Short answer: the Fostex TH900mk2. It ranks #161 of 231 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 3.2/5, at $1,399.98; the Fostex TH900 ranks #206, rated 2.5/5, and costs $1,999.99, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The case for the Fostex TH900: The closed back isolates well, and at 25 ohms and 100 dB/mW it plays loud from modest sources without a dedicated amp. The catch: A preference score of 48 in crinacle’s measurement places it well away from the Harman target, so most listeners will hear a strongly colored balance unless they apply EQ.
The Fostex TH900mk2 is the better-sounding choice. Sub-bass and bass sit about 2.7 and 3.7 dB above target, giving a full, weighty low end with strong kick drums and bass guitar. The catch: A 8 dB peak near 5.4 kHz makes vocals, snares and electric guitars sound sharp or shouty, while a 8.3 dB dip near 9.4 kHz leaves the upper treble uneven.
Buy the Fostex TH900mk2. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Fostex TH900 and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphones rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Fostex TH900 | Fostex TH900mk2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,999.99 | $1,399.98 |
| Ranked | #206 of 231 in Over-Ear Headphones | #161 of 231 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 48 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) | 63 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 3.58 dB standard deviation | 2.94 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -1.38 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.94 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 50mm dynamic | 1 x 50mm dynamic |
| Impedance | 25 ohms | 25 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW | 100 dB/mW |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (400 g) | - |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 45kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 5Hz - 45kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| Sub-bass Extension | - | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+2.6 dB at 30 Hz) |
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- Fostex TH900mk2 vs Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95
- Fostex TH900mk2 vs Audio-Technica ATH-AWAS
- Fostex TH900mk2 vs Beyerdynamic DT 1350
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The Two Headphones In Full
Fostex TH900: $1,999.99 Amazon $1,999.99 eBay
Newer model: the Fostex TH900mk2, ranked higher, rated 3.2/5. See every Fostex TH900 generation.
Pros: The closed back isolates well, and at 25 ohms and 100 dB/mW it plays loud from modest sources without a dedicated amp. Its large 50 mm dynamic driver and warm leaning tuning suit listeners who prefer a rich, colored sound, and it matches the rating of the AKG K872 Pro.
Cons: A preference score of 48 in crinacle’s measurement places it well away from the Harman target, so most listeners will hear a strongly colored balance unless they apply EQ. The Sennheiser HD 820 rates higher at about the same price, and the 400 g weight is heavy for an over-ear.
Full Fostex TH900 review and specifications →
| Released | 2012 (14 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 3.58 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 50mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 45kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 48 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 25 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW |
| Tonal Tilt | -1.38 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (400 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -5.7 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | -2.3 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 185 Hz | -5.4 dB | 0.55 |
| Peak | 2,463 Hz | +5.8 dB | 1.46 |
| Peak | 470 Hz | +4.9 dB | 1.33 |
| Peak | 5,406 Hz | -8.1 dB | 4.49 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -3.9 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 982 Hz | -0.9 dB | 3.27 |
| Peak | 6,874 Hz | +1.3 dB | 5.95 |
| Peak | 797 Hz | +1.1 dB | 6.00 |
| Peak | 1,561 Hz | +0.4 dB | 3.37 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Fostex TH900mk2: $1,399.98 Amazon $1,399.98 eBay
Older model: the Fostex TH900 (ranked lower, rated 2.5/5). See every Fostex TH900 generation.
Pros: Sub-bass and bass sit about 2.7 and 3.7 dB above target, giving a full, weighty low end with strong kick drums and bass guitar. The 25 ohm, 100 dB/mW closed-back design runs easily from a phone or portable amp, and presence and air are both lifted about 2.4 dB for added sparkle.
Cons: A 8 dB peak near 5.4 kHz makes vocals, snares and electric guitars sound sharp or shouty, while a 8.3 dB dip near 9.4 kHz leaves the upper treble uneven. Upper mids from 1 to 3 kHz sit about 1.5 dB under target, so the tonal balance feels bass-heavy. There is no built-in microphone.
Full Fostex TH900mk2 review and specifications →
| Back | Closed |
|---|---|
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.94 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 50mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 45kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 63 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 25 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+2.6 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.94 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -4.9 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | -0.1 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 189 Hz | -3.6 dB | 0.18 |
| Peak | 2,364 Hz | +5.5 dB | 1.54 |
| Peak | 5,351 Hz | -8.4 dB | 4.70 |
| Peak | 454 Hz | +5.3 dB | 1.17 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -3.8 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 81 Hz | +0.5 dB | 2.33 |
| Peak | 39 Hz | -0.3 dB | 1.38 |
| Peak | 196 Hz | -0.3 dB | 1.57 |
| Peak | 292 Hz | +0.3 dB | 2.64 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons