About this item
With the Philips Fidelio X2HR/00 high resolution headphones, you will experience high-resolution sound and exquisite comfort at home; these over-ear headphones provide a unique music experience
The 50-mm neodymium drivers of these over-ear headphones high quality deliver dynamic bass; High-resolution audio ensures the best in audio performance and reproduces your music in its purest form
These Philips Fidelio over-ear headphones noise cancelling feature open acoustics for faithful music reproduction; The multi-layered diaphragm attenuates high and low frequencies for well-balanced sound
These over-ear headphones wired also provide a high level of musical comfort; The adjustable headband and the soft ear shells ensure longer-wearing comfort when enjoying music
Included in delivery: Philips Fidelio headphones X2HR/00 over-ear headphones high-resolution audio, 50-mm neodymium drivers, deluxe memory foam ear pads; cable clip, 3.5 - 6.3-mm adapter plug
Philips Fidelio X2HR/00 Over-Ear Headphones $191.46 Delivered @ Amazon UK via AU
Last edited 29/08/2022 - 11:01 by 1 other user
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The X2HR might be a good alternative for people who prefer better build quality.
Nope, and they're more likely to get pain around the ear and in the jaw.
Even if that were true, it's a massive compromise in sound quality for something you could fix with headband stretching and a few nuggets or padding.
Hifimans feel like they could fall apart any minute. I find I need to handle my Edition XS very gingerly.
The X2HR from what I remember hearing has a mainstream V-shaped sound signature and good soundstage. Comfort wasn't too bad.
@DigitalAnalog: I don't think there's a more durable, great sounding headphone in this price bracket than the X2HR. If you have kids or dogs or whatever - these are an excellent choice. They don't feel as 'premium' as hifiman or audeze but sometimes premium is just nice materials that damage easily.
@DigitalAnalog: The only thing the Edition XS and the HE400SE have roughly in common in terms of build design is the headband.
When comparing the HE-X4 to the HE400SE, the only things they share in common are the driver enclosure and the pads: it's a completely different headband and yokes.
The Edition XS is a large, loose build with some common issues in its swivel (fixable with silicon spray) and its cable fitment quality. They took the components of headphones sold in the $1000-$2000 range internationally, and hit a $530-$700 price point, so of course build quality is more rushed.
None of this is representative of the headphones I am referring to.
@jasswolf: That those are sturdier than the XS doesn't mean they are as sturdy or as reliable as the X2HR.
That Hifiman has issues with quality control is a well-known fact.
Also - not everyone likes a neutral sound signature and/or planar tonality and timbre.
@DigitalAnalog: Quality control has changed over time, and the support when issues do arise is excellent, something I have experienced first hand.
Planar timbre is a diminished issue in the HE400SE compared to older models, but if that's the issue I'd still be recommending the HD560s.
The timbre of the Edition XS however is shockingly good.
@DigitalAnalog: What about the sound difference? Is Edition XS way better than X2HR, or only a little bit better?
You can say what you will about sound quality, but I've never had a more comfortable pair of headphones. They don't grip too tightly, nice large cups that don't contact the ear and they feel reasonably light. Also, no sweat problems because they don't use fake leather earcups that peel away after a year like most headphones available these days. I can wear these most of the day and not feel any fatigue from them.
I'm not sure how they stand compared to the other headphones you mentioned, but these are not uncomfortable headphones.
@OkayFray: Agreed, I really don't get the uncomfortable claims but every persons head is different I guess. I also find the headband design on the X2HR to be straight up genius. My only issue is they can get a little bit hot around the ears, but hey, so can I haha.
@OkayFray: You understand that 'more likely' does not mean generally uncomfortable, yes? I was disputing that comfort is a clear point if difference… it's not.
Most people will have no problems with any of these, but if they wear them for hours on end, they may run into jaw/TMJ related issues with the X2HR, but I'd be more worried about the intensity of the lower-to-mid treble before then.
I don't understand what you are saying…. need morning coffee.
Are you saying the post X2HR isn't worth the price? Why are you referencing closed back? these are open backs…that's like comparing the sound of a car via a convertible vs a hatchback?
'The tonal balance of a closed back', ie. elevated bass and treble compared to what people should expect from a neutral open back.
It is not worth the price.
Elevated bass and treble?
Are you refering to the V shaped sound signature that these headphones are natoriously praised and purchased for?I don't understand this, if you want less elevated bass and treble, literally buy a headphone that does that. Some people really enjoy this sound signature, and some people don't. It's a subjective taste and it's certainly not a catch-all reason to not purchase these headphones.
@KikisBread: If you read the initial comment, the point was that it was done without respect to the technical performance of the headphone. The bass is easily distored, and there's a few other resonance issues.
In fact here's a review that covers some of these issues and states that you cannot EQ this headphone without quickly hitting very audible issues: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/p…
@jasswolf: @jasswolf
Fair enough. I was just skimming that thread now before you posted.It's an interesting dilemna, some people absolutely adore these headphones, but some people have had issues with high treble and distortion, (more cases of treble distortion than bass distortion it seems), and of course the data from the OP supports it.
I would make the claim that if you didn't listen to very high female vocals, or other high treble music you would adore these headphones regarless of the problems - and people have had success EQing these when they want to cut back on the treble.
I still stand by my claim that it's a subjective dilemna. Someone might love the X2HR's whilst hating the HE400SE, even though on paper, one is 'better' than the other.
My suggestion to anyone who is on the fence with a headphone is to just buy it, try it, and sell it if you hate it.
@KikisBread: I mean you have the ability to demo the non-Philips headphones I've mentioned in most capital cities.
@jasswolf: I would take that review with a massive grain of salt as the reviewer could not distinguish an HD650 from an HD600.
@DigitalAnalog: I'm not too miffed about Amrim's subjective view from review to review. The measurement kits cover what is generally observed, and there is other testing out there in the world.
I’ll provide a different perspective. I have these paired with a V-Moda Boom Pro to turn it into a fantastic gaming headset. I find having an open back prevents the bubble effect when talking.
Sure, you could buy higher audiophile grade cans in a similar price point, but this is still a great headset. I haven’t had a single problem or complaint.
2018 called, they want their opinion back
My brother in Christ, it’s not that big a deal if people have a different opinion to you. The fact that it’s been recommended for so long is testament that, for the average consumer, these are great headphones.
You’re more than welcome to disagree, but that doesn’t make anyone who likes these wrong - it’s different strokes for different folks.
It's almost certainly coming from a position of ignorance, which I suppose makes your opener even more ironic.
I have been using these for a few years now and love them, they are very good at loud and soft volumes and comfortable to wear. much better than my previous pair; Audio Technica ATH-AD900X.
I'll add to the positive experience of these headphones. Really loved them when I had a pair. Super comfortable and very easy to listen to. Audio is so subjective so it's hard to just flat out say things are good or bad. I read so much about the Sennheiser hd58x when I was looking for my first set of good headphones. Didn't see a bad review of them so I got some and absolutely hated them. Had them for 6 months and forced myself to listen to them. They sounded so damn boring to me. So sold them and moved on.
While I'm not a huge fan either, what amp were they plugged into?
I was using a fiio btr5 which i also read paired pretty well with them. I do understand a better amp would have probably helped a little too. After the HD58x's i tried some grados which i liked but now i've settled with the Sennheiser HD560s. Not even bothering to look anymore. Powered with the 2021 version of the btr5. I'm done with these. :)
You can see here why the Fiio didn't deliver what you'd hoped: the impedance varies significantly enough that if the amp can't handle the swing in voltage well, the bass will sound muddier than it should.
A desktop amp would probably do a better job, and this effect is even more dramatic in the 650/6XX.
@jasswolf: Imagine downvoting relevant facts…
@jasswolf: I don't really understand that graph at all but i thought the 560s that i have now would need around the same kind of power as the 58x. Either way though it's probably the tuning more than anything between those 2 that made me chose what i wanted. I didn't want a desktop amp so thats why i went portable. Either way though i appreciate your input when headphones come up. I'm always kinda tempted when i see headphones and always look for your opinion on them. :)
I got some 6xx for the same reason and also found them boring as heck (also found the clamp very strong). Swapped for 599 which suit me better albeit still find the clamp a bit tight which others said wouldn't be the case with them.
Opinions on these are split between those who can hear the bass distortion and those who can’t.
If you can’t, they’re great. If you can, you can’t stand them.
I imagine that if you're moving up to these from something not as good then they're great, but if you try these after higher end headphones you start to notice its faults. Same thing probably applies if you're coming from something neutral.
These are great headphones for general consumers who want something much better than their "gaming" headphones or JB Hifi specials, and the way they're built they should last for a long time.
Depends on the "gaming" headphones in question. I have a Sennheiser Game One headset which are arguably as good as these because they're basically HD598 with a mic.
I got these and really like these. Good build quality and enjoyable sound. Probably one of my fave headphones of the ones I own.
For the sake of others ability to compare, can you list them all?
happy to brag! lol I enjoy the Philips sounds cos its just fun and affordable.I don't need to sit there analysing the sound to make sure I get every $ worth.
Audeze LCD2 Fazor (just too expensive to use as an everyday)
Denon AH-D600 (big)
AKG Tiesto K267 (uncomfortable)
KEF M500 (pleather falling apart)
Master & Dynamic MW50 (not bad, but on ears)
Australian Audio Hi-X55 (very detailed and analytical/dry sound)
Rode NTH-100 (these are also actually very fun and affordable headphones)- a few more and a few more IEMs (Moondrop Kato, Final Audio ZE3000 amongst others)
I am awaiting on some Focal Clears to arrive any day now.
I’m no audiophile, but I have a pair of these and love them. Sound fantastic, very comfortable and excellent build quality.
I have these and the 10x more expensive Audeze LCD-X and I chose these 9 times out of 10 because they’re lighter and can be ‘thrown around’ a bit without worrying about damaging a 2K pair of phones. I still use the Audeze for work (I mix music for rent) and when I’m looking for a ‘fancy’ listening experience but when it comes to a casual listen these are just so much easier.
They’re my gaming headset default now paired with a v moda mic.
No one will regret buying these unless you’re an amateur audiophile looking for something to throw meaningless criticisms at.
Here's an alternative theory: the 2021 LCD-X has virtually no pinna gain in its frequency response so necessitates EQ which compromises sound quality (though this can be partially mitigated by DSP).
If you've got an older model, the tonal balance was even worse. Audeze house sound sucked until very recently (LCD-5, MM-500).
The X2HR would sound much more neutral by comparison. I would emplore you to try the HIFIMAN, or the new Sennheiser HD560s before trying to pass this opinion off as well rounded, and state for others reading this that an audio engineer is not the same thing as a speaker engineer. Hell, plug the 650/6XX into an appropriate solid state or tube amp to drive it, and you're listening to what $180-$300 can do for you these days.
But your advice from 2017-2019 was way less eye-roll worthy than the preceding comments that offered no grasp on literally any other product. Imagine checking if technology changes over time.
Sorry mate really struggling to understand what you're saying. I just use my ears and my clients are all really happy, figured some people on OzB just want a decent pair of headphones without a bunch of audiophile jargon being thrown around.
But also like, lol at EQ compromising sound quality
You think jacking up the sound pressure level for a given frequency will not hit distortion, crackling, or clipping on any speaker driver ever?
Are you genuinely trying to pass off that opinion as fact?
Also I used engineering and scientific terms…
@jasswolf: Don't sweat too much mate, it's all good. I work in a purpose built, fully treated room on a 5 figure monitor setup and I don't lose my hair about a bit of EQ in the headphones. I spend more time just listening to stuff than analysing it.
@Skollapse: Hey as long as you're not using that LCD-X setup as your primary monitor, all fine by me.
You should probably try out some other headphones from time to time though. Latest ones that might tickle your fancy are the RAAL CA-1a.
I stand for HIFIMAN HE-X4 because it is $157.x now.
Where mate Amazon?
Link please
Zero point to these with HIFIMAN HE-X4 ($155-$170) and HE400SE ($209) prices as they are.
I'd probably still hesitate at $130. They fake a sense of detail through emphasised lower treble, they have too much bass distortion in an effort to bring elevated bass in an open back.
It's a significant compromising of resolution and technical performance to deliver the tonal balance of a closed back. Steer clear.