Omg, what should I do hahaha Should I just go demo the TH909’s? I’m honestly still trying to figure out if I just like any headphones that are very fast and bright which the TH900 has but the bass is just an added bonus.
1 Like
Yes, so I’m not imagining things 
I’m not sure why Qutest comes default as 1V, maybe it’s something to do with the bundled psu? I’ve settled on 2V which makes the TH900 sound slightly more dynamic, if I had to put an arbitrary figure it’s 10%. However, I also have LS50W ‘double’ dac’ed to the Qutest and 2V totally transforms the sound! I can even feel some energy at the outer edges of the soundstage.
3 Likes
The Fostex really surprised me because it let me experience substantial changes in sound depending on amplifier. I only had one dac but i know that @j.fopps also noticed some changes in sound when switching dacs so I’m not surprised that there have been some big differences when using them differently haha.
3 Likes
I have not heard all 3 tunings in the 900 series just the 909 and the Limited Edition but, IME the differences between the models I’ve heard is noticeable but not extreme, and is more a factor of personal preferences. Sources, and not limited to DAC & amp matchups, but also player/bridge influence the sound as well. So although it could be beneficial to try other models in the series I am not as sure that one is more likely than another to be a “fix”.
Also, from what I’ve seen you post and from past conversations we’ve had I’m guessing that you might prefer the Limited Edition over the 909 as bass in the LE is tighter and more controlled with less bloom into the mid range, and the mids are more forward and treble is clear and extended while remaining smooth. 909 treble exhibits the same qualities but rolls off a bit sooner. However they both can have a bite with some tracks.
1 Like
I have to say I agree with your assessment here and in my experience the th900 mkii is tilted further that direction from limited edition. I would also say that I felt mkii difference was more noticeable to me that between 909 and limited edition.
I still think that for something like EDM mk2 was a winner but not by much compared to limited edition.
1 Like
Thanks @Delta9K @Salguson. I managed to try out the 909’s and it indeed sounds very different to the 900’s. I’m terrible at describing the sounds (plenty of well written reviews) but I feel the 909’s is another outstanding model in its own right. I am a beginner to this hobby and I’m often told the harman curve is the standard for safe pleasurable tuning. However, my experience is that Fostex have created the real gold standard with the 909’s. Forget the harman curve! This headphone should replace it as the default safe tuning, it’s that good! 
I don’t think it’s possible for me to listen to the 900 PW but I’ve read quite a bit on it from various places and also from your messages. In terms of proximity in tuning (from scale of 0-10), if 909’s were 0 and 900’s were 10, where does 900 PW sit? e.g. does it sit dead centre in between the two at 5? or does it lean closer to one of the extremes?
5 Likes
You’ll learn fairly quickly that it’s not the case. 
At -10, actually. The 909’s are the center pair.
2 Likes
I like Harmon tuning, but Harmon Tuning does not necessarily mean pleasurable and not Harmon doesn’t equate to not pleasurable.
Or, to say it another way, Harmon tuning doesn’t indicate anything in terms of quality. It’s just a specific flavor.
Yes absolutely agree it’s a flavour (100% nothing to do with quality). I felt my experience with 909’s were 'Wow" these are so safe and agreeable yet they retain the Fostex presentation (blind-folded I could immediately tell it’s a Fostex).
1 Like
I should probably add here (since I’ve heard them all) my personal order of preference:
909 > 900 Lawton Purplehearts (w/X00 or stock pads) > Pearl White > stock 900 > LA PH (w/ Lawton pads)
In terms of most to least v-shaped, it’d be:
LA PH > 900 > 909 > PW
Pad rolling also affects how much the V tilts in one direction over the other. X00 pads cut down on the treble and boosts bass where the Lawton Angle pads do the exact opposite.
5 Likes
Ah I see. Do you mind describing how the purplehearts altered the sound on the 900s?
They exaggerate the v-shape and open the stage up quite a bit.
1 Like
Based from my preferences in music and sound I fall in line with what @DDT said - I would put the 909 closer to the 900 Std and the 900 LE at the 10 spot.
3 Likes
+1 for this assessment. But unlike @Delta9K I would actually put 909 a step closer to 900 ltd not to og. I just felt like mids are pushing it closer to ltd. But generally I agree with everything that was said here.
4 Likes
Thanks guys. I picked up a pair of Th909 to compliment the 900’s!
I would like to wear these out but I can only manage to spend an entry level amount on a DAP. I’ve tried iems but the pressure is really uncomfortable. Tried fir and 64audio and still feel the discomfort.
What are my options? I’m currently looking at ibasso DX320 and WM1AM2. I often hear Sony don’t have much power, but the th900/909 don’t seem to need a lot of power? I also would be running the headphones with a 4.4mm balanced cable.
5 Likes
I believe @Littledrummerboy liked the 900 pretty well on the Hiby RS6. It’s been a while, but I remember the Lawton 610 I have being pretty solid off of the Cayin N6ii. Unfortunately haven’t specifically heard the 900/909 and have moved to a L&P P6 Pro, so not really a fair DAP to judge against anymore.
1 Like
Thank you very much for commenting this because I don’t have to seem too shillie now lol. As i’m actually selling that same RS6 Incase @reuben3 is interested lol. Just gonna leave this here…
https://forum.sonusapparatus.com/t/wts-hiby-rs6/1000/7?u=littledrummerboy
Word, you don’t need much power for them. As long as it’s a good amplifier it will sound good, although it is fairly source picky. Changes a fair bit in both positive and negative ways depending on the amp and i’ve hard based on dac/iinput too.
2 Likes
Awesome that you enjoy it on Hiby daps! I don’t think I can take up your offer, I’m in Australia and intl shipping is a disaster right now.
What are you looking to upgrade to next? I’m new to DAPs (don’t own any), so I was hoping for info on how various brands sound? Ibasso, Shanling, Sony, Fiio, Hiby (I can’t quite reach for Cayin, LP, AK)
I thought Sony 1am2 matched what I was after; smooth, neutral/warm, with dynamics. Dx320 isn’t as close; mid-high focused, airy but not as dynamic in comparison?
I guess I want the Th900/909 sound a little smooth, not too thin, and have a bit of excitement.
2 Likes
Ah sorry! I’m a typical American and I assume everyone lives in the US lol
Personally I’m interested in A&K although they are extremely expensive lolz, also interested in a p6p but we will see.
Hey yeah man, while deciding on my upgrade the Sony you mentioned was highly recommended! And I was told it’s better than the Hiby RS6 too! Honestly bro feels like the Sony might be a safe purchase for whar you want! Sadly I can’t comment on the others because I don’t have info on them hahaha.
Even though the RS6 will be smoother it will not be warmer, it’s a very neutral dap that gets its smoothness from the way in which it attracks. It’s a bit blunted.