The Fostex TH900mk2 Limited Edition are headphones from the consumer-oriented division of renowned audio OEM Foster Electric. As part of their premium TH series hi-fi offerings, the TH900mk2 Limited Editions are something of an unofficial third iteration of the TH900, featuring an advertised 'anniversary tuning' that differs from the original TH900 and the TH900mk2. They feature the same detachable cable and 'BioDyna' bio-cellulose fiber drivers of the TH900mk2. As you'd expect, the limited editions come in exclusive colors: 'Sapphire Blue,' 'Brilliant Purple,' 'Pearl White,' and 'Onyx Black,' though they likely won't appreciate in value in the same way as Pokémon trading cards.
Our Verdict
The Fostex TH900mk2 Limited Edition shouldn't be used for sports and fitness. The headphones will slip or fall off your head during both light and vigorous movements, and their cabled design poses a snagging risk, especially in a gym with various machines. The earpads are upholstered with faux leather, which isn't particularly breathable, and the headphones have no IP rating. Given the headphones' price, it's probably not worth risking damage by exercising with them.
Unstable with small and large head movements.
Bulky when worn, can't be folded down for storage.
The Fostex TH900mk2 Limited Edition are disappointing for travel. The headphones, while closed-back, can't attenuate noise very well due to their lack of active noise cancelling. Low-frequency noise won't be attenuated at all, exposing you to the full brunt of airplane and bus engine rumble. The headphones are bulky and can't fold into a more compact package, though even if they did, their included soft pouch won't protect them from physical damage.
Poor noise isolation.
Bulky when worn, can't be folded down for storage.
The Fostex TH900mk2 Limited Edition are bad for work in most situations. While the headphones likely sound phenomenal for most, they aren't equipped with a microphone and can't be used wirelessly. They don't have active noise cancelling either, so you'll hear most of what's going on around you. Still, if you have a standalone mic or integrated mic in your connected device (like a laptop), have a quiet office, and don't mind the wires, these will do for work.
No microphone.
Poor noise isolation.
The Fostex TH900mk2 Limited Edition can't be used wirelessly.
The Fostex TH900mk2 Limited Edition are okay for wired gaming. While they're comfortable if you're still as a statue, any movements expressing an emotion outside of stoicism will likely shift the headphones, loosen the headband, or cause them to fall off your head entirely. If this isn't an issue for you, they have good low-frequency extension for bringing explosions to life, and a smooth mid-range that helps reproduce dialogue and instrumental soundtracks with ease. Plus, the headphones' wired connection means no latency. There's no mic, though, so you'll need a standalone solution.
Virtually no audio latency.
Balanced sound signature renders explosions and voices naturally.
No microphone.
Unstable with small and large head movements.
The Fostex TH900mk2 Limited Edition have great audio reproduction accuracy. The headphones perform well in objective metrics such as harmonic distortion and stereo matching, rendering clean audio without unintended timbral coloration and providing a seamless stereo image. However, we noticed a slight leftward bias in the low- to mid-frequency response of our unit, which caused vocalists and instruments to shift their positions slightly. Driver matching can vary from unit to unit, though, so you may not encounter this issue. The frequency response also shows minimal peaks and dips in the headphones' sound, with most treble fluctuations attributable to intentional tuning decisions. Still, a narrow dip in the mid-treble may render the hiss of different sizes of open hi-hats with varying emphasis relative to one another. Otherwise, the headphones' balanced sound renders vocals clearly and intelligibly, with a slight cut to harshness that some listeners may enjoy.
The Fostex TH900mk2 Limited Edition have bad noise isolation performance. Their over-ear, closed-back design blocks out high-frequency noise like shrill children on a plane, but does little to reduce your exposure to engine rumble, whether you're on a bus or airplane. Your audio also leaks from the headphones when you're listening at high levels, though it's most noticeable in quiet environments like a library.
The Fostex TH900mk2 Limited Edition don't have a microphone.
The Fostex TH900mk2 Limited Edition have decent frequency response consistency. Your listening experience should match our frequency response measurements with minor variations in bass and treble delivery.
Performance Usages
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Fostex TH900mk2 Limited Edition have a variety of color variants: 'Sapphire Blue,' 'Brilliant Purple,' 'Pearl White,' and 'Onyx Black.' Our version is 'Onyx Black,' and you can see a photo of the serial number here.
If you find another limited edition, please let us know in the comments, and we'll update the review.
Popular Headphones Comparisons
The Fostex TH900mk2 Limited Edition are a halo product priced in the upper range of enthusiast budgets. The Limited Editions set themselves apart from the typical TH900mk2 due to their advertised 'anniversary tuning' and expanded colorways. Still, both the standard and limited versions have since been discontinued by the brand, replaced by the TH910 with advertised improvements in driver design and, likely, a more form-fitting earpad (due to its angled shape). We haven't tested the TH910, so we can't comment on any sonic performance differences, though. Going beyond Fostex entries, the gamut of wired flagship hi-fi headphones tends toward open-back headphones like the Audeze LCD-X and MM-500. Both Audeze entries are more comfortable with exceptionally plush earpads, and they're unaffected by ergonomics issues like the Fostex's headband adjustment problem. Depending on your sonic preferences, you may find the LCD-X's de-emphasis of treble or the MM-500's more prominent low-treble relative to the Fostex more attractive. Bass worshippers worry not, as the Dan Clark Audio AEON 2 Noire have more bass in their stock tuning.
Check out our recommendations for the best closed-back, audiophile, and studio headphones if you'd like to keep going down the hi-fi rabbit hole.
The Dan Clark Audio AEON 2 Noire and Fostex TH900mk2 Limited Edition are both premium hi-fi enthusiast headphones. Both have a closed-back design, though the Fostex features dynamic drivers while the DCA headphones use planar dynamic ones instead. The DCA have a little more bass on tap relative to their treble, though your listening experience will depend on how well the headphones fit on your head, as they're more susceptible to frequency response consistency issues that affect bass delivery. While the DCA are more comfortable and come with a hard case, the Fostex have better build quality (though neither option is poorly constructed).
The Fostex TH900mk2 Limited Edition and Sennheiser HD 490 PRO are both high-end headphones. While they have very similar balanced sound profiles with de-emphasis in the high-mid and low-treble, each headphone has a different enclosure type. The Sennheiser's is open while the Fostex's is closed. Despite this, the closed Fostex aren't much better at attenuating environmental noise, meaning the choice of enclosure comes down to which you prefer, rather than a meaningful functional difference. Ergonomically, the Sennheiser are more comfortable with better stability and come with a second set of different pads, though they don't feature as premium a build or finish as the Fostex. Still, the artisanal lacquered ear cups of the Fostex come with quite the price tag compared to the Sennheiser.
The Audeze LCD-X and Fostex TH900mk2 Limited Edition are both premium headphones. That said, their similarities mostly end outside of both having an expensive price tag and two drivers. The open-back Audeze have planar magnetic drivers, prominent use of metal components in their build, and deep plush earpads to compensate for their higher weight and clamping force. They also have less treble relative to bass compared to the Fostex, resulting in a warmer sound. The closed-back Fostex strike more of a balance between bass and treble, though they still feature a scooped high-mid and low-treble region, which tones down harshness in vocals. They have bio-cellulose dynamic drivers and incorporate mixed materials in their design with beautifully crafted lacquered wood ear cups. Still, beneath the surface, the Fostex aren't as comfortable as the Audeze, and may be too large for those with smaller heads.
The Audeze MM-500 and Fostex TH900mk2 Limited Edition are both premium headphones. The open-back Audeze headphones have planar magnetic drivers and are marketed more toward professional use, rather than hi-fi enthusiasts. The Manny Marroquin collab headphones have a flat sound that prominently emphasizes the low-treble range while cutting the rest of the treble. On the other hand, the closed-back, dynamic-driver Fostex does the opposite, emphasizing sibilants and airiness and cutting down on vocal harshness. In terms of ergonomics, the Audeze are better, with deep, plush ear cups and a flexible headband for weight distribution. Still, you may prefer the use of earthy materials and striking color options of the lacquered wood ear cups on the Fostex.
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