Philips Fidelio X2?!

[Slater]

Speaking of, shouldn't the X2HR have "High Resolution" instead of "High Definition" printed on the side? Thought I saw a pic demonstrating as much in this thread. Ordered X2HR, the box they came in has the yellow high res badge in the corner, but the actual headphones do not- "High Definition"

Anyway they sound really great. None of the occasional complaint I'd read about like L-R imbalance, no buzzing, creaking, muddiness or overpowering bass, no harsh frequency spikes, pads have passed the white paper stain test so far, are uniform & symmetrical, and not glued. Just trying to find a way to make the comfort aspect work for me before sending them back. The heavier weight I think I'll get used to, and too-tight clamping force for me will loosen over time ofc. Am finding the pads itchy & hot, why I wonder if I actually got the HR version that are supposed to have reverted back to something similar to the original production pads. That's my biggest concern, along with the headband, which on mine stretches out to too easily for me, so can't keep the pads exactly where I want them. Clever design, just less impressed with it in person, how the elastic attachment is inside the sleeve. Otherwise, the rest of the materials and build quality are super impressive. Sound quality even better. If these headphones were on a normal headband that clicked to position, and the pads weren't itchy & hot, no question I'd keep them HR, HD or whatever.

Yeah, the mis-printing is comical.

As far as the pads, I have the regular X2 not the X2HR. So I don't actually know what the new pad and headband material is like. I guess I'm glad I have the old material, because I have no issues with hot or itchy.

I'm surprised you find the clamping force and suspension headband uncomfortable/too tight. Do you have a big melon head or something?

 

[gargani]

Speaking of, shouldn't the X2HR have "High Resolution" instead of "High Definition" printed on the side? Thought I saw a pic demonstrating as much in this thread. Ordered X2HR, the box they came in has the yellow high res badge in the corner, but the actual headphones do not- "High Definition"

Anyway they sound really great. None of the occasional complaint I'd read about like L-R imbalance, no buzzing, creaking, muddiness or overpowering bass, no harsh frequency spikes, pads have passed the white paper stain test so far, are uniform & symmetrical, and not glued. Just trying to find a way to make the comfort aspect work for me before sending them back. The heavier weight I think I'll get used to, and too-tight clamping force for me will loosen over time ofc. Am finding the pads itchy & hot, why I wonder if I actually got the HR version that are supposed to have reverted back to something similar to the original production pads. That's my biggest concern, along with the headband, which on mine stretches out to too easily for me, so can't keep the pads exactly where I want them. Clever design, just less impressed with it in person, how the elastic attachment is inside the sleeve. Otherwise, the rest of the materials and build quality are super impressive. Sound quality even better. If these headphones were on a normal headband that clicked to position, and the pads weren't itchy & hot, no question I'd keep them HR, HD or whatever.

Yeah, the whole high resolution thing, gets confusing.All versions of the Philips fideliox2 headphones have the yellow hi-res label in the top right hand corner.
But only the latest version has " high resolution on the earcups themsellves. As well in the lower left corner of the box it says X2 HR..
Myself, I don't suffer from any itchiness from the earpads.As far as clamping force; At first I found them a little tight where they sit on my jaw. But now I don't even notice it.
By the way I don't own the latest version X2 HR.

 

[Justin Hood]

Yeah, the whole high resolution thing, gets confusing.All versions of the Philips fideliox2 headphones have the yellow hi-res label in the top right hand corner.
But only the latest version has " high resolution on the earcups themsellves. As well in the lower left corner of the box it says X2 HR..
Myself, I don't suffer from any itchiness from the earpads.As far as clamping force; At first I found them a little tight where they sit on my jaw. But now I don't even notice it.
By the way I don't own the latest version X2 HR.

Ah okay id never caught that before, thanks for the clarification.

I'm not really concerned about weight or clamping force. I've had tighter, and know it will only decrease with time. I'll hang on to them for a few days, see if the pads texture break in and/or my reaction to them changes, and if I can get used to the elastic headband design. Thanks again.

 

[z1ggy]

Hello all,

Did a quick search in this topic but I didn't find exactly what I was looking for. I know it's not an apples to apples comparison because of price, but I was trying to see if anybody has compared the X2HR's to the HD660S and or DT1990s. I know it may be tough to buy one can to accomplish both things but I am looking for a set of open backs to replace my AD700's that will both be excellent for rock/metal music but also FPS gaming. I'd like to keep it under $500 or 600 but I'm looking for as close to end game as I can get without going too overboard. Running off a Schiit Stack.

Other options I've been toying with are LCD2 / X, HE-560.

Again... I'm looking for something that's got solid bass but also a pretty wide sound stage and very good imaging. Not sure if I can get all that for <$600.

 

[HungryPanda]

You are describing the HD700 to me

 

[z1ggy]

In your opinion... does it need to be on a tube? Seems like everybody says Senn's need a tube amp to "come alive".

 

[ohsigmachi]

Hello all,

Did a quick search in this topic but I didn't find exactly what I was looking for. I know it's not an apples to apples comparison because of price, but I was trying to see if anybody has compared the X2HR's to the HD660S and or DT1990s. I know it may be tough to buy one can to accomplish both things but I am looking for a set of open backs to replace my AD700's that will both be excellent for rock/metal music but also FPS gaming. I'd like to keep it under $500 or 600 but I'm looking for as close to end game as I can get without going too overboard. Running off a Schiit Stack.

Other options I've been toying with are LCD2 / X, HE-560.

Again... I'm looking for something that's got solid bass but also a pretty wide sound stage and very good imaging. Not sure if I can get all that for <$600.

Since you have the amp/dac already you might as well pop for the 1990s, I say this having never gamed on mine, and never explored mod-mic or any kind of gaming comms system for them, but they are my favorite set of cans (but I run them exclusively off of a tube amp).

The X2HR is a fantastic Gaming headset, amazing spacial orientation and very, very good bass and sub-bass; makes explosions oh so satisfying. Mod-mic 4 works integrates well.
It also does not need any kind of amplification to sound great. It doesn't pair particularly well with tube amps, but sounds fantastic off of my LG V30.
Some of the previous generations of the X2 have had some people call their treble harsh; I have not experienced this with my X2HR.

 

[Pharmaboy]

In your opinion... does it need to be on a tube? Seems like everybody says Senn's need a tube amp to "come alive".

A few months ago I did a lot of listening to a stock HD650 and a heavily modded one. I was surprised to find the following:

• Both sounded terrific on all my SS amps, from the least powerful to the most powerful
• Neither one sounded better in any particular way run off my Woo WA3 OTL tube amp. That is to say, there was the usual added 3D quality to the bodies of notes, but no special benefit that I could hear from having a high impedance source for these high impedance headphones

So based on my experience, the HD650 at least does not require tubes to sound really good...

 

[z1ggy]

Since you have the amp/dac already you might as well pop for the 1990s, I say this having never gamed on mine, and never explored mod-mic or any kind of gaming comms system for them, but they are my favorite set of cans (but I run them exclusively off of a tube amp).

The X2HR is a fantastic Gaming headset, amazing spacial orientation and very, very good bass and sub-bass; makes explosions oh so satisfying. Mod-mic 4 works integrates well.
It also does not need any kind of amplification to sound great. It doesn't pair particularly well with tube amps, but sounds fantastic off of my LG V30.
Some of the previous generations of the X2 have had some people call their treble harsh; I have not experienced this with my X2HR.

Would you say either the 1990 or the X2HR are very good for music? Specifically metal or heavier rock (think down tuned guitars, double bass, etc). I'm not sure if this community views Z Reviews in high regard or not... but he tends to say that good gaming headphones aren't really good music headphones. FWIW he does say X2's are awesome for games. Obviously I don't think he'd say they are among even top 10 for music when he's got $1200+ headphones rolling through his door.

A few months ago I did a lot of listening to a stock HD650 and a heavily modded one. I was surprised to find the following:

• Both sounded terrific on all my SS amps, from the least powerful to the most powerful
• Neither one sounded better in any particular way run off my Woo WA3 OTL tube amp. That is to say, there was the usual added 3D quality to the bodies of notes, but no special benefit that I could hear from having a high impedance source for these high impedance headphones

So based on my experience, the HD650 at least does not require tubes to sound really good...

Interesting. Good info thanks.

And not to sound shady but... how do you guys here demo headphones if you don't live near places with good sources? Do you just... buy a bunch off Amazon Prime and return what isn't your favorite? I've got a short list of 3-4 here that I'm really keen on and it's so tough. Not sure if the whole buy then return method is kosher or not. Not really willing to buy these off eBay either unless it's from somebody with very high stars.

 

[Pharmaboy]

I can tell you with confidence that the my X2s are very good for music. That's all I used them for (I don't game).

 

[Joong]

They rival against up to 1k dollar phones for certain genre of music.

 

[volly]

@z1ggy - What bands you referencing to when you say Rock/Metal?

I have the X2's and HD650's, imho, the X2's are tuned similar to the 650's but with a slightly more pronounced mid-bass and smaller mid-section. Where the HD650 is more balanced towards the neutral sound sig. You will get more sparkle up top from the X2's, where the Sennheiser's sounds more darker. The 650's will sound 'great' out of a tube amp but will also perform just as 'great' off a decent solid state amp! - I'm actually loving the HD650's in balanced out of a Jotunheim as it comes across more clarity and speed than say, my Darkvoice! Certain genres, the 650's on tubes is simply brilliant, euphoric, probably less accurate but more musical. If you're an Eagles fan, the 650's sound grand with a tube but can sound too bloomy and slow whilst listening to Papa Roach! Can you see where I'm going here?

Here's the hook, if you want my opinion - Audioquest Nighthawk - I've only had them a little while but man...they are slamming on Rock/Metal tracks - You 'feel' the beat of the music so clearly and effortlessly, it's simply astounding!

If you're new to this, read up, and make an informed decision and never look back! There is a special headphone out there for you, you'll just have to find it!

 

[Joong]

@z1ggy - What bands you referencing to when you say Rock/Metal?

I have the X2's and HD650's, imho, the X2's are tuned similar to the 650's but with a slightly more pronounced mid-bass and smaller mid-section. Where the HD650 is more balanced towards the neutral sound sig. You will get more sparkle up top from the X2's, where the Sennheiser's sounds more darker. The 650's will sound 'great' out of a tube amp but will also perform just as 'great' off a decent solid state amp! - I'm actually loving the HD650's in balanced out of a Jotunheim as it comes across more clarity and speed than say, my Darkvoice! Certain genres, the 650's on tubes is simply brilliant, euphoric, probably less accurate but more musical. If you're an Eagles fan, the 650's sound grand with a tube but can sound too bloomy and slow whilst listening to Papa Roach! Can you see where I'm going here?

Here's the hook, if you want my opinion - Audioquest Nighthawk - I've only had them a little while but man...they are slamming on Rock/Metal tracks - You 'feel' the beat of the music so clearly and effortlessly, it's simply astounding!

If you're new to this, read up, and make an informed decision and never look back! There is a special headphone out there for you, you'll just have to find it!

I think X2s complement NHs very well and that combination covers most of genre of music.

 

[volly]

@Joong - Yeah, I agree, if only Skylar went to Philips HQ...what could have been!

 

[Joong]

Really no single headphone covers everything, and this leads us to buy several headphones.
There is one phone that tries to cover everything, that might be Fostex Th-900 but it covers not densely.
However NHs are covering its own patch in very thick layers, and X2 also covers the rest not as densely as NHs but does well enough.