[Riversalt]

I'm interested, looking forward further impressions. I really like the X3, so my fear is that the Dekoni pads might change / worsen the stock tuning. In this respect maybe the Dekoni Elite Velour could be the best option. Anyway, shame on you Philips: the pads are removable but not avalaible as spare parts.

https://pt.aliexpress.com/item/1005...%3B-1%40salePrice%3BBRL%3Brecommend-recommend

 

[ultraman31]

https://pt.aliexpress.com/item/1005003698470817.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2bra&spm=a2g0o.detail.1000060.2.4b2452aausYtWe&gps-id=pcDetailBottomMoreThisSeller&scm=1007.13339.274681.0&scm_id=1007.13339.274681.0&scm-url=1007.13339.274681.0&pvid=9c8eb25e-525a-4c04-a4f2-33bbe042282d&_t=gps-idcDetailBottomMoreThisSeller,scm-url:1007.13339.274681.0,pvid:9c8eb25e-525a-4c04-a4f2-33bbe042282d,tpp_buckets:668#2846#8114#1999&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22sku_id%22%3A%2212000026849353606%22%2C%22sceneId%22%3A%223339%22%7D&pdp_pi=-1%3B168.13%3B-1%3B-1%40salePrice%3BBRL%3Brecommend-recommend

Item looks pretty close to the original, but the description says it’s not.

 

[Riversalt]

Item looks pretty close to the original, but the description says it’s not.

 

[ultraman31]

If anyone wants to let go x3, let me know.

 

[tinyman392]

I received my cable from Hart Audio Cables today. I ordered a 4 foot cable with a 4.4mm termination which costed me about 52 bucks plus shipping, not bad for something that is more custom ordered. Works well without any hiccups.

 

[Bansaku]

I still don't have my X3 in hand, I should get it next week, I'm curious and I enjoy seeing the possibilities he can gain with modding.

I've been looking at the X2's driver and I noticed that it has a fully open hole, the X3 has the same hole a little bigger but covered with acoustic paper, I think there would be a bass adjustment, I'll test it when I have my x3 in hand.

You just gave me a project this weekend. Thanks to these pictures, I now know I can re-solder the wires on the jacks and make them accept the standard dual-mono cables and not that stupid ass-backwards way Phillips connected it! I was worried the parts may not be accessible, but looking at the 2nd picture, I can easily remove the jack for re-soldering!

 

[Riversalt]

You just gave me a project this weekend. Thanks to these pictures, I now know I can re-solder the wires on the jacks and make them accept the standard dual-mono cables and not that stupid ass-backwards way Phillips connected it! I was worried the parts may not be accessible, but looking at the 2nd picture, I can easily remove the jack for re-soldering!

I only had my X3 for 3 weeks.
I did an X3 vs HE400se test and I couldn't stop listening to the HE400se + Amp Xduoo MT604 + Dac D10 Balanced.

 

[oryan_dunn]

Looks like a decent deal on Amazon for $165.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0884XTXS8/

I'd maybe consider if I hadn't just spent $500 on a pair of RS2e's and have vowed to not buy another Philips until they support their headphones by making replacement pads and cords available. Pads have fallen apart on my M1, M1MKII, L1, and L2, all with light use at home, never put in a bag or otherwise mistreated. Makes me sad because I've been a life-long Philips customer.

 

[Bansaku]

Well, I did it! Took off the pad, unscrewed 6 screws, and a nice empty solder pad for L+ was there, in need of a little flux. What an easy fix, and now I can use ANY aftermarket dual-mono cables! If anyone with the slightest bit of soldering skills is willing to spend less time cracking open the X3 than it does to heat up your iron, re-connecting the driver lead from R+ to L+ is super easy and well worth the effort! Sorry, I got too excited I forgot pictures.

 

[Off2Geo]

Welp, I have been listening with the Sude pads on for a few days now. IMO, I prefer these over the leather. The leather makes my ears sweat and I think it makes the bass a little too bloomy. I do not think the soundstage is as wide as the X2HR's though. I prefer to listen to headphones with no EQ but a bass boost applied at the Amp/Dac. These I did EQ slightly bump up in the 4k-16KHz and 32Hz range. I am still on the fence about them. I am driving them balanced with the "new" Fiio K3 with bass boost off because I don't like what Fiio did with the bass boost on the K3. The bass boost on the A3 (amp only) was much better. It added just enough low end for these open backs.

Some tracks I listen too, I am like oh wow, that's nice. Others I am like, meh, this sounded better on the SHP9500 & X2HR's. So I really think it's a try these and see if you like them because they may or may not be for you. They are comfortable. Not as comfortable as the SHP9500's but not as clampy and the X2HRs.

 

[Off2Geo]

Well, I can honestly say that after switching out the pads to the Suede and many hours of listening, these are a keeper. When you realize what you are getting for the current asking price, it's a no brainer to add these to your collection. But the cable... yeah, you will need to have a custom one made because the stock cable (Balanced and Single Ended) is horribly stiff, kinked & noisy.

 

[ballard3]

Well, I can honestly say that after switching out the pads to the Suede and many hours of listening, these are a keeper. When you realize what you are getting for the current asking price, it's a no brainer to add these to your collection. But the cable... yeah, you will need to have a custom one made because the stock cable (Balanced and Single Ended) is horribly stiff, kinked & noisy.

Is it easy swapping the pads?

 

[Off2Geo]

Is it easy swapping the pads?

Yes! ...very easy. Pull off, push new ones in place. I used the Choice Dekoni pads for the X2HR. I suggest getting the Suede and Leather and trying both to see which one you prefer. You can always use the other on the X2HR or just return for a second pair of what you prefer for later down the road.

 

[Bansaku]

But the cable... yeah, you will need to have a custom one made because the stock cable (Balanced and Single Ended) is horribly stiff, kinked & noisy.

If they are a keeper, re-solder the jack for the right cup. Super easy, in fact it takes longer to remove the 4 cup screws and the 2 on the jack than the solder job.

And yes, the X3 are definitely a keeper for me was well. After culling my stock down (from a couple dozen) to what's in my signature, the Fidelio X3 are a welcome addition! IMO, they are incredible headphones that can put-perform many MANY headphones under $1000, and even compete with many a flagship.

 

[ultraman31]

I just found this deal from Woot. It's refurb, but price is just too good.
https://electronics.woot.com/offers...ar-headphones-blac?ref=w_cnt_lnd_cat_elec_5_8