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qua2k
152
Jul 16, 2016
To those that have the Mahogany version.. how is the QC of the two wood cups? I will find out in a month/half for the Purpleheart but curious if there is a vast difference in wood grain/color of each cup on a single pair of headphone.
I do hope that Fostex's QC (would not doubt them but just voicing concern) would put two cups on the same headphone with almost exact similar grain/color but you never know some times.
Inabit
59
Jul 16, 2016
qua2kMahogany's from the second drop. The cups on mine seem to be two sides of a single cut. Not a perfect bookmatch because of the shaping needed to make the half round shape but very close. I posted pictures earlier in the original THX00 Mahogany discussion.
Qwetty
26
Jul 17, 2016
qua2kNot great.
The edges of the cups were neither sanded nor lacquered, so they looked rough and matte compared to the rest of the cup.
The lacquering on the rest of the cup can be hit and miss. Mine were glossy and mirror like by the Fostex logo, but towards the edges, the lacquer was thin and rough and not glossy at all.
The first pair was so bad I had to return them. The second pair was much better.
Stoyan0
49
Jul 17, 2016
QwettyThe Friday afternoon "that'll do" special... Good to hear the sorted it though
Relikk356
10
Jul 18, 2016
QwettyMine (Mahogany) were that way too Qwetty. I found they were rough when i took the cups off to install 2.5mm adapters; i had to cut the cups to fit adapters so I doubt they let me return them, lol. But hey, my cable is removable now.
I felt like i was one of the few that was not completely thrilled with the Mahogany. They sound great but I feel like these were a 'okay' value at $399, but at $499 its to much IMO, Ebony or not. Would not suggest them at that price and probably wouldn't suggest them at $399.99.
Newyorker4life
45
Jul 18, 2016
Relikk356I didn't read /realize there were QC problems with wood cups. That's disappointing given the marketing spin about Fostex and the "painstaking" handcrafted lacquer application. The comments about keeping them safe - when only a cloth bag is provided - also informative, Honestly if these are best kept at home, a pair of Meze wood hp's is less costly, have detachable cables including inline mic iOS track & volume control, hard case, airline adapter, and more accessories. And it's returnable. This drop lacks any accessories except a bag. If I wanted to try out wood cups, I'd give Meze a try. I think MD needs to consider the feedback they're hopefully reading. There are too many other choices, Reading the QC problems with lacquer on previous drops of the x00, I'd be pretty upset if I waited 5 months for that.
Qwetty
26
Jul 18, 2016
Relikk356They're working to a price point so they had to cut corners somewhere, and I guess one of the most expensive areas is labour. I'd like an ebony version, but I'd be buying purely for the looks rather than the sound, so I would want perfectly finished cups. The finish on my current mahogany is far from perfect but it's acceptable given the sound and price, but I'd expect more if I were paying 499.
I will probably refinish the cups myself if I ever take them apart. It just requires some sanding down, and maybe a new coat of lacquer.
Qwetty
26
Jul 18, 2016
Newyorker4lifeDon't know anything about the Meze you're referring to but the TH-X00 sound great, and even with the crappy fit and finish are worth buying at 399.
Newyorker4life
45
Jul 18, 2016
QwettySo appreciate your candor. Didn't realize there were also "fit and comfort" concerns, wow. Surprised you're not familiar with Meze. Attached link here - check out the super generous package that come with their well reviewed wood headphones: two detachable cables, (inline iOS or android plus 10 ft. AVR cable + stereo plug adapter, airplane adapter, hard case, ) They are getting some attention in other forums. Massdrop staff reading this: I'd JUMP on a Meze drop. Check it out.
https://www.mezeheadphones.com
Newyorker4lifeThe marketing materials on the lacquer are only applicable to the TH900 with it's Urushi lacquer process. That lacquer is one of the reasons for the significant price gap between the 900 and the rest of the Fostex family.
Verde
14
Jul 18, 2016
Newyorker4lifeI started a poll for the Meze 99 Classics if anyone is interested in voting for them. In the description of the headphone is a link to Inner Fidelity's review, Zeo's review, and Meze's homepage.
https://www.massdrop.com/vote/Meze-99-Classics
Qwetty
26
Jul 19, 2016
Newyorker4lifeThanks for the link. Not really a gear head so I don't have a comprehensive knowledge of the products available. Also. I try and avoid buying and upgrading all the time.
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