I reach for my custom grado for metal (turbulent X driver) over my Arya Stealth, HD800S and TH610... but they all offer something different. I just feel like grado with guitars are special, and the more intimate stage is more to my liking for metal. I don't need bass cannons for metal, but TH610...

https://turbulentlabs.com/collection/audio/ https://www.nyczaj.audio/ I have a full build from shipibo (now nyczaj) when they did wood cups as well. Still find the L-cush pads my favourite though.

Interesting choice to put the gimbals around that way!

XS is good with metal, I like it. Lots of energy. Hint of sibilance, if that bothers you - steer clear. I'd take my TH610 over them for metal, quite an addictive, lush sound. Bass goes deep but it's relatively flat overall for a Fostex. XS is a much drier presentation, quite clinical but...

Edition XS and TH-X00 modded, of cans I currently own

If you want a good contrast for the XS I'd go for the TH-X00 if you can find a pair. I have the XS, TH610 and TH-X00 and to me, those are the most fun metal cans I own. Haven't heard the D5000 though. Didn't like the Elex with metal and not sure I'd buy another focal personally.

Does anyone know if it's possible to replace the headband on a Fostex headphone? Anyone done it? Don't want to strip the screws or something...

TH-X00 are definitely great headphones, just as I remember them. More slam than the TH610 but they compliment quite nicely, 610 is much more neutral in comparison. Going to put some Lawton cups on them anyway. Anyone know if you can purchase replacement fostex headband pads?

Just got these today, fantastic all-rounders. Been wearing them for hours with zero issues from the headband, despite what I heard. Fit like a glove for me. Opinions vary a lot, I've seen many say that the Arya and XS are tonally very similar and most ended up keeping the XS because they could...

Think I just snagged a pretty awesome deal, THX00 MH for $220US with detachable cable mod, dekoni earpads and two cables... in pretty good condition! https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/electronics-photography/home-audio/headphones/listing/4090209949?bof=U1EPyoP3

Haven't heard the teaks. 610 are very energetic, I love the crisp sounding guitars. Definitely not too bright for me but I'd consider them somewhat bright, but not harsh, actually may be my favourite metal can already. Bass extends deep but doesn't overpower like my THX00 PH used to.

610 isn't super V-shaped compared to other Fostex offerings. I just got them today and they're sounding great with metal so far. Previously had some TH-X00's which were definitely more V-shaped.

I'd go for the 325x. Elex, nah... not for metal. I sold it. Personally wasn't really a fan of the Elex despite the looks, plus Focal headbands creak like absolute crazy. It's not what I would consider aggressive. I have the 325x, Turbulent x custom grado, hd800S, he5xx, Panda I'd reach for my...

Have owned a lot of headphones but never heard and Audeze, this looks like a good place to start!

Guess we all didn't expect them to stop being made :D Might just go for the TH610, most opinions I've read suggest it's the same flavour.