 here in Australia, I will A/B Them with my Ultrasone Ed 8 and my Leben CS300xs this weekend - feeling pretty stoked!!!

That's a good price. They are only $60 more than that here at the moment, which makes them very tempting.