Fostex Massdrop TH-X00 Ebony
 

So while browsing Massdrop my eyes caught the Fostex TH-X00 variant. For those not familiar with Massdrop, the basic concept is people vote on products they want to see in a group buy and often the manufacturer agrees on modifications to the product to make them unique and appealing to the group buy participants. This was my first Massdrop purchase. Massdrop is not only for audiophiles but have other products as well.

The Fostex/Massdrop TH-X00 in Ebony arrived today. They were fairly priced and promised a different acoustic signature than the regular Fostex model it is based on which is what the group wanted or agreed on I should say.

For anyone interested, you can read up on them here to see what's different. https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdro...ony-headphones.

Obviously these are produced in rather small quantities and that makes them unique and obviously different than the regular production model. Good for collecting purposes. :D

Having taken the Fostex TH-X00 for a test drive with various amps this afternoon, it is not only a great looking headphone with the Ebony hardwood cups but also sounds great. A rather romantic, warmish tonal balance without any treble peaks other than voicing them with a slight bump for sparkle in the presence to brilliance region so as they don't sound too rolled off up top.

These headphones lend themselves very well to listening to acoustical instruments and vocals since the whole midrange is rather smooth all the way across. Nothing jumps out at you, they have a very nice, relaxed and romantic ease and flow to music. These headphones are built to impress with musicality and not any particular audiophile criteria strength per say. These are more on the Macro than Micro side. Kick back, put these on and enjoy your favorite music without analyzing it but simply relax and soak it all up. These are closed headphones and as such offer good sealing from the outside world and won't bother anyone else around.

Not very sensitive at 94dB so a good partnering amp is in order but not overly demanding either judging by the ease and flow at lower volumes so far. The 25 ohm impedance will likely allow them to be partnered with any portable gear unless you want rock concert levels.


Build quality seems to be outstanding and they are very good looking cans.


Ebony wood is difficult to photograph!


https://www.audioaficionado.org/atta...9&d=1513895502



https://www.audioaficionado.org/atta...8&d=1513895487




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Fostex crafting headphones by hand.

https://youtu.be/NtKXGbsA94E

The iPhone drives them to adequate levels. I just confirmed that fact for those who may be inclined to use these with a portable device. :music:

I would like to know how you compare the Auteur headphones with the Massdrop Ebony? Thanks for your reply!

jake18a... Welcome to AA! :wave:

Welcome to AA Jake18a. I personally prefer the ZMF Auteur and I have the limited edition Blackwood but the Fostex Massdrop Ebony for the money is an absolute bargain. Fantastic bass, smooth highs and a very nice midrange. The ZMF Auteur midrange is even more engaging and musical but at 3x the price! All in all the Ebony pleases across the board. I have a friend who went through a few dozen headphones but when he bought my pair of Fostex Ebony he said his quest for a headphone is now over. :music:

My wife's Massdrop Rosewood are really nice. The sound is warm and smooth.

:thumbsup::music:

Yes indeed.[emoji126]

I have a pair of the purplehearts. I really like them, but they are a bit more fatiguing to wear than my Massdrop 7x00’s.

They are still a statement piece as far as headphones go though [emoji41]