Philips Fidelio S1 and S2 - New IEMs with semi-closed back
Apr 12, 2013 at 12:28 AM Post #32 of 367
How'd you like those tips? I've been thinking about getting them made for my hf, now I'm debating whether to spend the $100 on that or on a different sounding IEM like the S1... :p


I love them. It's one of the best audio investments I've made. Great way to get a feel for customs without breaking the bank. You can also use them on other ety's later. Haven't had great luck using them on other IEM though.
 
Apr 12, 2013 at 12:28 AM Post #33 of 367
How'd you like those tips? I've been thinking about getting them made for my hf, now I'm debating whether to spend the $100 on that or on a different sounding IEM like the S1... :p


I love them. It's one of the best audio investments I've made. Great way to get a feel for customs without breaking the bank. You can also use them on other ety's later. Haven't had great luck using them on other IEM though.
 
Apr 12, 2013 at 1:05 AM Post #34 of 367
I don't know whether to get the S1 or S2
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Decisions... decisions...
 
Apr 12, 2013 at 1:43 AM Post #36 of 367
Could someone make a review of this IEM please.
I personally use Fidelio x1 and I really like it's sound signature.  But now  i'm looking for portable IEM or Earbud to use outdoor. I just wonder If S1/S2 can do this job? are they have sound signature like their big brother? 
 
Can someone please make a review compare to RE 400 and Blox ANV3se
 
Thx very much 
ps.Sorry for bad English
 
Apr 12, 2013 at 1:59 AM Post #37 of 367
Philips Fidelio S1 and S2 In-Ear Headphones

By ljokerl • Posted: Apr 10, 2013

 
http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/philips-fidelio-s1-and-s2-ear-headphones
 
 
Quote:
Sound
In a recent reddit AMA Tyll mentioned that Philips offerings have surprised him the most in recent years. Listening to the new Fidelio earphones, I have to agree---Philips did a spectacularly good job with the tuning. Both the S1 and S2 sound clear and accurate with just the right amount of bass kick. The low end extends nicely, with very mild overall boost and medium impact reminiscent of the VSonic GR07, an IEM highly renowned in audiophile circles for a good two years now. Here, the pricier Fidelio S2 seems a little more boosted than the S1, resulting in a slightly fuller and warmer overall sound.
The mids on both earphones are crystal clear, with resolution to rival accuracy-oriented in-ears from VSonic and HiFiMan. The lack of bloat helps, allowing the deep bass of the Fidelio earphones to shine and keeping the midrange completely clear of bass bleed. Treble presence is good too---the earphones aren't lacking at the top end for my tastes, and I've been known to enjoy a more energetic sound. At the same time, the treble is free of grain and harshness. In comparison, the VSonic GR07 sounds a little peaky and sibilant while the HiFiMan RE-400 and RE-262 are smoother and more laid-back. The S1 and S2 are again very similar here, with the pricier model offering slightly flatter-sounding treble and an airier sound. The presentation is also very similar between the two, boasting good width with average depth and reminding me of Sony's dynamic-driver EX600 and EX1000 models.
Curiously, the Fidelio earphones are not super efficient for a portable audio product and take more power to reach listening volume than much of the competition. This isn't a problem except for those who gauge sound quality by maximum attainable volume - there's still plenty of headroom with portable players. The earphones aren't picky with sources, either, and sound decent enough from a sub-par Android phone.
There is one small caveat with the both the S1 and S2: they require a very good acoustic seal to perform their best. This is true for almost all IEMs but because of the near-neutral tuning of the Fidelios, there's not much room for error. The large size of the housings and limited insertion depth play a factor as well. Without a good seal the bass quantity drops, the treble sounds a touch hot and spitty, and the presentation loses its depth. Here, the pricier S2 model has an advantage with its extra eartips. I was able to get a great seal right away with the included Comply Ts-series foam tips. The S1, which only comes with the cheaper S-series tips from Comply and fewer silicone tips, was tougher to fit out of the box.
Wrap-up
It's not very often I get blindsided by a new release from a major player but the Philips Fidelio earphones caught me completely off guard---the first time I heard of them was when Tyll brought pre-production samples back from January's consumer electronics show. And boy, am I glad he did.
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Traditionally, I have favored balanced armature earphones around the $100 price point---they tend to be clearer and more balanced-sounding than entry-level dynamics. The Fidelios, however, are part of that rare breed of accurate-sounding dynamics that simply leave nothing to complain about. The pricier Fidelio S2 model has a nicer finish, extra eartips, and sounds marginally better but at $99.99, it's the S1 that is going on the InnerFidelity Wall of Fame for delivering top-tier sound at a price that's far from.

 
Apr 12, 2013 at 3:51 PM Post #39 of 367
If someone wants to send me a pair I will compare it to my EX1000 :wink:
 
Apr 12, 2013 at 4:18 PM Post #40 of 367
I just ordered an S2 from ebay.  Curiosity got the better of me after reading joker's review.
 
I have an EX600 now and think it's pretty awesome for $150. Looking to see how the S2 compares. 
 
Apr 14, 2013 at 3:54 AM Post #41 of 367
I think I will give the S2 a try as well. I think these might be a good Windows 8 phone IEM for me as the Shure android cable is causing some issues with my UE900 forcing me to go back to the black cable.

I am curious about microphonics with these though as they appear to be straight down vs over ear in design.

I also am curious how these sound compared to the UE900 signature wise.
 
Apr 17, 2013 at 12:30 AM Post #42 of 367
well I just ordered the S2 model, will post some comments after they arrive. I am hoping they will be enjoyable as well as work well with my Nokia Win 8 Phone. Reading Joker's review I do suspect I will enjoy them and I sure like their looks, went with classic black
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Apr 18, 2013 at 12:52 AM Post #43 of 367
I am interested in S1.
I like my Westone ES3Xs and ATH-CKM500s, but both of them hiss with my stock iPod 5.5 gen. Looking at Innerfidelity's measurements, S1 should not hiss with 5.5gen. I was considering vSonic GR07s, but the S1s look almost as good for cheaper.
If anyone uses S1/S2 with 5.5 gen, please kindly comment on the amount of hiss that you hear. Thanks in advance.
 
Apr 18, 2013 at 2:53 PM Post #44 of 367
Will Sony hybrid tips fit the nozzles of these?  That is part of what I like about the Phiaton PS210's but since mine have bit the dust (again) I am thinking about giving the S1 a shot this time around.
 

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