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oneraj4u
3
Mar 1, 2018
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Why would anyone buy these here? A little Googling and I found them cheaper or the same price. These are definitely not discounted
Mar 1, 2018
bgav66
18
Mar 1, 2018
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oneraj4uThese are Massdrop exclusive? You may have found a used pair.
Mar 1, 2018
oneraj4u
3
Mar 1, 2018
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bgav66Ah, i didn't know that .... I appreciate the insight! So how does one tell if its a good deal or not? I've seen many instances where a company will make an exclusive line for a group that aren't the same quality as their other products. Outlet stores for major brands, for example, aren't really discounted ... they're lines made specifically for the discount outlets at a lower quality.
Mar 1, 2018
bgav66
18
Mar 1, 2018
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oneraj4uNo problem! Well, this is a rebranded th600 with Ebony cups I believe and different earpads. Th600 rrp were like $1000 or so and these are supposed to improve some of the flaws the th600 had, but it also gives up some of the th600s uniqueness. I can't say for sure as I've never heard the Ebonies, I only have th600's but I do know swapping the pads will pretty much swap the sound. Hope that helps!
Mar 1, 2018
oneraj4u
3
Mar 1, 2018
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bgav66wow ... ok I'll have to look it up and check the specs. I had no idea ... best headphones I ever owned were some $150 Audio Technicas ATH-M50S ... monitors... maybe I should take a gamble on the Fostex? I wouldn't say I'm an audiophile, but I do play instruments and have a good ear. Would these likely sound much different than my Audio Tehnicas?
Mar 1, 2018
Leopanda
25
Mar 1, 2018
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oneraj4uI had M50X's before Fostex, that was a great improvement over ATs. TH-x00 sound warmer, vocals are much more present and pleasant, highs are smooth and don't drill into your ears. That's exactly what I felt after several hours of using new headphones. After rather 3 months of use I can also say that bass is cleaner, extends lower then ATs and has great quantity. And the vocals... They are the best I ever heard. 50s are just another league from these.
Mar 1, 2018
oneraj4u
3
Mar 1, 2018
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LeopandaSo in short you're saying the Fostex are significant improvement over my ATH-M50S ? PS Thank you
Mar 1, 2018
bgav66
18
Mar 1, 2018
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oneraj4uOh yeah, my brother has m50x's. It's been a while since I've heard them but they're kinda similar in that they have a v shape sound signature, technical differences are pretty apparent to me with my th600's compared to them but I'm pretty sure they're a bit brighter than the m50x's too. (Big 6k peak)
The ebony's I'd assume should have leagues better and deeper bass, Highs I THINK are toned down compared to the 600s so they're probably more in level with the m50x's and mids should be better too. Like, detail, imaging, responsiveness, clarity and all that good stuff will definitely be on another level. But I don't want to overhype them for you - diminishing returns is a real thing.
Personally, I think these will be a substantial improvement in technicalities while most likely improving tone a fair bit as well. (As I've heard people say the ebony is the most accurate of the thx00's).
Hopefully someone else can chime in too, because, as I said, I haven't heard the ebony's, just my th600's. But I personally think they're worth the investment over the m50x's. I hope that helps!
Mar 1, 2018
oneraj4u
3
Mar 1, 2018
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oneraj4uOr is there another deal on this site I should consider?
Mar 1, 2018
bgav66
18
Mar 1, 2018
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oneraj4uDepends, what are you looking for in a headphone?
Mar 1, 2018
oneraj4u
3
Mar 1, 2018
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bgav66I enjoy a wide soundstage, and very good bass ... nice and tight, like a sealed subwoofer verses a ported one (poor analogy perhaps). I'm watching reviews right now, and lots of people have good opinions on these. There's some disagreement between whether this version or the Purple Heart or mahagony is best
Mar 1, 2018
anort3
177
Mar 1, 2018
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oneraj4uI own the Mahoganies and I like them enough I just bought these. Paired with a Mayflower O2/ODAC Rev B the Mahogany is just amazing. These, from what I understand are more neutral and less V or U shaped than the Mahogany or the even more colored Purpleheart. I also own HD 598s, HD 600s and HD 650s. Since I bought the Mahoganies my Sennheisers have been lonely. Here's a very good review.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pFM_hW33bw
Mar 1, 2018
oneraj4u
3
Mar 1, 2018
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anort3Thank you
Mar 1, 2018
bgav66
18
Mar 1, 2018
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oneraj4uPretty sure PH has the most bass, the Ebony is the most neutral, and the mahogany, I guess, split the difference. From what I've heard, because of the earpads used, none of these models have a large soundstage. But, it should still be a step up from the m50s for sure.
If you want soundstage th600/900 pads will make the soundstage size bigger than most average openbacks, but at the cost of a much more accentuated V shape sound signature. Pick your poison haha
If you want my opinion: If you have the money, go for it. These as a package are awesome. Such a nice looking and premium feeling headphone and some of the best bass you'll find in a headphone.
Mar 1, 2018
anort3
177
Mar 1, 2018
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bgav66Soundstage is actually very good for a ( mostly ) closed can and imaging is as good as anything I've heard. I agree with pretty much everything the reviewer I posted above says about them. His reviews are usually pretty critical.
The only downside to me is the vacuum cleaner cable. These aren't portable at all because of that. But they sound amazing.
Mar 1, 2018
oneraj4u
3
Mar 1, 2018
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bgav66Thank you for everything, you guys have been very kind and helpful. I think I'll go ahead and try the Purple Heart!
Mar 1, 2018
bgav66
18
Mar 1, 2018
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anort3Yeah, I watch Metal571. True, maybe I should have specified that I meant more in comparison to the originals - th600/900. The earpad openings create a huge soundstage for them. Yeah the cable is a bit annoying, buy it's one non-detatchable cable I'm okay with because of its sturdiness.
Mar 1, 2018
anort3
177
Mar 1, 2018
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oneraj4uThe Purpleheart has the most recessed mids of the bunch so they are going to be the most specialized. I haven't heard them personally but from what I've read they're what you want for music without vocals. These are the best for the most types of music.
Mar 1, 2018
sfodavid
4
Mar 1, 2018
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LeopandaYes. I have both ATH Mx50 and the Ebony Fostex. I agree with Leopanda: the Fostex is a much a better full sound. You can really hear the difference in the mids: high hats, piano etc in Jazz. Sound stage is the same for both. ATH is lighter, more comfortable. Fostex can be hot and feel suffocating.
Still: Is Fostex worth $500? I am inclined to say yes! I grew up with a pair of old Denon headcups and these Fostex bring back memories. Deep bass, warm sounds, clear mids: they made Burt Bacharach and Pink Floyd sound like heaven and hell in stereo. I chose the Ebony (over the Purple cups) because I like a natural sound that I can EQ if needed. They are plenty Bass-y if you ask.
The ATH50s are great for everyday. The Fostex is good for special occasions. Its the difference between eating and dining. Still, I would not give up on the ATHMx50. I bought two family members a pair with instruction that they are the "ultimate" phones at the $100 price point. Both are great. ATH50s are chardonay great. Fostex is champagne great.
Mar 1, 2018
ridhuankim
669
Mar 10, 2018
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anort3You need to mod it. I replaced the vacuum cable with mmcx.
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Mar 10, 2018
anort3
177
Mar 11, 2018
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ridhuankimThose look great! I like mine too much to touch them with a soldering iron though. I have no illusions as to my skill with one. :)
Maybe one day but for now I use these at home and the cable isn't really a big deal.
Mar 11, 2018
Sloblo
409
Mar 12, 2018
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ridhuankimwhat level of difficulty would you say that entailed? Anything an ape like me would mess up?
Mar 12, 2018
ridhuankim
669
Mar 12, 2018
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SlobloOpening up the headphones will not be a problem. The things you will need to be careful is 1) getting the right mmcx jack, 2) soldering the speaker with 10cm cable and mmcx jack. If you are familiar with soldering then this is no challenge for you. If you are not familiar with soldering then you will need to do some practice first. I recommend doing some prime solder on the both ends of 10cm wire. also at the mmcx jack where you will connect the wire. This is requiredbe cause it will guarantee proper solder and need less time to connect them. You do not want to heat up the wire connecting to the speaker too long as the prolonged heating may damage the speakers. Prime soldering helps to minimize the time detaching or connecting wires to the speakers. If you are not familiar, you should get someone to solder for you. But with enough practise, you should be able to do it by yourself.
Just to be safe, dont heatup the soldering points for more than 3 seconds and try to keep it less than 3 seconds.
If the solder does not melt within that time then your soldering iron may be of lower wattage. 25W is typically good enough.
Mar 12, 2018
Sloblo
409
Mar 12, 2018
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ridhuankimappreciate the write-up, I'm fairly confident in my soldering (not always pretty, but gets the job done)
Do you have any input on the proper jacks?
Mar 12, 2018
ridhuankim
669
Mar 12, 2018
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SlobloLook at this on eBay - https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F290843397189
If you want to use 3.5mm plug then you cannot avoid physicakly modding(cutting out some parts of internals to make sufficient space for the jacks). As a result, it is irreversible.
If you want to perform without making physical modification, this is the only jack you can use.
If you think this mmcx jack is weak, it is not! Just make sure you tighten the nut properly and you will be alright.
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Mar 12, 2018
ridhuankim
669
Mar 12, 2018
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ridhuankimThe only thing that you will actually use physical force and actual mod is the pin on the mmcx jack. I had to bend it a little towards inside as you can see in the photo. I could have cut it short too but you decide.
Mar 12, 2018
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