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.
Test Results
The Fostex TH900mk2 Limited Edition feature an anniversary tuning that differs from the standard Fostex TH900mk2. We haven't tested the originals, but the limited-edition headphones have a balanced sound with a tuning reminiscent of an open-back headphone. There's also a high-mid, low-treble de-emphasis that many listeners often prefer due to its mitigating effect on the 'shoutiness' of vocals.
The Fostex TH900mk2 Limited Edition have decent frequency response consistency. Their low clamping force and compliant ear cups likely go a long way toward minimizing outliers with drastically different listening experiences. However, this looser fit may result in smaller interruptions, which increases overall variations in audio delivery.
The bass response's target compliance is superb. While the headphones have a deficit in sub-bass energy relative to our target, it's not as underemphasized as open-backs. Explosions are still rendered with convincing rumble, and wobbles in classic dubstep tracks like Skrillex's Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites.
The mid-range compliance is remarkably balanced, rendering vocals and instruments naturally and clearly. However, a slight mismatch in the low-mids can render lower registers tilted to one side. The frequency response also indicates high-mid de-emphasis, which should take the edge off harsher vocals.
The treble range compliance is good. The relatively smooth and wide-band deviations from our target are likely indicative of deliberate tuning choices. Continued de-emphasis in the low-treble from the mids softens shouty vocals without adversely affecting intelligibility, while relative emphasis in the mid- and high-treble amps up brilliance and airiness a tad. That said, if you're particularly sensitive to high frequencies, you may find the emphasis in higher frequencies, coupled with the relative lack of sub-bass, too bright for your tastes. Fortunately, most headphones are quite responsive to EQ, which you can easily learn to do.
The Fostex TH900mk2 Limited Edition have good peaks and dips performance. The frequency response indicates minimal deviations from the headphones' balanced sound signature. That said, slight fluctuations in the treble range can amplify the sibilance of smaller-radius splash cymbals relative to larger ride cymbals, due to their slight pitch differences.
The Fostex TH900mk2 Limited Edition's L/R drivers have great stereo matching. While there are no overarching issues, very keen-eared listeners may notice the fundamentals of vocals and instruments sound pushed back a tad on the right driver compared to the left. Fluctuations in the high-treble are likely inconsequential, as human sensitivity in this range isn't as pronounced and declines with age. Keep in mind that driver matching can vary from unit to unit, so you may not have the same experience as we did.
The Fostex TH900mk2 Limited Edition are over-ears that interact with your pinna in a similar way to our benchmark stereo speaker system. They'll excite your pinna and provide spatial cues, though your listening experience won't sound as natural.
The headphones have remarkable harmonic distortion performance. At high listening levels, even seasoned listeners will struggle to fault the purity of the headphones' audio reproduction.
The headphones have a low impedance and high sensitivity. If you're away from your trusty audio stack, most mobile and portable devices can easily drive the headphones at loud listening levels (though you'll probably need an adaptor).
These are the settings used to test these headphones. Our results are only valid when used in this configuration.
The Fostex TH900mk2 Limited Editions are nearly identical in appearance to the Fostex TH900mk2. They have quite large ear cups with faux-leather wrapped pads that aren't exceptionally thick or deep. Housed behind them are damping materials and bio-cellulose fiber dynamic drivers protected by a metal grille. The design features a yoke-assembly that allows for both pitch and yaw adjustments of the ear cups relative to your head. Two supportive metal pins extend from this assembly block into the headband, allowing for stepped (but unstable) headband extension adjustment. The headband itself has a similar finish as the earpads, upholstered with faux leather. And of course, the centerpiece of the headphone design, each earcup features 'Urushi' lacquer-coated cherry wood with the brand's logo prominently featured. Our limited-edition headphones have ear cups in 'Onyx Black,' but you can also find them in 'Brilliant Purple,' 'Pearl White,' and 'Sapphire Blue.'
These headphones are adequately comfortable. While they don't have abundant earcup padding, it's sufficient for long listening sessions, as there's little clamping force on these headphones. However, the sheer size and weight of the ear cups, coupled with the structural reliance on only a single rail of notches on the articulating headband, make it difficult to maintain a comfortable fit without the headband loosening over time. During our frequency response consistency measurements, two of our human subjects with smaller heads also reported that the headphones were uncomfortable due to the ear cups' size. However, if you have a larger head or larger ears, you may find the extra space a boon for comfort.
These are bulky headphones, even for over-ears. They don't fold up and only operate wired, making them a poor choice for listening on the go.
Their carrying case is acceptable. It's a simple faux-leather pouch that'll protect the headphones from incidental spills. In context, it's a bit underwhelming considering the headphones are priced in the thousands.
The Fostex TH900mk2 Limited Edition have excellent build quality, which you'd hope for in a halo product with corresponding pricing. The horizontal- and vertical-swivel mechanisms are well supported by solid materials. However, the yoke assembly that extends from the headband isn't well-designed; its notched-rail adjustments are too loose, resulting in accidental headband extension during regular use or small positioning adjustments. Still, the rest of the build is premium, featuring lacquered wooden housing, sufficient headband and earcup padding, and a braided, detachable cable.
These are not stable headphones. If you're sitting still at your desk, they're perfectly fine for extended listening sessions. However, any physical manifestations of enthusiasm (headbanging) will likely shake the headphones off. To make matters worse, the headband adjustment notches are quite loose, so the headphones may loosen over time.
- Fostex TH900mk2 Limited Edition
- Safety instructions
- Manual
- Soft pouch
- Y-split 2-pin to 1/4" TRS cable (10.43 ft / 3.18 m)
These headphones are closed-back without active noise cancellation. While their pads reduce high-frequency treble noise like whirring and whistling, they can't effectively shut out mid and low-frequency noise like rumble and voices.
The headphones have poor noise isolation in our common scenario testing, particularly in the bass region. This isn't too surprising given their lack of active noise cancelling. They'll mitigate the whirring machinery as your airplane's landing gear retracts on takeoff, but you'll bear the full brunt of their rumbling engines and cabin chatter. You'll have similar issues in an open-plan office; you won't be spared from water-cooler talk and keyboard clacking.
Despite their closed design, these headphones leak a fair bit of audio. If you listen to music or podcasts at high levels, someone nearby may hear hollow voices and instruments leaking from your ear cups.
These headphones use a proprietary 2-pin connection to their ear cups and terminate with a 1/4" TRS connection on their included audio cable (10.43 ft / 3.18 m). As you'd expect, latency is negligible via analog.
The headphones work fine for audio output with PCs, provided you have a 1/4" audio jack or a 1/4" to 1/8" adaptor.
The headphones will output audio from PlayStation family consoles via an analog connection, though you'll need a 1/4" to 1/8" adaptor to connect the headphones. Keep in mind the cable is quite long by default, and, with an adapter attached, may end up being cumbersome.
These headphones work with the Xbox family consoles via an analog connection. However, they don't include a 1/4" to 1/8" TRS adaptor, so you'll need one of your own. The headphones' long cable may leave you with too much slack if you connect the headphones to your controller.