Fostex is a brand with a loyal following, much like Grado, Ferrum, and Abyss. Those who are used to headphones with a warm sound and palpable bass have usually heard of the Japanese brand. Those of us who have been lucky enough to have used their headphones know how high quality the components, build, and audio can be. However, these headphones are somewhat niche despite being a respected and long-standing brand. Fostex has recently announced their new open-back flagship, as well as its closed-back counterpart. Their predecessors (TH-900 and TH-909) had mixed reviews, due to the added brightness that made the overall sound have a “V” shape. Many Fostex fans felt this was a far cry from their unique sound signature, and a risk that was revisited in many of the limited editions. I’m curious to see how they are tuned and how they perform compared to their predecessors.
TH1000-RP and TH1100RP
The TH1100RP are flagship RP headphones that incorporate Fostex's proprietary premium grade RP planar magnetic driver technology into a solid wood housing. Dyed using Aizome from Tokushima, known as Japan's famous indigo dyeing method, the headphones are carefully assembled in Japan. This unique texture highlights the beauty of the individually different wood grain that is exclusive to traditional Aizome. 50 Years of Fostex Planar DiaphragmThe agm RP technology is seamlessly combined into two flagship headphone models, a closed type and an open type.
Available in closed version with Fostex TH-1000RP Premium Open-Back Headphones.
RP Technology's planar diaphragm driver technology, developed in 1974 and continuously refined since then, features a newly developed planar diaphragm, much larger than the conventional RP driver used in the T50RPmk3/mk4. In addition to increasing the number of magnets enclosing the diaphragm, as well as a newly designed pattern and shape for the printed coil, the magnetic circuit components have been redesigned to optimize magnetic flux distribution.
All of these elements work together to suppress unwanted resonance in the diaphragm. In this way, high sensitivity, uniform frequency response and excellent transient characteristics are simultaneously achieved, allowing for accurate and delicate reproduction from deep bass to high frequencies, and the ability to express a clear sound image in space with a clear sense of localization.
Characteristics
Newly adopted lightweight magnesium alloy mechanical parts
A revamped design using magnesium alloy for mechanical parts such as the case base plate and stand helps reduce overall weight by 20% compared to aluminum. A rubber packing is used for the rotation mechanism to eliminate excess vibration as much as possible. The design concept of considering every detail of each part has further improved the comfort of use.
Newly shaped ear cushions made of new materials
The newly shaped ear cushions, which are asymmetrical to optimize wearing comfort, are made of low-resilience ear cushions and silk protein synthetic leather that is three times more durable than conventional ear cushions, ensuring a comfortable fit even during long listening periods.
Flexible fit headband and head pad
The head pad and headband are made of natural sheepskin, providing a soft and comfortable fit.
7N grade cable for internal wiring and high reliability detachable connector port
The detachable connector on the headphone body, as well as the detachable connector terminal, are both rhodium-plated terminals. The balanced connection is also compatible with the optional XLR terminal cable (ET-H3.0N7BL), and a 4.4 mm balanced cable (ET-TH4.4BL) is also planned for release.
Includes high purity unbalanced OFC cable
Includes high purity 7N grade (99.999999%) OFC (oxygen-free copper) unbalanced cable, which eliminates impurities to the maximum limit to improve transmission performance.
Solid hard maple body finished with “Aizome”, a traditional Japanese dyeing method.
The solid hard maple wood shell, 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 craftsmen, resulting in a deep indigo color that beautifully reveals the unique grain of hard maple wood. Dyeing with Aizome, made exclusively from the 3rd indigo plant, allows the density and specific gravity of hard maple to take advantage of its properties that do not add unnecessary color to the sound, allowing the player to use a firm, deep bass range and a clear, extended treble range.
Budget
Guy: Open dynamics
Driver: Planar magnetic RP
Impedance: 32 ohm
Sensitivity: TH1000RP=100 dB/ mW, TH1100RP=96 dB/ Shit *tentative
Maximum input: 3,000 mW
Frequency response: 5 – 40,000 Hz
Weight: Approx.420 gram (excluding cable)
Wire: 2 my–guy 2–pin (removable connector (rhodium plated)
Detachable terminal: 2–pin (rhodium–plated in the gold–silver base)
Plug: Φ 6.3 mm gold–standard gold-plated stereo plug
What's in the box?
- TH-1100RP/TH1000RP
- Leather bag
- Owner's Manual
- High purity OFC (oxygen free copper) unbalanced cable, 7N grade (99.999999%)
Leave feedback about this