[madwolfa]

I'm waiting for few more weeks before exchanging my (fifth?) pair. It's going to be the last attempt.

 

[simonwellander]

I got my new pair of headphones today, Fidelio X2, and my first impression is that they are without a doubt more bass heavy than my "old" M50's (the newer, white-boxed version). I was expecting a "lighter" or more brighter sound than my M50's, but it is darker-sounding, so I'm so far a bit disappointed.
 
This is my first open headphone, whereas the M50's are closed, and I can't say that I'm experiencing that much of a difference in imaging and soundstage as I thought I would, at least not yet.

 

[LaCuffia]

Man I gave up on mine and won't be coming back but I admire the dedication here to getting a good pair. Philips should read this forum and offer everyone a free one based on loyalty alone. The past 100 or more posts are all about quality control issues. When I first got them the thread was all about how great they are. Good luck to those still trying....

 

[mahajanrahul]

i am also returning. Would probably go with AKG K712 Pro.....

 

[simonwellander]

My M50's really do sound cleaner and clearer. Less "boxy"-sounding and more open :S I don't understand. Does anyone think it might get better after a burn-in or could it be something wrong with my pair?

ETA: I mean, the difference is big. When I compare them, the X2's sounds muddy, dark and bass-heavy in comparison with my M50's. The soundstage is wider and the treble is softer on the X2 but Hmm?

 

[madwolfa]

i am also returning. Would probably go with AKG K712 Pro.....

I just got my K712. Would be interesting to compare.

 

[madwolfa]

Luckily the one (X2) I got from a third party seller has only minor "rings" issue, so if I wouldn't succeed with another exchange, I would leave those. They're fantastic.

 

[mahajanrahul]

I just got my K712. Would be interesting to compare.

could you please compare them when you get chance. I have two pairs of fidelio x2 and second one is fid elio. It would be very difficult for me to go through all the hassle of returning both through international shipping. I want to know if it is worth returning....

 

[TStewart422]

My M50's really do sound cleaner and clearer. Less "boxy"-sounding and more open :S I don't understand. Does anyone think it might get better after a burn-in or could it be something wrong with my pair?


ETA: I mean, the difference is big. When I compare them, the X2's sounds very muddy, dark and bass-heavy in comparison with my M50's. The soundstage is wider and the treble is softer on the X2 but Hmm?

It's because the M50s have an unnatural high-end to make it seem more detailed. IMO, anyway.

 

[fluidz]

I guess I'm lucky..
 
Ordered mine 19th December from Amazon Warehouse UK for £139 in Used - very good condition although arrived in Mint condition other than a slightly torn box.
Checked the box and band - both are Woox, no issues with the quality as of yet.   

 

[Capt369]

  Not mine.  It depends on WHEN you bought them.  Me April 2015.

Got mine mid July...no issues.

 

[simonwellander]

It's because the M50s have an unnatural high-end to make it seem more detailed. IMO, anyway.

Thanks for your answer. I don't like that it sounds darker and muddier though, but maybe it will get better after burn in or my ears get used to it.

 

[Cyberpunk71]

Okay,
Sent an e-mail voicing my concerns to Phillips Uk and received this reply,

Dear Mr Cooper,

Thank you for your email.

This issue has been highlighted recently and has been escalated to be looked into. I or my team are unsure as to if this is definately the case and if so why this is occuring but while this is being investigated all I can advise is if you are unhappy with the quality of the model you receive to return this until further notice as we would not want you using a model that is not up to par.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

Kind regards,


Andrew
Philips Consumer Care



Basically I just highlighted the fact that people were concerned that Quality has dropped with the later models of X2's and informed them of this thread on Head-fi, it would seem it's being looked into, I asked if production had moved to a different factory but no mention of that in their reply, hopefully they can get to the bottom of it.

 

[Badfish5446]

  Thanks for your answer. I don't like that it sounds darker and muddier though, but maybe it will get better after burn in or my ears get used to it.

Mine were a little muddy and the bass was quite boomy when I first got them but break-in tightened that up significantly.  What is your source? I've gotten similar sound to what you describe out of them when the output impedance is high (Receiver HO)

 

[tonyo123]

If they are too bass-heavy definitely try the Sennheisers HD 598s (Special Edition is a much nicer package including the extra cables) or the AKG K712 Pros.