Philips Fidelio S1 and S2 - New IEMs with semi-closed back

[Leo888]

I have the same problem and the same question. Does the S2 have the same rubberized ring?

I have the S2 but don't see any rubberized thing. I may be wrong thou as I'm not sure exactly where is it located on the S1. Maybe, you would like to goggle for some images for comparison. Guess that might be the fastest way to find out.

 

[peter123]

Wow nice one mate, looking forward to that.

+1

 

[Leo888]

+1

+2

 

[Nulliverse]

There is no rubberised thing on the S2, mine is all metal.

Very initial thoughts are that I'm very impressed. Whilst the airy soundstage reminds me of the ex600, the signature itself reminds me of a cross between the FX-700 (treble), DBA-02 (mids) and GR-07 (bass).

Resolution and detailing appear to be of a top tier standard. Treble, in particular, is amongst the best I've heard in a universal. Very sparkly and extended, without being grainy or strident. Bass hits real low with good control, and is free of mid-bass boom or bloat.

Comparisons with the Re-400 and BA-400 will follow, after ample a/b'ing. If only I still had the GR-07 to throw into the foray...

 

[Dsnuts]

You guys need to try some Sony Hybrids on these.. My well burned in pair using hybrids are sublime!. I like the hybrids over complys. Though I liked the touch of air the Compys gave to the sound the hybrids is step forward in the sound for me. Give them a try. I thought wider bore tips were the way to go with these. Not after the hybrids. It seems to focus the sound better to your ears.. Try em out.
 
All can say regarding the S1/S2s. It is a damn shame people seem to be overlooking these..

 

[Carlsan]

I recently traded away my pair of S2's with a sale, I am so regretting it.

 

[dnullify]

There is no rubberised thing on the S2, mine is all metal.

Very initial thoughts are that I'm very impressed. Whilst the airy soundstage reminds me of the ex600, the signature itself reminds me of a cross between the FX-700 (treble), DBA-02 (mids) and GR-07 (bass).

Resolution and detailing appear to be of a top tier standard. Treble, in particular, is amongst the best I've heard in a universal. Very sparkly and extended, without being grainy or strident. Bass hits real low with good control, and is free of mid-bass boom or bloat.

Comparisons with the Re-400 and BA-400 will follow, after ample a/b'ing. If only I still had the GR-07 to throw into the foray...

Id definitely be interested in that comparison.

 

[Leo888]

You guys need to try some Sony Hybrids on these.. My well burned in pair using hybrids are sublime!. I like the hybrids over complys. Though I liked the touch of air the Compys gave to the sound the hybrids is step forward in the sound for me. Give them a try. I thought wider bore tips were the way to go with these. Not after the hybrids. It seems to focus the sound better to your ears.. Try em out.

All can say regarding the S1/S2s. It is a damn shame people seem to be overlooking these..

+1.

Good sound aside, the S2 has great build quality from the housing, cable, strain relief to the 3.5mm plug that seems like it's built to last.

 

[BestEarCN]

Quote:

There is no rubberised thing on the S2, mine is all metal.

Very initial thoughts are that I'm very impressed. Whilst the airy soundstage reminds me of the ex600, the signature itself reminds me of a cross between the FX-700 (treble), DBA-02 (mids) and GR-07 (bass).

Resolution and detailing appear to be of a top tier standard. Treble, in particular, is amongst the best I've heard in a universal. Very sparkly and extended, without being grainy or strident. Bass hits real low with good control, and is free of mid-bass boom or bloat.

Comparisons with the Re-400 and BA-400 will follow, after ample a/b'ing. If only I still had the GR-07 to throw into the foray...

Really making decision right now between Re-400 and s1, looking forward to your comparison~

 

[Nulliverse]

Really making decision right now between Re-400 and s1, looking forward to your comparison~

Sorry for the delay. My iMod died, and I'm awaiting the tools to repair it.

From what I've experienced so far, I'd keep the RE-400 over the S2. The hifimans isolate much better, are more comfortable, and are only slightly behind the philips sonically. The S2s extend better at both ends, with a wider soundstage, but are more fatiguing, and less dynamic. RE-400 is very easy on the ear - perhaps too much for some - but has much better depth / layering. Both are kinda neutral, with the S2s having more treble / sub-bass emphasis, and the RE-400s favouring midrange.

For ergonomics and usability, the RE-400 win hands down.

Will comment more when I've salvaged my dap!

 

[BestEarCN]

Quote:

Sorry for the delay. My iMod died, and I'm awaiting the tools to repair it.

From what I've experienced so far, I'd keep the RE-400 over the S2. The hifimans isolate much better, are more comfortable, and are only slightly behind the philips sonically. The S2s extend better at both ends, with a wider soundstage, but are more fatiguing, and less dynamic. RE-400 is very easy on the ear - perhaps too much for some - but has much better depth / layering. Both are kinda neutral, with the S2s having more treble / sub-bass emphasis, and the RE-400s favouring midrange.

For ergonomics and usability, the RE-400 win hands down.

Will comment more when I've salvaged my dap!

thanks for the review, got the re400, sounds pretty good

 

[BestEarCN]

I have a question about the bi-flange ear tips too, are both two pieces of the flange suppose to be in the ear, coz using the re-400 default one it doesnt stay steadily in my ear. Never use a bi-flange before, some advice? thanks

 

[Nulliverse]

Yes, both flanges into the ear. The re-400 require a medium deep insertion, so push them in deep enough to feel like earplugs. They're very comfortable. If they feel uncomfortable, you may be too deep, or using too large a tip. If there is no seal, your either too shallow or using too small a tip.

In contrast, the S2s are very shallow insertion. I'm not getting on with the stock tips, so am still trying out others. I think its safe to say that I'm finding them to be a bit of a challenge, ergonomically speaking.

I found the same challenge with the IE800s, but got there in the end, so will not give up!

Edit: the only IEM I didn't find an ergonomic / usability solution with, was the FX-700. That too, was large, semi open backed and worn down.

 

[quartertone]

Best price yet for the S1 on Amazon Spain, €61.50 + shipping: http://www.amazon.es/Philips-Fidelio-S1-Auriculares-intraaural/dp/B00BB7MRWU/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_t_1_JWBE.

 

[Nulliverse]

Quote:

Best price yet for the S1 on Amazon Spain, €61.50 + shipping: http://www.amazon.es/Philips-Fidelio-S1-Auriculares-intraaural/dp/B00BB7MRWU/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_t_1_JWBE.

 
Very good deal. Anyone who wants a balanced signature with excellent extension at both ends, should jump on this.