Fostex TM2 Review

Fostex TM2

Sound

 

The Fostex TM2 comes with a black, single driver detachable earphone unit. This unit features Fostex’s own 6mm full-range dynamic drivers. It has a mid-centric, vivid sound signature. The sub-region and the rest of the bass region is very snappy and has enough impact. The bass response is neat, definite. It feels quite fast as well. It is not particularly emphasized but with certain artists, like perhaps with the Atomic Drum Assembly, you feel the oomph of the dynamic driver.

Fostex TM2

Fostex TM2

Moving on to the midrange, I can say with confidence, these have marvelously tuned midrange with thick note weight. Almost every mid-based instruments such as strings, woodwinds have beautiful tonality. Resolution and detail-retrieval levels are very good for the price as well. Moving on to higher regions, upper mids are a tad more energetic than high frequencies. The emphasis is rather minimal but it certainly provides a boost to clarity.

Highs are smooth yet extended. They are not rolled off or cut by any means, just the way TM2 presents them is on the kinder side. The presentation is very suitable for long listening sessions as it is quite easy to listen to. In my opinion, the unit’s tuning is excellent for a wide range of genres. PRaT is good so that you can listen to your complex passages with ease. Dynamism is good so that you can put on Nina Simone and track the hand claps and hi-hats.

Sound stage-wise it does not have a particularly wide & deep stage but it offers good instrument separation and positioning. The width is slightly better than the depth. There is enough air between the instruments for it to have a relaxed presentation.

Fostex TM2

Fostex TM2

I also tested the adapter with other IEMs. The TM2 adapter has a balanced sound signature, it does not boost any frequency range plus it offers good clarity and resolution for the price. Of course, by going wireless you lose some quality but that’s the ultimate cost of having no wires. I still think that they do a good job at the end of the day and the difference is not as huge as it was a year ago. Liberation from the cables was a dream 3 or 4 years ago for audiophiles. Now it’s a fact more than ever. Let’s see what technology brings us in the future.

Last Words

The TM2 gives you the ability to liberate your favorite wired CIEMs & IEMs from cables. It has great battery life, it is bundled with a great IEM, it comes with a durable, roomy case. I wish it had a battery inside for additional battery life but perhaps this is what Fostex is planning for the successor of TM2, who knows? I would also want to see LDAC support for the next version of TM2. Fostex has created something amazing and there are currently no alternatives to this adapter due to the modular configuration. If you’re looking for a good TWS but you can’t find a sound signature to your liking, just use this adapter to use your own set. How awesome is that?

Fostex TM2

Fostex TM2

4.4/5 - (188 votes)
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Long time Tech Enthusiast, an ambitious petrol-head, Yagiz likes his gadgets and always finds new ways into the tinkerer's world. He tries to improve anything and everything he gets his hands onto. Loves an occasional shine on the rocks.

1 Comment

  • Reply March 30, 2021

    Robert Clark

    If your you charging case stops charging, you will have a very difficult time get a replacement case. I’ve been on a search, using Fostex service, to get one and they have me calling around with a part number that doesn’t show up. I think the box should hold an additional charge too.

    Sometimes you need to put the earphones in the station and pull them out before they activate, so if you are running around without the case you might have dead earphones until you get to the station.

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