Fostex / Modhouse T60RP Argon - Is the mod really better than stock?

[@ryandietz7878]

Thank you for the review and to everyone who helped make it possible!

[@PassionforSound]

My pleasure, Ryan. Thanks for acknowledging the contributions from Nick and Aaron too!

[@bubblehead5394]

Love my set of Mod House T60RP's. My favorite headphone in my collection. Completely delicious sound signature. Again, thank you Ryan.

[@ryandietz7878]

@@bubblehead5394 Awesome! Thank you for the kind words and support!

[@onepieceatatime]

Great review. Love my T60 Argons. So smooth and they really work with any track. A++

[@PassionforSound]

Didn't realise this was THE Ryan! Thanks for making (or modifying) such a great headphone, Ryan!

[@bubblehead5394]

I have a pair of these Mod House T60RP headphones with the fat suede ZMF pads and snazy headband. I love them in every way. My favorite headphone in my collection when hooked up to my Bifrost 2/Joutenheim 2 stack via balanced Hart Audio cables. Dealing with Ryan has been an exceptional experience. Can't wait to see what he comes up with next.

[@PassionforSound]

That's great to hear! Thanks for sharing your experiences

[@tedthomas9809]

Great review. Love my t60 argons. Also, thank you Ryan @ Modhouse!

[@PassionforSound]

Glad you liked the review and love your Argons!

[@illyth63]

Earlier this year I started dipping my toes into the hi-fi world, and the stock T60RPs were a lovely introduction. I couldn't resist ordering a second pair from Modhouse with the Argon mods. I agree that there really is a benefit to having both, but generally the Argons are such a comfy and pleasurable experience to listen to, I'm slightly addicted to them.

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for sharing your experiences, especially as an owner of the stock and Argon versions! So glad you're enjoying them

[@soulfulfool]

very comfy with suede pads 👍

[@reflection1119]

As a current owner of the both the Argon MK3 (with various ZMF oval pads) and the T60 Argon (with Xenon suede and Vegan leather pads) I found that, although the T60 Argon is technically better in terms of detail retrieval and frequency response/tonal balance, I found the MK3 more enjoyable and better for longer listening sessions. The T60 has a sibilant peak which I'm only able to tame by bending the headband and increasing the clamp force. I find the MK3 soundstage to be wider Than the t60 Argons, it hits harder in the bass, and whilst it can sometimes get close to hitting the sibilant peak of the t60 Argon, it never quite gets there and is more comfortable as a result. For a more neutral experience with the MK3, I highly recommend the ZMF oval suedes. It gets close to the T60 Argon without the sibilance, so I've decided to sell the T60 Argons.

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for sharing your experiences, reflection!

[@soulfulfool]

I'm proud owner of T60RP Argon 👍 its unique headphone, very fine closed back

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for letting us know you're happy with it!

[@dasninjastix]

T60rp Argons really surprised me. They're ok with the ZMF ovals but they're pretty stellar with the Xenon pads. As you said, their spatial presentation really sets them apart and with the right source you can have this fun, blown out, disco hall presentation that's encompassing. Wouldn't recommend them though without the right source. Not sure how they'd do on more clinical or analytical amps. They're a really fun and enjoyable headphone, I think I'm higher than you on their value proposition but that could be due to the kinds of music I enjoy. For me it's a bit of a baby Empyrean sonically, though an Empyrean has a much easier time with sources. I wish I grabbed a T60 Argon sooner. They're a steal on the used market. If you have a Schiit amp, makes sense to go for one, just make sure you put the Xenons on it.

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for sharing your experiences and preferences with them, Ninja!

[@skywalkeratod]

which schiit amp would you recommend for these and is there a good DAC to go along with it?

[@dasninjastix]

@@skywalkeratod I think they're pretty fun on a Zen DAC but it all depends on your tastes. I have a Schitt Lyr 3 and the Argons sound great on it but they sound pretty great on most amps I've used. I sort of think if you buy an amp you should consider all the potential headphones you'd want to drive from it. I'm sure the Asgard or Jot would drive the Argons just fine. As for a DAC, no idea. Sounds good (to me) from a Zen DAC, a Mojo 2, an ef400, or a Earmen Sparrow.

[@PassionforSound]

I agree. Pretty much any Schiit amp will sound great with the Argons, as will the others Ninja mentioned

[@frederf69]

Dan Clark really started something here. Good review, very helpful, thank you.

[@PassionforSound]

Yes, the modding world in general have brought the hobby forward in many ways. Glad you liked the review!

[@chefsteve8381]

The T50RP are one of the most modded headphones around, even Dan Clark started out modding them, now look at him now...the bass can be easily increased by placing tape over the internal air vents.also found the Yaxi SR pads work great on the T50RP but are a pain to get on, 😳 great unexpected review of some underrated headphones. As a side note the T50RP stock earpads hold the world record of having the most crappy, uncomfortable earpads ever....

[@PassionforSound]

Lol. That's quite a record! I have to say that I have still never been impressed with the sound from any version of the T50RP, but the T60RP is a different story

[@patricktamiggi9453]

From the video shot of the modified driver, the T60 Argons have the V1.1 baffle mod added as well. The felt ring that is added closes them up a bit and mellows them to be closer to the T50 MK3. In my opinion, the T60 Argon shines brightest (figuratively speaking) without that addition of felt but keeping the Xenon pads. I have both the T50 MK3 and T60 Argons and love both, they are a great addition to any collection or as an endgame!

[@PassionforSound]

Nick did say I could remove that extra baffle, but I decided against it because they weren't mine. Glad you're enjoying your Argons!

[@itayoron]

@@PassionforSound Ryan told me that “The baffle insert reduces a 5.5k peak, while bringing up 6-8k a bit. If you're not sensitive to 5.5k but you are sensitive to 7.5k you might prefer them with the baffle inserts removed.” I am now trying it without the baffle and I think I prefer it that way as I am sensitive to the 7.5k peak

[@PassionforSound]

That's great extra info. Thank you!

[@dar._]

It's here, it's here... it's here. *screams out the window* it's heeeere!

[@PassionforSound]

Hope you weren't disappointed! Thanks for helping to make it possible 🙂🙂

[@AccuphaseMan]

I'm pretty sure modhouse would be getting a dealer price on the T50s and T60s. That would explain the price difference between buying a premodified pair and sending in your own.

[@PassionforSound]

That makes sense!

[@ruffandruff]

As always, great video mate!

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks! Glad you liked it

[@simonrockstream]

thank you so much for this video, seriously, thank you!

[@PassionforSound]

My pleasure. Glad I could help

[@SiliDuffa]

Great review as usual! Keep them coming! Just curious, what did you use to power them? I still own a set of Mad Dog Pro's but still looking for something power them properly.

[@PassionforSound]

Glad you liked it! I used the Chord TT2 mostly, but also the Schitt Folkvangr and possibly some others too. I never found the Mad Dogs to be particularly enjoyable because the T50RP (assuming the Pro is built on the T50) isn't as strong as the T60. In other words, I'm not sure if the issue is the amp or just the headphone's limitations.

[@TheVeganVicar]

I purchased a Fostex headphone amplifier in Sydney in 2005 but never got to use it even ONCE. 😅

[@PassionforSound]

How come? What happened?

[@PurpleRain000X]

Just bought T60 RP Argon's today

[@PassionforSound]

Nice choice! Hope you love them 🙂🙂

[@MrMrwaz]

Have a pair of t50rp with some dekoni premium velour pads and have added HD650 headband padding. Have the most comfortable headphones ever now. Sound good too

[@PassionforSound]

That's great! Glad you're enjoying them 🙂🙂

[@onepieceatatime]

When did Andre Agassi start doing headphone reviews?

[@PassionforSound]

After my tennis career was over and I had to find a new job 🤣

[@onepieceatatime]

@@PassionforSound The accent is convincing.

[@PassionforSound]

Took me a bit of work, that one 😉

[@calypsoraz4318]

I've got the stock t50rps with the Shure 1540 pads and while I love them, I've been looking at the t60 argons. I think you've just further solidified my choice.

[@PassionforSound]

It's a really significant upgrade from T50RPs - I don't think you'll be disappointed

[@JKHYT]

I am curious if these would be a good upgrade from the K371. I really like them and they've become my daily drivers, for tonality they are basically perfect. But I wouldn't mind a bit more resolution and the materials/build are in line with a ~$100 headphone, nothing special. I'd like something that maintains the Harman tuning but improves in technicalities and build quality. I really wish I could listen to a pair of the Argons before buying.

[@PassionforSound]

I don't specifically know the K371 so I can't comment on the similarities and differences - sorry

[@asan1050]

Thanks!

[@shawnpwatsons1]

I need to know how "leaky" this headphone is? I know it's semi-open but is this closer to open or closed as far as leaky-ness is concerned. My wife sits close to me in my listening chair. She doesn't mind a little leakage, but my Edition XX are too leaky for me to listen at the volume I enjoy. Which are more fun or enjoyable: Noire or T60RP Argon? Better value?

[@PassionforSound]

Good questions! The T60RP is more closed than open for sure. They're barely semi-open based on what I experienced with them, but I didn't do a specific leakage test. As for Noire vs T60RP, the Noire would be my choice every time. They're more expensive, but also punch way higher for the $$$

[@zzezzobike]

Good one, I like it

[@jamescook6890]

Only owning the Fostex Argon Mk3s and the Ollo S4x headphones my Argons are currently best for my Rock and guitar driven music collection. Could you kindly tell me your current favourite headphones for that genre so I could look to upgrade in the future please

[@PassionforSound]

Hi James, that depends a lot on how you enjoy rock and guitar driven music. My favourites are the Meze Elite because of their bass for music like that, but some people like a headphone with more bite and attack on the guitars specifically (and therefore less bass comparatively). I'd suggest checking out my recent headphone tier list video for a list of my favourites at different prices and some short comments about why I like each one. I tend to listen to a lot of rock and blues so everything I say in that video will be with those genres in mind.

[@jamescook6890]

@@PassionforSound Wonderful and thank you so much for taking the time to reply. Another reason you are my go-to reviewer and favourite channel keep up the great work its much appreciated

[@PassionforSound]

My pleasure. Glad you're enjoying the channel! 🙂🙂

[@erikhellman3974]

Would love to hear your review of the 64 Audio U12T

[@PassionforSound]

I used to own a pair and discussed them as comparison units with the Sennheiser IE900 and Shure KSE1200 in those two reviews, but never directly reviewed them

[@nostalgicjamadar8076]

Sir, I wanted suggestions for iems in 1000 - 1500 usd range. Source device I have is a chord mojo 2. My preferences are for a good soundstage,good details but a bit warm not too much and good bass extension and in general a very enjoyable and emotional listening experience.

[@PassionforSound]

I'm a little bit out of touch with all of the possible options, but the Sennheiser IE900 had become my favourite IEM for all the reasons you've described and I also use the Mojo 2

[@nostalgicjamadar8076]

@@PassionforSound Ok I'll research on this, thanks btw

[@PassionforSound]

My pleasure 🙂

[@lawrencewang3327]

Ultimate ears.

[@ACallander22]

What dac/amp would you recommend for the T60RP?

[@PassionforSound]

It depends a lot on your budget and if you are happy to use separates or want an all-in-one?

[@ACallander22]

@@PassionforSound I’d prefer an all in one and $500 or lower. Is that okay and doable?

[@PassionforSound]

I'd recommend something like the SMSL M500 Mk3 or the HiFiMan EF400. I've reviewed both together here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aafYfnqQi9F_r9E

[@ACallander22]

@@PassionforSound one last question… 🫣 I’ve never listened to a tube amp… would you recommend or would I not be missing anything?

[@PassionforSound]

I think tubes are definitely worth checking out. Something like an xDuoo MT-601 or (even better) the MT-604 would be a fun entry into tube world for a low entry price.

[@N3ukenInD3K3uken]

The argon would be better than stock .. only there never seems to be stock of the Argons riddle for the philosophers here

[@PassionforSound]

⁉️🙂

[@Streaml1neJMoose]

lol! Lead times are pretty good now, 1-2 weeks last I checked.

[@liquid801hlm_9]

I only have one criticism of the review, and this isn't a criticism of you whatsoever or any other creator as I have this complaint for all reviews that I've seen done on T50rpMKIII Argons. Their base price of $295 buys the modification but the driver modification without the ZMF pads is kind of like putting full coverage insurance on a car rusting in your back yard that has never moved. The true "base" price for the MKIII mod is realistically $345 not $295. They're a $350 bracket headphone, not a $300 one. Plus there's the added cost of getting them balanced, and a balanced cable that has to be purchased as well. All of that said, this is mostly just an individual annoyance, most folks looking into Argons already know this but to the few that find a review like this and go to purchase, just know you at least want the pad upgrade if not the balanced mod and periapt cable as well.

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for clarifying that, liquid. This review was focussed more on buying the complete version Argons from Modhouse rather than sending in the T50/T60s for upgrade so I didn't research in depth on the mod service. That makes a bit more sense why the price difference between modding and the finished Argons didn't quite add up for me.

[@hdsarma]

Price difference maybe because they buy the stock in higher quantities resulting in cost savings.

[@PassionforSound]

Quite possibly!

[@davdidit6]

I am looking for a good pair of closed backs. Pretty much decided on the Drop DCA Aeon X Closed. Anyone have any thoughts on the Aeon X to the Argon’s?

[@chefsteve8381]

I own both and both are great in their own way, but technically and build wise the Aeon x closed is better....

[@davdidit6]

@@chefsteve8381 thank you

[@PassionforSound]

I'd second this based on my Aeon 2 Noire experiences and I believe the Aeon X is built along pretty similar lines.

[@nbrikha]

The EQ on this video is so heavy on the bass I can't listen to it on my kanto6 setup without turning it down a lot

[@PassionforSound]

I've not had that feedback from others so I'm sorry it's sounding that way on your setup

[@YouTubeDoxedMyRealName]

I guess ur all afraid to loose ur free stuff cuz not a single one of you guys will take the cans apart and show us whats inside... You can easily mod the Bayers to be balanced. I'm wondering if these things compare to the 1990 pro 250 ohm's.

[@PassionforSound]

No, not afraid of anything. I just have no need to open them up. On some videos, I do actually open things up if it's relevant (see my Schiit Syn review)

[@intelligence6900]

Tldr ?

[@PassionforSound]

Fostex good, Argon better

[@intelligence6900]

@@PassionforSound ty

[@intelligence6900]

@@PassionforSound compared to lcd x 2022?

[@PassionforSound]

I haven't been able to try the LCD-X yet :(

[@intelligence6900]

@@PassionforSound rip 🪦

[@kurt120032002]

After the abysmal experience I got with the T50 RP, I would not buy anything with the fostex name on it. Not only they do not sound good on anything, the materials are so bad and cheap that literally disintegrates while sitting in their box for 4-5 years. I got a cheaper headphones like M40X that I trash around for 7 years and they are still fine, not to mention the usage I got from the,, vs 10h top in all their life and that is just by testing different amps. if honestly that is what fostex considers acceptable at any price, I have 0 trust to buy anything with that name. That even the free headphones you use to bet with the phone were actually usable and lasted for 3-4 years, until you were upgrading your phone, so by cost AND usage metric, T50 RP mk3 are worse then free headphone.

[@dar._]

Sorry they hurt you. My T60RP are built better than my headphones 2-4x the price.

[@PassionforSound]

I'm with Aaron. The T60RP build quality is excellent. I'm also not a huge fan of the T60RP though.

[@kurt120032002]

@@dar._ I am not talking about T60, Since didn't try them I can't speak. I am talking about T50 MK3 and the fact for me personally, Fostex lost the trust and good will so will not consider their future products. as I work my way to my end-game system and headphone collection.

[@PassionforSound]

It's always a shame when you get burned by a brand. It can be very hard to ever trust them again.