JackarlTwo
100+ Head-Fier
My first pair of pads deteriorated in a year or two, probably from wear. The replacement pads have lasted for about 2 years and are still like new, although I haven't worn them as much.
Fostex TH900 Impressions & Discussion Thread
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Bret Halford
500+ Head-Fier
I've had to swap out my TH900 pads due to peeling after about 4 years of pretty regular use, replacements are still mint ~2 years in now. My 909's pads are going strong into their 4th year now and my 900 Pearl's pads are doing fine at about 2.5 years.
For context, I'm a little more heat sensitive than most and live in the pretty humid Pacific Northwest.
I don't think their stock pads are particularly prone to flaking at all, but YMMV.
For context, I'm a little more heat sensitive than most and live in the pretty humid Pacific Northwest.
I don't think their stock pads are particularly prone to flaking at all, but YMMV.
BenF
Headphoneus Supremus
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I've spent hundreds of dollars trying different pads on TH900MK2, trying to "fix" it, but the V-shape is just too crazy to fix it with pads.
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/fostex-th900-mkii.792012/page-49#post-15937270
I strongly recommend taking a chance on Takstar GM200, which in my opinion is a perfect basshead headphone (but doesn't sacrifice the mids).
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33012705103.html
When I want to have fun, I always reach for my GM200, and never TH900MK2
JackarlTwo
100+ Head-Fier
The TH900 models are different in tuning too... Unless I'm wrong Red and Green should have a similar tuning, while the PW (Pearl White) and Blue are anniversary tunings (less V-shaped, more balanced). Keep that in mind if someone compare pads. I haven't used any other pads other than ZMF Ori lambskin and I find that the treble is reduced slightly, while retaining the bass impact compared to stock (for my almost a decade old Reds). A suede material *should* reduce high frequencies and overall impact.
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Thank you for the info. I am actually using the ZMF Ori pads, which have tamed the treble and I am satisfied with how they sound now.
I will look into the GM200 when I have some free time, but now I am satisfied with the TH900 and I have another basshead headphone, the Campfire Cascade
TH900 meets ZMF.
ZMF Ori lambskin pads are similar to the TH610 pads in how they sound but they are much more comfortable with bigger and deeper ear openings.
The Crescent head strap also adds more comfort and I've adjusted the steel band for more clamp force. I don't have to worry about the cans falling off my head now, highly recommended.
ZMF Ori lambskin pads are similar to the TH610 pads in how they sound but they are much more comfortable with bigger and deeper ear openings.
The Crescent head strap also adds more comfort and I've adjusted the steel band for more clamp force. I don't have to worry about the cans falling off my head now, highly recommended.
I received a couple of messages regarding the ZMF headband so I'd like to document the mod here.
As you can see, the ZMF crescent headband and stock headband are nearly the same length.
The stock headband comes with a stainless steel band and the ZMF headband comes with a steel band.
The stock band is secured to the sliders via a small screw. The easiest way to swap the headbands would be to simply insert the stock stainless steel band into the ZMF headband. However, the ZMF steel band can be bent to shape, which allows adjustment of the clamp force. Therefore, if all you want is better comfort, just swap the steel bands. If you also want to adjust clamp force, you need to modify the ZMF steel band.
Reinstalling is straightforward. Apply double sided tape to the sliders/headband, and secure the headband to the slider the same way you removed it.
As you can see, the ZMF crescent headband and stock headband are nearly the same length.
The stock headband comes with a stainless steel band and the ZMF headband comes with a steel band.
The stock band is secured to the sliders via a small screw. The easiest way to swap the headbands would be to simply insert the stock stainless steel band into the ZMF headband. However, the ZMF steel band can be bent to shape, which allows adjustment of the clamp force. Therefore, if all you want is better comfort, just swap the steel bands. If you also want to adjust clamp force, you need to modify the ZMF steel band.
Reinstalling is straightforward. Apply double sided tape to the sliders/headband, and secure the headband to the slider the same way you removed it.
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up late
Headphoneus Supremus
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with an impedance of 25 ohm and sensitivity of 100db per milliwatt, the th900 doesn't need much 'juice'
up late
Headphoneus Supremus
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you're still banging on about this? *shakes head*I've spent hundreds of dollars trying different pads on TH900MK2, trying to "fix" it, but the V-shape is just too crazy to fix it with pads.
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/fostex-th900-mkii.792012/page-49#post-15937270
I strongly recommend taking a chance on Takstar GM200, which in my opinion is a perfect basshead headphone (but doesn't sacrifice the mids).
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33012705103.html
When I want to have fun, I always reach for my GM200, and never TH900MK2
My Hot take for the Fostex TH900.
I have a bunch of headphones I love like HE500, HE6SE V2, HD600 - among others.
These headphones benefit from a powerful amp like my Flux FA-10.
I picked up TH900 again, I've had it before in the past.
In my opinion the true strength of the TH900 is that it is a a highly competent H/P without separate gear like amp due to it's extremely high sensitivity.
My favorite on this is running it right into my Macbook M1 and that is the complete setup for this headphone.
I tried it through my Flux and through my Deckard. The Flux works wonders on some of my others but it's simply too bright paired with the TH900.
It works alright with the warmer sounding Deckard but the Deckard doesn't really add extra there, either.
I have a bunch of headphones I love like HE500, HE6SE V2, HD600 - among others.
These headphones benefit from a powerful amp like my Flux FA-10.
I picked up TH900 again, I've had it before in the past.
In my opinion the true strength of the TH900 is that it is a a highly competent H/P without separate gear like amp due to it's extremely high sensitivity.
My favorite on this is running it right into my Macbook M1 and that is the complete setup for this headphone.
I tried it through my Flux and through my Deckard. The Flux works wonders on some of my others but it's simply too bright paired with the TH900.
It works alright with the warmer sounding Deckard but the Deckard doesn't really add extra there, either.
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Sold my 3rd or so try at these over the years... not sure why I keep at it every so often, probably to try them with different amps even though they don't IMO need it.
Just too much treble for my tastes, last attempt for me with this pair.
I think they are an interesting headphone for sure with a unique sound but you have to be up for a very V shape scoop, with IMO just as much a spike in treble as boost in sub bass. Everyone talks about the bass of them, but it really should IMO be looked at as aggressive V (bass and treble). And the treble has some very emphasized peaks too. The treble spikes limit my ability to push volume to get the bass I like whereas other headphones don't have that issue.
It is perhaps more V shape than anything else I've heard. Along the lines of something like a DT990 which also sounds scooped.
Just too much treble for my tastes, last attempt for me with this pair.
I think they are an interesting headphone for sure with a unique sound but you have to be up for a very V shape scoop, with IMO just as much a spike in treble as boost in sub bass. Everyone talks about the bass of them, but it really should IMO be looked at as aggressive V (bass and treble). And the treble has some very emphasized peaks too. The treble spikes limit my ability to push volume to get the bass I like whereas other headphones don't have that issue.
It is perhaps more V shape than anything else I've heard. Along the lines of something like a DT990 which also sounds scooped.
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Whazzzup
Headphoneus Supremus
it’s just what they are.
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Bret Halford
500+ Head-Fier
It's that time of year again. Onyx Black this time around, looks nice and subdued. Very evocative of the TRx Ebony in a good way.
They are up for pre order at Fostex vendors (MoonAudio, Audio46 etc).
Description mentions urushi, but the pics look very wood grain still. No circular groove on the cup either, really lets the wood show
Quite different than prior black Anni 900s I've seen before.
They are up for pre order at Fostex vendors (MoonAudio, Audio46 etc).
Description mentions urushi, but the pics look very wood grain still. No circular groove on the cup either, really lets the wood show
Quite different than prior black Anni 900s I've seen before.
Does the Onyx have the anniversary tuning?
monkey4054
100+ Head-Fier
Hopefully not. That alternate tuning sucks. It just tones down the bass to make the mids and treble come through more. I'll stick to the original Red/Green tuning.
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