Fostex TH808

The Fostex TH808 is a headphone positioned between the TH616 and the TH909 models from the Japanese brand. With its solid black walnut ear cups and semi-open system, this wired over-ear headphone combines craftsmanship with high-quality sound performance. Equipped with 50 mm BioDyna electrodynamic drivers and a 1.5 Tesla magnetic circuit, the TH808 delivers natural, detailed, and balanced sound reproduction, appreciated by audiophiles.

A refined design blending tradition and modernity

The TH808 features a distinctive design with its solid black walnut ear cups, a noble wood chosen for its exceptional acoustic properties. This wood contributes to the headphone’s warm and natural sound signature while giving it a luxurious and timeless aesthetic. Each pair showcases unique variations in the wood grain, making your unit truly personal.

The semi-open architecture of the TH808 incorporates a sophisticated acoustic filter made of multiple layers of foam and fibers, protected by metal grilles with diamond-shaped openings of decreasing sizes. This design, inherited from the high-end TH909 model, optimizes sound diffusion and creates a natural and spacious sound field.

The memory foam ear pads, covered in premium synthetic leather, ensure optimal comfort even during long listening sessions. Their low resistance allows for a perfect fit to the user’s morphology, minimizing fatigue and maximizing acoustic isolation.

Advanced acoustic technology

At the heart of the TH808 are 50 mm BioDyna electrodynamic drivers, a proprietary Fostex technology. These speakers use a biocellulose diaphragm combined with other carefully selected materials to achieve an optimal balance between lightness and rigidity. This unique composition gives the diaphragm low specific density, high Young’s modulus, and superior internal loss, ensuring precise sound reproduction with minimal distortion.

The “magnetic repulsion” circuit uses neodymium magnets generating an impressive 1.5 Tesla power. This configuration allows exceptional membrane responsiveness and an extended dynamic range, resulting in faithful reproduction of bass frequencies with generous amplitude, as well as rich and detailed mids and highs.

The TH808 stands out for its remarkable sound balance, with a slight attenuation in the presence frequencies that softens its sound signature compared to the TH909, while maintaining superior resolution and precision over the TH616. This characteristic makes it a particularly versatile headphone, capable of excelling with all music genres.

Premium connectivity and cabling

The TH808 comes with a detachable 3-meter oxygen-free copper (OFC) cable, ending in a 6.3 mm stereo jack plug. This dual-entry (Y-cable) design uses rhodium-plated 2-pin connectors, a noble metal known for its exceptional durability and corrosion resistance.

The high-quality internal wiring (grade 7N) ensures optimal signal transmission, preserving the integrity of the musical message. For audiophiles wishing to explore the benefits of balanced connections, Fostex offers an optional XLR cable (model ET-H3.0N7BL) specifically designed for the TH808.

The low impedance of 25 ohms and high sensitivity of 96-100 dB/mW make the TH808 easy to drive with most audio sources. However, to fully exploit its potential, using a quality headphone amplifier with low output impedance is recommended.

Sound performance

The TH808 is distinguished by its extended frequency response from 5 Hz to 45,000 Hz, covering well beyond the human audible spectrum. This extension into the extremes of the spectrum contributes to the sense of space and the precision of the soundstage.

The semi-open architecture of the TH808 creates an airy and natural sound presentation, with excellent instrument separation and precise localization of sound sources in the stereo field. The mids are reproduced with remarkable richness and transparency, while the bass benefits from impressive articulation and depth without ever becoming overwhelming.

The highs are characterized by their finesse and extension, delivering an exceptional amount of micro-details without ever becoming aggressive or causing listening fatigue. This balanced performance makes it an ideal companion for long analytical listening sessions or pure musical enjoyment.

It should be noted that the open design of the TH808 limits its sound isolation from external noise. This characteristic, inherent to this type of architecture, favors more natural sound reproduction but makes the headphone less suitable for noisy environments or situations requiring acoustic discretion.

Positioning within the Fostex range

The TH808 occupies a strategic position in Fostex’s range of audiophile headphones, sitting between the TH616 and the flagship TH909 model. From the TH616, it partially inherits the wooden ear cups, while it borrows the high-end electrodynamic drivers and sophisticated acoustic filters from the TH909 that define its semi-open character.

This successful hybridization offers a softer and more controlled sound balance than the TH909 while delivering substantially superior performance to the TH616. The TH808 thus presents itself as a particularly attractive option for audiophiles seeking a high-end headphone offering excellent value for money in its category.

Technical Specifications

General Technical Specifications

• Type: Open dynamic
• Driver: Φ50 mm, neodymium magnet / BioDyna diaphragm
• Impedance: 25 Ω
• Sensitivity: 100 dB/mW
• Maximum input power: 1800 mW
• Frequency response: 5 – 45,000 Hz
• Weight: approximately 400 g (excluding cable)

Design and Materials

• Natural solid wood structure
  • Each unit features unique variations in grain, bark, coloration, and knots
  • These natural differences preserve sound quality and highlight the authenticity of the material
• Open-back housing in solid black walnut and aluminum
  • Machined from solid black walnut for a natural and warm sound
  • Design with openwork structure and dual arrangement of engraved aluminum parts
  • Appearance varies depending on angle and light
  • Optimized open rate for natural and immersive sound reproduction

Acoustic Technology

• Proprietary 50 mm BioDyna driver
• Bio-cellulose fiber diaphragm with composite materials offering:
  • Low specific density
  • High elasticity modulus (improved rigidity)
  • High internal loss (distortion reduction)
• 1.5 Tesla magnetic circuit with neodymium magnet repulsive magnetic system
• Free suspension with excellent linearity for optimal responsiveness and wide dynamic range
• Faithful reproduction of mid and low frequencies with great amplitude
• Richly detailed and high-resolution mid-high frequencies

Connectivity and Cables

• High-purity oxygen-free copper (OFC) cable
  • Specifically developed for the TH808
  • Free of impurities for optimal signal transmission
  • Length: 3 m, Y-configuration
• Detachable connector port with 7N copper internal wiring
  • 2-pin connectors plated with rhodium for increased wear and corrosion resistance
  • Compatible with balanced connections via XLR cable (model ET-H3.0N7BL, sold separately)

Comfort and Ergonomics

• Memory foam ear pads
  • Designed to minimize sound leakage and improve acoustic isolation
  • Premium synthetic leather covering for a soft touch and prolonged comfort
  • Similar design to the TH909 ear pads for an immersive listening experience

Included Accessories

• 3 m Y-type OFC copper cable
  • Detachable 2-pin connector
  • Rhodium-plated
  • C1011/JIS standard
• Protective case in synthetic leather
• User manual and warranty card