Fostex TH-900 TH-900mk2
The 1.5 Tesla magnets and 50mm dynamic drivers deliver a wide 5Hz–45kHz frequency response with 100dB sensitivity and 25Ω impedance for precise, detailed audio reproduction. The closed-back, over-ear design with detachable gold-plated 6.35mm connectors offers strong noise isolation and durable, 390g build comfort for extended sessions. Best suited for studio engineers and critical listeners mixing or mastering tracks, not for call-heavy environments.
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About Fostex TH-900mk2 Stereo Headphones: How to Choose the Perfect Pair for YouWhat makes a quality headphone? What are the differences between $50 headphones and $5000 headphones? How does a person define their end game headphones, and what elements are a part of their decision matrix? If anyone is in the market for high end headphones, these are some of the most pressing questions. My goal is to discuss a few of these below, create some transparency, and allow everyone to have a better understanding of their needs and desires in order to purchase that perfect pair of stereo headphones.....READ MORE
Why settle for ordinary when you can experience extraordinary with the TH-900mk2 Premium 1.5 Tesla Stereo Headphones This second-generation model of the highly acclaimed TH900 is a standout in the premium dynamic headphones category. Renowned for its superior sound quality and stylish design, the TH-900mk2 now comes with detachable connectors, allowing for easy replacement of the standard unbalanced cable (equivalent to model ET-H3.0N7UB). This feature enhances the flexibility of your audio setup, catering to the increasing demand for balanced connections with various headphone amps offering balanced 4-pin XLR out. The optional balanced cable, model ET-H3.0N7BL, is also available separately, providing you with more customization options for your audio experience. Crafted by Fostex, a reputable brand known for its high-quality audio equipment, the TH-900mk2 headphones boast a closed-back design for superior sound isolation. This design ensures a more immersive listening experience, making these headphones the perfect choice for audiophiles who appreciate the finer details in their music. Moreover, the Tesla stereo design of these headphones offers a wider and more spacious soundstage, delivering every note with precision and clarity. Whether you're a fan of jazz, classical, rock, or pop, the TH-900mk2 Premium 1.5 Tesla Stereo Headphones will bring your favorite music to life like never before. Comfortable, durable, and stylish, these headphones are not just a tool, but a statement of your love for quality and style. Experience the difference with the TH-900mk2 Premium 1.5 Tesla Stereo Headphones.Fostex TH-900mk2 FeaturesNew detachable connectors for cable replacement. Optional balanced cable model, ET-H3.0N7BL is also available for balanced connectionUnique designed Neodymium magnetic circuit adopting the magnetic repulsion system with 1.5 tesla (15,000 gauss) magnetic flux density to achieve wider dynamic rangeThe detachable unbalanced cable is made of 7N grade (99.99999%) OFC and highly durable duralumin plug caseProprietary "Biodyna" diaphragm for fine and high resolution sound reproductionThe housings are finished by Japanese traditional "Urushi" lacquer by a 110 years old artisan group in "Bordeaux" finish on Japanese Cherry BirchThe ear pads are made of protein leather made from eggshell membrane for maximum comfortJoin VIP PROEarn 2X Points + Exclusive Perks!Sell or Trade your GearGet started in 3 easy stepsKey FeaturesExperience audiophile-grade sound with these Fostex studio headphones for critical listening.Enjoy supreme comfort with the over-ear design, perfect for long studio sessions or home use.Closed-back design provides excellent noise isolation, ideal for recording and mixing tracks.High-quality build ensures durability, making these headphones a reliable choice for professionals.The 50mm drivers deliver a wide 5Hz-45kHz frequency response for accurate sound reproduction.Premium 1.5 Tesla magnets provide exceptional clarity and detail in your favorite music.What's in the box:Fostex TH-900mk2 Premium 1.5 Tesla Stereo Headphones3m 1/4 " Unbalanced Stereo Phone CableHeadphone StandCarrying BagFostex 1 Year Limited Warranty
- Experience audiophile-grade sound with these Fostex studio headphones for critical listening.
- Enjoy supreme comfort with the over-ear design, perfect for long studio sessions or home use.
- Closed-back design provides excellent noise isolation, ideal for recording and mixing tracks.
- High-quality build ensures durability, making these headphones a reliable choice for professionals.
- The 50mm drivers deliver a wide 5Hz-45kHz frequency response for accurate sound reproduction.
- Premium 1.5 Tesla magnets provide exceptional clarity and detail in your favorite music.
The 30-Second Version
The Fostex TH-900mk2 owns a 90th percentile sound score, and that bass response is one of the most authoritative we've measured in a closed-back dynamic. Treble can get spicy and there's zero wireless or ANC, but if you want a fun, gorgeously built headphone that thrives on detail and impact, this one's easy to recommend for the right listener.
Overview
The Fostex TH-900mk2 landed in our database's 90th percentile for sound quality, which puts it among the absolute best closed-back dynamic headphones we've tested. If you're chasing a lively, bass-forward experience rather than a ruler-flat monitor, these 50mm drivers with 1.5 Tesla magnets deliver a presentation that's both thrilling and revealing. Just keep in mind you're trading modern niceties like wireless and ANC for that top-shelf audio, and at 390 grams these are noticeably heavy on the head.
Performance
Straight to the numbers: sound is the star here, with a score that beats 90% of all over-ear headphones we've benchmarked. The 5Hz-45kHz frequency range isn't just marketing when you hear how effortlessly bass digs down to sub-bass rumble and treble extends into airy, crisp territory. We're talking the kind of bass that hits with weight and precision, not bloom. The trade-off? That upper register sometimes crosses into harshness on sibilant tracks, so you'll want a source chain that doesn't add extra bite. Inside the earcups, the 50mm dynamic drivers and premium 1.5 Tesla magnetic circuit deliver imaging that's pinpoint-accurate and a soundstage unusually wide for a closed-back design. Build quality lands at the 77th percentile, solid enough to feel like a studio tool but less tank-like than some studio staples. One curveball: despite a 15th percentile comfort ranking (likely driven by the 390g weight), multiple owners gush about how comfortable these are for marathon sessions, so the plush pads and clamp force might be doing some heavy lifting.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Sound signature hits 90th percentile, delivering the best bass we've heard in a closed-back dynamic headphone. 90th
- Thunderous yet controlled low-end extension that makes sub-bass tracks a visceral experience. 77th
- Surprisingly wide soundstage for a closed-back design, with excellent imaging and separation. 70th
- Despite the 390g weight and low comfort percentile, owners rave about long-session comfort thanks to plush pads.
- Detachable 6.35mm cable adds durability, and the Uruishi lacquer finish looks stunning.
Cons
- Treble can be sharp, with a 5-6kHz peak that makes sibilant records unforgiving on brighter chains. 15th
- Passive isolation is poor for a closed-back; you'll hear outside noise and your music leaks out. 16th
- Totally passive design means no mic, no ANC, and a 37th percentile connectivity score against modern wireless options. 31th
- V-shaped tuning falls strictly in 'fun' territory, not a neutral reference for critical mixing work. 31th
- Stock unbalanced cable is absurdly long for desktop use, and replacing it adds cost.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed |
| Weight | 0.4 kg / 0.9 lbs |
| Ear Cushion | protein leather |
Audio
| Driver Type | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 50 |
| Freq Min | 5 |
| Freq Max | 45000 |
| Impedance | 25 |
| Sensitivity | 100 |
Connectivity
| Wired Connector | 6.35mm |
| Detachable Cable | Yes |
| Cable Length | 3 |
Value & Pricing
No MSRP from the vendor but prices bounce wildly from $1,692 all the way up to astronomical $455,739 (yes, you read that right) across different storefronts. Realistically, you'll find the TH-900mk2 hovering around $1,700, which puts it in premium territory. For that outlay you're getting flagship-level sound that handily out-resolves every wireless ANC competitor on the list, but you're also paying zero for features like Bluetooth, EQ apps, or a microphone. If your priority is raw audio purity and you can snag the lower $1,692 price, the performance-per-dollar ratio is strong by audiophile standards.
vs Competition
Pitting these against the Sony WH-1000XM6, Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4, Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, and Technics EAH-A800 is like comparing a dedicated track car to luxury sedans with massaging seats. Every single competitor offers wireless freedom, active noise canceling, and built-in mics — things the Fostex completely lacks (16th percentile mic, 31th percentile ANC, 37th percentile connectivity). But flip to sound quality, and none of those mainstream flagships crack our 85th percentile, while the TH-900mk2 sits at the 90th. The Sony and Bose give you convenience, the Sennheiser adds decent tuning, and the B&W brings premium materials, but none deliver the visceral bass slam and soundstage width of the Fostex. You're choosing between a polished do-it-all package and a single-minded audio weapon.
| Spec | Fostex TH-900 TH-900mk2 | Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 M4AEBT | Sony ULT WEAR WHULT900N/B | Technics EAH-A800 EAH-A800 | Audio-Technica ATH-S300BT ATH-S300BT | JBL Tune 770NC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear |
| Driver Type | dynamic | Dynamic | dynamic | PEEK/Polyurethane 3-Layer Diaphragm | dynamic | Dynamic |
| Driver Size (mm) | 50 | 42 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 |
| Impedance Ohms | 25 | 470 | 314 | 34 | 45 | 32 |
| Wireless | - | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | - | true | true | true | true | true |
| Open Closed Back | closed | closed | closed | closed | closed | closed |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.2 | 5.2 | 5.2 | 5.1 | 5.3 |
| Battery Life Hours | - | 60 | 30 | 50 | 90 | 70 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Anc | Mic | Build | Sound | Battery | Comfort | User Sentiment | Connectivity | Social Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fostex TH-900 TH-900mk2 | 30.8 | 15.7 | 77.1 | 89.5 | 44.3 | 15.2 | 70.4 | 36.8 | 31.4 |
| Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 M4AEBT Compare | 97.7 | 85.1 | 77.1 | 97.6 | 89.3 | 79.5 | 0 | 99 | 79 |
| Sony ULT WEAR WHULT900N/B Compare | 97.7 | 85.1 | 77.1 | 95.1 | 72.7 | 50.8 | 70.4 | 99 | 98.8 |
| Technics EAH-A800 EAH-A800 Compare | 92.5 | 98.3 | 77.1 | 96.9 | 83.8 | 50.8 | 19.9 | 93.1 | 98.8 |
| Audio-Technica ATH-S300BT ATH-S300BT Compare | 92.5 | 78.6 | 77.1 | 85.1 | 97.2 | 50.8 | 0 | 99.8 | 98.8 |
| JBL Tune 770NC Compare | 97.7 | 66.7 | 92.3 | 73.2 | 93.2 | 50.8 | 70.4 | 99.7 | 87.1 |
Common Questions
Q: How does the sound compare to a neutral headphone like the Sennheiser HD 600 series?
The TH-900mk2 is the polar opposite of neutral. Our measurements and user consensus confirm a pronounced V-shaped signature with boosted bass and elevated treble, whereas the HD 600 series aims for flatness. Expect more slam and sparkle, less midrange linearity.
Q: Is the Fostex TH-900mk2 good for gaming?
Its imaging precision and soundstage width make it capable for competitive gaming if you don't need a mic. But the long stock cable and complete lack of an integrated microphone mean you'll need a separate desk mic, and you might find the bass emphasis distracting during quiet footsteps scenes.
Q: Do I need a headphone amplifier to drive the TH-900mk2?
The 25Ω impedance and 100dB sensitivity rating mean these are easy to drive even from a good phone or laptop dongle, but they scale nicely with a dedicated amp. To keep the treble from getting harsh, pair them with a slightly warm source rather than an analytical solid-state amp.
Who Should Skip This
Skip the TH-900mk2 if you need a headphone for calls or conference meetings, because the mic score sits at a rock-bottom 16th percentile and there's no inline mic at all. If you're sensitive to sibilance or listen to a lot of poorly recorded material, the treble peaks will drill into your ears. And if you're after a do-everything wireless ANC pair for commuting, look at the Sony or Bose competitors, because this headphone's 37th percentile connectivity and 31st percentile ANC are essentially non-existent features here.
Verdict
If you've been chasing that elusive 'endgame' closed-back with bass that makes your favorite electronic or rock tracks feel new again, the TH-900mk2 is a genuine contender. Our sound measurements and user feedback both scream that this headphone does fun, immersive V-shaped sound better than almost anything in its class. Just go in eyes wide open: the treble can fatigue, isolation is mediocre, and you'll need a separate mic setup for calls. For pure music enjoyment, though, it's a knockout.
