Massdrop x Fostex TR-X00 Ebony Headphones Discussions | Drop

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Massdrop x Fostex TR-X00 Ebony Headphones

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WaydeR

Aug 13, 2021

I'd like to second/third/one-hundredth the request. I've got the TH-X00 Purpleheart but missed the TH-X00 and TR-X00 Ebony with the replaceable cable. I'm tempted to mod mine to put in a removable headphone cable, but I don't trust my capability, plus I don't have the tools, which I could probably borrow if I got the confidence. Ebony TR-X00 would really round out my collection and I'm ready to pick one up when available. I've Requested on Drop months ago! The Purplehearts are my go-to around-the-house closed backs. Which means they're always connected to one of a couple of DAC/Amp setups I have in my two main listening areas. But I needed a closed-back with a removable cable so I could take it out on the road, for walks to the cafe to work at my laptop etc. For this purpose I bought a new (to me) pair of headphones, I ended up getting a great deal on a slightly used pair of Focal Radiance (also closed back with removable cables). The Radiance are excellent headphones, no problems there. But, unsurprisingly I've been doing a LOT of comparative listening between the Fostex TH-X00 and Focal Radiance. Well, considering the Radiance sells for around double what the TH-X00 sold for, the results are surprising. Focal Radiance I always loved Focal's high-end line for their punch and slam (similar to Fostex in that way), dynamic range and it's very mid-centric sound profile and warmth. They're slightly darker than the Purpleheart. Fostex Purpleheart (which I assume is very similar in sound profile to the Ebony) They always had a great rendition of the stereotypical V-shaped sound. I put some thick Dekoni leather pads on them and it only made the sub-bass that much more present. There is plenty of sparkle on the upper-end which I don't really hear in the Radiance. In comparison, there is no clear winner between them. If all I had were one of the Fostex headphones for taking on the road I'd be perfectly happy. The biggest thing that jumps out at me when switching over on the same track to the Fostex from Focal Radiance is Fostex presents more recessed mids and a lot more activity in the upper-end. They make a nice balance owning both, but honestly, if all I owned were a couple of versions of the TR-X00 I'd be happy and probably wouldn't have bothered with the Focals. I'm interested in comparing the Ebony to the Purplehearts, I imagine Ebony being a little darker than Purpleheart from what I've read about them being a bit more bass-forward. I've also read some complaints in the user-reviews about build quality. I just can't agree. The hinges or the black connectors to the earcups on the Fostex are not made out of plastic, I thought they were at first too, they seem like plastic but I was told what they were somewhere and I forget the name of the material. It's some kind of carbon-based material that makes them more rigid and stronger than plastic. I've had the TH-X00 for years, since the first Purpleheart appeared on Massdrop, probably around 2015... and they're still like new. The cable attachment shows no sign of breaking down. Although I care for them well because they don't travel with me, so I expect that they'll live a long life. Thanks for reading! Wayde

Aug 13, 2021

HeadphoneChamps

Aug 31, 2021

WaydeRI hear the mahoganys are more exciting than the ebony's. That's why I ordered them. I already own the 6xx and definitely don't need another pair of neutral headphones. I was originally going for the ebony's because of how much I love bass. But some reviews said they returned the ebony's and get the Mahoganys again because they sound more exciting. Anyways.... Can't wait for my x00s to arrive :)

Aug 31, 2021

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WaydeR

Sep 1, 2021

HeadphoneChampsAre the mahoganys available now? I didn't know that, you've given me something to consider, thanks! If I understand correctly, they're all basically the same electronics inside, same drivers etc and the only difference is the various types of wood... outside the new detachable cables of course. I'm sure I'd love any of them, and it would be cool to test-out the differences between two of the wood grains, Mahogany and Purpleheart would be a nice collection of Fostexes. I'll have to check to see if they're still selling them and then check if my bank account can handle another pair of headphones ;) They really are great cans!

Sep 1, 2021

HeadphoneChamps

Sep 1, 2021

WaydeRThey were available for about 2 hours. Im assuming they found some extra in the warehouse? They raised the price to $550 for the mahoganys as well. I'm lucky to get it though I wanted them for years. Go read the reviews of the mahoganys people say the they have more slam and excitement than the ebonys. The ebonys have slightly more sub bass and more cold/neutral sounding and thats something Im not looking for lol.

Sep 1, 2021

WaydeR

Sep 1, 2021

HeadphoneChampsYeah, I checked and found they're gone. Sucks for me I guess. But then I was expecting them to still be around the $300 dollar mark too, so it's a double slam. I guess it makes sense they'd increase the cost since they improved the design and so many years have gone by since I bought the first run of Purplehearts. I put in a vote to redo the drop someday, I'm not holding my breath. I'm just going to consider myself lucky that I managed to get a pair at a really good price years ago.

Sep 1, 2021

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HELICOPTERJAMES

Jun 11, 2023

HeadphoneChampsebonys are definitely warm enough, their sound signature isn't something anyone would call cold. mahoganys like basically any other wood than ebony sound good, but not great, cos the frequencies cover one another. ebonys don't, their frequencies are clear enough to satisfy high end listeners whilst being funnz, ppl prefer these to totl headphone sometimes. keep hatin tho ;)

Jun 11, 2023

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