Fostex TH-919
Overview
Thirteen years after laying the foundations with the TH900, Fostex takes a new step with a complete overhaul of its flagship model. The TH-919 reinterprets the heritage of this series in an open-back version, offering an acoustic architecture redesigned from the ground up. From the fully redeveloped BioDyna driver to the aluminum earcups adorned with Kumiko-inspired patterns, every element has been reconsidered to deliver a natural and detailed listening experience.
A redesigned BioDyna driver for greater finesse
The heart of the TH-919 lies in a new 50 mm dynamic driver that breaks away from the previous generation. The engineering team has worked on amplitude stability by modifying the edge of the BioDyna diaphragm. This evolution results in tighter, more controlled bass that avoids boominess while retaining impact. The midrange gains fluidity thanks to the elimination of unwanted resonances, while the treble extends up to 45,000 Hz with enhanced definition. Combined with a neodymium magnet, sensitivity is maintained at 100 dB/mW despite a low 25-ohm impedance, allowing the headphones to perform well both with portable sources and dedicated amplification.
Open architecture and magnesium weight reduction
Fostex introduces a magnesium alloy into key mechanical parts such as the earcup bases and headband yokes. This change of material reduces the weight by 20% compared with the aluminum used in previous models, bringing the total mass to around 385 grams without cable. A rubber gasket on the swivel mechanism absorbs residual vibrations. The open-back earcups in matte anodized aluminum are inspired by traditional Kumiko art, with a two-layer structure combining a laser-cut grille and precise tuning of the opening ratio. This design promotes an airy soundstage and minimizes listening fatigue during long sessions.
Japanese craftsmanship and Urushi lacquer finish
The collaboration with Sakamoto Otozo Shoten, a company founded in 1900, gives the TH-919 a strong aesthetic dimension. The earcups feature an Urushi lacquer finish applied using techniques handed down for over a century, with silver leaf patterns smoked with sulfur that create a sense of depth. This artisanal approach, already present on the TH900 series, finds a new expression in the treatment of the open surfaces. The geometric Kumiko patterns are not just an aesthetic choice: they directly contribute to the acoustic balance by precisely defining the sound diffusion zones.
Redesigned earpads and comfort-focused materials
The new earpads adopt an angled shape that optimizes positioning on the face. Their dual low-resilience foam structure combines a soft outer layer for initial contact with a firmer inner layer that maintains positioning. The synthetic leather covering enriched with silk proteins offers three times the durability of conventional materials. The headband and top band use natural lambskin leather, chosen for its suppleness and breathability. The flexible adjustment allows for extended listening sessions without discomfort, although the deliberately light clamping force may require readjustments during abrupt movements.
7N OFC cabling and balanced connection
The supplied cable uses 7N-purity (99.99999%) OFC copper conductors to minimize impurities and optimize signal transmission. The Y-configuration terminates in a 3.5 mm jack plug compatible with a supplied 6.3 mm adapter. The 2-meter length is suitable for desktop setups while remaining manageable. A 4.4 mm balanced cable (reference ET-TH4.4BL2Y) is offered separately for those who want to use a balanced source. The internal design of the TH-919 supports a maximum power input of 1,800 mW, allowing it to work with high-power amplifiers without distortion.
What the press says
Positioned at the very high end, in direct competition with many benchmark orthoplanar models, the Fostex TH919 shows that electrodynamic technology can still hold its own. Without trying to make a display of technical prowess, these headphones deliver music with a power, accuracy, and sense of nuance that set an example, while also being highly versatile and easy to drive. [...] One could perhaps criticize the TH919 for being a little too perfect, but there is nothing to fault in terms of its precision.
Automatically translated — Show original (French)
Documentation
Technical specifications
Transducer and acoustic performance
- Fully redeveloped 50 mm BioDyna driver
- BioDyna diaphragm with neodymium magnet
- New suspension for improved amplitude stability
- Elimination of unwanted resonances
- Sound signature
- Tight, precise, and controlled bass with no bloom
- Natural, fluid mids
- Clear, elegant highs with a high level of resolution
- Density, clarity, depth, transparency, and smoothness
- Natural, airy soundstage with very high resolution
- Minimal listening fatigue thanks to the open-back design
Electroacoustic specifications
- Type: open-back dynamic headphone
- Driver: Φ 50 mm, neodymium magnet, BioDyna diaphragm
- Impedance: 25 Ω
- Sensitivity: 100 dB / mW
- Maximum input power: 1,800 mW
- Frequency response: 12.5 – 45,000 Hz
- Weight: approximately 385 g (without cable)
Construction and materials
- Mechanical parts in magnesium alloy
- Headband frame and yokes made from lightweight magnesium
- 20% weight reduction compared with aluminum
- Reduced vibrations via a rubber joint on the swivel mechanism
- Optimized design for improved comfort and durability
- Aluminum earcups with matte anodized finish
- High-precision open structure inspired by traditional Kumiko art
- Laser-cut grille
- Two-layer structure
- Carefully tuned open-area ratio
Comfort and ergonomics
- Ergonomic, angled earpads
- Optimized positioning on the face
- Dual low-resilience foam: soft outer layer for comfort, firmer inner layer for support
- Protein leather coating with silk protein, 3× more durable than conventional materials
- Guaranteed long-lasting comfort
- Headband and support strap in lambskin leather
- Premium natural material
- Soft, breathable feel
- Flexible fit for optimal comfort during long listening sessions
Cabling and connectivity
- Supplied asymmetrical cable
- Configuration: 2 × 3.5 mm mini-jack (2-pole) to 6.3 mm jack (3-pole, gold-plated)
- Length: 2 m
- 7N OFC copper conductors (99.99999% purity)
- Optimized signal transmission and minimized losses
- Optional 4.4 mm balanced cable available (reference ET-TH4.4BL2Y)
Included accessories
- Leather pouch
- Safety guide and documentation
General information
The Fostex TH919 is the open-back version of the brand’s iconic model, continuing a tradition of excellence that began in 2012 with the TH900. This premium headphone embodies Japanese craftsmanship handed down by Sakamoto Otozo Shoten, a workshop founded in 1900, and combines a unique Japanese aesthetic with cutting-edge acoustic technologies.
Key strengths of the TH919: new BioDyna driver for enhanced resolution and fluidity, high-end Japanese craftsmanship with Kumiko design and matte anodization, long-term comfort thanks to dual-foam earpads and lambskin leather, ultra-pure 7N OFC copper cable, natural and highly detailed soundstage with no listening fatigue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the TH-919 and the older TH900mk2?
The TH-919 uses a fully redeveloped BioDyna driver with a new edge and a redesigned acoustic architecture. Additionally, the TH-919 adopts an open-back design (unlike the closed-back TH900mk2), lighter magnesium parts, and a new earpad design. The open-back earcup structure is inspired by Kumiko with a two-layer laser-cut grille.
Is the cable detachable and can it be replaced?
The TH-919 uses 2-pole 3.5 mm mini-jack connectors on each side, allowing the cable to be replaced. A 2-meter unbalanced cable is supplied with a 6.3 mm adapter. Fostex also offers a 4.4 mm balanced cable (ET-TH4.4BL2Y) sold separately for compatible sources.
Do I need a dedicated amplifier to get the most out of the TH-919?
With a sensitivity of 100 dB/mW and an impedance of 25 ohms, the TH-919 can be driven by quality portable sources. However, its redeveloped driver and extended response up to 45,000 Hz reveal more nuances with dedicated amplification and a high-resolution source. Its maximum power handling of 1,800 mW allows it to make full use of powerful amplifiers without distortion.
How should I care for the Urushi lacquer finish on the earcups?
Urushi lacquer should be treated like traditional lacquerware: regular wiping with a soft cloth is sufficient. No oils or special products are required. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and extreme humidity changes. If fingerprints appear, a slightly damp microfiber cloth will remove them without damaging the surface.
Is the TH-919 suitable for outdoor or on-the-go use?
The open-back design of the TH-919 provides no sound isolation: you hear your surroundings and your music is audible to people nearby. This design choice prioritizes natural soundstage reproduction and reduces listening fatigue. The headphones are therefore better suited to quiet environments (home, studio) than to public transport or noisy spaces.
Are the earpads replaceable and how long do they last?
The earpads are wear parts and are replaceable. Their lifespan depends on how often they are used and on conditions such as perspiration and hair products. The synthetic leather with silk proteins offers three times the durability of standard materials. Fostex is expected to offer replacement earpads as spare parts, as it does for previous models.
What is the acoustic difference between the open-back TH-919 and the closed-back TH-910?
The closed-back TH-910 provides full sound isolation and more impactful bass reproduction with greater pressure. The open-back TH-919 favors a wider, more spacious soundstage, a more natural presentation, and less listening fatigue over long sessions. Both share the same redeveloped 50 mm BioDyna driver, but their acoustic architectures create distinct sound signatures suited to different uses.
Does the TH-919 require a burn-in period?
As with any dynamic transducer, the BioDyna driver can evolve slightly during the first few hours of use, particularly in terms of suspension flexibility. The audible changes are generally subtle. It is recommended to evaluate the headphones after around twenty hours of listening to appreciate their definitive sound, while keeping in mind that personal adaptation also plays a role in how the sound is perceived.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
- GTIN / EAN: 4995090310350
