$2 Fostex cans

[Stuart Pedaso]

On yesterday's vinyl safari I popped in to a less frequented local thrift where selection doesn't often change. Though on rare occasion it can be a goldmine. I've scored some mint and even sealed LPs there -- @ their standard rate of $0.50 each!

Well, nothing new on the vinyl shelves this time. But nearby I spied a set of Fostex T20 ("v2" -- the desirable iteration of this model) in minty looking condition except for missing ear cushions. Nor could I find the detachable cord.

Still, for 2 bux I let them follow me home to play. Rigged a cord for testing and gave 'em a listen. Not bad! Not a balanced response of course (mostly lacking bass) with just the bare, cushionless cans slapped up against my head. But I can hear potential in these.

My dilemma now is replacing the ear cushions. The locking cord is easy enough to source but I'm not finding pads for these anywhere. May end up fabricating something. Unless anyone knows of replacements for another maker's round cans that have a 3-7/8" (99 mm) ID.

Once that's sorted I'll almost certainly try some of the popular mods for these.

Attached thumbnail of stock photo:

 

[BadassBob]

You should get some of the bass response back once you add cushions. I replaced the cushions on my MDR-V6s with the Beyer Dynamics cushions, and it brought the bass out a great deal.

 

[Sticklyman]

I don't know if the dimensions are the same, or even close, but those look a little bit like AKG K240s, which you should be able to find replacement cushions for.

 

[gearhound]

Nice score!!
I would not have imagined, Fostex manufacturing headphones??
Learn something new everyday................................

Steve

 

[Vaughn]

Don't replace the pads with anything but the original type...

I've owned these headphones (and other orthodynamics) many times and the pad is ESSENTIAL to their performance. I would go over to Head-fi.org and post a "WTB" ad for a pair of pads and someone will come forward. You can also lurk in the "orthodynamic roundup" thread and get more info on these (and mods that can be done).

BTW, they are an excellent set of headphones when properly amped (and with the right pads, of course). These like power (think of little Magnepans for your ears) and do very well driven from the headphone jack of vintage amps, especially Yamaha CR/CA series.

Great find, I would love to come across another pair...

 

[Jovinyl]

Nice find :thmbsp: Price was right. I have Fostex T50 RP. I like.
Fostex makes good headphones, My opinion.

 

[Stuart Pedaso]

Thanks for tips, commentaries and advice gents. The more I sample these, the more convinced I am they're worth restoring to optimum performance spec. And soon, hopefully -- my ears are aching against the hard plastic cans (switching back to Grado's now for recuperation!).

Pity that Fostex has gone to the newer "MkII" version of these, for a couple of reasons:

First is that the MkII ear cushions, which ARE available, are now squarish rather than round and don't fit former versions.

Secondly, this earlier T20 is generally regarded to be sonically superior to the MkII.

Ah well, wouldn't be much of a hobby without the challenge! I'll buzz Head-Fi to see what can be learned there.

Oh, and it just happens I've been testing these through a Yamaha CR-440. Not only does it seem to drive them well, but it's blessed with 2 headphone jacks so I can quickly compare with another set of cans. Nothing like moder -- uhm, .... vintage convenience!

 

[john57]

I just brought a pair Fostex T50 RP two weeks ago from B&H Photo and it is one of the lowest price orthodynamic headphone arround. They do need power and I am using my Little Dot 1+ t drive them. The orthodynamic thread on Head-FI is the largest I ever saw for any type of headphones.

 

[Kabeer]

Don't replace the pads with anything but the original type...

Considering the 'V2' is discontinued this might be impractical. Just measure the cup diameter and get a pad off ebay. Then you can afford time waiting on the v2 ads off your wtb add.(up to you though if your in no rush)

Any sealing semi-supra pad would be better than no pads .

Pad's do make a big difference to the sound, depending on their material, how well they seal, if they are circum/supra. The size and depth of the ear-hole, etc...

 

[wualta]

Kabeer's advice may be the only option, unless of course the thrift finds the missing pads or you luck out some other way. Fostex USA has closed its doors, otherwise you'd be able to buy pads at a reasonable price directly from them. You can try one of your local pro audio shops. Guitar Center stores stock Fostex and might be able to come through with pads and a cord. Otherwise, improvisation is called for.

With some simple futzing, the "T20v2" (Fostex called it simply T20RP) can sound very good indeed. Tuning it to its full potential is a challenge, however, since it is a driver with high potential potted into a rather unsympathetic chassis. So while it's a rewarding project, it can lead you into an endless series of modifications culminating in major surgery and custom earpieces. You have been warned.

 

[danj]

I've owned Fostex phones for years an love 'em. I went as long as I could with the original pads but they finally got too ratty to be of any further use. I searched in vain for the correct replacement pads. I finally found some same sized but slightly thicker pads for a Sony headphone. The hardest part of the whole operation was getting the old pads off. The new ones went on easily and seem to be just fine. The phones sound as good as they ever did.