Fostex T50RP MK3 Studio Headphones - Musical Instruments

Product: Fostex T50RP MK3 Professional Studio Headphones, Semi-Open - Musical Instruments

Manufacturer provided details:
- Refined Fostex proprietary Regular Phase (RP) diaphragm driver using copper foil etched polyimide film and powerful neodymium magnet
- Maximum input level of 3000mW to comply with various professional uses
- Semi-open for flat and clear sound
- Low repulsion ear pad and head pad for maximum comfort
- Comes with 3m 1/4-inch plug detachable cable for best serviceability and 1.2m mini plug cable for portable audio use

Specifications:
- Brand: Fostex USA
- Model Number: AMS-T50RPMK3
- Item Weight: 11.4 ounces
- Product Dimensions: 7.68 x 4.13 x 7.09 inches
- Country of Origin: China
- ASIN: B0167XM092
- Item model number: AMS-T50RPMK3
- Customer Reviews: 4.5 out of 5 stars382 ratings4.5 out of 5 stars
- Best Sellers Rank: #2,850 in Over-Ear Headphones
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer: No
- Date First Available: October 6, 2015
- Color Name: Black
- Size: T50RP
- Color Screen: No
- Color: Black
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
- Model Name: T50RP MK3
- Form Factor: Over Ear
- Weight: 11.4 ounces
- Dimensions: 7.68 x 4.13 x 7.09 inches
- First Available: October 6, 2015

FAQ:
Q: How is the sound isolation?
A: Not good. If you want isolation, try T40RP MK3. They are closed and should provide better isolation and they use the same driver as the T50RP.

Q: Can you compare sound quality to Sennheiser Momentum 1.0? I am looking for my first open-back headphones.
A: The T50RP is the semi-open model and considered the most neutral sounding. The T20RP is the open-back model and considered to have the most bass. The T40RP are the closed-back model. As others have said, an AMP is recommended; these require a little power to drive. Probably the most power-hungry headphone I've owned.

Q: How hard are they to power? Will Fiio X3 (first gen) handle it?
A: I have a Hiby r3, Hiby r6 Pro, and a FIIO X3 II. The FIIO has significantly more power and drives the T50RP rather well. I am modding the T50RP to balanced to see if the Hiby's can provide more juice that way. I don't like running 100% volume for not enough drive strength. FIIO is a strong little bugger!

Q: Can the SMSL SD793-II DAC/amp combo power these to a modest level (not painfully high)?
A: I'm not sure this helps, but I use a Fiio A3 Amp w/ my Fostex... it gives nice even highs/lows amplification. I use it w/ an iPod nano, Samsung phone, and Nexus tablet... my computer and laptop drive the headphones fine w/o the amp.

Q: Where are they made?
A: The box says, "Made in China".

Q: I just got these and they sound bad. Do they need burn-in?
A: I'd say they need amplification more than burn-in. Mine sound bad without an amp or with a really weak amp/DAC combo I've got on-hand, but they sound great when I use a quality amp.

Q: Can I power these using the Schiit Fulla? We are talking 230mw rms.
A: Yes, you can, but will you get the most out of them "no".....I currently use Teac HA-501-S Dual Monaural Headphone Amplifier 1,400mW + 1,400mW Output Power (at 32 ohms). If it were me, I'd get something with more nuts....My portable amp specs: Technical Parameters: Rated output power: 800mW + 800mW (32Ω load) SNR: ≥101dB (A-weighted) Life time: about 12 hours (32Ω load) Frequency response: 20Hz-100kHz (± 1dB) Sensitivity: ≤500mV (gain H) and this does really well with it.

Q: Can it be driven by a Sound Blaster G5 amp/DAC?
A: Most likely not... The closed-back ones probably but the semi-open need a lot of power to drive from.