the art of electrodynamic harmony

Monday 11th November 2024 07:02 AM

Part of the latest products from the Japanese brand Fostex, the TH808 headphones are halfway between the new TH616 that we tested recently and the flagship TH909 model to which we awarded our ON-topaudio Gold Award label in 2020. From the first, it partly takes up the wooden hulls. From the second, it monopolizes the high-end electrodynamic transducers and especially the very specific acoustic filters which make it a semi-open Hifi headset. Let’s see if this hybridization is successful?

Fostex TH808

Type: semi-open, wired, over-ear Hifi headphones
ON-mag’s opinion: (5/5)
Price at the time of testing: 1600 €

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You don’t change a recipe for success

Aesthetically and functionally, the TH808 is a pure Fostex headset, with great classicism in its approach. From the TH909 and TH616, it uses the same hoop as well as shells of identical shape and dimensions. The structure, if not very original, has the merit of being essentially composed of metal parts, of being solid and robust, without weighing tons. With its asymmetrical profile ear pads (thicker at the rear), its wide headband, its not too pronounced clamping force, its still reasonable weight and its good mass distribution, the TH808 adapts quite well to all heads, including those of eyeglass wearers, without causing excessive fatigue even after several hours of use.
We can only criticize this headset for its very limited sound insulation (compared to external noise), even if it seemed to us to be a bit better than that of the TH616. Some users also note that its headband height adjustments could be firmer.

Optimized acoustic damping and motor

Like the TH616, the TH808 uses a 50mm Biodyna electrodynamic transducer (specific to Fostex/Foster) per earpiece. This is equipped with a biocellulose membrane associated with a neodymium motor with “magnetic repulsion” as on the TH909.
Each of the shells is formed of a ring of walnut wood, as on the TH616, with in the center an acoustic filter (or lens) identical to that of the TH909, composed of several layers of foam and fibers trapped behind metal louvers with diamond-shaped openings of decreasing sizes.

Listening: the perfect synthesis?

In the field, the Fostex TH808 actually achieves a good synthesis between the TH909 and the TH616. Its sound reproduction is not as extremist, technical and precise as that of the flagship model of the Japanese brand. On the other hand, he is much more accommodating. Where the TH909 did not suffer from the imperfections of sound recording or mixing, the TH808 is more magnanimous. Its high end still has a very nice yarn and excellent extension, but it is softer, less incisive and surgical. The bass register, while seeming slightly deeper, is also less inward and explosive.

In comparison with the TH616, the TH808 goes further. The qualitative gain is significant. The bass is firmer and has greater impact. The restitution as a whole gains in definition. The notion of sound space is particularly convincing. The stereophonic image has relief, as much as is possible from headphones. It has a lot of breadth while maintaining conciseness as well as a particularly precise positioning of the sound elements in width and depth.

In summary

The TH808 finds its place perfectly, both in terms of its price and its performance, within the brilliant range of electrodynamic Hifi headphones from Fostex. Easy to power, it is wiser and gentler than the explosive TH909, while providing listening performance substantially superior to that of the TH616. It is a high-end model that is easy to live with, which has character, but also a lot of control, which is particularly recommended.

The Fostex TH808 on the measuring bench

The Fostex TH808 helmet analyzed by ON-mag

>>> ALSO READ: ALL OUR HIFI HEADPHONE TESTS

Specifications

Type: semi-open, wired, over-ear Hifi headphones
Transducers: 50 mm electrodynamic Biodyna type
Sensitivity: 100 dB/mW
Maximum admissible power: 1800 mW
Frequency response: 5 Hz to 45 kHz
Accessories supplied: detachable Y cable with rhodium plugs, storage pouch
Yes: 370 g
Prix : 1600 €

Manufacturer’s website: www.fostexinternational.com