Unlike the original TH900, the mk2 is equipped with a detachable cable port, so you have the option to swap cables. The TH900 mk2 come with a high-purity OFC 7N Grade (99.99999%) unbalanced cable; an optional balanced cable is also available. The cable’s plug-sleeve is made of high-durability duralumin (a lightweight aluminum alloy).

The TH900 mk2 has a 50mm dynamic driver with a neodymium magnetic circuit that adopts the magnetic repulsion system with 1.5 tesla (15,000 gauss) magnetic flux density to achieve wider dynamic range. The proprietary "Biodyna" diaphragm is made from bio-cellulose fiber. This fiber features low specific gravity, high Young's modulus (the "stiffness" of a material) and high internal loss to achieve two times higher propagation velocity and five times higher rigidity vs. the conventional plastic film-based driver unit. What this all translates to is fine and high-resolution sound reproduction.

The TH900 mk2 has an impedance of 25 ohms and a sensitivity rating of 100 dB. This makes the headphone relatively easy to drive, including from your phone. However, we always recommend pairing your hifi headphones with a DAC (digital to analog converter) / headphone amplifier for maximum performance.

The Fostex TH900 mk2 strikes me as a subtle V-shaped sound signature, which represents the shape you would see if you look at a bump in the bass and treble and a dip in the midrange on a frequency graph. The bass is visceral — deep, full, and very satisfying. Highs are full of sparkle - you can't ignore them. If you're listening to vocals with sibilance, you're going to hear those "ess" sounds. (Example: Taylor Haring from the Americana/Roots duo Athens Creek.) The midrange, being slightly recessed, has the potential to be engulfed by the low end, but I did not find this to be the case across the board. On some tracks, vocals were farther back than I would like, but on other tracks they held their own. A general guidance here is that on tracks with an abundance of bass, you may get less midrange or vocal clarity than you would like.

The Fostex TH900 mk2 Pearl White Edition and the Fostex TH900 mk2 Brilliant Purple Edition feature more than just aesthetic changes. Both of those headphones feature "anniversary tuning" with a smooth and focused low-end response. Essentially, it's a more neutral tuning with toned-down bass and a more present midrange.

Denon AH-D9200

The flagship Denon AH-D9200 has a natural, clear, and detailed signature. Like the TH900 mk2, it's got wood housing (Japanese bamboo), but on this headphone the lovely wood tone is left in an uncolored state. There is plenty of extension in both directions on this headphone, but overall the sound is more natural, less bassy, and less powerful than the Fostex. The Denon does have more midrange energy than the Fostex, though. In terms of fit, the headband on the Denon is, to me, more comfortable, but the cutout for the ears in the ear pads is surprisingly small and may not accommodate larger ears.

I opted to pair the TH900 mk2 with a Silver Dragon Premium Headphone Cable. My primary goal was more detail and definition in the midrange, which is slightly recessed and also set against a prominent low end. The Silver Dragon pulls out "lost" middle and high frequencies for more detail and tightens up the bass and keeps it controlled. Now, I wasn't looking to enhance the top end on this headphone, which the Silver Dragon will do. But the gains in the midrange made this the right choice for my ears.

Generally, stock audio cables are manufactured with subpar materials, metals with impurities, poor geometries, and an overabundance of layers to make them look and feel like a fire hose. Inconsistency and lack of quality control in stock cables can lead to poor sound quality and a veiled sound vs what the musician intended for you to hear and feel from the music. Dragon cables are handcrafted with the highest standards and made to order according to your specific needs. At Moon Audio, we create a custom cable for you using the highest quality UP-OCC silver or copper conductors that can be manufactured. UP-OCC metals are void of impurities and are optimized for signal transfer and sound quality. We have one of the largest collections of audio and headphone connection options available online and we create limitless audio cable options depending on your specific gear and needs.

Silver Dragon Sound Signature: The Silver Dragon is the original cable. Silver strands clarify instrument separation, increase the soundstage, and find previously lost high and mid-frequency sounds. Transients appear more cohesive and the bass tighter for a more controlled sound. The detail and clarity of the Silver Dragon make it a perfect match for classical music and other genres with many nuanced instruments.

Black Dragon Sound Signature: The Black Dragon is warm and smooth with a musical presentation. Copper strands enhance the body, shape, and immediacy of the music. The detail and expansiveness of the Black Dragon make it a flexible fit where a broad range of musical genres are played. It can also improve bass frequencies on bass-light headphones. The smooth, musical quality makes it a perfect fit for headphones that tend to sound a bit edgy or bright. Despite its warmth, the Black Dragon does not have a laid-back, lush sound. It is much closer to neutral, making it a very natural-sounding cable. For more information on finding your signature sound, visit our Sound Signature Guide.

Specifications