Mr.Vacarious I don't agree with that comment either. Beats headphones are targeted more towards the general public. You should check out tyil's review of x2 at Inner Fedility. His thoughts were that for that price point x2 was selling for it was simply the best they could offer. But hey, opinions are opinions, but I think you have the x2's all wrong. Just my 2 cents

I see what you are saying Mr Vicarious but I think it's very much a stab in the dark.
Let's just time do its job and try to get our friends into audio
I personally like my NADs better at this price but there will be people who will like the X2 just as there will be some who does not.

imagine this: Your opinion is one of the infinitesimal number ever expressed about audio. As such, it is roared as the One Truth born of righteous conviction. In the end, it merits a shrug and an "OK, whatever." Because that's the way it is.

You don't like X2s. Check. They are the unholy spawn of Beats. Check. Audio enthusiast standards are being downgraded to disgusting lows of complacency. Check and check.

Now imagine this: Not everyone agrees with you. Not even close. And, even more shocking, we also have discerning ears, years of audio critical listening and even good taste. *Gasp!*

It's shocking to ponder, but your take on the X2 is strictly and solely your opinion. Nothing more, nothing less.

One of the issues I'm having with this review in particular - is that by nature the negative review mark on the headphones is going to cause some people to completely skip over these guys when looking for a set of cans.
 
When hearing from experienced listeners that these things compete with the HD800's for a fraction of the price - that somewhat concerns me.
 
Lesser headphones do not have a single negative review on them, including the X1's.
 
The more I see the OP talk about his views on these headphones, the more I wonder if he hasn't chosen these as a target for a philosophical belief in where the audio industry is going, instead of keeping a neutral opinion so that the review is based upon what he actually hears, sees, and feels. If that makes sense.
 
I wouldn't think it fair to attach a negative opinion that is subject to debate onto a pair of headphones just because they happened to be what you were listening to when you thought of that negative opinion - as in a whole the opinion would attach to numerous headphones altogether and has little to nothing to do with the actual sound or performance of these headphones in particular.

I have had many years of experience with MANY different headphones, some more than once, including the HD 600, HD 650, HD 800, AKG 7XX, Beyerdynamic DT 880/990, Stax Lambda Signature, HifiMan HE 560, etc., etc., and I am keeping my X2.
I sold the HD 600, cause there is a slight measurable peak around 3.5khz - 4khz that I always felt bothersome, and the lack of sub bass became unacceptable to me.
I love the X2 overall. They are dynamic, lively, punchy, clear, open, and engaging.
I also really enjoy their imaging and soundstaging, and ease of drive.
In the end, all of my above mentioned headphones are gone, except the X2, HD 650, and HifiMan HE-560. These 3 are my favorites, and for different reasons. YMMV.

daltonlanny
 
Sounds right. My experience has been similar. Thanks for sharing yours.

daltonlanny, I'm with you on the 'phones you decided to keep. I just got the AKG 7XX, and after a short evaluation, before any break-in, I thought their midrange bloom was very nice, especially on male voices. What kind of amplification are you using? Lower impedance cans like the X2 might react better with solid-state amplification. Did the reviewer mention his amplification?

Hi guys. I used to own a pair of X2 but had it returned to Amazon a month ago. Honestly, they failed to impress me. However, I don't think they are bad, maybe they are just a little over-hyped. Personally I preferred the more smooth sounding AKG K712 pro (w amp) at this price.
In my view, they are well-bodied, with good and natural sound-staging. I don't find them bassy at all, but probably lacked some necessary refinement like the OP mentioned. The speed & attack was satisfying. I can't recall what their decay was. Midrange & treble could sound more natural but they are OK.
And right after I received my Audeze LCD-X and XC, the next stop my X2 sat was the local UPS office.

Damien, 
 
Yeah, different combos of phones, ears, rigs and tastes will inevitably vary. Personally, I don't care for AKGs. They're OK, IMO, but don't do it for me like the X2.
 
Also, congrats on your LCD-X and XC. We are in sonic agreement there! I'm deciding on which model to get. But, in fairness, even tangentially suggesting a breath of a comparison between $3,500 worth of Summit-Fi headphones and the ~$300 X2 is a stretch.
 
Happy listening!

Hi @crixnet, I'm glad there's a sonic agreement between us! I know my Audezes are "next level" and not suitable for this kind of peer comparison, so I'd avoid addressing much about them (I'm sure people will notice the price difference!) I returned X2 mostly due to it sounds a little too fuzzy for my taste; I liked the warmth though.  
If you are interested, I just found audiogeeks in OR has all its headphones on sale with a 15% discount, including the Audezes.

Thanks for the heads up on Audio Geeks, David. I checked them out and tried to apply the coupon code, but an alert popped up to say that the manufacturer (in this case, Audeze) wouldn't allow any discount. Bummer.

Wait, I just placed another order of LCD-X this morning. I doubt if they will cancel mine. Did the seller give you any details about this? You might have heard that the Audeze's factory had a break-in last night, and they are taking actions.

David,
 
I'll PM you.

lets be honest, even if its not to your liking, its one of the best bang for buck headphone currently.

Always good to see some other opinions out there on a product, even If I disagree with your verdict. I for one always welcome some differing views and impressions - at least to see where different people may be coming from on a sonic perspective.

People who buys Beats don't buy it for it's sound, people who buy the Fidelio X2 they do primarily for that reason.

This is really a Jekyll and Hyde headphones. It needs at least 150+ of burn-in time before sounding its best.

It's so funny to read this thread and its comments: one guy said that he didn't like it, and several guys argued "Inner Fedility" said it was the best. rofl.
 
I'd recommend the guys who said someone else liked it very much shall study this thread: http://www.head-fi.org/products/philips-fidelio-x2/reviews/12825 to see how Sediman evaluated a product.

You are all 'lost souls' and exhibiting the same herd instinct that your beloved headphone manufacturers encourage. Good-day plebs!

Good review!