Massdrop x Fostex TH-X00 Ebony ​

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(Above, left to right) Fostex x Massdrop TH-X00 Purpleheart, TH-X00 (original), and TH-X00 Ebony. (Click on photo to see larger version.) ​

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(Above) Frequency response: Fostex x Massdrop TH-X00 Mahogany (brown), TH-X00 Ebony (black). ​

(Click on image to see full size.) ​

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(Above, left to right) Fostex x Massdrop TH-X00 Purpleheart, TH-X00 (original), and TH-X00 Ebony. (Click on photo to see larger version.) ​

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Measurements:​

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(Above) Frequency response: Fostex x Massdrop TH-X00 Ebony. (Click on image to see full size.)​

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(Above) Total harmonic distortion (THD): Fostex x Massdrop TH-X00 Ebony. (Click on image to see full size.)​

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(Above) Frequency response: Fostex x Massdrop TH-X00 Mahogany (brown), TH-X00 Purpleheart (purple), TH-X00 Ebony (black).​

(Click on image to see full size.)​

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(Above) Total harmonic distortion (THD): Fostex x Massdrop TH-X00 Mahogany (brown), TH-X00 Purpleheart (purple), TH-X00 Ebony (black). ​

(Click on image to see full size.) ​

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NOTE: The measurements reflect diffuse field correction applied via the APx555's input EQ.​

Audio Precision APx555 audio analyzer G.R.A.S. 45CA Headphone/Hearing-protector Test Fixture G.R.A.S. KB0072/KB0073 small pinnae; G.R.A.S. RA0045 IEC 60318-4 ear simulators including G.R.A.S. 40AG microphones; G.R.A.S. 26AS 1/4" microphone preamplifier; G.R.A.S. 12AP microphone power module Rupert Neve Designs RNHP headphone amplifier Herzan acoustic enclosure (custom)



Of the countless things Massdrop sells, it's their direct manufacturer collaborations that interest me the most, as they're enthusiast-driven, and often enthusiast-co-designed. In their audio collaborations, this model has provedfruitful, with the AKG K7XX, Grace Design x Massdrop m9XX DAC/amp, and, of course, the Fostex x Massdrop TH-X00. As if I didn't buy enough gadgets and gear from Massdrop, today they're releasing the latest (and last) installment in the Fostex x Massdrop TH-X00 series of wood headphones--the TH-X00 Ebony--and it's the best in the series, in my opinion.Remember that Massdrop's Will Bright wanted to work with Fostex to create the dominant price-to-performance closed-back headphone in the $500 price range, based on the TH-600/TH-900 driver and frame, but with an adjusted sound signature. With the original TH-X00 (with earcups crafted of mahogany), I do believe they've cooperated to do just that, providing one of the best sub-$500 closed-back headphones on the market, and with $100 to spare.The second in the series was the $450 TH-X00 Purpleheart. With the TH-X00 Purpleheart, Fostex x Massdrop changed the earcups from mahogany to purpleheart wood, and the change had a noticeable impact on tonal balance, its most pronounced effect (to my ears) being a richer overall tone, with stronger bass and midrange presence than the original TH-X00. While I wouldn't describe the TH-X00 Purpleheart as a basshead headphone, there's no missing its more full-bodied flavor. My personal preference between the two? The original.This latest (and, again, the last) variant in the Fostex x Massdrop TH-X00 series--the TH-X00 Ebony--has more in common with the original TH-X00 (mahogany) than the Purpleheart, and is, for me, the best of the three. To me, the TH-X00 Ebony is a refinement of the original TH-X00--if you love the original TH-X00 (and I do), I'm dang near 100% certain you're going to love the TH-X00 Ebony at least as much, and probably at least a bit more. Why? To my ears, across the audioband, the Ebony is like a fine-tuning of the original. The Ebony's bass pulses a bit more cleanly, quickly; its midband presents with more resolution, lifting a gauzy veil that only surfaced in direct comparison. Perhaps most impressive to me, though, is the Ebony's improvements in terms of treble refinement. Shimmer? Check. Air? Check. Was the original TH-X00 unnaturally sibilant? I didn't think so; but, still, the Ebony manages to clean up that all-importantarea of the treble region quite nicely. In terms of sonics, the Ebony (compared to the original)--to my ears--presents no tradeoffs at all. What sonic differences there are, are all in the Ebony's favor, as far as I'm concerned.There are, however, some non-sonic tradeoffs. For one, the Ebony is $100 more expensive than the original TH-X00--$500 versus $400. The Ebony is also 3.5 ounces (100 grams) heavier, weighing (with cable) 20.5 ounces (582 grams). Those gained ounces are a result of the ebony wood's denser nature--I suspect, though, that ebony's increased density and rigidity have something to do with this version's sonic improvements. Does it feel heavier on the head than the original? Yes. Is the headphone's design adept at making the weight comfortable for long-term listening sessions? For me, yes, and I have no problem wearing the Ebony for long session. However, if you're super-sensitive to headphone weight, know that 582 grams is a heavy headphone.Do I want one? Oh yeah. And if you want one, be aware of the fact that this drop is limited to 1000 units due to difficulties sourcing ebony wood suitable for the purpose. In fact, Fostex and Massdrop aren't yet certain they'll be able to source enough suitable ebony to produce more than 2000 units, period. You can check out the TH-X00 Ebony drop at the following link:Audio measurements were made using: