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Welcome to “Reviews inside tv,” where we dive deep into the latest and greatest in audio gear, so you can make informed choices. Today, we’re checking out the Fostex Premium Open Back Audiophile Headphones. These are a set of headphones built for the serious listener, combining Fostex’s renowned craftsmanship with some truly premium features. Let’s see how they measure up in real-world use.
The Fostex Premium Open Back Audiophile Headphones are designed for audiophiles who value sound purity and build quality. At their core, they feature in-house crafted driver units from the renowned TH900 series. This gives the headphones a distinctive edge, offering a rich, detailed sound profile that’s hard to ignore. The open-back design, crafted from solid black walnut and aluminum, promises not just high-end aesthetics but also superior sound reproduction. Included with the headphones is the TH808 original high-purity OFC unbalanced cable, which promises excellent signal quality. Additionally, the 7N grade cable for internal wiring aims to reduce signal interference, ensuring that every note hits with clarity. Lastly, the ear pads come with low-resilience cushions, designed to offer comfort during extended listening sessions.
Now, let’s talk about real-world testing. Setting up the Fostex headphones was straightforward—just plug in the cable and adjust the headband. But what really matters is how they perform in action. The open-back design creates a spacious soundstage, which is a delight for any audiophile. I tested these headphones with various genres, from orchestral music to electronic beats, and the clarity in the mids and highs was phenomenal. The bass, while not overwhelming, is present and detailed, complementing the overall sound signature well. The ear pads provide a good level of comfort, although after long hours, they could feel a bit snug on the sides. These headphones are also quite open, so they might not be the best choice for noisy environments.
When it comes to strengths, the sound quality is easily the biggest standout. The precision of the drivers is apparent, and the materials used in construction—such as the solid black walnut and aluminum—are both functional and beautiful. The build quality overall feels sturdy, and these headphones give off a premium vibe. However, they aren’t without their drawbacks. Due to the open-back design, sound leakage is inevitable, so they might not be the best choice if you need something private or if you’re in a shared space. Also, while the comfort level is decent, the ear pads might not be as plush as some competitors, especially if you plan on listening for hours on end.
Now, value for money. The Fostex Premium Open Back Audiophile Headphones are on the expensive side, so it’s important to consider if they deliver on that price. The craftsmanship and sound quality are top-notch, but whether they are worth the investment depends on how serious you are about your audio experience. They come with high-end cables and thoughtful materials, which adds to the overall value. Still, there are other options out there that may offer similar performance at a lower price point, but they won’t necessarily give you the same aesthetic appeal or attention to detail.
In comparison to other audiophile headphones, the Fostex headphones certainly hold their own. The sound quality here is competitive with other premium models in the open-back category, though some may argue that certain competitors provide more comfort or better noise isolation. That said, the craftsmanship of the Fostex headphones stands out, making them a unique offering for those who appreciate both function and form.
Talking about build quality, these headphones are well-constructed, using solid black walnut for the housings. This gives them a premium feel, but also contributes to the open-back design’s tendency to leak sound. The aluminum components are sturdy, ensuring that they can handle daily use without issue. While long-term reliability data is scarce, Fostex has a solid reputation for durability, so I’d expect these to last if properly cared for.
If you’ve had any experiences with customer support, you’ll know that Fostex has generally been praised for responsiveness. While I didn’t have to reach out for any issues with these headphones, it’s always a good sign to know a brand is reliable in that area.
As for updates, these headphones don’t rely on software updates, so no need to worry about firmware here. You get what you get, and that’s the beauty of it—no surprises.
For those looking for alternatives, there are a few options worth considering, especially in the open-back space. Some cheaper models still offer excellent sound reproduction, but none really match the same combination of premium materials and specialized driver technology found in the Fostex headphones. If you’re looking for something more affordable, you may want to explore options like the Hifiman Sundara, which still delivers high-quality audio, but at a lower price.
To wrap it all up, the Fostex Premium Open Back Audiophile Headphones impress with their excellent sound, solid build quality, and attention to detail. They’re ideal for audiophiles who appreciate premium craftsmanship and a spacious, natural soundstage. However, the open-back design may not be for everyone, especially if you’re in a noisy environment. For those looking for true audiophile quality and who are willing to invest, these headphones could be a solid choice.
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Thanks for tuning in today. If you’ve got any questions or thoughts on the Fostex headphones, feel free to leave them in the comments below. The link to grab these headphones is in the comments box too. Good bye till next time, where we’ll be back to bring more honest insights right here on “Reviews inside tv.”
Available to buy here:
