[PopZeus]

Saying X2 is closed by looking at it, just doesn't read right to me. If one can hear a significant amount of the audio leak out they're being worn, then it's an open-back headphone, no matter what it looks like. Now, I have no idea what's going on with the X3. I would assume it's a new open-back headphone, but has anyone actually listened to it yet? I can't assume a whole lot just going by these photos.

 

[tovarich007]

Hello to all of Head-Fi members and users. I've read these forums for quite a while, but i just registraed today.

I'm a long time french music lover and audiophile, though I don't like at all all the snake oils and out of this world prices too oftenly associated with audiophilia. My headphone equipment is composed of a Topping DX7S DAC/Headamp/line preamp, bought used but mint, and a Beyer Amiron Home. I'm quite satisfied with this match, not definitely state of the art nor absolutely on the neutral side of the sound, mainly due to sonic character of the Beyer, (but software EQ can arrange), but this association is pretty good, technically, measurably, and for my ears too.

My first post is for this upcoming Philips Fidelio X3, because I appreciate very much the X2, a can that was on my short list of purchase before I made a decision for the Amiron.

So I've listened to the video posted above presenting this X3. It says that it will be released not before the eve of 2020, so be patient, folks !

On the tech domain, nothing interesting is unveiled in this short vid. it's all mumbo jumbo about the "luxury leather" on the upper hoop made by a scottish specialist, and used on luxury cars, and about the "danish made luxury fabric and exceptionnal quality earpads". The commercial guy on the video promises too "a sound of exceptionnal quality". Couldn't tell anything else, right ???

So we have to wait for more precise tech infos. However, I guess it will be an open model, not a closed one (it looks like a sonically transparent fabric on the earcans).

But don't forget that the X1 and X2 are both very good value for money headphones, and you can find them discounted or used. So, if you're desperately in need for a Fidelio headphone, maybe you don't have to wait for the X3 ? I guess this new one will be just a little better than the former generations, but more expensive, considering the focus on design and luxury. And no one can assume it will be actually better, all what's new isn't always pure gold, we all know this.

Philips is a brand I have always respected for his real world prices, good quality and often innovative products, so there is good chance this new X3 will not be bad nor too expensive,

Just stay tuned...

 

[HungryPanda]

Welcome tovarich007 glad you have have joined us, enjoyment of music is the first and most important quality

 

[RSC08]

I love my X2, but the foams are starting to fall apart, so I'll probably give these X3 a shot later this year if the reviews come out positive.

 

[Slater]

I love my X2, but the foams are starting to fall apart, so I'll probably give these X3 a shot later this year if the reviews come out positive.

Are you going to try and replace the ear pads on your X2? You’ll have to go with aftermarket pads though, which is quite unfortunate.

 

[RSC08]

Yeah, that's one of the issues. You have to go Brainwavz or something of the sort and then adapt the pads to the X2. I wished Philips would sell original replacement parts for these.

 

[Sp12er3]

Can somebody explain why we're comparing the X2 to a closed can? I had the X1, and it seemed fairly wide with decent depth. I've also read many times on this forum, that there is nothing else that can compete with the X2 for Soundstage in this price range. Are we compa the X2 to top dollar open headphones or something?

Thats so far from truth, many can compete in soundstage, surpass it even in this kind of price range. The competition isnt THAT lax.

You don't need to compare it to top tier: the SHP9500 is open, the HD6xx series is open, a bunch of Audio Technicas and Grados are open, etc, etc... It's not about how it sounds; you literally just look at it and your brain should, in theory, connect the dots. Manufacturers don't define what is or isn't open; they define what they want you to believe in. There isn't a clear line defining the point at which a headphone is no longer a 'legit' open design and they take advantage of this grey area to liberally attach the "open" adjective to their nonsense marketing lines. I'm just pointing out this BS.

Sonically speaking, open vs closed has nothing to do with "soundstage." That's a tuning artifice, not a trait inherent to open or closed design. The difference is apparent in resolution. The X2 has nothing remotely resembling the timbral purity of a properly designed open system like the HD6xx or the ATH-R70X or my mutilated GMP. In the low-fi wasteland where it belongs, my X2 sounded OK with an obnoxious 5K Everest to piss me off as per usual low-fi tradition. It is roughly at the level of a DT880, another low-fi junk.

None of this matters if you enjoy it... if you like it, you like it...

Agree.
If you guys wondering what truly open look like

The philips sure doesnt look nor sound as open when something like these are out there, i mean the Sony has a literal gaping hole right there.

 

[prymortal]

Huh? what i miss? New closed back design? I understand the X3 looks closed but they have said its open design with fabric cover instead of mesh, the sound: "sounds open".
https://t.cj.sina.com.cn/articles/view/1747383115/6826f34b02000l3vh
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/philips-fidelio-x3.913807/#post-15149070
There should actually be more info from EU about these out there now.

Both models same Ohms & Driver size as the originals.
Quote: "Philips has focused on improving high frequency detail for this model"
https://www.whathifi.com/news/phili...se-with-new-anc-headphones-reveals-fidelio-x3
^^Price
Quote: "which will be available in January for €349."

^^ Scottish company did the leather, Danish company did the fabric.
Fabric is "Kvadrat cloth" allows for diffusion of sound, same way Bowers & Wilkins high end audio products like there TV's do
Release end up year/beginning of next year.

TPV - TP Vision also do Bowers & Wilkins audio, They acquired the Philips audio when Gibson went bankrupt earlier this year.

https://twitter.com/eear_kuru/status/1171002895468302337
^^ Pictures worth looking at
Open sounding & highs with a hint of grain - If I got that right?

 

[conquerator2]

The new fabric they're using might very well be more acoustically transparent than it seems.
Therefore, it's silly to assume it sounds closed in. The X2 and X1 did not sound closed in either, IMO...

 

[GoodBoy]

In reality most open backs are semi-open anyways so....

 

[tovarich007]

It is true that open cans are more or less semi-open, or semi-closed if you prefer, which is probably the best way (all other things equal) to go for bass response.

Anyhow, open or closed isn't a question of external esthetics. Some open cans look more widely open (i.e. the Audio-technica and Sony showed supra) than others. All Fidelio Philips headphones are open designs, but look only partially open at quick look.

I bet the new X3 will be an open design too (or semi-open if you prefer). You'll see if I'm wrong or not, but there is no serious clue the X3 could be closed (an acoustically transparent fabric is, indeed, a clue for an open design, not for a closed one).

And by the way, on Amazon.fr, you find brand new X2 at 180 € these days. Good deal IMHO.

 

[Beagle]

In reality most open backs are semi-open anyways so....

It is true that open cans are more or less semi-open, or semi-closed if you prefer, which is probably the best way (all other things equal) to go for bass response.

I think it's open to interpretation and discussion.

 

[Pharmaboy]

It absolutely plays a role. Anyone who says different is wrong.

...not mention borderline delusional and in need of an "audio intervention"

 

[Pharmaboy]

I think it's open to interpretation and discussion.

semi-open? cloth-covered?

 

[Slater]

Agree.
If you guys wondering what truly open look like

The philips sure doesnt look nor sound as open when something like these are out there, i mean the Sony has a literal gaping hole right there.