Smeggy Modded the Original T50rp in mid 2000's. He called them "Thunderpants". He made his own wood cups, much like ZMF does. It was a very small batch, only a few made. Definitely just a hobby of his. I subsequently copied Smeggy's blueprint around 08' or 09', and sold my own (on a small scale), but like Smeggy, the aesthetics/fit and finish were still unevolved. We didn't have 3d printers, and had limited access to CNC milling machines. Also, at only 18yo, I just didn't have the capital to take it any further than just a hobby. We just recycled the fostex headband and more or less glued it to our custom wooden chassis. We'd have no Modhouse, no ZMF, Mr speakers without Smeggy. Props to him for setting the scene, and major props to all the modders taking it to the next level.
For my T60RP I got a 3.5mm 4 pole balanced cable from Amazon Made by Ugreen. They have 1.5', 3', 6', 10', 16' lengths from $7.49-$16.99. I use a 3.5mm 4 pole balanced female to XLR adapter because this headphone needs a lot of power, so XLR is perfect with all my powerful amps.
The fact that these can reach the same loudness with the volume knob lower (compared to using the older versions of the T50rp) does not necessarily mean that they are 'easier to drive'. It just means that they are _more sensitive._ There is a significant distinction between 'getting loud enough' and 'being driven _properly'._ Planar magnetic headphones require more current (Amps) than regular headphones to achieve their potential: cleaner bass, a larger soundstage, an overall more effortless presentation.
I agree loud doesn't mean correct, but I can vouch that these are playing both loudly and correctly with regular consumer gear which is a huge change from the speaker amp needing mark 3 and below.
@@ZReviews That's good to hear. I'm curious to compare the Mk IV with my T50RP 50th Anniversary Edition, which I pad-swapped with to sound really good. I would say 'regular consumer gear' are things like PCs, laptops, or cellphones with headphone jacks. As common as they are to enthusiasts like us, dedicated headphone amplifiers and audiophile-grade DAC/amp combos are specialized pieces of audio gear.
@@mattrismatt'regular consumer goods' are dac/amp dongles and desktop stacks, audiophilia starts around 10, 20, 50K......and beyond. Especially if lifelong quality is concerned.
I've already put these in Open Alpha 3d printed chassis. They sound much better than the mk3. They put out some pretty significant bass in this configuration. Not quite Eris level but honestly closer than I expected! Really happy with these, I need to play with the tuning some more as I think they can be even better.
Yeesh, 300EUR in Europe. That is going into the area of some serious competition. I think a big appeal of the older versions was their price, and the limited options if you wanted planar. Not so much now.
I pressed 'buy' on Eris and this pops up It was Mk4 or Eris and I think I made the right choice based on the review. Movies and games need bass, audiophiles be damned. If you could do a planar collab or mod next please and take my money.
If I get these and the Eris I can have the best of both worlds and swap ye pads between the boys. Would be good to see a Z Fostex collab one day... the next Eris for next year?... each year a new Z collab would be golden
Hey Z, yersterday I have heard a pair of AudioLai Quindici (italian handcrafted horns) something really expensive (plus all the electronics needed to drive them). I suggest you to seek for them in the next audio fair if they are available!
These look so tempting. Z could you please review the Hifiman He-R10D, they were selling a few years ago for over 1000E and now they are around 250E. Looks like the deal of the century.
There’s a decent deal on an OG mad dog and a pretty good deal on a MK2 argon based on that weird massdrop MK2 and I’m just really trying not to start a collection of t50rps. Those t50rp mk3 50th anniversaries that have the t60 driver also seem cool.
Problem again. These or dt 1990 pro mk. II? I know I will get them both, but which one before Xmas which one for New Year's Eve? 🎉 Merry Christmas.....
Hey, first time into the higher tier headphones here, pushed an accident that left me with trouble to focus. Opera and blues helps a lot though. Can you advice on the sound bleed from these? I will use them in the office with colleagues sit at a 1.5m length from me. Thanks a lot for your honest review.
I've experienced it multiple times, it does vary per unit, however i just put everything on a regimen of at least 60+ hours after i receive a new headphone or iem. Coming to the realization that pad break-in is also very important. If a pad gets 2mm thinner after a week of use it will change the sound.
I think you could probably do dual entry if you use the raal requisite SR-1b cable and you make an adapter for male to female 4-PIN XLR because that headphone uses dual 4 pole 3.5 mm on the headphone side
I have hd 6XX right now and im looking to switch to planar for tight bass because i listen to hip hop and rap and aparantly the bass is more enjoyable with the right planar ( more slamy) the thing is that i am scare of hifiman because of all of the internet seam to get hifiman that broke rapidly and i want my headphone to last, do you think these would be great compared to my headphone that i have?
Are fostex aware of the bass frequency that sets off a rattle in the right channel in the version 3? Have tried 4 different pairs and 3 of them did it on various tracks with that frequency, and it’s difficult to get a dealer to replace them, will fostex do something about it by any chance?
@@761230s man thanks so much for confirming that, because honestly had been thinking for a while that I was going crazy, because someone else tested it and it turned out to be the test track I gave him was actually the track that had a rattle, but I knew it to be happening for certain on other tracks too and the frequency sweep it would also happen on, so he didn’t believe me I don’t think, and so if this is a confirmed thing, will forget be taking them back for repair free of charge or as a recall or refund? Because that fault makes them not fit for purpose as a studio headphone, which as was mentioned in the video by Zeos, is how they are marketed by Fostex. So in this case Fostex, would you take them back for repair or exchange?
@@artureff3046 it’s certain songs where the bass hits a particular frequency, and it happens on Spotify for definite, but it’s not really the source, it could be a film that you are watching through them, and if it ignites this particular frequency, it rattles as if the driver is very rapidly banging against something. It’s a sort of mid-bass frequency, and it happens on different genres.
@@ZReviewstrue. Have many (love t50rp with warm amps even ifi zen 2 stack). Mood is the key and music (mostly jazz), use extremes hd650 to dt770pro X LE or Grado 325x, And rarely reviewers mention that mood we're in matters, and for music listening we need more units.
@@goobfilmcast4239 absolutely they do, they need a million watts a channel to have any kind of control. But when there is, the bass sounds like it’s coated with powdered sugar, very more-ish.
No… MK3 with shure pads was never lovely. I ran it with BaseX100, with WA-6SE, with v550 pro, and we are at 3000€ amp for 150€ headphones, and the headphones were never lovely. Between DT880, HD600 and T50 mk3, it was never a moment I would have picked it on any amp. Just no.
I gave up on this review !! 10 minutes of rambling and still not got to sound quality!!! 34 minutes for a review , far to long . You just like the sound of your own voice to much !
Appreciate the Support!
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Fostex T50 Mark 4 ---------- amzn.to/48cFQdW
Fostex T50 Mark 3 ---------- amzn.to/4dVNNp8
Steven, you reminded me that I need to email Mr. Dietz ASAP, regarding my Tungsten order!
Holy shit Fostex is actually...adapting and changing?? Madness
All I see is a new toy for Modhouse to absolutely pimp out. Exciting!
I'll tell Ryan you mentioned that. ;)
@@TheVeganVicar Not before he's finished my Tungstens!
Mark III: Impedance - 50 Ω, Sensitivity 92 dB/mW
Mark IV: Impedance - 28 Ω, Sensitivity 97 dB/mW
Even some of the AKG headphones are harder to drive.
Smeggy Modded the Original T50rp in mid 2000's. He called them "Thunderpants". He made his own wood cups, much like ZMF does. It was a very small batch, only a few made. Definitely just a hobby of his. I subsequently copied Smeggy's blueprint around 08' or 09', and sold my own (on a small scale), but like Smeggy, the aesthetics/fit and finish were still unevolved. We didn't have 3d printers, and had limited access to CNC milling machines. Also, at only 18yo, I just didn't have the capital to take it any further than just a hobby. We just recycled the fostex headband and more or less glued it to our custom wooden chassis. We'd have no Modhouse, no ZMF, Mr speakers without Smeggy. Props to him for setting the scene, and major props to all the modders taking it to the next level.
For my T60RP I got a 3.5mm 4 pole balanced cable from Amazon Made by Ugreen. They have 1.5', 3', 6', 10', 16' lengths from $7.49-$16.99.
I use a 3.5mm 4 pole balanced female to XLR adapter because this headphone needs a lot of power, so XLR is perfect with all my powerful amps.
The fact that these can reach the same loudness with the volume knob lower (compared to using the older versions of the T50rp) does not necessarily mean that they are 'easier to drive'. It just means that they are _more sensitive._ There is a significant distinction between 'getting loud enough' and 'being driven _properly'._
Planar magnetic headphones require more current (Amps) than regular headphones to achieve their potential: cleaner bass, a larger soundstage, an overall more effortless presentation.
I agree loud doesn't mean correct, but I can vouch that these are playing both loudly and correctly with regular consumer gear which is a huge change from the speaker amp needing mark 3 and below.
@@ZReviews That's good to hear. I'm curious to compare the Mk IV with my T50RP 50th Anniversary Edition, which I pad-swapped with to sound really good.
I would say 'regular consumer gear' are things like PCs, laptops, or cellphones with headphone jacks. As common as they are to enthusiasts like us, dedicated headphone amplifiers and audiophile-grade DAC/amp combos are specialized pieces of audio gear.
@@mattrismatt'regular consumer goods' are dac/amp dongles and desktop stacks, audiophilia starts around 10, 20, 50K......and beyond. Especially if lifelong quality is concerned.
Dekoni Blue
I've already put these in Open Alpha 3d printed chassis. They sound much better than the mk3. They put out some pretty significant bass in this configuration. Not quite Eris level but honestly closer than I expected! Really happy with these, I need to play with the tuning some more as I think they can be even better.
Yeesh, 300EUR in Europe. That is going into the area of some serious competition. I think a big appeal of the older versions was their price, and the limited options if you wanted planar. Not so much now.
I hope the 1100 sell well so they make more Special Editions like the TH900, and i can get the Green ones :D
…and this one has got like 19 magnet bars, Z:”ok calm down”😂
you're gonna make me count
I have the T-60 with an upgraded wire. I love them.
16:30 Final Audio also centered.
Hart Audio Cables has the HC-2 that will work to get a balanced cable
I'm getting those pads for my argon's and probably picking up a pair of these
Lenny Kravitz use them in his studio!
I pressed 'buy' on Eris and this pops up It was Mk4 or Eris and I think I made the right choice based on the review. Movies and games need bass, audiophiles be damned. If you could do a planar collab or mod next please and take my money.
You know I won't complain.
great job!
cant wait for argon
I need new Fostex pads, I guess I should keep an eye out.
I also remember the MassDrop TX-0 as well
If I get these and the Eris I can have the best of both worlds and swap ye pads between the boys.
Would be good to see a Z Fostex collab one day... the next Eris for next year?... each year a new Z collab would be golden
Hey Z, yersterday I have heard a pair of AudioLai Quindici (italian handcrafted horns) something really expensive (plus all the electronics needed to drive them). I suggest you to seek for them in the next audio fair if they are available!
Nice throwback
These look so tempting. Z could you please review the Hifiman He-R10D, they were selling a few years ago for over 1000E and now they are around 250E. Looks like the deal of the century.
There’s a decent deal on an OG mad dog and a pretty good deal on a MK2 argon based on that weird massdrop MK2 and I’m just really trying not to start a collection of t50rps. Those t50rp mk3 50th anniversaries that have the t60 driver also seem cool.
Where can I find the Og maddog?
@@avrgegmer1396 on forum classifieds or eBay, maybe reverb or audiogon. Idk you just have to do some looking.
Yeah they kind of remind me of my fostex txo t-50rp from drop.
Black is the new black :^)
Finally!
OMG those pads are beautiful where can you find them?????? (the suede ones with the holes inside)
Problem again. These or dt 1990 pro mk. II? I know I will get them both, but which one before Xmas which one for New Year's Eve? 🎉 Merry Christmas.....
Hey, first time into the higher tier headphones here, pushed an accident that left me with trouble to focus.
Opera and blues helps a lot though.
Can you advice on the sound bleed from these?
I will use them in the office with colleagues sit at a 1.5m length from me.
Thanks a lot for your honest review.
Office is for work.
Where can you buy these amazing headphones
Thanks for the video...can I please ask your views and thoughts on Headphone Burn in ? cheers David
I've experienced it multiple times, it does vary per unit, however i just put everything on a regimen of at least 60+ hours after i receive a new headphone or iem. Coming to the realization that pad break-in is also very important. If a pad gets 2mm thinner after a week of use it will change the sound.
@@ZReviews great, thanks for the quick reply keep the vids coming , love your channel
Sorry about your cat. *sniff* 😿
I think you could probably do dual entry if you use the raal requisite SR-1b cable and you make an adapter for male to female 4-PIN XLR because that headphone uses dual 4 pole 3.5 mm on the headphone side
I have hd 6XX right now and im looking to switch to planar for tight bass because i listen to hip hop and rap and aparantly the bass is more enjoyable with the right planar ( more slamy) the thing is that i am scare of hifiman because of all of the internet seam to get hifiman that broke rapidly and i want my headphone to last, do you think these would be great compared to my headphone that i have?
Can confirm that Hifimans use the most brittle plastics known to man. Worse than the Koss kph30i
Which foster is best for indie rock and indie electronic music? I love fostex!
Foster's lager 😂
do they work with the v-moda boompro mic?
Dude, should have left the orange, it's been there for over a decade... watching rest now
Id want the whole thing orange honestly.
15:13 ghost cat haunting Zeos, zeos still catches the cable. RiP.
Are fostex aware of the bass frequency that sets off a rattle in the right channel in the version 3? Have tried 4 different pairs and 3 of them did it on various tracks with that frequency, and it’s difficult to get a dealer to replace them, will fostex do something about it by any chance?
And the only pair which did not do it are heavily modified.
I tried two pairs of 50RP’s and one pair of 20RP’s.. they all had the right channel rattle. Hopefully they fixed it on the MKIV
@@761230s man thanks so much for confirming that, because honestly had been thinking for a while that I was going crazy, because someone else tested it and it turned out to be the test track I gave him was actually the track that had a rattle, but I knew it to be happening for certain on other tracks too and the frequency sweep it would also happen on, so he didn’t believe me I don’t think, and so if this is a confirmed thing, will forget be taking them back for repair free of charge or as a recall or refund? Because that fault makes them not fit for purpose as a studio headphone, which as was mentioned in the video by Zeos, is how they are marketed by Fostex. So in this case Fostex, would you take them back for repair or exchange?
Mine don't rattle. What is the music source (cd, Tidal?) and amp current/voltage that makes them rattle?
@@artureff3046 it’s certain songs where the bass hits a particular frequency, and it happens on Spotify for definite, but it’s not really the source, it could be a film that you are watching through them, and if it ignites this particular frequency, it rattles as if the driver is very rapidly banging against something. It’s a sort of mid-bass frequency, and it happens on different genres.
5 min of having fun with soldering iron will make them accept two jacks :)
Fostex pm 0.5 monitors very good
Are you going to revew or the fostex t50rp 50th anniversary soon
I don't have them so probably not for a bit.
Who is the sticker on your phone?
Alpha Prime Mk II plz!
Zeos, Forgetting the history and all the modding capability etc… would you listen to these over the audeze mm-100
Depends on the mood I am in. These are probably more resolving? MM100 are way smooth
@@ZReviewstrue. Have many (love t50rp with warm amps even ifi zen 2 stack). Mood is the key and music (mostly jazz), use extremes hd650 to dt770pro X LE or Grado 325x, And rarely reviewers mention that mood we're in matters, and for music listening we need more units.
Extra magnets makes it heavier?
Probably a few grams. but not enough to really matter
Those aren’t the original pads, the original parts are much thinner.
The Velour ones I swapped. The others are stock.
@@ZReviews neither pads you showed in the video are stock pads for mk3, stock pads are way worse, at best they are 1/4 inch deep
They need to ship with those special pads or bundle them somehow.
I was thinking of my old Mark3 (sold) lately. And here Mark 4.
You lost me when you mentioned the price.
Dekoni Blues...?
Arguably the best version of them all…
They call alabama the crimson tide. Call me the Dekoni blues
@@RocketLauncherwithInfiniteAmmo I love mine...but they only really sing when you put some power thru them
@@goobfilmcast4239 absolutely they do, they need a million watts a channel to have any kind of control. But when there is, the bass sounds like it’s coated with powdered sugar, very more-ish.
not a fan of the slider, both the Dekoni blue and Argons I had would slowly extend when I was wearing them
You can tighten a screw or if you are happy with placement add some tape on the bars.
And where are t50 50th anniversary? :(
‘And then Japan two-night-shipping-me-d’…😄
Aww Z, you stole the internets hearts with amazing quotes like that 🙂
🐸How’s the soundstage?
Average. It isn't a WIDE can for WIDE things. Its still trying to be a Monitor type headphone
No… MK3 with shure pads was never lovely. I ran it with BaseX100, with WA-6SE, with v550 pro, and we are at 3000€ amp for 150€ headphones, and the headphones were never lovely. Between DT880, HD600 and T50 mk3, it was never a moment I would have picked it on any amp. Just no.
Now if we can just get Grado to modernize.......
I gave up on this review !! 10 minutes of rambling and still not got to sound quality!!! 34 minutes for a review , far to long . You just like the sound of your own voice to much !
Time stamps exist.
Yes I’ll stamp on this review
ohhhhhhhhhhhhh SNAP.. Got'em
People come for the story.
What exactly is the story ? How great I am ? Or what the headphones sound like ?
Primaris T50rp