It is unlikely that there are headphones that are more popular with enthusiasts for the manual “tweaking” of sound than the Fostex T50RP. A successful model, which has been produced for many years, by itself sounds very peculiar, but since this model uses very high-quality isodynamic emitters, a skillful application of hands makes it possible to achieve incredible results. Two pairs of Fostex fell into my hands, , and I decided not to miss the opportunity to talk about them.
I'll start from afar. What is famous for Fostex themselves? The company was founded as a subsidiary of another, no less famous company Foster, to play the role of a “premium” brand. It is worth noting that they succeeded: the components of acoustic systems, professional recording equipment, headphones and many other electronic products of this brand have gained immense popularity. In addition, Fostex is a well-known OEM manufacturer of the same headphones.
Since 1986, the Fostex T20 and T40 headphones have been quite popular in recording studios, but as time went on, of course, a company of this level could not help but imagine their vision of the modern headphone market in the final product. That is why in 2002, Fostex presented a model T50RP. Outwardly, this model looks very similar to its predecessors, but a lot of things in the T50RP are done differently: these are the first isodynamic headphones using magnets made from neodymium-iron-boron alloy. It is worth noting that the T50RP has nothing to do with the other model, which has been produced since 1978 under the symbol T50, except for the general principle of operation.
What kind of isodynamic headphones? I wrote about this in a large article on the principles of operation of headphones, here I will only briefly repeat the basic principles. The basis of the isodynamic (and similarly orthodynamic) emitter are parallel grids of powerful magnets. A membrane is placed between the grids, with a conductive track applied to it. When an electrical signal is applied to this track, an alternating electromagnetic field arises, which interacts with the constant magnetic field of the arrays. This causes the membrane to move and create vibrations of air, which we perceive as sound. Due to the design features, such emitters are characterized by a very flat frequency response and high detail, so many top models of modern headphones (Audeze LCD, HiFiMan HE, and expensive Fostex models) use this mechanism.
Among the negative aspects of such a design, it is worth noting the demanding of headphones for the quality of the signal source and the gain and the high price of ready-made solutions.
It was the last factor that gave rise to the popularity of the Fostex T50RP, which offered isodynamic emitters at a very affordable price. For a number of reasons, calling the “stock” Foxtex T50RP an absolutely successful purchase will not work. Very strange frequency response, highly colored sound and very uncomfortable design make their use not very pleasant, despite the huge potential of their emitters.
Of course, the DIY community could not overlook the fact of such a blatant injustice and began to offer various options for correcting both sound and ergonomics.
ZMF (short for Zach's Modified Fostex) fixes both aspects at the same time and adds something new.
First of all, the modification concerns the appearance. Fostex T50RP can be painted in white, red, blue and many more other colors, different templates and sticker strips from the film "under the carbon" are also available. Painting is very high quality, in many layers, with drying in between. As another option - you can order the painting of copper bars, which hold the cup in black, for example, one of my options is made on the contrast of white cups with black fastening.
The next thing that affects the modification is comfort. Flat ear cushions, supplied with headphones, are replaced by Fischer Audio FA-003 cushions (they are BrainWavz HM5), which have long proven to be one of the best solutions for comfort. Also refined headband. By default, a strip of soft leather is placed in the fashion under the headband, as in many other headphones, but as an additional option you can install a “pilot pad” - a soft pillow that covers the upper part of the headband. In general, both options are very comfortable, and all claims to the comfort of Fostex are removed.
Of course, they do not bypass the side modifications and sound. The company has two modifications of headphones, called simply V1 and V2, about which I will write below. As additional options, you can also order a headphone jack change. In Fostex, the usual 3.5-mm connector is used, but the plug body needs an angled, with special lugs for mounting, which makes cable replacement not always possible, besides, the standard connector is not of very high quality, and sometimes it even splits before the contact is lost . Alternatively, ZMF offer installation of a gold-plated connector at the bottom of the cup, which makes it possible to use any cable with the appropriate connector. As an option, it is also possible to install a 4-pin mini-XLR connector, which allows you to connect headphones using a separate-ground circuit. For any connection option, ZMF offers high-quality and convenient cables and a wide selection of connectors. I immediately ordered both pairs of headphones in a “balanced” version and two different cables: balanced and simple, with a 6.3 mm jack to compare different connection options.
The following equipment was used for listening.
- MacBook Pro Early 2011
- Yulong DA8 in HogMode as DAC
- Violectric HPA-200 as an amplifier
- Fiio E12 as an amplifier
- Fidelia as a player
- Records in lossless formats
The main feature of the isodynamic headphones (despite the small impedance of 50 Ω) is the sensitivity to gain. Moreover, it’s not only power, power alone is not always enough (although it is also very important), it is necessary that the amplifier has excellent speed characteristics for unlocking the potential of isodynamic emitters.
Two modifications of the headphones sound altogether similar and have similar handwriting, the difference is that the V2 model is made more bassist. It has a frequency response with the rise in the midbass and lower middle, which gives it more drive in the sound. On the other hand, V1 is more detailed and sounds equal. In addition, V1 is more sensitive to gain and requires a higher class source. Also worth keeping in mind that at low volume V2 sounds more natural.
It should be understood that the paragraph written above compares V1 and V2 only with each other. Despite the lower resolution, V2 exceeds most dynamic models of the lower and middle price range in this parameter, and V1 at low volume sounds worse than V2, but still more than worthy.
In order: V1. Headphones monitor, with good control, energetic and biting attacks. Their sound will appeal to lovers of AKG K70x, they are good for complex, multi-faceted music, for vocals and acoustic instruments. Hearing in them the live performance of the duo Musica Nuda or the classic Jazz at the Pawnshop - it is difficult then to return to the languid and muddy dynamic headphones.
Model V2. More taste, more drive, but still isodynamic. The bass is perfectly controlled and fed with maximum precision. Metal and rock, electronic music and rap are the skates of this model. Greatly reveal with them, for example, Dire Straits tracks or Stephen Wilson's solo albums.
In general, the sound of both models is very transparent, little colored, the instruments are so divided that you can listen to individual parts with pleasure even in complex orchestral compositions. With good amplification, the headphones give the effect of volume and you can clearly imagine the arrangement of musicians around the scene.
I initially doubted the need to use a balanced cable and an appropriate connection, but taking into account the recent trends, I decided to try it and ordered the right cable from ZMF. The connection through the balanced output of the amplifier surprised me. The bass gets a little deeper, and due to this, the music becomes more physical.
Now about the price. The basic version of the modified Fostex will cost you $ 200, this price includes a new pair of Fostex T50RP (it’s convenient that you don’t need to buy and send them yourself), their modification, ear cushions from Brainwavz, a strip of recycled leather on the headband and a complete cable from Foxtex. Painting the hull will cost $ 50, additional painting mounts - another $ 20. Replacing the connector on a gold-plated 3.5 mm - $ 50, and on the XLR - $ 75. But the most interesting thing here is that when ordering more than one option, the price will be lower than in total. For example, painting the cups and simply replacing the nest cost $ 290, and “full stuffing” in the form of coloring the cups and fixtures and installing the XLR connector will cost $ 120.
The cables offered by ZMF for their headphones cost from $ 40 to $ 75 depending on the material and length. Pilot Pad will cost you $ 25 (really a good investment). International shipping - another 25 dollars. It is easy to estimate that ZMF obviously does not bring the creator of super-profits, and you pay a fair enough price for the work done.
If you appreciate in the headphones first of all, detail and accuracy, if you are ready to spend money on a serious amplifier (by the way, this does not always mean “expensive”), if you want to get headphones made in your own style, then ZMF is a very good option with incredible value for money.
The article is based on materials .
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