With Fostex’s upcoming release of the Limited Edition Emerald Green TH-900 MKII, MajorHiFi has been thinking about these headphones a lot lately. Only 100 of these deep green beauties will be available. So what’s the big deal? Do the Fostex TH-900 MKII headphones perform well against another fan favorite, the HIFIMAN Edition X V2? I’m about to find out with this Fostex TH-900 MKII vs HIFIMAN Edition X V2 comparison review.

Two Different Beasts – Fostex TH-900 MKII vs HIFIMAN Edition X V2 Comparison Review

Specifications

In the Box

Fostex TH-900 MKII

-Owner’s manual

-Safety info

-Picture booklet

-Carrying pouch

-Headphone stand

-Hefty ¼’’ straight cable

HIFIMAN Edition X V2

-Owner’s guide

-Hard-shell case

-¼’’ straight cable

-⅛’’ straight cable

Design

I’ve opened both boxes and, sitting in front of me, are two beautiful pairs of headphones. I pick them both up and notice they are similar in weight, both feeling balanced. They are lighter than I was imagining.

Fostex TH-900 MK II

The Fostex TH-900 MKII is closed-back and the earcups are glossy and smooth. I try the earcups and notice they don’t move much. They move about 45 degrees out of their original position making me think they may not be great for all head sizes but I can’t be sure. I put pressure on the headband and find it is quite flexible. Maybe the TH-900 MKII fit many different head sizes after all. I put the headphones on my head and am immediately impressed with how light and comfortable they feel.

HIFIMAN Edition X V2

On the other hand, the HIFIMAN Edition X V2 is an open-back headphone. It has planar magnetic drivers so I expect the earcups to be heavy on my head. I slide them on and notice that they too feel light and comfortable. The hug the ears a little bit tighter than the TH-900 MKII but it isn’t meant to be snug. It is more due to the gentle bend of the headband which looks like it could fit any head. I take the headphones off and try applying some pressure to the headband. It is somehow even more flexible than the TH-900 MKII. I’m impressed! I begin to swivel the earcups and find they spin 360 degrees. Very nice!

Sound

For the listening portion of the comparison, I’ve hooked up the Chord Mojo, one of my favorite headphone amplifiers (although both headphones will still produce adequate levels without an amp at just 25 ohms).

Fostex TH-900 MK II

I begin the listening test by first playing some folk-rock.  First, I listen to the Fostex TH-900 MKII. The first thing I notice is a boost in the high frequencies, somewhere between 6kHz and 8kHz. The high-hat is sticking out in an unnatural way. It is also making the vocals sit lower in the mix than normal and I’m not digging it with this music.

I switch through a few genres, indie-rock, reggae, hip-hop, jazz, classical, and finally find a place to settle with some synthy pop music. Here, the balance feels the best and my attention is drawn immediately to the bass frequencies. The low-end has a lot of space and the subs are dynamic and pumpy. The mid-range is dynamic too and I quite like how it is handling the synths and the electric guitars. The high frequency boost works well in this context but overall, I don’t like the highs so much. Moving back to some hip-hop, I find I’m falling in love with the punch low-end of these headphones. And again, moving to some orchestral classical music, I really like how the low-end handles cellos. The music feels alive and I like how the emotional qualities of the music are punctuated by the dynamic details in the low end.

HIFIMAN Edition X V2

Next, I slip on the HIFIMAN Edition X V2. There is no question that the highs are much warmer and balanced. The low-mids feel thicker, giving bass guitar, electric guitar, and drums more energy. The sub frequencies don’t feel as clear. As a result, pop music, electronic, and hip-hop doesn’t seem quite as interesting. But in general, every genre still sounds great! The smoothness of the mid-range makes switching between these headphones so starkly different. And yet both provide moments of audio euphoria given the right context.

Overview

Overall, I like the sound signature of the HIFIMAN Edition X V2 better than the Fostex TH-900 MK II. It is a more versatile headphone and for the genres I like to listen to, I need that flexibility. If I was able to merge the low end of the Fostex TH-900 MKII with the highs and mids of the HIFIMAN Edition X V2, I would be delighted. But alas, I am left here, as probably many audiophiles, wishing I could afford both. If you are an audiophile who particularly loves pop, electronic, or hip-hop, it is certainly worth taking a closer look at the TH-900 MKII. But if you want something that can keep up with your growth and change in music genre preference, the Edition X V2 is better for you.

The Fostex TH-900 MKII and the HIFIMAN Edition X V2 is available for the best price here:

Fostex TH-900 MKII at Audio 46

Fostex TH-900 MKII on Amazon

HIFIMAN Edition X V2 at Audio 46

HIFIMAN Edition X V2 on Amazon

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Also be sure to check out the Fostex TH900 MKII Limited Edition Emerald Green.