Massdrop x Fostex TR-X00 Purpleheart Headphones

When the Massdrop community asked for a closed-back headphone that redefined price-to-performance expectations, the TH-X00 was our answer. Made in collaboration with Fostex, a brand that’s produced innovative audio gear since 1949, these headphones feature purpleheart ear cups, a magnesium alloy frame, and Fostex’s signature biodynamic drivers. Purpleheart is among the densest woods in the world, and along with adding a darker, more sophisticated aesthetic, it delivers a slightly different sound signature. Now, in another response to the community’s requests, we’ve updated the original with a removable cable. Introducing the TR-X00 (the “R” stands for “removable”): everything you loved about the TH-X00, now with a detachable cable for greater flexibility. 

The density of purpleheart wood makes it excellent for reducing acoustic resonance. As a result, the sub-bass through bass is increased ~2 dB, while following the same curve as the original, which peaks at 50 Hz. The lower midrange is decreased by ~5 dB, and while the mahogany version had a slight peak at ~600 Hz, the purpleheart has a smoother climb from 500 to 1000 Hz. The midrange proper is essentially identical to that of the mahogany, the upper midrange is ~2 dB less throughout, and the highs are slightly more emphasized. Peaks and valleys are positioned differently than on the mahogany, but their magnitude is similar. As for the super highs, while the mahogany falls off at ~14 kHz, the purpleheart maintains presence through that range. Finally, CSD graphs of the mahogany showed some resonance at 3,000 and 6,000 Hz; these are all but eliminated in the purpleheart.

Equipped with the biodynamic cone Fostex first developed in the late ‘80s, which delivers a sound unique to any other driver structure, the TR-X00 benefits from years of iteration on the initial design. The higher magnetic flux density in these headphones (more than 1 tesla) creates instant attack and decay for a crisper, more detailed sound signature. With the emphasis on the low end toned down slightly from the TH-600, the rich bass meets the Fostex standard without becoming bloated. The result is an incredibly intimate sound, like being front row at a small venue.

The TR-X00’s wood ear cups are a nod to the Denon D series and complemented by Fostex’s proprietary magnesium alloy body, built to be lightweight, strong, and durable. Made of eggshell protein, the ear pads’ soft leatherette is designed to form a super tight seal, while still being breathable for hours of comfortable listening. And because the curve of the headband has been optimized to fit the human head, minimal padding is needed. The thick, braided cable has a conveniently long distance between the headphones and Y split. The Massdrop logo is silk-screened on the inside of the headband, just above the left cup, with a serial number located just above the right cup. 

“If it sounds better than the R-10, it has to be good. It blew my mind, got all three of them. Different flavors, different look, and sound like no other.” – Massdrop member albertofgomez