With the release of the Fostex TH900 MK2 Limited Edition Green, we have been thinking about the TH900 MK2 a lot here at Major HiFi. I had never listened to the TH610 and TH900 side-by-side, so I figured today I’d do just that. Both headphones have similar specs, so I’m extra curious about how their sounds compare, especially since there is such a steep price difference between them. Without further ado, here is a full Fostex TH610 and Fostex TH900 MK2 comparison review.

Fostex TH610 and Fostex TH900 MK2 Comparison Review

Specifications

In the Box

Design

Earcups

The biggest difference when I pick up both the Fostex TH610 and Fostex TH900 MK2 is their earcup look. The TH610 has a smooth wood grain finish and the TH900 MK2 has a sleek and glossy red finish.

Earpads

Secondly, the earpads are different from each other. The TH610 has wider earpads that are shaped to specifically contour the ear. They are also firm. On the other hand, the TH900 MK2 has a narrower and symmetric earpad. This earpad is softer, and feels like it might be more comfortable. We will see I suppose.  I’m curious to see how this affects the sound as well.

Headband

Both headphones have the same headband- both featuring a pleather coated cushion.

Sound

Similar Sound Signature

Before diving into listening to both side-by-side, I want to go over their basic sound signatures which I have experienced by listening to each separately. Both will have big, detailed bass frequencies. Additionally, I know them to both have a lively mid-range and exaggerated highs. That said, let’s take a closer look.

Fostex TH610

Flipping through a variety of genres, I notice that I’m liking these headphones on just about everything I try. While the mid-range feels fairly flat, there seems to be a boost up somewhere around 10kHz. The lows are punchy and forward as I was expecting. I especially like the way these headphones react to electric guitars and synths. They sound both full and present.

The TH610 has nice stereo imaging, although its tallness is less impressive. While it reaches up high, it lacks height down low. It’s sense of depth is also timid.

Fostex TH900 MK2

Switching over the the TH900 MK2 I immediately notice a greater sense of air to them. They feel less aggressive overall. The mid-range feels quite similar to the TH610s but the low end is somehow even lower and punchier. The low frequencies also seem to be more reactive and faster than the others.

The biggest sonic difference between the two headphones is that the Fostex TH900 MK2 has a massive sense of depth in comparison. The imaging overall is more accurate, but especially the depth. There is a greater sense that I am listening to speakers and this makes the music feel more alive and emotional.

Overview

Both the Fostex TH610 and the Fostex TH900 MK2 are amazing headphones! They work well with all genres, and while their sound is definitely unique, all audiophiles should give them a chance as far as I’m concerned.

For headphones with such similar specifications, they certainly sound different, at least in their soundstage. The TH900 MK2 has much more accurate imaging, so if you are an audiophile with a larger budget who wants to get the most out of the Fostex line, the TH900 MK2 is for you. For those with a smaller budget, definitely check out the TH610s!

Both the Fostex TH610 and Fostex TH900 MK2 are available for the best price here:

Fostex TH610 at Audio 46

Fostex TH610 on Amazon

Fostex TH900 MK2 at Audio 46

Fostex TH-900 MK2 Limited Edition Pearl White at Audio46

Fostex TH900 MK2 on Amazon

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