Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- More balanced and cohesive compared to the T50RP Argon, with a more controlled sound throughout.
- More natural sounding and cohesive sound compared to the T50RP variants.
- Improved comfort due to the different headband and massive, soft, plush pads.
- Well-suited for a wide range of genres due to the balanced sound signature.
Product Considerations
- Requires a powerful portable amplifier to be used with a DAP.
- The stock cable is a little bit short and stiff.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs T50RP Argon: More balanced and cohesive, while the T50RP Argon has a more fun, V-shaped sound.
- Vs Stock T60RP: Presents the mix a fair bit darker and a fair bit thicker, with richer guitar and bass foundation.
- Vs beyerdynamic DT900 Pro X: The DT900 Pro X has a more natural tonality, while the T60RP Argon has a more spherical soundstage and stronger comfort.
- Vs beyerdynamic DT700 Pro X: The DT700 Pro X is more forward in the upper mids, while the T60RP Argon is more natural and easier to listen to.
Takeaway: The T60RP Argon is a great all-around headphone that is unique, sturdy, and comfortable. It delivers a balanced and detailed sound signature, making it a worthwhile upgrade for various music genres.
All
T60RP - Argon
reviews

Manufacturer details
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
Select products
T50RP MK3
- Positioning: The entry-level Fostex stock headphone conversion designed for affordability and practical use in smaller rooms or portable settings.
- Description: Features a refined RP diaphragm driver that uses copper-foil etched polyimide film for clear and semi-open sound, making it a simple yet effective choice for users on a tight budget compared to the more advanced conversion models. In contrast to the higher-priced Argon and Tungsten lines, it provides basic functionality with detachable cables suited for everyday listening without extensive amplifier demands.
Argon MK3
- Positioning: A mid-range conversion option offering balanced sound and enhanced tuning flexibility for users seeking improved performance from discontinued Fostex Mk3 units.
- Description: Incorporates a modified driver and reworked baffle that provide a balanced sound with tastefully elevated bass and the option for a custom balanced cable, setting it apart from the simpler T50RP models.
Fostex Stock Headphones T60RP
- Positioning: A budget-conscious Fostex stock headphone upgrade aimed at delivering improved transient characteristics and wider frequency reproduction.
- Description: Uses an RP diaphragm with copper foil etching and a distinctive wooden African mahogany housing to enhance sound depth and clarity, offering both unbalanced and balanced connection options. Relative to the conversion models like the Argon MK3 and T60RP Argon, it gives a straightforward, natural presentation without the extra tuning flexibility.
T60RP – Argon
- Positioning: A conversion variant that refines the Fostex T60RP design with subtle tuning adjustments for a more neutral sound profile.
- Description: Delivers a slightly reduced bass emphasis with enhanced upper mids and treble through modified cups and pad options, enabling a more neutral sound compared to the V-shaped tuning of the T50RP models.
Tungsten
- Positioning: A high-end, flagship headphone built from a custom planar driver design and years of research for enthusiasts with premium sonic and build quality demands.
- Description: Uses innovative dual-sided drivers with custom thin 24k gold magnets and acoustic pad technologies that elevate performance for both tube and solid-state amplifier setups, offering a much broader soundstage and uniformity than any stock models.
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Used
Mod House Audio
What if you spend more?
Product Strengths
- Excellent, well-balanced tuning, especially for a closed-back headphone
- Good bass response, being tight, punchy, and hard-hitting with quality and fidelity, but not overly bassy
- Comfortable to wear, using the self-adjusting headband and comfortable pads from the E3 model
- Shares a lot of similarities with the E3, but at a lower price point
- Good soundstaging, with decent width and depth for a closed-back headphone
Product Considerations
- The Piano Gloss Black finish is prone to fingerprints, smudges, and scratches, making it difficult to keep clean
- Soundstage could be wider compared to some competitors
- Detail retrieval is good but not a standout feature and may not be at the level expected for the price, particularly when compared to higher-end headphones
- Highs can be a little spicy, and the treble can be a bit more exciting, but less refined than E3
- Pads are glued on, which may make pad replacement more difficult, while being an upside for better seal to the baffle
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Dan Clark Audio E3: Is 90% of the headphone that the E3 is at half the cost
- Vs. Sennheiser HD6XX: The low-end is miles better, mids are almost equally delicious, but the highs are where the HD6XX seems a tad cleaner
- Vs. ZMF Auteur Classic: The Dan Clark Audio Noire X is the more technical and more neutral ride
Takeaway: The Noire X is a comfortable, well-tuned, and versatile closed-back headphone that is a great choice for those wanting a smooth and enjoyable listening experience. It offers a lot of value and is a strong contender in its price range.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Excellent fit and comfortable for many users, even for extended listening periods
- Very well-balanced and tuned sound signature, often described as a warm, mature, or safe Harman-ish tuning
- Smooth treble presentation, avoiding sibilance, sharpness, or fatigue, while still retaining detail
- Good bass performance for an all-balanced armature set, with nice punch and attack, though primarily focused on sub-bass
- Very good natural tonality and timbre, avoiding a metallic or unnatural sound often associated with balanced armatures
Product Considerations
- Soundstage and imaging could be better for the price, described as average and not particularly wide or holographic
- May lack a 'hook' or standout factor in its sound quality, some find it to be a more laid-back and less engaging sound
- The shells are quite big, which may be problematic for users with small ears
- The recessed 2-pin sockets could be designed better with a deeper fit
- May sound 'boring' at mid-to-low volumes, according to one reviewer
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Moondrop S8: RSV offers a warmer and fuller sound with a more even midrange, while the S8 is leaner and more forward, with the S8 being more engaging overall
- Vs Dunu SA6: RSV has better bass quality, while the SA6 has a slightly more pronounced treble
Takeaway: The Soft Ears RSV is a comfortable and well-tuned IEM that delivers a balanced and enjoyable listening experience. It is particularly well-suited for those who appreciate a smooth, natural sound with excellent vocal reproduction.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Exquisite build quality with premium materials, like anodized aluminum, memory foam, lambskin leather, and high-quality polymer
- Very comfortable, generously padded with memory foam wrapped in lambskin, and the headband distributes pressure evenly
- Long battery life, up to 35 hours with ANC on and 40 hours with ANC off
- Sound quality is rich, refined, spacious, balanced, and impressively detailed
- Good voice pickup and decent noise suppression in moderately noisy environments
- Connectivity options are available
Product Considerations
- Round ear pads may pull down on ear cartilage and rest on ear lobes
- The HX can only be laid down flat, they are not fully collapsible
- ANC is good, but not quite at the level of industry leaders
- Touch panel is awkward to use, and touches are often not registered properly
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sony 1000XM4/XM5 and Bose 700, ANC on the HX is not quite at the level of these industry leaders
- Vs the H95, the HX are more sensible, and noticeably cheaper
- Vs the Sony XM3, the HX looks far more refined
- Vs the Apple AirPods Max, the HX has up to 15 hours of additional battery life, and are also 100g lighter
- Vs the Bowers & Wilkins PX7, the HX brings a slightly higher level of refinement, showcasing detail and nuances that are missed
Takeaway: The Beoplay HX are beautifully made headphones that deliver excellent sound quality and are highly comfortable. If the user values aesthetics as much as audio and is willing to pay a premium for quality, then the HX is worth consideration.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Balanced to warm sound signature with ample bass that is present without overpowering the sound
- Sublime vocals, clear with even minor voice modulations distinctly audible
- Exceptional build quality with premium materials like aircraft aluminum alloy, resulting in a durable yet lightweight design
- Comfortable fit for long listening sessions due to narrow vertical placement in the ear
Product Considerations
- Treble is slightly rolled off, which can sacrifice some airiness and detail in the highs
- Below average passive isolation, not suitable for noisy environments
- Soundstage is average to narrow
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Final A8000: The A8000 has a more natural tonality overall, more air, a wider soundstage, and better separation/layering, while Twilight has more bass with forward vocals and rolled off treble
- Vs 64 Audio Duo: Twilight offers warmth and engagement in its sound signature, especially noticeable in the midrange, while the Duo provides a sound that is rich in detail and expansive in soundstage
- Vs Meze Audio Advar: The Advar is better in critical listening and brass instruments, while the Twilight has better 3D imaging
Takeaway: The Softears Twilight is an excellent IEM that offers a very easy, likeable, and musical sound which can be enjoyed for hours. It offers a balanced to warm sound, sublime vocals, and comfortable fit, making it a solid choice for audiophiles looking for a single dynamic driver IEM.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Shockingly good for the money, a very well-tuned headphone for the price category
- Good bass response that is fun, with lots of thumpiness and impact in the lower sub-bass regions, while maintaining a clean mid-bass region
- Trouble response is fairly target-adherent with a chill character and not overly fatiguing
- Comes with a banger accessories package providing two cables, a carry case, more than a lot of companies are coming out with
- Delivers impressive sound quality across the board, backed by excellent build quality and a generous set of accessories
Product Considerations
- The actual earpad area for the ear is not super great, and it will be felt a little bit on the ear, might be more on-ear than fully over-ear if you have really large ears
- Sound staging is one area that could improve the most, because there is almost none, can sound almost claustrophobic, because everything is happening right here all the time
- Mid-range is not all that exciting to listen to, vocals can be shouty or honk-type sound to certain vocalists
- Build quality feels good for $150, but it would not pass the sniff test for $500, definitely feels like it's a budget device
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The AKG K361 has advantages over the FiiO FT1, like sound staging
- The FT1’s level of midrange fidelity is impressive, rivaling the best mid-fi headphones such as the Sennheiser HD6XX and the Sundara
- It outshines most closed-back classics, including the Sony MDR-7506, AKG K361, and beyerdynamic DT700 Pro X
- The smaller FiiO FT1 was enjoyed even more than the FiiO FT5, since it strikes the right balance between fun, warmth, and technicality, handling tough tracks with much more ease than anticipated
Takeaway: The FiiO FT1 is a surprisingly good closed-back headphone for the money and offers a well-tuned sound signature with good bass response. This headphone is priced at $150 and is surprisingly nice with some great terminations.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Comfortable fit, especially for longer listening sessions.
- Visually appealing and unique design.
- Good accessory set for the price, including a useful carrying case.
- Fairly balanced and smooth sound signature, non-fatiguing to listen to.
- Good noise isolation
Product Considerations
- Mids can sound veiled or muddy, lacking clarity and detail.
- Bass impact can be soft and lacking definition, sometimes sounding "one-noted".
- Treble lacks airiness and sparkle, with limited extension.
- Technical performance is average compared to competitors in the same price range.
- Some reviewers note BA timbre, affecting the naturalness of instruments and vocals.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Moondrop Aria is considered more complete sounding and vivid.
- The SeeAudio Yume perfects the Thieaudio Legacy 2’s tuning with a cleaner midbass, more upper mids clarity, and a more realistic treble experience.
- The Thieaudio Legacy 3 outperforms the Legacy 2, doing everything better.
- The TRI Starsea has better soundstage, clarity, and microdetails
Takeaway: The Thieaudio Legacy 2 offers a smooth listening experience and a comfortable design at an affordable price. It could be a good choice for those who want something nice looking and easy to listen to, especially for acoustic music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Premium design and build quality, using materials like aluminum and glass for a luxurious feel
- Sound quality is generally praised as excellent, detailed, and balanced, especially after equalization
- Comfortable and secure fit, particularly for those with smaller ear canals
- App provides an intuitive EQ interface with customizable presets
Product Considerations
- Active noise cancellation (ANC), while solid, is not considered the best on the market compared to brands like Sony or Bose
- Some reviewers experienced connectivity issues, including problems with multipoint pairing and occasional signal dropouts
- Battery life is respectable but not outstanding, with some reviewers noting shorter-than-advertised playback times
- Responsiveness of the touch controls is sometimes too sensitive, leading to accidental pausing or track skipping
- Some users have found the default sound profile (Optimal) to be somewhat flat or boring, requiring EQ adjustments
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Apple AirPods Pro, the EX has more clarity, better soundstage and separation, but tonal balance may be preferable on the Airpods Pro
- Compared to the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3, the Beoplay EX offers a more balanced and detailed presentation with a more luxurious build
- Compared to the Devialet Gemini II, the Gemini II offers a more neutral sound signature with advanced ANC capabilities, but Beoplay EX offers a more balanced and detailed presentation with a more luxurious build
Takeaway: The Beoplay EX offers a luxurious experience with refined sound and a stylish design. It's a good choice for those who prioritize sound quality and aesthetics, and value a premium feel.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent sound quality, potentially challenging cabled IEMs, with a dynamic and holographic rendering and beautiful mids and airy treble.
- Effective ANC, making it suitable for reducing ambient noise, even in noisy environments, with up to 35dB of noise attenuation.
- Good build quality, with the IEMs made of lightweight metal and Kevlar, and a sturdy charging case.
- Good bass performance, with texture and extension, punchy, without overpowering, and a powerful but tight impact.
- Wide soundstage, creating a spacious and immersive listening experience.
Product Considerations
- Connectivity issues with LDAC, especially outdoors or in areas with interference, leading to intermittent signal drops.
- Transparency mode might generate turbulence in windy conditions due to microphone placement.
- Limited codecs available, with no aptX support.
- Physical size of the charging case is large and might not be pocket-friendly.
- Included eartips may not be suitable for all ear sizes, with a shorter nozzle affecting fit for some users.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Final ZE8000: Svanar Wireless offers a more W-shaped and punchy signature, greater upper mids gain, more precise imaging, and a vaster sound layering capability, while the ZE8000 sound more neutral to L shape, warmer, and have more sub bass boost and warmth.
- Vs Noble FoKus Mystique: Svanar Wireless has some emphasis in the bass, but not as much, has stronger overall imaging performance—providing a wider soundstage and the best balance between the separation and cohesion in the imaging.
- Vs HIFIMAN Svanar (wired): Svanar Wireless soundstage is taller and wider but not as deep, since clarity isn’t as sharp and clean, silence being more ”noisy”.
- Vs Sony WF-1000XM4: The Svanar Wireless presents a much more detailed, natural and sophisticated kind of sound, while Sony has bloated bass, that overwhelms everything else.
- Vs Apple AirPods Pro: The Svanar Wireless generally outperforms the AirPods Pro in sound quality.
Takeaway: The Svanar Wireless is a solid choice for TWS lovers, with a top-tier sound quality, effective ANC, and its convenience and comfort. It is innovative, less bass-heavy tuning, and overall a solid proposal.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- ANC does not compete with Sony or Bose, even in the same price category, let alone their higher-end stuff.
- The Sennheiser HD 450BT and the Urbanista Los Angeles offer better ANC or a unique solar charging design, respectively, for a small price increase.
- More comfortable than the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 and Apple AirPods Max thanks to plush padding.
- The Edifier WH950NB hybrid ANC is well implemented, making it a legitimate reason to consider, even outside of the big price savings, as the Stax SPIRIT S3 does not feature any noise cancellation.
Takeaway: The Edifier WH950NB is a comfortable and feature-rich headphone that offers good noise cancellation and balanced sound, making it a solid choice for commuters or anyone seeking an immersive listening experience. With its long battery life and customizable app, these headphones are a great value for the price.
Video review
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