Fostex TH-919

What’s in the box

The Fostex TH-919 arrives with everything needed to get started. Alongside the open-back headphones, there’s a 2-metre unbalanced cable made of oxygen-free, high-purity copper, ensuring maximum signal integrity. The cable terminates in dual 3.5 mm mini-jacks on the headphone side and a 6.3 mm stereo jack on the other. An optional 4.4 mm balanced cable is also available.

To protect the headphones during transport or storage, a drawstring leather pouch is included, keeping the premium finish safe from dust and scratches.

High-quality, innovative technology

Technically, the TH-919 positions itself firmly in the premium class. With a sensitivity of 100 dB/mW, it can reach impressive levels, while its frequency range of 12.5 Hz to 45 kHz extends well beyond human hearing – leaving ample headroom so nothing is lost.

At its heart are 50 mm dynamic drivers. These newly developed BioDyna units use diaphragms made from bio-cellulose fibres, combined with improved surrounds and coils to deliver even more precise and powerful bass than their predecessors. Thanks to a low impedance of 25 ohms, the TH-919 can be driven not only by high-end studio gear but also by laptops, PCs, or portable smart devices.

Comfort at the highest level

Comfort begins as soon as you put the TH-919 on. Its self-adjusting headband automatically finds the right fit and locks into place for future use.

The large, angled earpads fully envelop the ears, while the ear cups pivot and tilt to adapt to individual head shapes. Soft padding and a gently resting headband mean that, despite the headphones’ size, they disappear quickly from awareness once worn.

The clamp force is intentionally light, which prevents discomfort during long listening sessions. However, the trade-off is that sudden head movements can shift the headphones slightly. Still, the overall comfort remains superb.

Wonderfully nuanced sound

Although open-back in design, the Fostex TH-919 delivers impressively strong bass – even more controlled and resonant-free than the closed-back TH-910. Sub-bass remains taut and detailed, never bloated, revealing subtle textures across genres from EDM to classical.

Midrange performance is equally refined, ensuring excellent vocal intelligibility without overshadowing other frequencies. Even dense productions heavy with distorted guitars don’t collapse into a wall of noise. Instead, the TH-919 spreads them into a coherent soundstage where every layer can be followed without fatigue.

Conclusion

The Fostex TH-919 is a luxurious open-back headphone for serious listeners. From premium materials and superb craftsmanship to its nuanced, distortion-free sound, it impresses at every level. Its finely textured bass, mids, and treble remain articulate even at high volumes. A firmer clamp would improve stability, but that’s a minor drawback in an otherwise exceptional design.

For audiophiles, the TH-919 is a delight. For mixing and mastering, it offers the precision needed for professional work. Yes, the price is steep – but those who invest will be rewarded with a pair of luxury headphones that leave little to be desired.