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Moshball
60
Oct 6, 2018
Locked
checkVerified Buyer
Here's my review from a couple of years ago, written for reddit. I purchased the Ebony on the first drop. The review is written in comparison to the X00, with which the E-MU share DNA. Build & Usability Solid Ebony cups, colouring varying from pale to jet black. The glossy finish looks nicely done; no unevenness, denting or scratches.The cups seem more voluminous than the X00. Another difference is the 3.5 mm termination, with an included 6.3 mm adaptor. Strange choice, given the length of cabling and the fact that these full-sized headphones are unlikely to see mobile use. Otherwise build is exactly the same as the X00 and other Fostex cans in the same family.
A recap from my previous TH-X00 review:“Headband covering is pleather. The headband is not uncomfortable, but could perhaps use more foam padding. It allows for graded adjustment through metal sliders. The pads are pleather. The opening of these stock pads are on the smaller end – those with extra large ears may feel somewhat squished, but most people won't have a problem. Fairly good quality cable as far as stock cables go, but the fabric covering is somewhat stiff. Poor isolation as a closed-back headphone. Will leak sound, in and out. I wouldn't bring it with me to the library or on public transport. Easy to drive. Proper amping will contribute to better bass management.Overall, it shares a similar build to the Foster TH series & the Denon AH-D series headphones. Nice & solid, slightly heavier than average. Relatively comfortable provided you don't have freaky-big ears, and may be used for a few hours at a time. Having said that, I did not like the cable – too stiff, does not handle well. I'll be looking at re-cabling at some point.”
I eventually re-cabled my X00 through Brian at BTG-Audio. Yes, the stock Fostex cable is stiff, kinks easily, and is generally a little annoying - the same problem is present here on the E-mu. Overall, very nicely built headphones, fairly comfortable even during an extended session.
Sound Clean and euphoric sound.Very well balanced, no strong emphases with good extension on both ends.The tuning is very nicely done.May be described as somewhat warm in sound, but not as much as the X00. Minor cup resonance detectable, less than the X00. The soundstage is superior to the X00, beating its sibling in both depth and width – one of the best I've heard in a closed can. As with the X00, left-right separation is great, with instruments nicely distributed along the coronal plane. Separation and imaging was great – better than the X00 by a small amount. Nice bass...this goes without saying, as the E-mu, X00 and it's other Fostex siblings all have superb bass. The E-mu does not hit as hard as the TH-900, and does not have as much mid-bass as the X00, but it does hit cleanly, tightly & deeply. As with the X00 (and in contrast to the other Fostex cans), the mids are not recessed. In fact, on the E-mu, the vocals are lush & sweet. Very smooth & life-like listening.Less intimate compared with the X00, but more detailed. The treble was of good quantity and quality, with no significant rolling-off at the top.Lots of presence, very airy for a closed can (kinda unexpected really), but not shrill.I did not find the E-mu fatiguing, even during extended 3 to 4 hour sessions. In retrospect, if the X00 had a weakness, it was the detail and maybe the extension of the treble...these E-mu cans don't have the same problem.
Direct Comparison with X00: Cups - nicer wood, increased cup volume. Bass – less mid bass, similar extension, somewhat tighter, less resonant. Mids – more definition, slightly less intimate.Treble - more quantity & presence, slightly better quality, less roll-off.Sound stage - Wider & deeper.
Why should you buy it?
  • All around performer
  • Easily driven
  • Clean, smooth and exciting listening
  • Exotic wood cups!
  • Sturdy construction
  • Excellent value
  • A rare closed-back design with no glaring sonic deficits

Why shouldn't you buy it?
  • Poor sound isolation – not great for portable/public/DJ use
thatsgr8
6
Dec 14, 2018
MoshballGreat review! I was all in until I read the two "pleather" comments. Even on sale at the Massdrop price they are overpriced IMO because of the fake leather. They may sound incredible, but when you decide to use a plastic leather instead of real leather to save a few bucks, it's not worth it to me.
rosso
85
Dec 16, 2018
thatsgr8It's nearly 2019, sheep and cows don't need to be killed and skinned for your amusement. Go vegan bud.
zenbert
175
Dec 16, 2018
MoshballNice review and perspective! Particularly comparing with X00--definitely provide a sense of the difference and very helpful for someone contemplating this. I have the X00 and this helps with contrasting the choice of cans. Nice detailed write-up. Side note - I do use the X00 for 'slightly' warmer rendition and the bass and is very easy to put on everyday. I use the HD820 for more discreet or LCD for more intimate listening. The X00 is just very easy to put on and go. Thanks again for the write-up and analysis.
(Edited)
Motorrad
2900
Feb 26, 2019
thatsgr8I had you figured for an idiot; now I have the proof.
(Edited)
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