Philips Fidelio X2 : A Review by Baycode

[bixby]

  Thanks. So Yamaha doesn't really seem to tell me what the actual output impedance is? Considering the above rated specs, I'm just wondering if it's sufficient for the X2's.

yes, I tried finding the specs and couldn't either.  This note from a brochure on the AV recievers and the integrated amps yielded this bullet point for their top of the line integrated amp the a-S1000 :  "  • Discrete headphone amp for low-impedance drive"  That bullet is not listed for any other product, which leads me to believe the impedance might be a bit higher for the AV receivers.
 
Whether or not it matters is up to your ears.  If you feel you are getting good tight, deep bass with no flabbiness is what is important.  And I think the Philips have a 35 ohm impedance so if the headphnone out is 10 ohms or 8 ohms then you might hear some bloat.  In the end though it may not be that bothersome or audible, just depends on what else you have compared it with and whether you can live with the result.

 

[CoiL]

X1 & X2 are both 30 Ohm.

 

[mindbomb]

you can calculate the output impedance from the voltage difference. Assume that at 560 ohm, you are getting 100% of the voltage since the output impedance is negligible relative to that. So that means you have 50% of the voltage at 8 ohms. That means that the output impedance is 50% of the total impedance. Total impedance is the impedance of the load plus output impedance. So the output impedance must also be 8 ohms.
 
That's assuming the specs can be interpreted like bixby said, which I'm not sure about. They also don't tell you important things like gain, max voltage, and max current, but since it's a discrete design, I'm gonna guess they are sufficient for most headphones.

 

[WhiteZero]

Got them on back-order on Amazon (USA) now. Anyone else on the waitlist? If so, how long have you been waiting?

 

[Bugattikid2012]

I don't think you'll have to wait too long.  When I ordered, I had a month - two months estimated time until they ship it out their door.  They shipped it within a week, and they expedited it on a weekend for free.  Not sure if it was a mistake or what, but it shipped on a Friday and arrived on a Saturday.  I'd say you've got 2 weeks or so to wait, maybe 3.  They're a popular set of cans, so they'll be making more I'm sure. 

  Got them on back-order on Amazon (USA) now. Anyone else on the waitlist? If so, how long have you been waiting?

 

[gonzfi]

I'm a bit worried that these headphones could actually be superior to my beloved he-500. So impressive.

 

[willyvlyminck]

I'm a bit worried that these headphones could actually be superior to my beloved he-500. So impressive.

I wouldn't be surprised, just listening to Peter Gabriel with my L2, Impressive is the only world that justify this experience.

 

[CoiL]

L2 and X2 are different sounding HPs.

 

[willyvlyminck]

L2 and X2 are different sounding HPs.

I know just referring to the Philips quality who is often underestimated

 

[maricius]

L2 and X2 are different sounding HPs.

With some preferring the L2 HAHA. I do wish to hear the X2 soon.

 

[Jakkal]

With some preferring the L2 HAHA. I do wish to hear the X2 soon.

I do 

 

[CoiL]

You have both and You can compare them head-to-head? If Yes, then please give some more details about differences to ppl who have been asking about them.
And don`t forget to add Your source rig info.

 

[Jakkal]

  You have both and You can compare them head-to-head? If Yes, then please give some more details about differences to ppl who have been asking about them.
And don`t forget to add Your source rig info.

Nope. I have L2 only, but I have auditioned X2 two months ago, because I wanted to buy it. For my taste Fidelio L2 sounded better which was good news for my wallet.
As far as I can remember L2 had better clarity and detail, more neutral and transparent, with less but tighter bass.
I'm sure Headphonia soon will have X2 review with L2 comparison for those interested. 

 

[depleted]

It's strange because looking at graphs only, the X2 seems almost "brighter" than the L2 (look at that 10k peak, and that L2 subbass):
 

 

[Jakkal]

  It's strange because looking at graphs only, the X2 seems almost "brighter" than the L2 (look at that 10k peak, and that L2 subbass):
 
 

X2 is maybe harsher in highs, but brighter it is not. Not that L2 is bass light, it is not. L2 has great, fun, tight bass, but X2 and L1 are darker than L2 IMO.