Fostex T50 RP

$99 on ebay

simply amazing - Everything just felt so right - it is so neutral/perfect sounding that i heard dynamics like never before because the entire freq. range was so smooth
Bass gives you the feeling of that superb deepness without purposely enriching instruments that shouldn't reach too low

I want an instruction manual that explains the technology - i mean it's patented anyway, that would be cool.

Construction is good - styling is nothing more than what it needs to be. they've got their heads on straight at fostex.

absolutely involving headphones - if you have really good cd's and like music, then these headphones are something worth having.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

The Fostex T50 RP are a pair of studio headphones designed for uses during recording. I haven't used them for any other purpose beyond monitoring during recording, so this review will be focused on this application alone. I was using the headphones to listen to myself and the band that I was playing with. I was in the control room and playing while the rest of the band was on the other side of the glass, so it was definitely crucial for me to be able to hear everything going on well as when you aren't in the same room as the people you're playing with, having a good sound is absolutely necessary. While these aren't the most comfortable headphones around, they do have a big sound which makes up for this. I'm just not a fan of the way the ear pieces feel around my head, but I could get it to stay on well so that I could at least hear everything going on. Since I haven't had a need to try them for other purposes, I can't really say how they would fair for mixing or checking mixes on. However, I would always discourage users not to mix on headphones anyway, as very few pairs of headphones are reliable mixing monitors. I would bet that these wouldn't do the job all that well even for checking mixes, but again since I haven't tried it I can't say for sure. When compared to the T20 RP headphones also made by Fostex, I do like these a bit more as I find them to be more comfortable, although still not ideally comfortable. However, at the price that the Fostex T50 RPs command, I think there are a number of other pairs of headphones out there that I would rather have over these. Having said this, the Fostex T50 RPs do have a nice and full sound, so I'd recommend giving them a whirl to see if they might be for you.

- How long have you use it?
I have this headset for about a year.

- What is so special that you like most and least?
It is relatively lightweight (390 g) and of good quality. The frequency response ranges from
15Hz and 35KHz and Max SPL is 133dB according to the manufacturer. Note that the 3-meter cord is detachable and therefore replaceable if broken.

- Have you tried many other models before buying it?
I have had for many years Fostex T20 model and the model I bought my T20 when T50RP have passed away.

- How would you rate the quality / price?
For about 90 euros, I think the quality is by appointment.

- With experience, you do again this choice? ...
Without hesitation, YES ...
I give a 9 because nothing is perfect.