Fostex
Fostex TH808 Premium Open-Back Dynamic Headphones
Best open-back headphones for audiophiles seeking natural, detailed sound.
Immerse yourself in premium sound with the Fostex TH808 open-back dynamic headphones. Inspired by the flagship TH909, these headphones feature a beautiful black walnut wood housing designed to enhance acoustic performance. Experience a natural soundstage and accurate audio reproduction powered by Fostex’s 50mm BIODYNA drivers. The comfortable leather earpads and thoughtful design ensure extended listening sessions with detailed, non-fatiguing sound. These wired headphones are ideal for everyday listening, delivering a refined and captivating audio experience.
$999.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
791
/ 6142
#791 in Headphones
Price vs Category Average
+70%
Above average
Driver
50
/ mm neodymium magnet (BIODYNA diaphragm)
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking unmatched clarity and rapid transient response
- Listeners craving an immersive, wide-reaching soundstage experience
- Collectors valuing premium materials and long-term wearing comfort
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for entry-level high-end audio
- Casual listeners lacking a dedicated high-power amplifier setup
- Purists demanding a strictly flat and neutral frequency response
Performance breakdown
Soundstage Width
Open-back architecture creates an expansive, airy, and truly immersive acoustic environment.
Driver Precision
BIODYNA technology delivers exceptional detail and accurate, non-fatiguing audio reproduction.
Build Quality
Solid black walnut housing offers both acoustic benefits and premium tactile appeal.
Comfort Level
Plush leather earpads and ergonomic swiveling cups support long, fatigue-free listening sessions.
Driveability
Low impedance makes these headphones versatile across various high-end audio sources.
Cable Integrity
High-purity 7N grade wiring ensures signal transmission remains clean and uncolored.
Key Specs
Driver
50mm neodymium magnet (BIODYNA diaphragm)
Impedance
25 ohms
Sensitivity
96 dB/mW
Weight
370 grams
Housing Material
High-grade solid wood (black walnut)
Cable
Detachable 7N grade with rhodium-plated connectors
Connectivity
Wired
Plug
1/4 inch/ 6.3mm gold-plated stereo standard plug
Features
- Open-back design for natural soundstage
- BIODYNA diaphragm driver technology
- Acoustically enhancing wood housing
- Detachable high-purity cable
- Comfortable leather earpads
- Swiveling earcups for adjustable fit
- Premium build quality
What customers say
Reviewers consistently praise the Fostex TH808 for its exceptional comfort and immersive soundstage. The lightweight design and plush earpads allow for extended listening sessions without fatigue. Audio performance is frequently noted as vast and highly accurate, creating an enveloping experience. While the construction feels premium with attractive wood accents, some users suggest a preference for stronger bass impact. Ultimately, the TH808 delivers reference grade spatial performance, making it a worthwhile investment for those prioritizing technical accuracy and long term wearability.
Know before you buy
The open-back design allows air to move through the earcups, which prevents pressure buildup and creates a wider, more natural soundstage. This makes the music feel like it is happening around you rather than inside your head, though it does mean sound will leak out to those nearby.
With an impedance of 25 ohms and a sensitivity of 96 dB/mW, these headphones can be driven by most devices. However, to fully realize the potential of the BIODYNA drivers and achieve the best audio resolution, using a dedicated headphone amplifier or DAC is recommended.
BIODYNA diaphragms are engineered to provide high-resolution audio with exceptional detail and speed. This technology helps the headphones deliver precise transients and a balanced frequency response, ensuring that your music sounds clear and accurate.
Yes, the TH808 features a detachable cable system. It uses high-purity 7N grade cables with rhodium-plated connectors, allowing you to easily swap or upgrade the cable if needed.
The TH808 is designed with comfort in mind, featuring soft leather earpads and a weight of 370 grams. The swiveling earcups allow for an adjustable fit, helping to distribute the weight evenly for extended, fatigue-free listening.
Beyond its premium aesthetic, the solid black walnut housing is chosen for its acoustic properties. The wood helps to dampen unwanted vibrations and refine the resonance, contributing to the headphones' natural and warm sound signature.
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