Fostex TH X00From real comments

Verdict distilled from 43 mentions across 14 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment53%
PROS 53%
CONS 47%

Rank based on 43 mentions across 14 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want fun, punchy bass for EDM, hip-hop, rock or metal
  • You want premium wood/metal build quality at a mid-tier price
  • You mainly listen at home and don't need portability

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need a genuinely neutral, mid-forward or analytical sound
  • You're highly treble-sensitive and can't tolerate any peak
  • You need out-of-the-box comfort without pad modding

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

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1Premium
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Transparency ModeNoise CancellationSound QualityiOS/Apple Ecosystem Lock-inDurability/Crackling ConcernsHigh Price
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Transparency Mode
Noise Cancellation
Sound Quality
iOS/Apple Ecosystem Lock-in
Durability/Crackling Concerns
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2Mid
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3Premium
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro
Exceptional comfortStrong for gaming and imagingImprovement over HD 650/6XXIrritating L/R lettering inside padsBuild/pad quality issues reportedHigh price relative to alternatives
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Exceptional comfort
Strong for gaming and imaging
Improvement over HD 650/6XX
Irritating L/R lettering inside pads
Build/pad quality issues reported
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4Mid
Sennheiser HD 25
Exceptional durabilityBalanced, quality soundFully repairable/modularCable-to-driver cutout issuesStrong clamping forceUnconventional cable entry side
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Exceptional durability
Balanced, quality sound
Fully repairable/modular
Cable-to-driver cutout issues
Strong clamping force
Unconventional cable entry side
5Mid
Philips SHP9500S
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
Shure SRH1540
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
Philips SHP9500
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
Apple EarPods
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 TH X00
Fun, bass-forward sound signatureEasy to drivePremium build quality and materialsUncomfortable stock earpadsPad swaps often hurt the bass/sound signatureHeavier weight and headband comfort concerns
Fostex TH X00
Fun, bass-forward sound signature
Easy to drive
Premium build quality and materials
Uncomfortable stock earpads
Pad swaps often hurt the bass/sound signature
Heavier weight and headband comfort concerns

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

A genuinely fun, bass-forward sound signature that wins over owners across many genres. Commenters repeatedly describe the TH-X00 as their 'most fun' headphone, with satisfying, sometimes excessive mid-bass and V-shaped tuning that suits EDM, hip-hop, rock and metal especially well. Some feel the bass is more mid-bass than sub-bass, and a few dispute how powerful the bass really is, but the overwhelming consensus is an engaging, energetic listen with clear, detailed treble that stops just short of fatiguing for most listeners, though a minority find it sharp during long sessions.

Premium build materials but a genuinely mixed comfort and cable experience. One detailed comment clarifies the 'plastic'-looking frame is actually magnesium alloy with duralumin adjustment mechanisms and a stainless headband, giving a premium feel for the price, plus real wood cups. However, the stock pads are widely disliked for comfort and sound, driving heavy pad-rolling (Brainwavz, ZMF, Dekoni, HM5), and the stock cable is criticized as low quality, with one owner reporting it shorted out and damaged an audio interface.

Easy to drive but fragile cups, mitigated by strong seller support. Multiple owners note the TH-X00's low impedance makes it easy to drive well even from basic amps like a Schiit Magni/Modi stack, requiring no expensive amplification to sound its best. On the downside, the magnesium cup brackets are described as strong but brittle, and one buyer had a pair break at the brackets; Massdrop replaced them without question, which owners cite as a reason to buy directly from the retailer.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?