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| Taking a close look at the Philips Fidelio X2HR wired headphones in this review. |
One of the most popular consumer-grade headphones right now is not coming from big players like Sennheiser, Beyerdynamic or AKG.
Philips has gained a lot of popularity with their extremely high-value offerings, starting with the SHP-9500 that could be had for about 60 bucks in the US. While being large and comfortable, the build quality of them was where a lot of the production costs were cut. That is where Philips more premium line Fidelio comes in, and since price cuts in recent years, the X2HR model has become a very tempting offer.
We got ourselves a pair back in the summer of 2021 to test and we'll give you our honest opinions in this long-time review!
Build Quality and Aesthetics
From a strictly superficial standpoint, I really love the look of these headphones. Compared to Philips' other current series of open-backs; the SHP9500 and SHP9600, the Fidelio X series has a much more premium feel to them. The X2HR feels really sturdy and durable. The bearing parts, such as the rods going through the headband as well as the yokes, are all metal. The mesh grills on the sides of the earcups are as well. The headband could be mistaken for leather but is made of vinyl. That is of course good news for all vegans and everyone else who isn't particularly fond of wearing dead animals on their heads. The earcups feel nice and solid as well, even though they're plastic.
The use of metal and "leather" gives them a very stylish appearance I think many rockers and metalheads would fancy. At least I do. This is the kind of design Marshall should really go for with their headphones. Only if they did, they would probably charge twice as much. Philips, on the other hand, offers this premium build below €150, which is really impressive.
Some people with smaller heads might find the X2HR looking a bit oversized and silly, with the headband hovering far above the head. But if you have a somewhat large head like I do, they actually don't look too bad on your dome.
Comfort
Suitable for Large Heads and Ears?
One of the biggest doubts I had about these headphones before getting them was their fit. I have a fairly large nugget and my ears of course scaled to relative size, measuring about 7 cm in height. Apart from larger Sennheisers, most over-ear headphones only have earholes of around 6 cm or less, and I've had issues with a lot of circumaural headphones where my ears wouldn't comfortably fit inside the cups. Having the corners and tips of your ears squished by those pads can be really uncomfortable and annoying, and to me, that is a dealbreaker.
Here's how they look on my large nugget:
Pads and Ear-Room
The X2HR have circular earcups, but the pads actually have oval earholes that are about 6 by 5 centimetres. Much to my surprise, though, the ear space was not an issue. I have to sort of wiggle the ears in place as I put the headphones on, but after that, I don't feel any discomfort. I think that is because the pads are quite stiff and fairly deep. For reference, I have some wireless Sennheisers with D-shaped earpads with earholes of about 6 by 4 cm in size. Those get a bit uncomfortable after a while, partly because the pads are quite soft and squishy. As a result of the earpads compressing, the ear touches the driver, which of course isn't ideal.
The pads on the X2HR are quite stiff when they are new, but soften over time. The clamping force is also quite high. For someone with a big head like myself, it kind of feels like sticking your head in a vice when you first get them.
That said, the only thing I found uncomfortable with the X2HR was a pressure point I felt on my cheekbones. But after wearing them for a while, the pads warm up and soften a bit, and feel more comfortable as a result. You can also stretch the headband out a bit to reduce the clamp. The pair of X2HR Z Reviews had in his review video looked significantly looser than my pair does, so the headband can probably be stretched out quite a bit without the risk of damaging it. But don't quote me on it, and do so at your own risk.
Angled Drivers = More Ear Space
The drivers of the X2HR are angled. This has some acoustic and sonic advantages, but it also gives the ears more space towards the back of the cups. The pads are about 3 cm deep at the deepest end, which is likely enough to fit most ears. At the front, I measure the pads to about 18mm deep.
Portability
The X2HR has a very rigid, tough construction. A slight downside to that is that the earcups don't fold for easy transportation. Neither does it come with any carrying pouch or anything like that. It's clearly intended for home use mainly. The cans are easy enough to drive for portable players, though. But as they are open-back headphones, they leak sound both in and out, making them less ideal for commuting or travelling anyway.
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| This is how the Fidelios come. No case is included, and they don't fold. They're obviously made for home use first and foremost. |
Cable
The X2HR uses a standard audio cable terminated with 3.5 mm plugs on either end. That is great since you have endless options regarding aftermarket cables. That means you can easily get a cable with an inline microphone if you wish to use it as a headset. V-Moda has a good option for this, for instance.
The included cable is very long, probably 3 meters, and it's also braided, making it less prone to tangling which is a nice touch you rarely see even with most high-end headphones. It even has a cable tie on it which can also be removed.
Sound Quality
Sound Signature
Out of the box, the X2HR has a sound signature with a slightly elevated low end and a lively treble. While some reviewers refer to these as "basshead" headphones, I don't agree with that. I would rather say they are V-shaped and a bit on the cold side. They actually have slightly more energy in the treble than they do in the bass region, so if you're all 'bout that bass, 'bout that bass, no treble, these probably aren't ideal for you unless you EQ them.
Harman Target and EQ'ing
As far as the frequency response goes, the X2HR is not too far from the Harman target, and I suspect that is what Philips aimed for with these headphones. They missed the mark a bit in the sub-bass frequencies and the upper range mostly, but with a bit of EQ'ing, you can get the cans fairly darn close to the target curve if you so choose.
Like most open-back cans, the low end starts to roll off below 50 Hz or so, and those lower frequencies are hard to retrieve. But after EQ'ing, the X2HR follows the target quite smoothly between 40 Hz and 1 kHz. It isn't until you get into the higher range that the frequency response gets a bit chopped up. But even there, the X2HR performs quite well, especially in its very affordable price bracket.
If you want to try these EQ settings yourself, they can be downloaded here. For fine EQing like this, I highly recommend the software EqualizerAPO with the Peace plugin for Windows users. Peace is optional but makes the process a lot more user-friendly and intuitive. Using EqualizerAPO on its own isn't, to be completely honest.
Soundstage
A well-known strong point of the Fidelios is their wide, airy soundstage, while still retaining bass. This combination isn't awfully common, and it's a major selling point of these headphones.
What is often the case with other wide-sounding headphones, like the Beyerdynamic DT880 and AKG K702, is that they tend to lean towards the higher frequencies, with scooped mids and somewhat of an anaemic bass response. This is a way of tuning the frequency response in a way that makes the sound of the headphones appear more spacious. As similar results can be achieved with a simple EQ to any headphones or speakers, I personally don't see a huge benefit in purchasing a headphone just for their "wide" frequency tuning, I generally prefer a more flat frequency response out of the box.
Another, and arguably better way, to achieve a larger soundstage is by tuning the physical properties of the headphones. And even though the X2HR is somewhat V-shaped with scooped mids that result in a somewhat wider sound, I believe the physical attributes of the Fidelios is the main ingredient behind their width.
The Secret Behind Their Width
A lot of the X2HR's wide soundstage obviously comes from its large, open-back design. But what widens the sound even further is the angled drivers that I briefly mentioned above, regarding comfort and ear room.
Simply angling the earcups by hand while wearing them (thus altering the angle of the drivers in relation to the ears), clearly changes the perceived soundstage, I discovered. Angling the cups forward brings the sound closer, making it sound more intimate. Reversely, angling the cups towards the back of the ears makes the headphones sound more distant. So this is clearly something Philips has done a lot of testing on, to find the ideal angle that brings the right amount of distance and airiness to the sound.
Noticeably Airier Than the HD600
For any other HD600 users, I did another A/B test between the Fidelio and the HD600 with a movie trailer to compare the soundstage. Here I believed the X2HR had the advantage. The sound opened up a bit and gave the clip some additional presence. In another YouTube video of the "talking head" variety, I also managed to pick up more of the environmental sound with the X2HR, compared to the HD600 on which I found the room acoustics sounding flatter and less airy. And since the X2HR is constructed as well as tuned for a wider sound, it's to no surprise.
Music Performance
The first thing I tested the headphones with was some music. I started by first listening through my Sennheiser HD600, for some reference. As I switched over to the X2HR, I immediately found them a lot more forward and visceral, with a noticeably sharper treble. Things lite hi-hats, snares etc. are really prominent, while they lay more in the background on the HD600. I initially found the Fidelio's treble peaks a bit sibilant and was almost immediately drawn back to the warmer, more inviting sound of my trusty old Sennheisers.
I then left both headphones rest for a day, and only listened through my iLoud monitors instead - to clear the palette, so to speak.
To Harman or Not Harman = Warmth vs. Width
The day after I went straight to the Fidelios, EQ'd to the Harman target and listened to some music. And my first impression was that they sounded quite similar to the HD600. I then swapped the EQ off and on to compare which I preferred more. And depending on what I listened to, my preference varied. On warmer mixes, like Version 2.0 by Garbage, the Harman EQ made it sound a bit muddy. With other, colder sounding music with already prominent treble, the EQ did a nice job taming the highs a bit, making it sound a bit easier on the ears. Devin Townsend's Ocean Machine: Biomech sounded excellent with the Harman EQ for instance. I even boosted the bass a couple of dB further, since the mixing of that album is exceptionally thin and trebly sounding, to my ears. However, flicking the EQ off opened up the soundstage quite noticeably, especially on the airy and echoing final track Things Beyond Things. So it's essentially a tradeoff you have to do, whether you want a warm, more intimate soundstage, versus a larger soundstage but with a little colder sound signature.
My General EQ for Both Warmth and Width
Everything with audio and what sounds good to you is of course a matter of preference, and whether you even like the Harman target to begin with.
The iLoud monitors I use most of the time, have a very flat frequency response, and when I use them for casual music listening, I like them a bit more wide and "fun" than they do au naturel. I basically just do some basic equalisation, scooping the 4-6 kHz range a bit (this is where the presence lies). and a slight sub-bass boost (below 50 Hz) to compensate for the speakers' natural roll-off somewhat. This not only makes them sound wider, but also warmer since you also reduce a bit of those nasal frequencies with the scoop in the "presence" range. The same EQ'ing works quite well with the X2HR in my opinion and I find it a good alternative to the Harman settings.
Treble Detail
While the Fidelio has plenty of treble, it occasionally sounds a bit unrefined and artificial. For instance, the percussion in The Trick Is to Keep Breathing by Garbage lacked detail and sounded a bit flat and lifeless compared to the HD600.
Channel Balance
An issue some headphones have is slightly different frequency responses in the left and right earcup. I didn't perceive any of that on the X2HR, however. I also tested it with some pink noise which reveals such issues more clearly. I reversed the earcups back and forth while listening to rule out any audible discrepancies. To me, both channels sounded identical.
Fidelio X2HR compared to X1, X2 and X3
First off, anyone new to the Philips Fidelio X series may wonder what the whole "X2HR" means. This is the third offering in this series of premium full-sized open-back headphones from Philips, proceeded by the Fidelio X1 and X2. The "HR" added at the end might lead to believe the headphones were designed especially for Human Resource representatives. The print "High-Resolution audio" on the box suggests that this would be the most probable explanation behind the acronym, however.
Since the X1 and the original X2 are now discontinued, the headphones that are currently most relevant are the X2HR and X3. Since the X2HR has dropped in price quite a bit since its release, it's hard to find the earlier models much cheaper even used. For that reason, I would suggest looking at the two latest models primarily.
Fidelio X1
Fidelio X2/X2HR
Fidelio X3
Sound Quality Improvements
Both X1 and X2 look very similar to the X2HR superficially. The older siblings had mostly bass and width to offer in terms of sound quality, while the level of detail and resolution to the sound has improved over each revision. The X2HR is no exception and steps up the game quite noticeably from X1 and X2. This is the main takeaway I made from watching Z Reviews on YouTube compare the three models.
Legendary audio reviewer Tyll at InnerFidelity also gave the original X2 a lot of praise and mentioned that Philips had refined the tuning with human ears, going from the X1 and X2, and he thought they had done a great job at that.
The newer X3 is a bit of a departure from earlier siblings, however. The sound profile of the X3 is leaning more towards the brighter side, which may either be appealing or displeasing to your personal preference. In Rtings' comparison of the X2HR and the X3, they found that the X2HR actually has a more neutral, balanced sound profile. They also found the X2HR's treble accuracy to be better-balanced than the X3.
If you're still curious about the X3, I would definitely recommend listening to both the X3 and the X2HR side by side to decide whether the X3's are worth its higher price.
Looking at the frequency response measurements, courtesy of Oratory1990, both headphones have somewhat uneven treble, but the X2HR follows the Harman target more closely, and some listeners might its sound profile more appealing. More on that later, as I go through the sound of the X2HR in more detail.
Earpads Are Now Removable
The older models had the earpads glued onto the earcups, which wasn't very popular amongst consumers, understandably. Luckily, Philips listened and the pads on the X2HR and X3 are removable. The X2HR and X3 pads are identical as well and can be used interchangeably. More on these earpads further on!
The Original X1 Had a Smaller Fit
The first three models (X1, X2 and X2HR) all look very similar to the naked eye. Some people with larger heads had problems with the X1 having a slightly too short headband. Since the headband itself can't be extended, it's of course be a dealbreaker if you can't even fit the cans on your head properly. Once again, Philips took notice and made the headband longer on the X2. As a result, they might look a bit oversized and goofy on smaller heads, but the obviously more important factor is that the headphones can now be enjoyed and worn comfortably by a lot more people.
Differences in Aesthetics and Materials
In terms of aesthetics, the X2 and X2HR are nearly identical, while the X1 has a slightly different colour scheme, with chrome yokes and a brown headband. The subsequent two models are more subdued and entirely black.
When it comes to materials, there are some variations. The X1, the regular X2 as well as the newer X3 all have headbands made out of genuine leather. The X2HR is the only exception, with a headband that is actually made of vinyl instead of leather. Hence, this makes it the only vegan-friendly option of the four models.
Philips gave the X3 a different design altogether compared to the earlier models. The metal mesh has been replaced with some sort of cloth fabric, and the headband is again made of real leather, unlike the X2HR. Which design is better is rather subjective, but to me at least, the earlier designs seem more sturdy and reliable. I'm especially hesitant about having earcups covered in cloth. I feel like they could get dirty pretty quickly and might be hard to clean. The metal cups of the earlier models would probably hold up a lot longer, while any sharp object could potentially damage the cloth ones pretty easily.
Different Cables on the X3
The X1, X2 and X2HR all have a standard 3.5 mm connection on the left earcup, while the X3 instead has cable connections on each earcup. This makes it a bit harder to find replacement cables since you now need a split cable. The reason Philips went this route with the X3's is they are intended for use with a balanced headphone amp. Luckily, the headphones come with a standard 3.5 mm cable as well as a balanced one, terminated in a 2.5 mm amp jack.
Pricing
The X1 and X2 came at a premium price point at release, selling around $300. The X2HR also started fairly high at around $240. All three can be found at around $150, but the X2HR is likely the only one you'd find brand new. I picked my pair up for just 120 Euros on Amazon DE. Looking at the earlier models used doesn't save you a lot of money compared to the X2HR, so they're usually the way to go.
With the newer Fidelio X3, Philips again targets the more hardcore audiophiles with a price tag to match it. Currently sitting at about twice the price of the X2HR, the X3's have a lot to prove, and whether they're worth it is entirely up to you.
What you typically pay for when buying the latest products on the market is engineering and, to an extent, advertising. Once the product has sold enough units to cover these costs, the manufacturers have more headroom to lower their prices. And this will likely also happen with the X3 at some point.
What About the Fidelio L-Series Then?
The Fidelio L line offers smaller, more budget-oriented versions of the Fidelio X headphones. They look somewhat similar and are just as well built, but the L line has a more traditional design with size-adjustable headbands. While the X series is geared specifically for home use, the L line offers on-the-go options. The L cans also have smaller drivers; 40mm compared to 50mm in the X line, and their sound quality isn't quite on the same level as their bigger brothers.
The L2 was the direct competitor to the X2 upon its release and currently, just like the new L3 sits at a similar price as the X3. The L3 is a completely different animal, however, being a wireless closed-back headphone with Bluetooth connectivity. So it makes for a truly more mobile-friendly option than its predecessors were.
The original L1 is now hard to come by since it's been discontinued. The L2 is still available, though, and a tad cheaper than the X2/X2HR.
Should You Get the L2 Instead of the X2/X2HR?
Back in 2015, the X2's cost around $300 while the L2 could be had for a more modest $120. That made the L2 a really compelling offer. The price gap has diminished over time, though, and it's come to a point where there is hardly any price difference at all between them. This makes the L line less relevant unless for home use, but if you want something more compact and easy to bring along, there are worse ways to spend a hundred dollars than on the L2. You can often find it bundled with a microphone cable at that price.
If you care less about portability and more about sound quality, you might as well spend a few more bucks and get the X2/X2HR, which are the higher models.
Also Consider
Philips SHP9500 / SHP9600
Build and comfort
In terms of build quality, the X2HR seems a lot more solid and premium than the SHP9500 and 9600, and this is likely where the price premium lies (at least on the US market).
Comfort-wise, the SHP's have larger earpads, while the ones on X2HR are deeper. Furthermore, the clamping force is tighter on the X2HR, and they also weigh a bit more.
Sound signature
Otherwise, it's mainly a matter of preference what you're looking for in terms of sound. Either you prefer the bass punch of the X2HR, or the leaner low-end and sharper treble of the SHP's, along with a tad larger soundstage (as far as I've heard). More people seem to have issues with the SHP9500's treble sounding sibilant than the other two, however. It's apparently the most open and widest sounding of all three, though, likely due to its treble emphasis and big, wide-open earcups.
Pricing
The pricing of the SHP models is very odd. In the US, these can go for as little as $60, while you have to double that in Europe and fork out around €120 for a pair.
The Fidelio X2HR on the other hand typically goes for around $150 in the US, and €150 in Europe. As I gained interest in these headphones and started price spying on them regularly, I saw the price of them fluctuate quite drastically. They could literally go from €150 one day to €110 the next, and then straight up to €190 the day after. As soon as they got back to €110 again, I promptly ordered a pair. As I checked back just a couple of days later, they were all sold out.
In Europe, the choice is pretty simple; the X2HR is clearly the best value when priced so similarly. The SHP's are essentially a budget line of headphones, while the Fidelio X series is the more premium one. The X2HR has a sound signature that probably appeals to more people as well. In a logical world, prices should reflect that, but in Europe, they simply don't. So get 'em while they last. It's probably only a matter of time until they get discontinued and replaced completely with the significantly pricier X3's.
In the US, however, 60-70 bucks for a pair of SHP9500 is of course a value that is hard to beat. Maybe try all three, to see whether the Fidelios are worth their price premium over the SHP9500/9600?
Verdict
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is a good by for anyone looking for an open headphone with a slightly V-shaped sound and good soundstage. Their bulky design feels sturdy and reliable but suits best for home use, since they are not very portable. If you have a slightly larger head, they will fit you well also!
- Exciting sound
- Wide soundstage
- Great looks and build quality
- Detachable cable
- Stiff earpads
- Bulky to transport
- Not for tiny heads
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