Fostex T20RP Mk3From real comments

Verdict distilled from 18 mentions across 12 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment59%
PROS 59%
CONS 41%

Rank based on 18 mentions across 12 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want highly regarded planar magnetic sound at a budget price
  • You're willing to EQ or swap pads to dial in the tuning
  • You want a headphone known for tough, long-lasting build quality

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You want great comfort straight out of the box
  • You want a headphone that sounds ideal with zero tweaking
  • You don't want to deal with a flawed sliding headband mechanism

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

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1Premium
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Transparency Mode
Noise Cancellation
Sound Quality
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Durability/Crackling Concerns
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3Premium
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Improvement over HD 650/6XX
Irritating L/R lettering inside pads
Build/pad quality issues reported
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4Mid
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Balanced, quality sound
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Strong clamping force
Unconventional cable entry side
5Mid
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Exceptional comfort
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Exceptional comfort
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6Premium
Denon AH-D9200
Smooth, detailed treble and clarityStrong perceived value and end-game satisfactionTight, deep bassHigh price pointSibilant or fatiguing treble for sensitive earsTight fit for larger ears
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Smooth, detailed treble and clarity
Strong perceived value and end-game satisfaction
Tight, deep bass
High price point
Sibilant or fatiguing treble for sensitive ears
Tight fit for larger ears
7Premium
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
Excellent Call and Mic QualityAll-Day ComfortIndustry-Leading Noise CancellationHigh Price PointInconsistent Call Clarity in Certain EnvironmentsBluetooth Pairing Problems
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Excellent Call and Mic Quality
All-Day Comfort
Industry-Leading Noise Cancellation
High Price Point
Inconsistent Call Clarity in Certain Environments
Bluetooth Pairing Problems
8Premium
Shure SRH1540
Neutral, accurate soundExceptional comfortGreat detail and resolutionPerceived as 'boring' by some listenersElevated mid-bass/sub-bass not fully neutralSound highly dependent on seal and source
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Neutral, accurate sound
Exceptional comfort
Great detail and resolution
Perceived as 'boring' by some listeners
Elevated mid-bass/sub-bass not fully neutral
Sound highly dependent on seal and source
9Budget
Philips SHP9500
Exceptional value for moneyOutstanding comfortDetailed, neutral sound signatureLight or rolled-off bassCheap-feeling build qualityPerceived treble grain/sibilance
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Exceptional value for money
Outstanding comfort
Detailed, neutral sound signature
Light or rolled-off bass
Cheap-feeling build quality
Perceived treble grain/sibilance
10Budget
Apple EarPods
Excellent Sound Quality for PriceComfortable for Extended UseNo Charging RequiredLimited Noise IsolationBuild Quality ConcernsNot Secure for Active Use
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Excellent Sound Quality for Price
Comfortable for Extended Use
No Charging Required
Limited Noise Isolation
Build Quality Concerns
Not Secure for Active Use
You are here
31Mid
Fostex T20RP Mk3
Excellent value for moneyDurable, tough buildResponsive to tuning and amp pairingUncertain power/amp requirementsDifficult pad replacementFlawed sliding headband mechanism
Fostex T20RP Mk3
Excellent value for money
Durable, tough build
Responsive to tuning and amp pairing
Uncertain power/amp requirements
Difficult pad replacement
Flawed sliding headband mechanism

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Sound quality is highly praised but often needs tweaking to shine. Multiple commenters describe the stock sound as V-shaped with a dipped midrange, recommending EQ adjustments to flatten the response. Others say they never felt the need to mod and loved the stock sound, especially compared to the T50RP. Pad swaps to sheepskin or Dekoni pads are said to dramatically increase bass and improve the overall presentation and timbre.

Build quality and durability are consistently called excellent. One user reports using ten mk2 units in a recording studio for 15 years with none dying despite being dropped on hardwood floors repeatedly. The detachable cable design is praised as convenient to repair when broken. Multiple commenters call these the best bang-for-buck headphones they've owned, citing toughness for everyday and professional use.

Stock earpads and headband mechanism draw the most criticism. The included pads are described as thin, uncomfortable within an hour, and unacceptable for the price, pressing large drivers too close to the ears. The sliding size-adjustment mechanism is called flawed since it doesn't lock into place and slides during use, requiring improvised fixes. Replacing pads is also reported as a difficult, tight-fitting process.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?