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
- Comfortable due to the Alcantara strap and ZMF suede pads, which feel like pillows on the head
- Has a more balanced and cohesive sound than the T50RP Argon
- Soundstage is decently wide with good depth and layering, and does a nice job with imaging and placement
Product Considerations
- May need a powerful portable amplifier to drive the T60RP Argon, so mostly regulated to a desktop setup
- The stock pads were immediately swapped by reviewers to aftermarket pads
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the T50RP Argon, the T60RP Argon is more balanced and cohesive, less V-shaped
- Compared to the beyerdynamic DT900 Pro X, presents more of a spherical soundstage, whereas the DT900 Pro X can sound a bit flat and left-right in comparison
Takeaway: The T60RP Argon is comfortable with a balanced and cohesive sound that is pleasing to the ear. Its soundstage is wide and provides a fun yet detailed listening experience.
All
T60RP Argon Conversion
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
- Premium build quality and materials with luxurious Nappa leather detailing and a cast aluminum yoke
- Comfortable for long listening sessions with soft earcups and a headband that provides even pressure distribution
- Excellent sound quality with 40mm carbon cone drivers delivering ultra-fast response, low distortion, and a clean, smooth sound signature
- Effective active noise cancellation (ANC) reduces low-frequency sounds and midrange chatter, with the Nappa leather providing a tighter seal
- Realistic soundstage scale with tight, well-defined imaging, with the sound feeling more live and in front of the listener
Product Considerations
- Multipoint pairing is not always seamless, and there might be occasional wind noise from the earcup due to software glitches, with wear detection being inconsistent and inaccurate
- Limited app customization with only bass and treble adjustments, lacking a fully customizable EQ
- Microphone pickup is good in quiet environments, but can be affected by heavy noise gating in noisy conditions, causing voice fade-in/out
- Some emphasis on bass response, which may not appeal to everyone
- There is concern about the Nappa leather being easily scratched
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the PX7 S2, the PX8 offers better sound quality with greater instrument separation and realism due to the carbon fiber drivers, and also features more premium materials
- While the PX8 active noise cancelling does well, Sony still has better mic pickup
- The PX8 provides a good alternative to the Airpods Max
- The PX8 stacks up among some of the best wireless headphones along with the Focal Bathys
Takeaway: The Px8 is a premium wireless headphone with outstanding build quality and sound performance, which is perfect for audiophiles seeking a luxurious listening experience. It combines comfort, effective noise cancellation, and detailed audio reproduction, making it a worthwhile investment for those prioritizing sound quality and high-end materials.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Lose yourself in your music with the first-ever headphones from Mark Levinson, a pioneer in high-fidelity audio for the past 50 years. Reference-quality sound meets luxurious comfort in a lightweight and durable set of headphones featuring Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that’s perfect for travel. Reveal the hidden details in your music – at home, on the go, or anywhere you find a moment to listen.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent sound quality with a balanced and refined signature, detailed mids, and smooth treble
- Effective active noise cancellation (ANC) and ambient aware mode
- Premium build quality with high-quality materials such as leather, anodized aluminum, and metallic paint
- Comfortable for long listening sessions due to soft leather ear cushions and a well-designed headband
- Comprehensive codec support (LDAC, aptX Adaptive, AAC) for high-resolution wireless audio
Product Considerations
- High price point, making them inaccessible for many consumers
- App is lacking in some features, such as fully customizable EQ and customizable ANC modes
- On-cup controls are described as basic and not very intuitive to use
- Some reviewers feel the design does not fully convey a sense of luxury for the price
- Occasional reports of issues with the 'on-head detection' feature—causing connection problems
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Focal Bathys: The Mark Levinson 5909 offers a cleaner and more natural tonality with a smoother, more consistent, and detailed treble response than the Focal Bathys
- Vs Apple AirPods Max: The Mark Levinson 5909 offers better sound quality, particularly in the bass frequencies, and is more comfortable than the AirPods Max
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins PX8: The Mark Levinson 5909 measures better in audio quality
Takeaway: The Mark Levinson № 5909 headphones offer excellent sound, comfort, and noise cancellation, making them a top-tier choice for those seeking a premium listening experience. With their high-end sound quality and comprehensive feature set, these headphones are a great option for audiophiles wanting the best wireless experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Unique octagonal design made of quality materials, with a rugged, serviceable build quality featuring exposed nuts and bolts.
- Surprising amount of bass for an open-back, on-ear headphone, that is solid, tangible, present, well balanced and well tuned.
- The silver-plated OCC copper cable is lightweight, pliable, ergonomic and does not remain bent after staying still.
- Comfortable on-ear headphone, especially considering it's an on-ear design, with thick, soft pads and a comfortable headband.
- Easy to drive with portable devices like dongles or smartphones.
Product Considerations
- Being an on-ear design, the Thalia can become uncomfortable after extended listening sessions (45 minutes or longer) due to pressure on the ears.
- Not the most compact headphone, and does not fold up, limiting its portability somewhat.
- The open-back design results in sound leakage, making it less suitable for noisy environments or situations where discretion is required.
- The height adjustment mechanism, while providing fine control, is a bit fiddly and not easily adjustable on the fly.
- Its lower-midrange will be too full for some.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Thalia is far superior to the Koss Porta Pro and sets a new standard for portable on-ear headphones, but it is inspired by the Porta Pro.
- Compared to the Grado RS2x, the Thalia is more durable, comfortable, and more enjoyable overall, and is more bassy and thicker in the midrange.
- The Thalia has a faster pace and a better driver control, and offers a lot more in the top-octave than the Sennheiser Momentum 2/3.
Takeaway: The Thalia is a uniquely designed, portable on-ear headphone that delivers great sound and is built to last. It is a good option for those who want a distinctive headphone that is fun to listen to.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Offers excellent midrange resolution, highlighting subtle details in instruments
- Features a safe yet exciting U-shaped tuning suitable for all genres
- Presents a dynamic and exciting sound signature, clear vocal performances, and a resolving staging performance
- The included cable is of high quality and features interchangeable plugs
- Has great audio reproduction accuracy and consistent audio delivery
Product Considerations
- The upper treble may be a little exaggerated for some listeners
- The shell is larger than average for a universal IEM, which may cause fit issues for some
- Stock ear tips are just okay
- Bass resolution could be better
- Does not have an integrated microphone, so a standalone mic is needed to take calls
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Monarch MKII: The MKIII has increased richness in its midrange and an upper treble exaggeration, offering a slightly U-shaped signature compared to the MkII's balanced profile
- Vs. Symphonium Helios: MkIII's midbass body contrasts Helios' dipped lower mids, MkIII has better overall resolution, but a more exaggerated treble
- Vs. 64 Audio U4s: The MkIII is better tuned compared to the U4s, with the U4s having a thicker midrange and weightier timbre
- Vs. MOONDROP x Crinacle DUSK: The THIEAUDIO have a more detailed treble range
- Vs. MOONDROP Blessing 3: The THIEAUDIO have a more elevated bass range
- Vs. TRUTHEAR x Crinacle ZERO: RED: The THIEAUDIO do a better job blocking out external noise and leak less audio
Takeaway: The Monarch MKIII is a well-tuned IEM that is great for all kinds of music and has excellent technical performance. If one is looking for a high-end IEM with a versatile sound, this could be a great choice.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Big bass that is detailed and well-controlled
- Wider soundstage than expected for a closed-back headphone
- Able to create the perception of sound layering, where instruments can be heard at different positions in the soundstage, including left, right, front, and back
- Detail and tonality are notable, and lacks harsh frequencies
- Comfortable suspension strap
Product Considerations
- Protein pads can get warm after an hour or so of use
- Imaging is not the most precise, and it may not be the best choice for competitive gaming
- Treble may be a bit forward, with a peak around 10k that may bother some people
- Isolation is not great, and it may not isolate as well as other closed-back headphones
- Bass response can overpower the treble, making the treble sound darker than it is
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sennheiser HD600/650, the Argon Mk3 has significantly more soundstage
Takeaway: The Argon Mk3 is a fun headphone with punchy low end and incredible soundstage, making it a great choice for personal listening. It is an insane value and is recommended as either a daily driver or a companion headphone.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
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.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- High-end design with premium materials (cloth and aluminum construction, aluminum accent rings, soft faux leather, stitch-free Nappa leather) gives a luxury vehicle feel and understated style
- Comfortable for longer periods thanks to the redesigned form and shape, upgraded pressure-relieving memory foam, oblong earcups for better pressure distribution, and ample room inside the earcups
- Superior sound quality is due to the revised custom 40mm Bowers & Wilkins driver with lower distortion biocellulose diaphragm and 20mm voice coil, carefully positioned and angled inside the earcups
- Integration with the Bowers & Wilkins Music app allows customization of noise canceling levels, ambient pass-through, and EQ tone control
- Improved clarity of voice on phone calls is due to the redesigned microphone pattern
- USB-C socket is the sole input option, though adapters are included
Product Considerations
- Some users may find the wear detection feature too sensitive
- The app offers fewer features than some other headphone apps
- The included cables are somewhat short
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the previous PX7, the S2 has a completely different design, is smaller and easier to carry, and has significant technical improvements
- The PX7 S2 offers a more balanced sound than mainstream offerings by Sony or Bose, which tend to exaggerate mid-bass
- The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 stood out with a more distinguished appearance, a next-level build with nicer tactility, and sound quality is a toss-up—dependent on listening preference
Takeaway: The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 headphones offer a great listening experience with excellent sound quality, beautiful design, and a comfortable fit. They are a solid choice for anyone who wants an upgrade over basic headphones and cares about both style and sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent sound quality with clarity and detail
- The charging case doubles as a wireless transmitter, connecting to non-Bluetooth devices via USB or 3.5mm jack
- Improved Bluetooth connectivity and an extended range of up to 25 meters compared to the original PI7
- Premium design and comfortable to wear for longer durations
- Excellent bass response
Product Considerations
- The B&W app lacks EQ customization options
- Transparency mode has noticeable hiss and is not easily accessible via the earbuds, requiring the app to activate
- Noise cancellation is good, but not class-leading compared to some competitors
- Some reviewers find them bulky and not very comfortable for prolonged use
- No multi-point pairing
Takeaway: The Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2 is a great choice for those who prioritize exceptional sound quality and appreciate the unique wireless transmitter feature. It provides an immersive and detailed listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Superior sound separation compared to older models, noticeable even to non-audiophiles
- The mobile app enhances usability by allowing users to adjust bass, treble, and noise reduction levels
- Comfortable fit with ample cushioning and a design that's comfortable to wear around the neck
- Premium build quality with attention to detail in design, materials, and hinge smoothness
- The sound is balanced, with distinct highs and bass that booms without overpowering the mix
Product Considerations
- Noise cancellation does not quite match up to Sony, with a small gap forming depending on head position
- Volume up and down buttons take time getting used to, with accidental pausing occurring
- The touch-sensitive earcup feature for pass-through audio from Sony is missed
- Lacks an adapter for airplane screens
- Some reviewers found the earcup size a bit awkward
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sony WH-1000XM3: Px7 S2e offers superior sound separation
- Vs Apple AirPods Max: PX7 S2e is closer to the sound quality of the AirPods Max than the Beats Studio Pro, but the AirPods Max is heavier and less comfortable for long-term use
- Vs Sony WH-1000XM5: Px7 S2e has better sound quality, though the Sony has better ANC
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins Px8: Px7 S2e is very close in sound quality for a much better price
- Vs Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless: Px7 S2e has better midrange magic for music
- Vs Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra: Px7 S2e balances ANC and music playback better
Takeaway: The Px7 S2e headphones are a premium product that balances sound quality, comfort, and build. Great sound and a luxurious feel could make these headphones a perfect fit.
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