Fostex X Massdrop TH-X00

Discussion in 'Headphones' started by Rotijon, Nov 24, 2015.

  1. Huxleigh

    Huxleigh Almost "Made"

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    I can see how this might happen. The pads have a rather interesting, contoured shape. But they're seemingly integral to the TH-X00's sound. I think they either work for you or they don't, unfortunately.

    I dialed in the headband, popped the cans on, and didn't have to make any further adjustments. Optimal comfort. My only issue is that the protein leather gets a little sweaty, but that's an unavoidable consequence of my greasy, waxen skin.
     
  2. crazychile

    crazychile Eastern Iowa's Spiciest Pepper

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    I know the amp has nearly as much to do with the headstage as the headphones (at least thats what I've experienced), but the TH-X00 for me does the inner head stage (typical) with occasional instruments coming from outside the left/right ears and vocals in front of my face. This depends on recording, but this would be the most common pattern I've noticed. I like it.
     
  3. Zed Bopp

    Zed Bopp Friend

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    The Purplehearts are comfy in the large scheme of things, but not so much when compared to the DX000-series. Clamp is the same, but the pads are not as soft.

    These are certainly one of the best basshead cans I've heard yet.
     
    Last edited: Sep 9, 2016
  4. Huxleigh

    Huxleigh Almost "Made"

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    After some consideration, I can safely say that the Purpleheart is the most comfortable headphone that I've ever worn. May not work for everyone, but it's basically perfect for me in that respect.

    I'm only posting this as a counterpoint to the many (valid) negative fit impressions that have been relayed, both here and elsewhere.
    This jives with my own experience. Quite spacious for a closed back. But don't expect "cavernous," if that's your thing. The presentation is more akin to speakers.
     
  5. Artasia

    Artasia Friend

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    I completely agree.
     
  6. ibzrg1570

    ibzrg1570 Facebook Friend

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    Massdrop just sent out an email notifying buyers that they're doing something about the bubblewrap marks on the cups. Hopefully prospective buyers won't be turned off from joining the next drop because of a slight cosmetic defect.
     
  7. Zed Bopp

    Zed Bopp Friend

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    Most comfortable? I must disagree. Few headphones have that loose of a clamp - there is a reason. Denon Dx000-series and these are basically open isolation-wise, they have the same non-clamp too. For the best comfort you'll need very soft and plush pads. These PH-ones are not that, not even close. Good ol' Beyer-velours are better, recent Audeze LCD-pads more so. Denon D2000 had a way larger opening, I guess they changed it to shape the FR, not the comfort.
     
  8. state

    state New

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    I'm with "Pekka" on this.
    I would say that even my old Sennheiser HD555 and Sennheiser PC363D is more comfortable than the PH.
    Maybe some other pads would be nice. For me that is.
     
  9. Zed Bopp

    Zed Bopp Friend

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    Cheers "Sven" :)

    If I understood the design right, those x-00 pads with smaller openings are a big part of their sound-sig. Some Mr. Speakers pads etc. might be cool to try out, though. These stocks should be thicker, but not while compromising sound-quality.
     
  10. philipmorgan

    philipmorgan Member of the month

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  11. Aplle

    Aplle New

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  12. philipmorgan

    philipmorgan Member of the month

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    The only thing I miss about my Alpha Dogs (aside from the isolation) is those luscious earpads. Looks like these Dekoni pads will have that same feel but with the proper shape to maintain TH-X00 tuning? I ordered a pair to see...
     
  13. Bitter

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    I'm very interested by your opinion on this, the ability to change pads when they're worn seems like a basic thing to ask from a manufacturer yet we can't by any from fostex and alternatives modify the sound (often for the worse). Let's hope this is a viable alternative.
     
  14. Thujone

    Thujone Friend

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    Maybe you can send them Marv's way for comparo measurements. Did you get sheepskin?
     
  15. philipmorgan

    philipmorgan Member of the month

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    I did.
     
  16. wnmnkh

    wnmnkh Friend

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  17. philipmorgan

    philipmorgan Member of the month

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    I'd buy a discounted pair with cosmetic defects in a second.
     
  18. ibzrg1570

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    Gotta hand it to Massdrop for being thorough in their investigation and making things right for their customers. Like @philipmorgan I don't care too much about the bubblewrap marks on mine, but this stuff matters to a lot of people who aren't getting them for just the sound.
     
  19. Dino

    Dino Friend

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    Looks like Massdrop is doing the right thing, under the circumstances. A refund + $100 credit towards a future purchase.
     
    Last edited: Sep 24, 2016
  20. Torq

    Torq MOT: Headphone.com

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    While I'm one of the lucky ones that received a set of purple hearts with no issues, cosmetic or otherwise, that I can find, it's nice to see that Massdrop has maintained communication and is standing up to own the problem and provide a reasonable resolution.

    I'd have been very disappointed if, after the +8 month wait from my original order (opted into the 2nd run of mahogany, then took the option to swap to the purple heart), to have received something that had issues.

    As it was, the first few seconds of listening to mine were not at all pleasant. There was some very serious and unmissable distortion. It was almost as if the right-hand driver was "sticking" and then suddenly "freed up". They've never done that again, and it only lasted maybe ten or fifteen seconds, but those few seconds were still long enough for me to start wondering if I'd either bought a complete turkey, or if I'd just received a bad unit.

    They're an enjoyable change of pace now though.
     

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