Philips Fidelio X2HR/00 headphones

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Ithilstone
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Re: Philips Fidelio X2HR/00 headphones

Unread post by Ithilstone »

Funny enought on amazon.pl those cost €75... tempted... :mrgreen:
I might have to sell some of my other HPs after new year...
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Fretless
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Re: Philips Fidelio X2HR/00 headphones

Unread post by Fretless »

Just a 'bump' for anyone intrigued by these superb cans. I have been listening to them a lot over the last few days and am simply blown away.

Amazon's offer price ends tonight.
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antonio66 (Mon Nov 29, 2021 2:53 am)

Upstairs:
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Pro-Ject 1.2 + Grado Sig Jr + Cambridge Alva Duo
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Headphones: German Maestro & AudioQuest

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Re: Philips Fidelio X2HR/00 headphones

Unread post by Fretless »

Seeing as The Netherlands has gone into another bloody lockdown ( :angry-steamingears: ) it looks like I have time to play with Hifi again.

So, just had a mini shoot-out with a few pairs of headphones; the Philips X2HR, AQ NightHawk/Owl Carbon and Grado SR80. Playing from a desktop PC running Foobar2000 through an AQ Dragonfly Red.

Starting with the X2HR and switching to the NightHawk: where I have loved the AQ for its laid-back immersive character - it now sounds dense and muddy in direct comparison. The Philips has a wider, airier and more spacious soundfield that lets the music breathe more, there is far more sparkle and detail. On the other hand the more solid 'inside-the-head' presentation of the AQ settles you deeper into the music.
Weight and comfort-wise: the NightHawk is slightly lighter, clamping is softer and is easier to wear.

Putting the Grado SR80 on - the sound was anaemic, rough and too edgy. The Philips has a way more refined top end and can equal the Grado for sharpness and focus. The SR80 was quickly removed.

Then I thought I would try the AudioQuest NightOwl Carbon - the closed-back brother of the NightHawk. These have a tighter, faster sound than their semi-open sibling and impress with a powerful punch and weighty delivery, losing out a little on top-end openness and the extra-wide soundstage of the Philips. However the NightOwl is 'meatier' and intenser.

Out of this brief test, for me the X2HR and the NightOwl come out on top with a comparable quality of reproduction and the difference in presentation that you find with open and closed designs.

:music-listen: :music-listening: :music-listen:
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CN211276 (Mon Nov 29, 2021 4:53 pm)

Upstairs:
Vinyl
Pro-Ject 1.2 + Grado Sig Jr + Cambridge Alva Duo
DigiVolumio PC + Kiss DP-500 + Sabaj A20d
NVA: P50sa - Cube2 - SSP - LS6+ Sabaj A10a (x2)
Downstairs:
Vinyl
Logic DM101 + Syrinx LE1 + Grado Sig MCX
DigiDenafrips Ares II + Volumio PC + Cambridge CXC
NVA: P50 - BMU+ Aiyima A07 MAX (x2) + Arcam One
HP: HifiBerry Digi+ PRO + Sabaj A10d
Office:
Allo DigiOne SIG + SMSL M300se + Douk G4 (x2)
Mission 760 + Monolith THX AAA 887
Headphones: German Maestro & AudioQuest

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Re: Philips Fidelio X2HR/00 headphones

Unread post by CN211276 »

An interesting shoot-out. I have a DF Red and can understand where you are coming from with the Grados, if my SR325e's are anything to go by. They sound sublime through the Mojo though with no harshness, detailed, spacious and dynamic. During the warmer months I have had many extended enjoyable listening sessions in the garden.

The DF Red works well with my closed Beyerdynamic Avetho's which I use when out for walks on my own. UAPP through my phone is always the source. Am very pleased with the recent update. Along with the vastly improved interface SQ has taken a slight uplift. For some reason which I can't explain I am able to play Qobuz off line content on the DF but not the Mojo. Not really a problem as the Wifi extends to the garden.
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Fretless (Mon Nov 29, 2021 5:29 pm)
Main System
NVA BMU, P90SA/A80s (latest spec), Cube 1s, TIS, TISC(LS7)
Sonore OpticalRendu, Chord Mscaler & Qutest, Sbooster PSs
Network Acoustics Eno, ifi iPurifier3, AQ JB FMJ, Cisco 2940 & 2960
DH Labs ethernet, BNC & USB cables, Farnells cat 8 ethernet cable

Second System
NVA P20/ A20, Cubettes, LS3, SSP, SC
Sonore MicroRendu, Chord Mojo 2 MCRU PSs, AQ Carbon USB cable & JB FMJ

Headphones
Grado SR325e/Chord Mojo, Beyerdynamic Avetho/AQ DF Colbat

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