Click to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions
Philips Fidelio X2
01 / 06
Philips Fidelio X2
bookmark_border
Where's the price?
To negotiate the best possible price for our customers, we agree to hide prices prior to logging in.
5.7K requests
·
383 Sold
Product Description
The Philips Fidelio X2 open-back headphones retain their popular predecessor’s solid aluminum construction, long-wearing comfort, and smooth, spacious sound—with a few notable improvements. The new drivers use the multilayered diaphragm technology first seen in the brand’s S2 IEMs, designed to deliver cleaner treble and more accurate bass Read More
search
close
Sort by: Top Conversations
keyboard_arrow_downbjw
290
Jan 20, 2016
http://www.supportforum.philips.com/en/showthread.php?22285-Philips-X2-Statement
From philips them selves - brought to my attention by a fellow head-fi'er
I don't think this has been resolved even with Philips stating this.
Philips X2 Statement Dear forum users and readers,
recently we have seen some posts discussing variations in the Philips Fidelio X2 headphones. In response to that we’d like to inform you as follows. Our extensive testing has shown that Philips Fidelio X2 headphones continue to meet our stringent quality requirements, including those on acoustic performance. However, as part of our approach to continuous product improvement there have been following modifications:
- Ear cushions are fixed by glue in individual batches: In an attempt to improve the manufacturing process, glue was added to the pins which support the Philips Fidelio X2 headphone’s removable cushions. Acoustic testing showed that this did not impact sound quality, however this modification proved excessive leading to some cushions not being detachable from the headphones in individual cases. For that reason, it has since been removed from the production process.
- Differences in ear cushion material: A more durable and consistent material was applied in later batches of ear cushion production. A slight color change is visible, but both old and new materials deliver the same acoustic performance - Variations in sound quality for headphones produced at different times: The acoustic tuning has not changed since the Philips Fidelio X2 headphones were introduced, and all products have been tested against identical golden samples.
- Hi-Res Audio logo is only present on the packaging of later batches: All Philips Fidelio X2 headphones meet the stringent Hi-Res Audio requirements. Confirmation of accreditation was received in April 2015, and since then all packaging printed bears the logo.
As has always been the case, Philips Fidelio X2 headphones is only produced in our authorized and quality controlled factories, and this will continue in line with our high standards. We are proud of the quality and performance of the Philips Fidelio X2.
again I am just relaying what philips stated. I am no way stating that its resolved. I returned the pair to amazon since the metal rings were warped and the sound form the right ear was way off.
From philips them selves - brought to my attention by a fellow head-fi'er
I don't think this has been resolved even with Philips stating this.
Philips X2 Statement Dear forum users and readers,
recently we have seen some posts discussing variations in the Philips Fidelio X2 headphones. In response to that we’d like to inform you as follows. Our extensive testing has shown that Philips Fidelio X2 headphones continue to meet our stringent quality requirements, including those on acoustic performance. However, as part of our approach to continuous product improvement there have been following modifications:
- Ear cushions are fixed by glue in individual batches: In an attempt to improve the manufacturing process, glue was added to the pins which support the Philips Fidelio X2 headphone’s removable cushions. Acoustic testing showed that this did not impact sound quality, however this modification proved excessive leading to some cushions not being detachable from the headphones in individual cases. For that reason, it has since been removed from the production process.
- Differences in ear cushion material: A more durable and consistent material was applied in later batches of ear cushion production. A slight color change is visible, but both old and new materials deliver the same acoustic performance - Variations in sound quality for headphones produced at different times: The acoustic tuning has not changed since the Philips Fidelio X2 headphones were introduced, and all products have been tested against identical golden samples.
- Hi-Res Audio logo is only present on the packaging of later batches: All Philips Fidelio X2 headphones meet the stringent Hi-Res Audio requirements. Confirmation of accreditation was received in April 2015, and since then all packaging printed bears the logo.
As has always been the case, Philips Fidelio X2 headphones is only produced in our authorized and quality controlled factories, and this will continue in line with our high standards. We are proud of the quality and performance of the Philips Fidelio X2.
again I am just relaying what philips stated. I am no way stating that its resolved. I returned the pair to amazon since the metal rings were warped and the sound form the right ear was way off.
JayDay
88
Jan 21, 2016
The pictures on the main drop page do NOT show the glue on the disassembled headphones. Also, can you confirm if these are X2-00 or X2-27 or X2-28, and do they say Gibson or Woox, does it say 'Hi-Res' anywhere on the box??
pkaxe
32
Jan 26, 2016
If you're thinking of buying these, I'd advise you to rethink. Recently people have actually bought these en masse and have posted actual reviews and not just hype-building infomercials. The verdict is clear - they sound incredibly veiled and v-shaped. There's no detail and no mids, and I'm not exaggerating. The quality control is also shite.
drake22
6
Jan 28, 2016
I've owned HD600, HD650, and Fidelio X2. The X2 is a little V-shaped when compared to the HD600. The highs are a little more sibilant and it has much better bass (both in quantity and accuracy). It has really great bass for an open headphone. Very wide sound stage as well (not as tall as an hd650, but much wider ... almost shaped like a doughnut).
I really loved my X2s. As far as sound, they were my favorite when compared to the HD600 and HD650 (not by a wide margin), but I found them to be less comfortable. They are heavy, with not much clamping strength and the ear pads are kind of stiff and scratchy feeling. I wouldn't say they were uncomfortable, but less comfortable to me than the HD600 and HD650. I always aware of them when I was wearing them. What I really wanted was the sound of the X2 with the comfort of the HD600 / HD650.
I almost got in on this drop ... $200 is a crazy deal for these. Decided to go with the Fostex to try something new instead. Looking for even more bass as well. I'm sure you will love these cans, they're great.
I really loved my X2s. As far as sound, they were my favorite when compared to the HD600 and HD650 (not by a wide margin), but I found them to be less comfortable. They are heavy, with not much clamping strength and the ear pads are kind of stiff and scratchy feeling. I wouldn't say they were uncomfortable, but less comfortable to me than the HD600 and HD650. I always aware of them when I was wearing them. What I really wanted was the sound of the X2 with the comfort of the HD600 / HD650.
I almost got in on this drop ... $200 is a crazy deal for these. Decided to go with the Fostex to try something new instead. Looking for even more bass as well. I'm sure you will love these cans, they're great.
ShampooCA
49
Jan 29, 2016
What do you mean by "the right earcup on mine didn't seal."? Can you clarify?
whiterabbit
1
Jan 25, 2016
Sooooooooooo, about 1.5 days left and still no follow up from Massdrop? That is disappointing.
ShampooCA
49
Jan 26, 2016
Thanks for doing the legwork, this us great news.
As you've stated many times throughout the pages, the glue is just glue, you can pick it off, unless it's excessive.
Thumbs up nicpope
Now just ship em already :P
Warubozu
29
Jan 26, 2016
Thanks for the update, at least now we have some hope the pairs in this drop may be free of QC issues being discussed earlier.
RoosterMKV
5
Jan 21, 2016
Ugh... I'm so tempted to jump on these but skeptical. Always wanted to get a pair since I've loved my X1's so much. Not sure if I want to grab these or just get some AKGs... decisions decisions!!!
JayDay
88
Jan 25, 2016
You are positive that this is misinformation?? If you are, please share what you know, and where you know it from. Until then, the few "enthusiast" websites are the best source and authority we have on this subject. What is a better source??
ShampooCA
49
Jan 25, 2016
JayDayThere are issues as we can see, but Bb2217 is making statements like "missed opportunity" to correct a wrong like ALL of them are bad?
Get their sales info before making terrible statements that may harm a brand's image.
It's just bad karma in my opinion.
I used to work for a major electronics company, and from all the complaints I saw, it's a fraction compared to the number of sales and satisfied customers.
This is likely a very small fraction of bad headphones when compared directly to how many have actually been sold to satisfied consumers.
Most enthusiast groups react the same way. Yeah it's a benefit to have an inside scoop on things, but enthusiasts also are the quickest to knee jerk reactions.
Hawg
133
Jan 24, 2016
I've had a pair of X2's I purchased in Germany during Christmas time 2014, so a little over a year. I can' comment on the concerns over quality mentioned in the 11 pages of posts. My pair have no defects. But I thought I should share my thoughts on the ear-phone for those of you on the fence about these head-phones.
First, - I un questionably think these are the best headphones available (sound wise) under $1000. Of course I haven't tried all headphones under $1000, but I've tried a lot, and these sound fantastic. My complaint is that they make me regret buying some of my more expensive head phones, because when I'm trying to decide what to listen to, if I'm really honest with myself, I know that they will sound better on my X2's than on my other more expensive head phones. I bought these to be my "cheap" travel headphones and for gaming, and instead I am finding they are benching my "audiophile" headphones.
Second - I saw mentions about these not being efficient enough to work off a small portable player. I am finding exactly the opposite. I get clean clear and efficient response on my Sony High-res Walkman with about 20% volume remaining. They sound great on my iphone 6. On some of my other head phones, (such as my Alpha Dog Prime) they are essentially unusable with my iphones or Walkman, they must have a headphone amp to give decent bass and to have normal listening levels without the volume settings being maxed out. On the negative side, while these are easily driven by portable players, they are extremely loud (since they are open), so on a flight or train, others can hear them, so a closed can would probably be better.
Third- these are very comfortable. the memory foam surrounds make me forget I am wearing them. I've had several instances where I stood up and walked away forgetting I was wearing them, yanking my equipment off the desk. That's never happened with the other headphones in my collection.
Anyway, that's my 2-cents, if you can get these without quality control issues, then I think they are a spectacular value.
First, - I un questionably think these are the best headphones available (sound wise) under $1000. Of course I haven't tried all headphones under $1000, but I've tried a lot, and these sound fantastic. My complaint is that they make me regret buying some of my more expensive head phones, because when I'm trying to decide what to listen to, if I'm really honest with myself, I know that they will sound better on my X2's than on my other more expensive head phones. I bought these to be my "cheap" travel headphones and for gaming, and instead I am finding they are benching my "audiophile" headphones.
Second - I saw mentions about these not being efficient enough to work off a small portable player. I am finding exactly the opposite. I get clean clear and efficient response on my Sony High-res Walkman with about 20% volume remaining. They sound great on my iphone 6. On some of my other head phones, (such as my Alpha Dog Prime) they are essentially unusable with my iphones or Walkman, they must have a headphone amp to give decent bass and to have normal listening levels without the volume settings being maxed out. On the negative side, while these are easily driven by portable players, they are extremely loud (since they are open), so on a flight or train, others can hear them, so a closed can would probably be better.
Third- these are very comfortable. the memory foam surrounds make me forget I am wearing them. I've had several instances where I stood up and walked away forgetting I was wearing them, yanking my equipment off the desk. That's never happened with the other headphones in my collection.
Anyway, that's my 2-cents, if you can get these without quality control issues, then I think they are a spectacular value.
lvince95
248
Jan 25, 2016
I would say it's just a matter of preference. I have owned the X2 for a short period of time (before the QC issues popped up), and I did like it. I would definitely agree if he said if it's one of the best under $500 maybe, and even that is debatable as it depends on what type of sound signature you like. But definitely not at $1000.
I owned cans like the TH-X00, LCD-2, ZMF Omni, etc. and would take them over the X2 always. This does not mean the X2 is bad, it's still really good at $300, and a steal at $200 if you manage to get a good pair.
Like I said, it's just a matter of preference. The X2 has a really fun sound signature, but my other cans have higher fidelity and can do what the X2 does better. Granted, the options I have are all at least >$800 except for the TH-X00 so it's not really a fair fight.
I owned cans like the TH-X00, LCD-2, ZMF Omni, etc. and would take them over the X2 always. This does not mean the X2 is bad, it's still really good at $300, and a steal at $200 if you manage to get a good pair.
Like I said, it's just a matter of preference. The X2 has a really fun sound signature, but my other cans have higher fidelity and can do what the X2 does better. Granted, the options I have are all at least >$800 except for the TH-X00 so it's not really a fair fight.
JayDay
88
Jan 25, 2016
You may want to wait to return your current good sounding X2s until you get the new ones from this drop, so that you can compare them before returning the good ones to Amazon.
Bb2217
48
Jan 20, 2016
Massdrop: Would you please confirm that you were aware of all issues raised after purchase of company by Gibson, and that YOU (not Gibson) can reassure us that all these issues which have caused Amazon to stop selling them have been resolved to your full satisfaction?
silver8ack
22
Jan 20, 2016
Yea I have seen them comment on several drops. If they have the info, they will usually give it.
Fluffeepuff
50
Jan 24, 2016
I understand - I've been wanting the X2s for a while but then the whole Amazon fiasco happened. I'm sure there will be more drops of the headphones with the 'non-glued' updated production in the future. I'm taking a chance and jumping in on these now unless the MD staff can confirm they notice a difference in the two cans. If I have any issues with my pair I'll return them and wait for the next drop. I have a feeling a future drop would also be at $199.99, but that's just my guess. That's my thought process, anyway.
ext3rN
141
Jan 24, 2016
FluffeepuffYou can return them for a replacement under warranty, but not for a refund. Just keep that in mind.
ShampooCA
49
Jan 25, 2016
I hope mine aren't defective, and I'm sure I'll enjoy them, should they not be defective, but besides obvious defects like sounding like $10 headphones, how would I discern the difference between 100% working ones and defective ones?
Based on your comments here I can conclude you have an affinity towards making assumptions, and jumping to conclusions.
"You already seem biased towards liking them..."
#facepalm
badgerbadgerbadger
16
Jan 25, 2016
ShampooCAI have no intention to sour this discussion any further. I think I have made my point and provided enough sources to prove you wrong regarding the "spreading misinformation and fear mongering" comment you made.
There's enough information around to tell if your pair is defective or not. Happy hunting.
There's enough information around to tell if your pair is defective or not. Happy hunting.
oryan_dunn
37
Jan 21, 2016
I assume the only difference between Woox and Gibson are the printed labels that are stuck on the box. I would think they're made by the same people in the same factory that have no idea who Woox or Gibson are, and that manufacturing changes are all directed by the same people. Having worked for companies that have bought and been bought, it's usually business as usual for quite a while after the deal is finalized. To me, it sounds like they wanted to lightly secure the ear pads and the glue ended up being overkill, and about the same time there was a bad batch that slipped through for some reason.
Bloos
76
Jan 24, 2016
@oryan_dunn seams like this device called AUMEO could help you, it provides different EQs for each of your ears, I haven't tried it myself but it won awards and stuff. Link: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/aumeo-world-s-1st-tailored-audio-device#/
oryan_dunn
37
Jan 24, 2016
BloosWow, thanks for the heads up, that looks really interesting!
I'm curious how it determines your profile, and if you'd have the same profile over multiple different headphones. Either way, I may just have to jump on that instead of yet another pair of headphones.
It'd be great if that technology could be built into the phone itself.
I'm curious how it determines your profile, and if you'd have the same profile over multiple different headphones. Either way, I may just have to jump on that instead of yet another pair of headphones.
It'd be great if that technology could be built into the phone itself.
Showing 124 of 359
Recent Activity
Related Products
Drop Refurbished
Like-new products you can trustDrop Rewards
Get $5 for every 500 points you earn! Learn more
Drop Keyboard Club
Become a member and expand your keycap collectionCollaborate With Us
For Brands & DesignersFollow Drop