[RedBull]

When I returned them to Headphone.com, Mike totally agreed with my opinion, and he said they were getting a lot of them returned!

Really? I dont mind getting them for refurb price


They don't wow me at first listen, no sparkling treble, but its there, no WOW bass like mdr-z7, which i got a headache after 10 minutes. I think vocal is the star performer here. It's definitely not for everyone's taste.

 

[cute]

 

When I returned them to Headphone.com, Mike totally agreed with my opinion, and he said they were getting a lot of them returned!

Really? I dont mind getting them for refurb price


They don't wow me at first listen, no sparkling treble, but its there, no WOW bass like mdr-z7, which i got a headache after 10 minutes. I think vocal is the star performer here. It's definitely not for everyone's taste.

Best wishes, glad someone likes them!

 

[RedBull]

  Best wishes, glad someone likes them!

 
I may not buy at full MSRP for now, as I thought the sound sig is 'too' similar to T50RP, of course with some improvement here and there.

 

[Sazexa]

Well, again, thanks for all the input guys. I'll keep it all in mind. Won't be settling on a headset for a few months anyways, so.

 

[jackskelly]

These headphones look great. They have a minimalistic, refined look that's unique for headphones. The design of the earcups and earpads actually reminds me of those from STAX's SR-009 flagship electrostatic headphones. I'm definitely going to give these a listen if I see them at a meet or somewhere else.

 

[cute]

I did a mod to make the 500RP capable of detachable cables.  It has been very interesting.  Today I got a TH900 cable from Mark Lawton, and I really like the resulting sound.  The 500RP/w TH900 cable comes really close to my LCD X.  Bigger tighter bass, soundstage has improved, width and depth, better treble response.  I've been through A/Bing with my other aftermarket cables, been really fun to hear the subtle changes.  I think Fostex has done a better job than most HP designers/manufacturers, choosing wire for their headphones!
 
Oh yeah, they still have the same smooth vocals!

 

[Zulkr9]

How do these compare to orthos like Audeze LCD 2 and hifiman He-500

 

[scriabinist]

I got these TH500RPs for a week now and have been listening to them for hours on end! What an enjoyable listen, and a sound signature that's so rich, smooth, refined, and refreshingly different from my other modern headphones that all seem to either have a slight or moderate bass boost (Audezes, Denons), or anaemic weak basses (AKGs, modern Senns).
 
I am loving these for Classical and for vocals (vocals have a special magical timbre on these). Pop also sounds great. All frequencies are well represented. This is a very 'hifi' set of phones, and instead of your typical high-resolution, bright, analytical 'hifi' headphones, these make a gorgeous natural sound that teases the ear.
 
I wasn't too taken by the TH900's sound (treble sibilance), but these TH500RPs are wonderful.
 
Comfort is also great, and I could wear these for ages (unlike my Audeze XCs).

 

[wahsmoh]

  I got these TH500RPs for a week now and have been listening to them for hours on end! What an enjoyable listen, and a sound signature that's so rich, smooth, refined, and refreshingly different from my other modern headphones that all seem to either have a slight or moderate bass boost (Audezes, Denons), or anaemic weak basses (AKGs, modern Senns).
 
I am loving these for Classical and for vocals (vocals have a special magical timbre on these). Pop also sounds great. All frequencies are well represented. This is a very 'hifi' set of phones, and instead of your typical high-resolution, bright, analytical 'hifi' headphones, these make a gorgeous natural sound that teases the ear.
 
I wasn't too taken by the TH900's sound (treble sibilance), but these TH500RPs are wonderful.
 
Comfort is also great, and I could wear these for ages (unlike my Audeze XCs).

Wow very neat. I think early impressions on the TH500RP were heavily subjective and unfair. I keep hearing good things about these but until I demo them I know very little about them. Interested to see how they compare to the AudioQuest NightHawk that is coming out soon

 

[takato14]

measurements or riot

 

[DooberKnob]

  How do these compare to orthos like Audeze LCD 2 and hifiman He-500

I'm curious about this as well.

 

[Spamateur]

Sorta resurrecting this thread from the dead, but Massdrop has these up for group buy as of yesterday. If 6 people order, the price is $549.99. Great price considering they're $699 everywhere else.

 

[RedBull]

12 days ago is not considered dead yet

 

[Spamateur]

12 days ago is not considered dead yet

Very true. I'm surprised there isn't more activity here. Seems the early impressions killed most of the interest these phones had.

 

[vid]

I think early impressions on the TH500RP were heavily subjective

 
They're called impressions for that reason. And it's why you ought to look for comparative measurements rather than impressions.