[430011]

What amp are you using? I've been considering Fostex's HP-4ABL.

I'm using the Elekit TU-8200 with KT-66 or KT-88 tubes in triode with a smattering of capacitor upgrades. Very happy with it, for the DIY crowd I definitely recommend it. It will pop up on sale at tubedepot now and then.

No experience with Fostex electronics. Looks like a versatile unit at a good price. I saw it only does 150mW into 32 ohms, which may be a little low for the Fostex if you have songs that are mastered more quietly. It would be plenty for most music though.

 

[amilo]

If they didn't charge more and do less work (i.e. not lacquering the cups) then I'd rather just wait for Massdrop's again.

 

[430011]

If they didn't charge more and do less work (i.e. not lacquering the cups) then I'd rather just wait for Massdrop's again.

The Purpleheart are available now.

 

[amilo]

Waiting for Mahogany in hopes it'll ship sooner

 

[tonKopf]

Hi all...
I am tempted to pull the trigger on the Fostex TH-610; or maybe the Fostex TH-900 MKII. Those cans are more than twice the cost though. Some folks here had the opportunity to compare both and frankly I can't see why they would be so much more expensive. The differences in sound signature seem minute. Am I missing something?
My Beyerdynamic T1 (original) is my favorite headphone. I find it more dynamic and engaging than my HD 650, which I still like. Any T1 owners out there who could offer a comparison between the T1 and Fostex TH-610 (or Fostex TH-900 MKII)? Or maybe how the Fostex TH-610 would compare to the HE-560?
Thanks

 

[criticalJenn]

  Hi all...
I am tempted to pull the trigger on the Fostex TH-610; or maybe the Fostex TH-900 MKII. Those cans are more than twice the cost though. Some folks here had the opportunity to compare both and frankly I can't see why they would be so much more expensive. The differences in sound signature seem minute. Am I missing something?
My Beyerdynamic T1 (original) is my favorite headphone. I find it more dynamic and engaging than my HD 650, which I still like. Any T1 owners out there who could offer a comparison between the T1 and Fostex TH-610 (or Fostex TH-900 MKII)? Or maybe how the Fostex TH-610 would compare to the HE-560?
Thanks

 
Markup is high because the 900mk2 is Fostex' TOTL model with all the fancy urushi lacquering etc going into it, so you have to consider that.
If you're not against doing a bit of DIY, you could grab a pair of TH-X00s of your choice and replace the driver with a TH-900 one from fullcompass, then experiment with dampening in the cups - might actually give you better results, particularly if you're looking at priceerformance ratios.
 
The TH-900 is very much an heirloom-type item.

 

[tonKopf]

  If you're not against doing a bit of DIY, you could grab a pair of TH-X00s of your choice and replace the driver with a TH-900 one from fullcompass, then experiment with dampening in the cups - might actually give you better results, particularly if you're looking at priceerformance ratios.

 
Thanks for clarifying. I guess I am more interested in performance than "heirloom features".
I am leaning towards the Fostex TH-610 at the moment. The sound signature of the TH-X00 out-of-the-box appeals to me less; and I don't want to start with a DIY project. Can the Fostex TH-610 be updated with TH-900 drivers the same way? That might be interesting as a later project down the road.

 

[criticalJenn]

Thanks for clarifying. I guess I am more interested in performance than "heirloom features".
I am leaning towards the Fostex TH-610 at the moment. The sound signature of the TH-X00 out-of-the-box appeals to me less; and I don't want to start with a DIY project. Can the Fostex TH-610 be updated with TH-900 drivers the same way? That might be interesting as a later project down the road.

Yeah you can replace the driver pretty easily from what I've seen - the TH-610 actually has less annoying wiring inside than the old Denons and you can just keep the detachable cable solution as-is.

 

[tonKopf]

Yeah you can replace the driver pretty easily from what I've seen - the TH-610 actually has less annoying wiring inside than the old Denons and you can just keep the detachable cable solution as-is.

 
That's another plus for the Fostex TH-610: the cables are detachable. Very cool. I'll keep this mod option in mind.

 

[amilo]

Are you sure? the reviews I've seen shoe the 610 using that same thick Fostex 1/4" that's permanently attached to both cups

 

[amilo]

Edit: Whoops it looks like you are right, sorry my bad. I see now with some quick googling it had HD600-style connectors.

 

[obsidyen]

My pair arrived today. I prefer these to Fostex TH900 which I once had.

 

[xrayman]

My pair arrived today. I prefer these to Fostex TH900 which I once had.

I got the Elear and do not regret my choice at all.

Thanks for pointing me at the right direction.

 

[obsidyen]

I got the Elear and do not regret my choice at all.

Thanks for pointing me at the right direction.

Glad you're happy with them. 

 

[obsidyen]

TH-610 sounds excellent indeed... It's easy to drive, has balanced sound with great bass that doesn't have sub-bass roll-off, great for movies and games as well as music. I like that it takes EQ really well. I increase bass in pop, hiphop, edm and turn off EQ in classical and acoustic music. It doesn't sound closed at all, not more than HD700 for instance.