Fostex TH818 Premium Open-Back Dynamic Headphones

Experience the legacy of Fostex's flagship headphones. A premium standard model that inherits the essence of their captivating sound, now available in closed-back and open-back versions. The TH810/818 was developed to bring the exceptional musicality—born from the overwhelming resolution and exquisite sound quality of our flagship TH910/TH919 headphones—to a wider audience. To capture the essence of the flagship’s captivating sound without a lacquer finish, Fostex selected solid acacia wood from a variety of premium timbers, making this the new standard model in their premium headphone lineup. *All components except the housing are identical to the TH910/TH919. Solid Acacia Wood Housing That Inherits the Core of the Flagship Sound: To achieve the same exquisite tone as the traditional lacquer-finished solid hard maple housing used in the TH910/TH919—but without the lacquer finish—Fostex selected solid acacia wood carefully chosen from a variety of timber sources.Made from acacia—a wood prized for its captivating resonance and commonly used in guitars and ukuleles—this housing allows you to enjoy the same solid, deep bass and clear, resonant treble found in the TH910/TH199. The open-back TH818 features a matte anodized aluminum housing with a geometric lattice motif at the opening. Its precise two-layer structure, created through laser-cut mesh processing, and meticulous adjustment of the opening ratio and internal components reproduce a natural soundstage with high resolution—ideal for an open-back design—that is easy on the ears. The unique grain of natural wood creates a one-of-a-kind texture—no two pieces are alike. Enjoy the true individuality of each piece, each with its own distinct character. Newly Developed 50mm Biodynamic Driver: The Biodynamic Driver, which has earned high praise for its high-resolution and exceptionally smooth sound quality, has undergone a major evolution. A newly developed edge improves amplitude stability, enabling a tight, well-defined bass response without excessive bloating. Furthermore, by suppressing unwanted resonance, it eliminates muddiness caused by extraneous noise, resulting in a natural and smooth midrange. From tight bass that retains its richness and depth, to a transparent, open midrange, and lustrous highs, you can enjoy a high-density, clear, and smooth sound that conveys every detail of the music without compromise. Use of lightweight magnesium alloy mechanical components: Magnesium alloy is used for mechanical components such as the housing base plate and hangers, resulting in a 20% weight reduction compared to aluminum. Additionally, rubber gaskets are used in the rotating mechanisms to minimize unwanted vibration. Through a design philosophy that pays close attention to every detail of each component, Fostex has made improvements that further enhance the user experience. Newly designed ear pads featuring a new material: The newly designed ear pads feature a contoured surface that rests against the face, optimizing comfort. The internal memory foam features a two-layer structure: a soft layer on the outside and a high-resilience layer on the inside to conform to the contours of the face. Additionally, the use of silk protein-based synthetic leather—which offers three times the durability of conventional materials—ensures a comfortable fit even during extended listening sessions. Head pads and headband with a supple, comfortable fit: The head pads and headband are made from natural sheepskin, offering a supple, comfortable fit that develops a unique patina the more you use it. Includes a proprietary high-purity OFC unbalanced 2-pole 3.5 mm Y-cable: Fostex uses 7N (99.99999%) grade high-purity OFC (Oxygen-Free Copper) cable—which minimizes impurities to the utmost extent and enhances transmission performance—for both the internal wiring and the included unbalanced cable. Additionally, you can use the optional 4.4mm balanced cable ET-TH4