Fostex TH-5BB Review

The Fostex TH-5BB has been around for years, so it’s probably safe to say that we missed the boat on this headphone.  That being said, I just unearthed a pair on my review desk.  Plugging them in and cuing up some tunes, it’s plain to see that they’re not all that bad, but how well do these $49 headphones stand up in comparison to newer models?

Fostex TH-5BB Review

Simply packaged in carboard and plastic, these headphones come with a 5 ft (1.5 m) extension cable ending in a 1/4” stereo plug.

Comprised primarily of plastic, the headband and extenders are reinforced with the presence of an aluminum band.  Pleather padding on the over-ear cups and thick headband go far in delivering comfort.

These headphones feature a semi-open design, offering a sense of realism and a sound that might leak – just a little.

Specs

Frequency Range:  20-20,000 Hz
Impedance:  44 ohms
Sound Pressure Level (SPL):  116 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD):  NA

The specifications for the TH-5BB are in-line with a run-of-the-mill studio model; the 20-20,000 Hz frequency range is standard fair, as is the relatively-low impedance of 44 ohms.  SPL was a bit more than I would have guessed, and the result is ample volume across the board.  Distortion, while not quantified by Fostex, seems to be around <0.3%.  Not a bad set of specs, to say the least – and made all the sweeter by the low price.

Low End

In the low end, there is an acceptable amount of detail.  Despite missing some nuances in the lows, the sound is pretty much what I’d  expect from an entry-level studio monitor.  The presence of an ample bass is tempered by decent control.  While not too sloppy, the bass does occasionally bleed, but adds a certain liveliness to some tracks.

Mids

The midrange on the TH-5BB is home to slight compression in the upper mids.  It’s  not a deal-breaker, and most people (if they can even detect it) will probably just shrug it off.  While instrumentation seems to weather this compression with more ease than the vocals do, neither will suffer from any noticeable distortion.

High End

More relaxed than bright, the high end is a mixed bag.  For some tracks, I preferred the smoother high end, but found it lacking in regard to the highest high notes.  You won’t want to use it for critically listening to stringed instruments, but it’ll probably handle most pop and rock music with relative ease.

Soundstage

Ah!  Here the semi-open design comes into play.  With tons of depth, the sound does seem to be around you as opposed to just reverberating inside your head.  However, the sense of placement in the soundstage is cramped at best, and can seem downright oppressive on tracks that utilize a wealth of instruments.

Other Observations

The comfort offered by the TH-5BB is probably reason enough to buy it – as a cheap monitor, it performs well, but that comfort is just icing on the cup.  My big Dumbo ears could wear these all day without any ear fatigue whatsoever.

As I spent more time listening to these headphones, I found my appreciation for the low end growing.  Of course, it’s not the ideal headphone for listening to classical or orchestral pieces.  But for pop and rock, I can really get into that sound – the driving bass is easily complimented by the detailed mids and smooth highs.

Recommendations

If detail throughout the frequency range is your cup of tea, the Audio Technica M20x may be a slightly better option.  An even better choice might be the Koss UR42i, but without the sense of soundstage.

Those seeking a similar sound overall, but with better build and much more detail, could also consider the higher-end TR90.  At $169, this is obviously a more expensive alternative, but the sound is much improved, and worth every penny.

Personally, I’d be quick to take the TH-5BB over the Audio Technica M20x any day.  As a studio headphone, I’d  probably pass it up in favor of something similar from Koss.  However, as a headphone for casually listening to pop or rock music, the Fostex TH-5BB is a no-brainer.

Final Analysis

Cheap as chips and still somehow well-built, the Fostex TH-5BB wouldn’t be our first choice for a studio monitor.  However, the lively low end and tempered mids and highs do much to recommend it for casual listening.

You can find these cans for the best price at:

Audio 46 (Use out promo code, “majorhifi” to get 10% off)