FOSTEX has announced the “FE83A-VB” (8cm) and “FE103A-VB” (10cm) as new additions to their legendary FE series full-range speaker driver lineup. Shipping begins late December 2025.
First Alnico Magnets in 60 Years of FE Series History
Since the original FE103 debuted in 1964, the FE series has consistently used ferrite magnets. With these new models, FOSTEX introduces alnico magnets to the regular lineup for the first time. Alnico is renowned for its expressive and pleasing tonal qualities, and FOSTEX states the new drivers maintain the bright, open sound characteristic of the FE series while improving midrange-to-treble clarity.
Proprietary Cone Technology
The diaphragm features FOSTEX’s proprietary “2-Layer ES Cone” technology, achieving a lightweight yet highly rigid structure with excellent internal damping. The base layer uses long-fiber pulp in a bulky structure for combined rigidity and internal loss, while the surface layer incorporates short-fiber pulp for improved high-frequency propagation. This delivers fast transient response in the highs, substantial bass, and maintains the bright midrange character while enhancing overall quality.
Distortion-Reducing Technologies
The magnetic circuit incorporates copper caps on the pole piece to suppress current distortion. Additionally, a grommet-less structure and pocket-neck damper design reduce vibration mode irregularities, minimizing harmonic distortion in the midrange. The terminals feature gold-plated Faston 205-type connectors to prevent sound quality degradation. Recommended enclosure type is bass-reflex.
Key Specifications
FE83A-VB (8cm diameter)
- Price: JPY 29,700 (incl. tax)
- Frequency response: f0–20kHz
- Resonant frequency (f0): 104Hz
- Sensitivity: 85dB/W/m
- Impedance: 8Ω
- Magnet mass: 102g
- Weight: approx. 420g
- Baffle cutout: Φ73mm
FE103A-VB (10cm diameter)
- Price: JPY 36,300 (incl. tax)
- Frequency response: f0–20kHz
- Resonant frequency (f0): 85Hz
- Sensitivity: 87.5dB/W/m
- Impedance: 8Ω
- Magnet mass: 102g
- Weight: approx. 600g
- Baffle cutout: Φ93mm
Launch Events
Commemorative listening events will be held in Osaka and Tokyo (Japan).
Osaka
- Venue: Kyoritsu Electronics HQ Building 1F Seminar Room
- Date: December 13, 2025 (Sat) 10:30–12:00 / 14:00–15:30
Tokyo
- Venue: Koizumi Musen, Akihabara
- Date: December 20, 2025 (Sat) 13:00–15:00
Reference Links / Sources
- PHILE WEB: https://www.phileweb.com/news/audio/202512/08/27173.html
- FOSTEX Official: https://www.fostex.jp/