Ion Manascurtă
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- May 24, 2017
- Posts
- 13
- Likes
- 14
Hello guys,
Somebody promised a while ago to write a review on M99C vs Fostex TX00 Massdrop. I had the chance to test them side by side and I will share my impressions with you. Let's begin.
Construction:
M99C and TX00 have almost the same weight but Fostex are bulkier. The mahogany cups on Fostex look absolutely fantastic but that is practically the only thing Fostex did better that Meze. The biggest disappointment is the cable - non-removable, very long and very heavy. As somebody mentioned: 'You could hang yourself on this cable'. Also note that Fostex have a 2.5' connector and you will need an adaptor for portative use. Well, I would advise against that, of course. Taking Fostex for a stroll...that's like wearing tuxedo on the beach. Winner: Meze.
Confort and usability:
Both Meze and Fostex are quite comfortable but Fostex are better. The pads on Fostex are very ergonomic and don't get so hot, like on Meze. The headband pressure is also more evenly distributed and the clamping force more manageable than on Meze. The bad: Foxtex will leak enough sound inside to make them a poor choice for any outside activities and even for bustling offices. Winner: tie.
Source requirements:
Theoretically, both Fostex and Meze can be safely driven by an iPod. But don't be fooled by the Fostex's 25-Ohms impedance. A good DAC/Amp combo is required to get the most of these. Meze will run fine on almost everything. Winner: Meze.
Sound by frequencies:
Now is where the things get interesting.
Bass:
Meze has the most vibrant and engaging bass I've ever heard. But let's be honest - that is not a balanced bass. It is 'wow' but you will eventually get tired of it. And it's distracting. Fostex are not audiophile either but much closer to that. Very well controlled, non-intrusive and almost colorless bass here. Winner: Fostex.
Mids:
A difficult topic. Meze have a more intimate presentation with a focus on lower mids. Guitars are forward, with a bit laid back vocals. Meze perform equally well on male and female voices. Fostex has forward vocals, with the rest of the orchestra in the back, the sound is open and airy. Male voices sound somewhat congested and unnatural though. Winner: tie.
Tremble:
If you're not a classical music lover, you shouldn't worry too much. But if you are...then go for Fostex. The transparency and reproduction of strings and other high register instruments is hard to match. Winner: Fostex.
Soundstage:
Slightly more spacious on Fostex, due to a lesser amount of bass, I suppose. Still not enough for a win. Winner: tie
General impressions:
If you listen to Meze, you want to jump and dance. If you listen to Fostex, you want to sit and listen.
The list of songs used for testing
Meze best on: 3, 4, 6, 10, 17, 21,22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32
Fostex best on: 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 28
As you can see, the competition is very tight, with Fostex winning on classical, electronic and pop music and Meze having the upper hand on rock, house and vocal music. I consider this result quite an achievement for Meze.
Reasons to buy M99C: more versatile, better design, more engaging sound, cheaper.
Reasons to buy Fostex TX00: more comfortable, balanced sound
Somebody promised a while ago to write a review on M99C vs Fostex TX00 Massdrop. I had the chance to test them side by side and I will share my impressions with you. Let's begin.
Construction:
M99C and TX00 have almost the same weight but Fostex are bulkier. The mahogany cups on Fostex look absolutely fantastic but that is practically the only thing Fostex did better that Meze. The biggest disappointment is the cable - non-removable, very long and very heavy. As somebody mentioned: 'You could hang yourself on this cable'. Also note that Fostex have a 2.5' connector and you will need an adaptor for portative use. Well, I would advise against that, of course. Taking Fostex for a stroll...that's like wearing tuxedo on the beach. Winner: Meze.
Confort and usability:
Both Meze and Fostex are quite comfortable but Fostex are better. The pads on Fostex are very ergonomic and don't get so hot, like on Meze. The headband pressure is also more evenly distributed and the clamping force more manageable than on Meze. The bad: Foxtex will leak enough sound inside to make them a poor choice for any outside activities and even for bustling offices. Winner: tie.
Source requirements:
Theoretically, both Fostex and Meze can be safely driven by an iPod. But don't be fooled by the Fostex's 25-Ohms impedance. A good DAC/Amp combo is required to get the most of these. Meze will run fine on almost everything. Winner: Meze.
Sound by frequencies:
Now is where the things get interesting.
Bass:
Meze has the most vibrant and engaging bass I've ever heard. But let's be honest - that is not a balanced bass. It is 'wow' but you will eventually get tired of it. And it's distracting. Fostex are not audiophile either but much closer to that. Very well controlled, non-intrusive and almost colorless bass here. Winner: Fostex.
Mids:
A difficult topic. Meze have a more intimate presentation with a focus on lower mids. Guitars are forward, with a bit laid back vocals. Meze perform equally well on male and female voices. Fostex has forward vocals, with the rest of the orchestra in the back, the sound is open and airy. Male voices sound somewhat congested and unnatural though. Winner: tie.
Tremble:
If you're not a classical music lover, you shouldn't worry too much. But if you are...then go for Fostex. The transparency and reproduction of strings and other high register instruments is hard to match. Winner: Fostex.
Soundstage:
Slightly more spacious on Fostex, due to a lesser amount of bass, I suppose. Still not enough for a win. Winner: tie
General impressions:
If you listen to Meze, you want to jump and dance. If you listen to Fostex, you want to sit and listen.
The list of songs used for testing
Meze best on: 3, 4, 6, 10, 17, 21,22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32
Fostex best on: 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 28
As you can see, the competition is very tight, with Fostex winning on classical, electronic and pop music and Meze having the upper hand on rock, house and vocal music. I consider this result quite an achievement for Meze.
Reasons to buy M99C: more versatile, better design, more engaging sound, cheaper.
Reasons to buy Fostex TX00: more comfortable, balanced sound
Last edited:
Meze support mentions it cost $25 via paypal for a replacement.
