Field Test · Studio Gear Review
Fostex TH808
Detailed technical analysis of Fostex’s open-backed TH808 headphones
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Spec Sheet
- Wired headphones
- Over-ear
- Open-back
- Dynamic
- Frequency range: 5 – 45,000 Hz
- Impedance: 25 Ohm
- Sensitivity: 96 dB (@1kHz, 1mW)
- Driver: 50 mm BIODYNA
- Black walnut and aluminium housing
- Ear pads made of low-resilience urethane padding (faux leather)
- Detachable cable
- Two-sided cable routing
- Low-oxygen copper cable
- Cable length: 3 m
- Connection: 6.3 mm stereo jack
- Weight (without cable): 370 g
- Colour: Wood / Black
- Includes leather bag and manual
Studio Log
| Available since | May 2024 |
|---|---|
| Item number | 587775 |
| Sales Unit | 1 piece(s) |
| Design | Over-Ear |
| System | Open |
| Impedance | 25 Ohms |
| Frequency range | 5 Hz – 45000 Hz |
| Adaptor | No |
| Replaceable Cable | Yes |
| Colour | Black/Brown |
| Max. SPL | 96 dB |
| Sensitivity | 96 dB |
| Type Of Connector | Jack |
| Weight | 370 g |
| Replacable Cable | Yes |
| Marrone/Argento | Black, Brown |
Demo Footage
Field Photography
QC Pass — Field Test
Customer Review Summary
Overview of the Fostex TH808
Released in May 2024, the Fostex TH808 represents the Japanese manufacturer’s foray into high-end, open-back wired headphones aimed at audiophiles and sound professionals. Priced at £925, these headphones combine a distinctive aesthetic with an emphasis on technical performance. This review breaks down their design, construction, and specifications to assess what they bring to the table in their category.
Build and Design Quality
The TH808 immediately stands out due to its choice of materials and styling. Its housing features a unique combination of black walnut wood and aluminium, merging natural sound-forming qualities with metal durability. The use of wood is traditionally favoured for its acoustic properties, potentially lending warmer tonal characteristics.
Weighing 370 grams without the cable, the headphones maintain a moderate mass for over-ear models, which suggests a balance between robustness and comfort. The ear pads are crafted from low-resilience urethane padding covered in faux leather, targeting a soft tactile experience while ensuring durability and consistent ear sealing.
The open-back design supports airflow through the ear cups, reducing heat build-up and promoting more expansive soundstage reproduction, useful for critical listening scenarios where spatial accuracy is important.
Technical Specifications and Performance Potential
Drivers and Frequency Response
The TH808 utilises dynamic 50 mm Biodyne drivers, which are notable for their biomaterial diaphragms designed to provide natural sound reproduction. Their specified frequency response is impressively wide, spanning from 5 Hz to 45,000 Hz, covering the full audible spectrum and extending well beyond it. This extended range implies the ability to reproduce deep sub-bass as well as ultra-high frequencies, essential for revealing subtle harmonic details and overtones.
Impedance and Sensitivity
With an impedance rating of 25 Ohms, these headphones are designed to function efficiently with a large variety of audio sources, including moderately powered headphone amplifiers and portable devices. The sensitivity is rated at 96 dB at 1 kHz and 1 mW, indicating that the headphones can achieve high volume levels without requiring excessive power input. However, the maximum sound pressure level is limited to 96 dB, ensuring safe listening volumes without distortion at moderate gain.
Cabling and Connectivity
The TH808 features a detachable, low-oxygen copper cable spanning 3 metres, which supports flexible use cases including studio environments where longer cables are necessary. The two-sided cable routing adds practicality for cable management, and the 6.3 mm stereo jack connection fits professional-grade audio equipment.
Replacement cables are available, which increases the product’s longevity and ensures users can maintain optimal connectivity over time. The absence of an included adaptor does mean users must verify compatibility with their existing gear, particularly if they require smaller or balanced connectors.
Practical Considerations and Included Accessories
The supplied accessories include a leather carrying bag and a manual, emphasising portability and user guidance. The leather bag offers protection and discreet transportation, useful for professionals on the move or audiophiles who value care for their equipment.
The 370-gram weight, combined with the open-back format, promises comfortable extended listening sessions without excessive clamping force. However, the open-back system also means sound leakage will occur, which may not be suitable for noisy or public environments.
Conclusion
The Fostex TH808 presents a sophisticated build combining traditional materials with modern engineering. Its wide frequency response and Biodyne drivers suggest it will deliver detailed and natural sound reproduction, particularly in controlled listening environments. The moderate impedance and sensitivity allow versatile usage with various audio sources, though its open-back design restricts suitability in non-quiet settings.
The robust construction, detachable cable, and included leather bag enhance its appeal as a long-term investment for professional or dedicated audiophile use. While the £925 price tag positions it in the premium bracket, buyers seeking meticulous craftsmanship and expansive soundstage clarity will find the TH808 compelling.
