Fostex TH900 Mk2chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

The design and bass draw immediate praise from owners. Commenters repeatedly highlight the TH900 Mk2's striking appearance, especially the red colorway, calling it gorgeous and beautiful. One owner of the Pearl version called the headphone fantastic and sold their HD800s soon after purchase. Bass response is another strength, with one listener pairing it with an EQ and bass boost to dramatically increase low-end extension, describing the effect as massaging. This combination of visual appeal and impactful bass gives the TH900 Mk2 an enthusiastic fanbase despite other shortcomings.

A harsh treble peak forces many owners into pad upgrades. Multiple commenters point to a 5-6k treble peak as a persistent issue, with one asking whether EQ could fix it. Stock pads are frequently swapped out: one owner replaced them with TH610 pads for better balance, while others recommend Yaxi or Dekoni sheepskin pads to tame the treble and bring the lower midrange forward. These fixes add real cost, with one buyer noting an extra $80 just for pads, making the out-of-box tuning a recurring complaint.

Build quality and value concerns temper enthusiasm for the price. At roughly $1,500, several commenters feel the build quality falls short, with one saying it 'feels like shit in your hands' despite liking the Fostex sound signature. Others note the stock cable disappoints, prompting upgrades to aftermarket options. Sound leakage is flagged as a problem for buyers specifically seeking closed-back isolation. Some also prefer cheaper alternatives like the TR-X00 Ebony or Purpleheart, citing more bass and less harsh treble for a fraction of the cost.