Philips X2 Around-Ear Open-Back Stereo Headphone review

[dalethorn]

Taking a break from the very low-budget headphones and reviewing the Philips Fidelio X2 (which I missed in the initial intro), I was actually surprised at how good the X2 is. You'll appreciate the X2 if you've been using small plastic headphones like I've reviewed recently, even when you carefully EQ those small headphones, because Philips corrects the X2's resonances or other sonic anomalies with a much larger and better build, etc. I paid $199 at Massdrop, which is one heckuva deal.
http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/community/threads/philips-x2-around-ear-open-back-stereo-headphone-review.4337/

 

[drummerman]

As usual, a very interesting review.

Thanks Dale

How would you compare the X2's rythm, pace and timing with something like AKG's K550?

 

[dalethorn]

As usual, a very interesting review.

Thanks Dale

How would you compare the X2's rythm, pace and timing with something like AKG's K550?

Thanks - The sound of the K553 (as close as I got to the K550) was very nearly neutral, but with a good solid bass. The X2, as dearly as I love it, is more "wooly" for lack of a better word. The slight extra warmth in the mid-upper bass combined with a moderate recess in the upper mids to low treble creates a mild darkness that's very smooth, masks irritants in the recordings, etc. So if you had orchestral recordings that sound just a bit distant, the combination might be too dark. The X2 would be better suited to music with more energy, particularly upper mids to treble energy. It's really not much different from the Philips L1 that I had a few years ago.

 

[drummerman]

Many thanks.