So funny, the women always get what they want don't they? You know, I have to say that I find the highs on the TH 900 very similar to the 560, perhaps a little smoother, but quite close. I will be comparing them head to head during our July meet where a 560 will also be available, but really going by memory I think they are quite similar in terms of extension in both directions. Both are quite agile offering plenty of texture to the sound. I think at least in terms of quantity, the TH 900 would best the 560 on bass, but in terms of quality that is tougher to say from memory. Again, it is quite surprising how while not uber spacious, the 900 has a very nice soundstage for a closed design. I think the 560 had a deeper soundstage and an overall silkier, wetter feel if that makes any sense. From memory I thought the 560 is a more immediately exciting sound, not to be mistaken as fun sounding, while the 560 is closer to reference where the TH is certainly tilted toward fun sounding a little more.
The overall tonal balance feels very similar and my initial reaction is that both offer very much the same degree of detail and nuance. I think where if I had to pick a preference in one facet that is important to me, that being low frequency ability, I would give the nod to the Fostex as it is more competent than I expected. I was expecting more awe and shock bass and I am happy to find it is more in line with the 560 in that while impactful and powerful, it is still well balanced and detailed bass. I will have to say take these impressions with a grain of salt as I hadn't heard my 560s in a little time now. I would also say I don't hear the Fostex as having recessed mids as much as I half-expected to based on other listeners impressions I have read. Certainly everything sound very poised on the Fostex and smooth in the sense of controlled so for instance voices if back in the mix at all are so well portrayed that it is a non-issue for me.
Frankly, I have a harder time judging mids as I think I unconsciously focus on the mid/upper bass notes and transitional treble notes most. I need to do a little brain training where the midrange is concerned. Anyway, both are of course different, but I do feel the overall tonality is quite similar so somebody who liked one, would likely really enjoy the other. I have always wanted to have a TH 900, or in my case, rent one as I'm sure I will sell it after a year. It could be a signature I keep around. I'm hoping the HE 6 successor is affordable to me and different enough from the 560 to make it my next purchase. The Ether does sound very interesting as well.
