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Overview
Premium solid black walnut is carefully milled into a headphone housing, showcasing a design that beautifully echoes the artistry of traditional Japanese woodworking. These headphones are assembled one by one in limited quantities at a Japanese factory, marking a special commemoration of Fostex's 50th anniversary.
Open-back housing to evoke the imagery of sunlight filtering through the trees
The design draws inspiration from the captivating natural phenomenon where sunlight produces a radiant glow as it filters through the spaces amidst trees. This precision-machined design not only upholds structural rigidity but also effectively eliminates the generation of modal vibrations. Each opening is meticulously sized to prevent resonance at particular frequencies.
BIODYNA diaphragm made of ultra-fine bio-cellulose fiber material
Leveraging years of accumulated expertise, bio-cellulose fibers are skillfully blended with other materials under optimal conditions. This results in achieving a low specific gravity, high Young's modulus, and high internal loss. These properties enable the faithful reproduction of delicate, high-resolution, and beautiful mid-high frequencies. The inclusion of a free edge enables the accurate reproduction of low mid-range frequencies with substantial amplitude.
Exceptionally robust magnetic circuit
The magnetic circuit boasts a 50mm driver unit with an impressive magnetic flux density of 1 Tesla. This ultra-strong magnetic circuit ensures minimal distortion and a wide dynamic range.
High quality and lightweight mechanical parts
Aluminum is widely employed for mechanical components to attain a superior quality feel while keeping the product lightweight. Incorporating high-specific-gravity resin for the baffle plate effectively minimizes resonance noise, resulting in exceptional resolution, a lush mid-range, and high-quality bass reproduction.
Detachable connectors
The detachable headphone connection terminals are rhodium-plated to enhance hardness, abrasion resistance, and corrosion resistance, ultimately boosting their reliability.
Pure copper headphone cable: High-FC cables, constructed from pure copper and enhanced through specialized processing, are employed to ensure impeccable conductivity, enabling a precise rendition of the full spectrum of bandwidth.
Features
• Elegantly crafted with a touch of Japanese aesthetics
• Carved from black walnut, a globally renowned wood
• Combines excellent structural rigidity with exceptional acoustic qualities
• Reveals crystal-clear sound across the frequency spectrum, harnessing the potential of open-back headphones
• Seamlessly achieving a harmonious blend of a well-balanced, robust sound profile
• Equipped with 50mm driver units, featuring a 1-tesla magnetic circuit, delivering an expansive dynamic range with ultra-low distortion
• Utilizes the unique "bio-dyna" diaphragm for deep bass, natural midranges, and smooth, velvety highs
What's In The Box?
•TH-616 Headphones
•3m detachable cable with 1/4 connector
•Leatherette carrying bag
Generating expert take…
Fostex emerged in 1973 as the branded consumer and professional division of Foster Electric Co., Ltd., a Japanese loudspeaker manufacturer founded in 1949. Established to bring Foster's high-quality speaker components directly to dealers and customers, Fostex quickly gained international recognition through innovative products like the T20RP headphones and 6301 studio monitors. The brand's foundation rests on Foster's position as one of the world's largest OEM loudspeaker developers, employing tens of thousands across multiple countries and manufacturing millions of speaker units monthly.
The company built its reputation across three interconnected product categories: professional studio equipment, consumer headphones, and powered monitor speakers. Fostex became particularly renowned for pioneering RP (Regular Phase) technology, which delivers clear sound with high sensitivity and wide dynamic range—a signature that defines their headphones, microphones, and speaker designs. Beginning in 1978, the brand expanded into professional speaker development, eventually introducing the PM series of powered monitors and establishing itself as a trusted choice for recording studios, broadcast facilities, and serious home listeners.
Fostex occupies a distinctive middle ground in the audio market: neither ultra-premium boutique nor mass-market consumer, but rather a respected specialist brand with deep professional credentials. Their products appeal to recording engineers, studio owners, and discerning hi-fi enthusiasts who prioritize accuracy and reliability over luxury positioning. The 6301B monitor remains an industry standard after decades in production, while the T20RP headphones maintain popularity among studio professionals—testament to Fostex's enduring reputation for sonic integrity and engineering excellence.
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