Review: Fostex T60RP (Marvellous Mahogany)

Firstly I would like to thank Matt at SCV for loaning me this pair of T60rp’s to review, they have been used and burnt in.

*disclaimer: This sample was provided on loan for the purpose of writing a review, no incentive was given to write a favourable review. All opinions expressed are my own subjective findings.

Tech Specs:

·        Type:    Semi-open

·        Impedance:    50 ohm

·        Sensitivity:    92dB/mW

·        Max Input:    3,000mW

·        Freq. response:    15 - 35K Hz

·        Weight:    Approx. 380g (excluding cable)

https://www.scvdistribution.co.uk/product/fostex-professional-audio-and-hifi-equipment/fostex-t60rp-semi-open-headphones

Packaging, Build Quality and Accessories:

The T60rp come in a big black Fostex box with a sleeve noting the model with a picture of them on it too. The sleeve with the model on it does not have any extra info, I think some info about the model would be good but I also think the person buying these kind of knows what they are getting. The sleeve comes off and you lift the top of the box up, you’ll find the headphones in a foam in-tray with the accessories neatly packed in a cardboard insert. All in all the packaging is simple but attractive, and keep the headphones nice and safe.

Build quality is really good, there is a little creaking coming from hinges on the cups but I am sure this will disappear with good use. The headband is metal and pleather, with a real leather suspension strap that makes it more comfortable than the T50rp. The cups are expertly finished, the 3.5mm socket is fully balanced and the earpads are deeper and angled compared to the T50rp. The stock cable is sheathed in fabric and terminates in a 3.5mm jack. Overall I really like the look and feel of the T60rp, and the wood looks superb in real life.

Accessory wise you get a 3.5 to 6.3mm adaptor, a soft carry bag and the cable, everything you need is included and for the price I could not really ask for more. You can buy a balanced cable separately.

Comfort and Isolation:

The T60rp are an improvement in the comfort department over the T50rp etc… firstly the pads are deeper and much plusher, secondly there is a headband strap that distributes the pressure more evenly. This means you can now wear them for periods of over an hour without discomfort. They are still not the most comfortable headphones in the world, but I did not have any issues during longer listening sessions.

Isolation is average, as these are semi-open back, so they dull some outside noise but you wouldn’t be using these in public. They do leak at louder volumes, so if you are using them in an office be careful of your volume.

Sound:

Split into the usual categories with a conclusion at the end.

Lows: The T60rp are about accuracy down low, they can extend fairly deep but do roll-off a little early. This does not detract from the overall sound that is still a little on the fuller side. The nice thing about the lows is the impact and the control, they are not bloated and have just the right amount of body, they also have excellent timbre down low. Overall the lows are tight and fast, but also come out when called for. They won't satisfy bassheads, but if you enjoy realistic lows these have them. They sound a lot more natural down low than the T50rp (stock).

Mids: This is where the T60rp really stand out, the midrange is totally separate from the lows yet without sounding detached. There is absolutely no warming from the lows which allows both male and female vocals stand out with excellent clarity. The midrange perfectly occupies the centre stage of these headphones, being pinpoint accurate and also revealing of flaws in the recording. The midrange is so enticing on the T60rp, it just wants you to get lost in the music with its accurate and natural portrayal of the music. I think the main highlight is how natural they sound. The transition to the highs is also smooth and sibilance free, unless the recording has it.

Highs: The highs here again are placed perfectly, no part of the frequency response is trying to grab your attention, it is a level playing field. The highs extend with ease and have a natural quality to them, along with an incredible sense of space and air. Again the accuracy here is spot on, you can tell exactly where things are placed in the recording. These are far from being bright, they are really even across the board, when there are details to be heard in the treble, these reveal them. Otherwise they are always there, not grabbing your attention but making sure that you are hearing everything.

The soundstage on the T60rp is more accurate than it is super wide. There is plenty of air and separation, along with it being wider than the cups would make you think, leaving you with an accurate and fairly spacious stage. The separation is superb however, and everything is clean and well separated.

Conclusion: I have become very fond of the T60rp due to its natural and honest portrayal of music. Things sound real out of them, they may not excel when it comes to pure technicalities but when you listen to them you forget about that and just become immersed in the music. On that merit I suggest you try and demo these if you can.

Sound Perfection Rating: 8/10 (they may fall on some technicalities, but they are natural and a great listen)