I will be attending this meet. Very curious to hear the paradox and other T50RP variants and compare them with my T50RP. I may also bring in a vintage Sony STR-7065 receiver, but I'm not sure if it'll be worth the trouble.   Can't wait to hear the Stax 009, too!

  Quote:   If you don't mind a long wait, you can buy HM5 pads (exactly identical to the FA-003 pads) from MP4nation. That is where I sourced mine. I heard from other people on this thread that you can buy directly from the manufacturer. Not sure on the waiting time for that.  ...

How intriguing! Many thanks to Tyll: his service for providing measurements will certainly be the catalyst for innovation in the DIY realm. Congratulations to Kabeer, those AIWA orthodynamic headphones measured spectacularly! And hats off to LFF, it is now empirically true that his Paradox...

Hello everyone,   Long time no post, but I've been enjoying music through these headphones immensely. It has also been a great audio-learning experience in general, a journey like all others where goals must be made and pursued. I have decided to go on the route of natural and neutral with...

A little late, but still, pictures!          

Quote: They are originally intended for monitoring. If you look at Fostex's website, these headphones are designed as professional studio monitors. In my experience with both the HD280s and the Fostex, I would say the Fostex outperforms the HD280s in every way possible. Hard to imagine...

  Quote: Like you, I tried the Sennheiser HD280s early on in my audio career. They broke and I had to return them. However, considering your price range, I advise you to look into orthodynamic headphones. I assure you they will not disappoint. Specifically, I will recommend you the...

My dad has been listening to my headphones (modified Fostex T50RPs) as I mod them. The funny thing is, his face expands every time he listens to them after I finish another mod. What I mean is, his smirk widens, causing his whole face to get bigger. It may seem funny, but let me tell you...

Hello,   I will be at this meet and will be able to bring my modded Fostex T50RP. The materials are coming in the mail next week, so I'll have it completely modded by the time of the meet.   I can also bring my entry-level amp and DAC combo, actually, the Fiio E7/E9. This should be...

I might just bite the bullet. I can't stand the feel of the stock pads after an hour or so. The condition those pads are in justify the asking price of the seller.   I am going to begin modding shortly after I order the supplies. I plan to use newplast and akasa plus. Where can I...

  I may have a deal on purchasing some Sony SA5000 pads. Do these look like they are in good condition? Do I have to worry about the warping on the bottom of the right pad? I heard elsewhere that these pads flake. Anyone that has experience?

Thanks for your replies.   I tried using canned air in the jack yet both pairs (!) still have that imbalanced stereo image. I guess I will have to resort to deoxit.   If anything actually, I may just end up re-cabling. I have never done solder work before, though my dad has experience...

I'm beginning to mod my first pair.    I ordered a second because I wanted a reference and backup. Unfortunately, both sets suffer the same problem with the 1/8" phone jack. For both, the stereo image is more to the left. I got over my fear of unplugging the cable and blew into the...

Hello everyone,   I currently own a stock pair of Fostex T50rps and have enjoyed them IMMENSELY. I know I haven't brought out their full potential yet through modding and properly amping them, but hey, a delay in the upgrade bug and a relief for my wallet, eh? The thing is, I got $1000 to...

  Check out my new headphone stand. 

I had my girlfriend listen to my pair of Fostex T50RPs which just came in the mail today. I played one of her favorite Coltrane tunes, and her eyes immediately closed, as if she was dozing off into another world outside reality. She zoned out for quite the while. She then opened her eyes...

Oh my goodness. This is my first listening session with my new Fostex T50RPs, and I am literally getting goosebumps! I feel so immersed in the music! Wow!! And this is before any burn in, while being unmodded and unamped! They really highlight Coltrane 's divine tone... and Johnny Hartman's...

Here at Catholic University over in D.C. are a handful of Beats, many Apple earbuds, and some cheap quality headphones. However, I was shocked when I saw a girl wearing full-sized Sennheiser headphones. I found out just now that they are HD 380 pros. Do you think I would look goofy wearing a...

    Quote:   My Fostex T50RPs should come in the mail today! I can't wait to try them! I won't start modding them until I find a nice-matched amp, though. Since I still don't have an amp or a DAC yet, I would appreciate it if you could give your impressions of the...

I was about to buy the Sennheiser 1/4 to 1/8 inch adapter until I read about how the Grado adapter sounds better. Does anyone have any experience with both adapters? Keep in mind both have the cables, so worry not about straining. The Grado adapter appears to be on backorder, so I might just...

Also, do they come with a 1/4 to 1/8 inch adapter, or should I purchase one separately?

Hello again, I finally found a pair of Fostex T50RPs! Cost was $80 plus $11 shipping, though. Ick! Not sure when they will be coming in, but I sure am excited, as this is gonna be my first pair of real headphones.   I have some questions regarding these headphones. The Fostex website...

I attend Catholic University, which is in Brookland, located in northeastern DC. I live in Maryland, though. Only places around here I am aware of that deal with audio gear is Chuck Levin's and Guitar Centers. Correct me if there are more, but I am not sure if any of them will carry Fostex...

Hello,   I am relatively new to the journey of good audio. The sound of orthodynamic headphones (even though I have never listened to a pair, if that makes any sense) really makes me want to buy some.   In another thread, I asked for recommendations and discovered and pursued Fostex...

Thank you for your replies, they have helped quite a bit. Just so you know, I will follow the Fostex recommendation. I believe I have become an ortho fan, even without hearing the cans for myself! Hard to explain, but a lot of things in life are. New questions now! (Another step forward is...