Fostex T50RP

$171.00 to $189.99 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (2)

2 Critic Reviews

1 Review

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Fostex T50rp Mk3 Studio Headphones (Semi-Open)

$153.28 - $189.99

5.0 (2)

Find out who is using Fostex T50RP

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5 saved

Page last updated Jun 21, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated June 20, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (3)

$189.99 1 available New

$178.75 1 available Used

View Deal

4.6 (38)

$171.00

View Deal

Average Price: $180

Standard/Professional

$100

$301+

Price Tier

In the Headphones & In-Ear Monitors category, Fostex T50RP is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Fostex T50RP". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 23, 2026.

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Description

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Elevate your audio experience with the Fostex T50RP, a pair of headphones that have become an essential tool for both amateur and professional musicians. Engineered for clarity and precision, these semi-open headphones offer a distinctive orthodynamic driver that ensures accurate sound reproduction, making them perfect for mixing and monitoring. Their circumaural design comfortably envelops your ears, providing excellent isolation while maintaining a natural and immersive audio environment.

With an impedance of 50 Ohms, the T50RP can be driven by a wide range of devices, from professional studio equipment to portable music players. The headphones boast a wide frequency range of 15 to 35,000 Hz, capturing every nuance of your music, from the deepest bass to the most delicate highs. Their robust build supports a maximum input level of 3000 mW, allowing you to push your sound without distortion.

The Fostex T50RP comes with two detachable cables for convenience and flexibility: a 1.2-meter cable with a 3.5 mm stereo jack and a 3-meter cable with a 6.3 mm stereo jack. At just 315 grams without the cable, they are light enough for extended sessions without causing fatigue. Whether you're in the studio or on the go, these headphones deliver reliability and performance that truly sets them apart.

Key Features:

For mixing and monitoring
Semi-open type
Orthodynamic driver
Circumaural design
Impedance: 50 Ohm
Sensitivity: 92 dB
Frequency range: 15 - 35,000 Hz
Max. input level: 3000 mW
Includes 2 detachable cables (1.2 m and 3 m)

Product specs

Available since	March 2016
Design	Over-Ear
System	Semi Open
Impedance	50 Ohms
Frequency range	15 Hz – 35000 Hz
Adaptor	No
Replaceable Cable	Yes
Colour	Black
Max. SPL	92 dB
Type Of Connector	Jack
Weight	315 g

FAQs

What type of design does the Fostex T50RP-Mk3 feature?: The Fostex T50RP-Mk3 features an over-ear, semi-open design, which offers a balance between sound isolation and a natural soundstage, ideal for critical listening and studio use.
Are the cables on the Fostex T50RP-Mk3 replaceable?: Yes, the Fostex T50RP-Mk3 headphones come with a replaceable cable, allowing for easy maintenance and customization.
What is the impedance of the Fostex T50RP-Mk3 headphones?: The Fostex T50RP-Mk3 has an impedance of 50 Ohms, making it suitable for use with a wide range of audio equipment, including professional studio gear and high-quality audio interfaces.
How does the semi-open design of the Fostex T50RP-Mk3 affect sound quality?: The semi-open design of the Fostex T50RP-Mk3 provides a spacious soundstage with a natural audio reproduction, making them ideal for mixing and mastering applications.
What is the frequency range of the Fostex T50RP-Mk3 headphones?: The Fostex T50RP-Mk3 offers a frequency range of 15 Hz to 35,000 Hz, allowing for detailed and accurate sound reproduction across a wide spectrum.

Videos

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LLAT: What Makes the Fostex T50RP So Popular?

lachlanlikesathing

Fostex T50RP Review

Joshua Valour

Reviews

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PROS

Exceptional sound quality with detailed highs and lows
Mod-friendly design for custom sound and comfort adjustments
Comfortable for extended use, even for those who wear glasses
Versatile sound signature with pad swapping
Durable build with professional design
Compatible with any 3.5 - 1/8 terminated cable
Notable improvement over other studio headphones
Planar magnetic drivers offer fast and clean response

CONS

Requires a quality headphone amp for optimal performance
Stock pads are thin and may become uncomfortable quickly
Slightly recessed midrange with stock pads
Lower sensitivity may necessitate higher volume settings on some devices
Some may find the sound a bit too bright compared to certain speakers

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fostex T50RP.

Build quality

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Cable connector is seen as a potential weak point, with reports of cutting out and concerns about durability due to the proprietary locking mechanism.
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Value and pricing

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The MK4 is considered worth its $250 price tag, with modding potential and detailed sound that rivals higher-priced models, especially when paired with affordable mods.
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User experience

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Some users find the headband creates a hotspot, which can be alleviated with a comfort strap, similar to the T60RP's design.
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Some owners report discomfort due to the clamp force and a noticeable hotspot from the stiff rubber headband.
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Owners describe the T50RP's sound as holographic, engaging more than even high-end models like the HD 800s.
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Use cases and applications

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The MK4 is noted for its semi-portable design, providing good isolation and low sound leakage, making it suitable for on-the-go use despite lacking ANC.
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Owners find the T50RP suitable for work environments due to its semi-open design that minimizes sound leakage.
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Comparisons

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The MK4 is mid-centric with forward mids, offering detailed vocals superior to the T20/40/50/60RP series, yet can be shouty, contrasting with the warmer Sennheiser HD 660.
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T50RP 50th Anniversary's sound quality is described as better than Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro LE, and it sits between Moondrop Para and HiFiman Sundara in sound profile.
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The T50RP MKIII is easier to mod into a V-shaped sound signature, while the 50th anniversary edition leans towards neutrality with minor tweaks.
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Mods and upgrades

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Users recommend ZMF Ori pads and Mayflower thicker baffle foam discs to improve bass, detail, and soundstage, enhancing the MK4's performance significantly.
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Thick foam baffle disks can increase bass but may cause congestion; a hybrid thick felt and thin foam baffle disk can alleviate this issue.
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Covering the small exposed square on the back of the driver with thin gauze can help manage mid-bass bloat effectively.
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DCA Ether pads significantly enhance soundstage but may increase treble; ZMF Eikon sheepskin pads offer better bass punch with a v-shaped sound signature.
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Poly-Fil disks between the cup and driver can refine bass and detail, with careful balance needed to avoid muffling.
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Shure 840 pads are well-balanced but bass-light; Shure 1540 pads add soundstage and comfort, slightly reducing slam.
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Features and functionality

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The MK4 features an updated planar driver with 28 ohms impedance and 97db/mW sensitivity, offering more detail and smoother mids than previous models.
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The T50RP is semi-open with decent isolation, not fully open, offering more noise control than typical open-back designs.
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Critic Reviews

A DIYers Delight: The Fostex T50RP Mk3 | Stereophile.com

stereophile.com

The Fostex T50RP Mk3 headphones offer a durable build and clarity in mid-range frequencies, appealing to both studio users and DIY mod enthusiasts. While the tonal balance and clarity have improved from previous models, the utilitarian design and inefficiency, requiring a dedicated amp for optimal sound, limit their broader appeal. Lack of sub-bass and unreliable jack connections are notable drawbacks. For enthusiasts, the T50RP Mk3 presents a great canvas for modification, but casual listeners might find better alternatives, like the Audio Technica ATH-M50x or HiFiMAN HE400S, which offer more refined sound and bass response.

neutral

Full Review

Fostex T50RP Review - Major HiFi

majorhifi.com

The Fostex T50RP headphones impress with their retro design and reliable studio sound, offering a roomy soundstage and clean separation. Planar magnetic drivers deliver a precise and engaging audio experience, making them ideal for both studio use and casual listening. However, the headphones demand significant driving power, and the absence of leather ear pads at their price point is a minor letdown. Overall, the T50RP stands out as a top choice among reference headphones, particularly at the sale price of $199.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

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paul_hinz

almost 11 years ago

The best when modified properly

Out of the box they're not the greatest but the amount of mods that you can apply to it is nearly unlimited. Just open it up and do things to it, nothing hidden or anything. Once modified it can compare to one of the best headphones publicly acquirable, at least in my opinion.

Artist usage

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Michael Stipe

Singer

R.E.M.

Verified via EMusician

“When we did Michael’s vocals we were at Hit Factory/Criteria in Studio E. It’s a mid-size control room with two outboard racks at tabletop height with a walkway between the two. In the middle is where we set up his mic stand,” explains Candiloro. “On one side was outboard gear on top of the rack and the other side was Michael’s station with his headphones ready to go. He liked the Fostex T-50s and we used the same pair for the whole record. Most of the time it would only be Pat [McCarthy] and myself in the control room with headphones on while Michael was doing his vocals. He would work the mic — grab it sometimes. He’s very consistent. He’s been doing it for a long time and knows his voice so well. It’s an instrument he’s kept in great shape; he knows exactly how to work a mic.”

Reggie Sears

Singer, Guitarist

The Soul Generals

Verified via Photo

"In the studio, I ONLY use the Fostex RP series headphones. My particular favorite is the T50. I still have the original pair I bought back in the day... and I still use it every day in the studio."