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Overview
This product is the flagship of the RP headphone lineup, carefully assembled at a factory in Japan with the latest Fostex-developed premium grade RP planar magnetic driver built into a solid wood housing dyed with Aizome indigo from Tokushima, known as the representative indigo dyeing process in Japan. The one-of-a-kind texture of the traditional Aizome, which brings out the beauty of the individually different wood grain, and Fostex’s RP technology, a flat diaphragm that has been used for 50 years, play together in this headphone flagship.
The RP technology planar diaphragm driver technology, developed in 1974 and continually refined ever since, has a newly developed planar diaphragm, much larger than the conventional RP driver used in T50RPmk3/mk4. In addition to increasing the number of magnets that sandwich the diaphragm, as well as a newly designed pattern and shape for the printed coil, the magnetic circuit components have been redesigned to optimize the magnetic flux distribution. All of these work together to suppress unwanted resonance in the diaphragm. This simultaneously achieves high sensitivity, smooth frequency response, and excellent transient characteristics, enabling accurate and delicate reproduction from heavy bass to high frequencies, and the ability to express a clear sound image in space with a clear sense of localization.
The solid hard maple wood housing, known as a material for guitars, is dyed with Awa Aizome from Tokushima, which has long been valued for its high-quality dyeing. The wood is carefully dyed one by one by skilled craftspersons, resulting in a deep indigo color that beautifully reveals the unique grain of the hard maple wood. Dyeing with Aizome, made exclusively from the indigo plant, allows the hard maple’s density and specific gravity to take advantage of its properties that do not add unnecessary color to the sound, allowing the player to user a firm, deep bass range and clear, extended treble range.
Features
• Premium Closed-Back Headphones
• Large Flat-Diaphragm RP Planar Driver
• Hard Maple Housing, Indigo Aizome Finish
• Smooth Frequency Response
• Excellent Transient Characteristics
• 32-Ohm Impedance
• Lightweight Magnesium Alloy Components
• Asymmetrical Silk-Protein Earpads
• Sheepskin Headband
• Detachable 7N Cable, Rhodium Plating
At US$1,500, this Fostex TH1000RP is a genuine bargain compared to the obvious alternative: the TH1100RP, which retails new for roughly US$3,600, and the TH1000RP itself, which still lists new at US$2,750. Even on the used market, this price sits well below the typical range, making it a strong deal for a closed-back planar that few find at this cost.
The TH1000RP is highly regarded for its tight, articulate bass and crisp planar detail in a sealed design, offering studio-like isolation without the muddiness of dynamic closed-backs. Original-owner condition in excellent shape adds significant upside, especially since these are rare, limited-production units that rarely appear below US$2,000. With no material caveats flagged and a price that rewards the buyer, this is a clear buying opportunity for enthusiasts seeking premium planar performance in a closed-back package.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
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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