FIDELIO X2HR Review | For you B A S S heads out there 🤯 

"Not the most attractive headphone" - Beauty is in the eye of the beholder... I think these are the BEST looking headphones on the market. Who wants lots of plastics and a "modern" look? These look classy and old-school.

I disagree about its limited music genre usage. I listened to all sorts of genres of music from classical, jazz, rock, hip hop to EDM, and these are very enjoyable on all of them. As a matter of fact, I find that they work universally well with every type of music genre, which most headphones tend to struggle with. They of course shine the most on bass heavy genres such as hip hop and EDM. They are absolutely not technical but just the most fun headphones I've ever tried. If you listen to music just for enjoyment and not analyze them, these can't be beat for the price.

Hi, I have the X2s, and every time I decide to spend some time with them, I really like them. For half the price now, oh man it’s a steal. So worth. Great review man.

I still have the X1 I got for half the price, absolute juggernauts of build quality and one of the most fun headphones I heard

Personally I think this is one of the best looking designs out there- a cool industrial look- which is why I bought the X2s..

I got these as a replacement to my HD6XX for gaming due to the HD6XX clamp force giving me headaches after 2 hours (1 year of ownership) and because these have the 3.5mm cable system which I'll be attaching a mic to. However, once I got these and spent some hours listening to them, I honestly love them just as much as my HD6XX.

Great review, thanks! You really made a lot of things clear, helped me purchase decisions.

Some of your visuals are just outstanding Josh, like at 12:06. Philips should be paying you for shots like that!

You were spot on about the heat concern with these pads- I've got the X2s and the microfiber does get a bit sweaty in the summer.

Hello and thank you for this review. I am on the fence with these two headphones so it helped a lot. There was one thing I'm a bit unclear on. At 7.30 you compared the imaging and soundspace and I think you were saying the 9500 was better but I wasn't sure. Would you be kind enough to clarify please?

Rockin' Eriana's Vow in crucible... nice. And the X2's are nice as well... appreciated them very much from limited time I listened to them at a meet.

My first "audiophile" headphone. Gave them away to family so I had space for my Audeze LCD2. How I miss them! And great review dude!!!

For gamers: Earlier this week (2nd week Nov 2019) I picked up the X2’s because they were cheap at 125$ USD instead of their original $300, and paired them against the pc37x, currently 100$ this week on drop. Testing method at the bottom. X2’s: have more clarity and cleaner bass, with a bigger soundstage but lack in positional audio compared to the 37x’s. These are open back. 37x’s: the 37x’s have ever so slightly more pronounced bass, albeit not as clean, and a little bit smaller soundstage but have noticably better positional audio in a side by side test. Theyre semi open back. For comfort: I was able to use both for extended periods with no discomfort, for reference, I have a medium sized head and large earlobes. My bigass ears fit nicely in both but touched the drivers on both if I didn’t adjust it right. With some tweaking to the position on my head, no drivers were felt. The clamping force on the 37x’s bothered me when I first got them but after a couple weeks they wear nicely, the X2’s have a very nice clamp. If your use is straight up gaming, get the 37x’s. The better positional audio is well worth the slight sacrifice in overal clarity. The 37x’s do well for music and make a great headset. they’re 100$ on drop rn and you really won’t be disappointed. For casual/immersive gaming I would go with the X2’s simply because of the better soundstage and better overall clarity. For 155$ (incl v moda boompro, 30$) they make a great Headphone/mic combo. For overal sound quality/immersion, I played 4hours straight, 8 sets of 30min play, of the same game back to back, swapping headphones each set. For competitive play (positional audio) I played OW comp (hardstuck 3700 pepehands) and played Modern warfare. Same method of swapping every 30 min. For the comfort test I did one day of full use (4-6 hours) and I cannot remember how they went because I had no complaints for either, Just a gamer gaming and enjoying it.

V-Moda Crossfade M100, X2hr, 58x or 4xx? Bass And Voice focus

Thank for the review, I own these and use them for gaming and general use. Plan to to get a new pair for music/video editing and been looking at the DT 1990 Pro. How would you compare these to the DT 1990 Pro ? Thanx !

Which one do you think are better for gaming (mainly online fps and some single-player rpg) and for movies with lossless audio or dolby atmos?

These are gonna be my next purchase for sure!! I really need something fun for behind the PC. The AKG 712Pro I have now are great for movies I noticed. But are more for lazy music sessions or when I need something light. Luckily I already have the Senheisser PC37x for gaming. I always wanted Fidelio headphones for the longest time and these are Hi-Res 40KHz . I don't want to get back to non Hi-Res headphones and earbuds. It's also nice for music sessions on mobile since they are easily driveable. Very nice objective review Joshua!

Comparing the KSC75 which are also open-back, how would you rank them with the SHP9500, 668B, X2HR, and 58X or 4XX? I was personally going for the 668B or Samson SR850 to be used also for games but I thought to save more for SHP9500 or for the next step up with with 58X?

I really liked the X2 headphones, and they were VERY comfortable, but to Joshua's point, they did attract dead skin flakes. I held onto these for a while as the sound really appealed to me until I discovered HIFIman and getting detailed sound without the shrill treble. The x2 reminded me of the Massdrop Fostex but much less expensive.

The AKG K240's suspension pull up on the earlobes. Does the suspension on the X2HR pull up as well ?

I enjoy your channel very informative, I’m wondering if you have a recommendation for an open back that stays cool. I get hot quick Adam

Hey, not related, but need help in picking up a closed headphone with the biggest soundstage, but still having relatively clear and intimate vocals. I'm thinking of the Fostex T50rp Mk3 Modhouse Argon from your very old recommendations. Please let me know if I have a better option today. It has to be closed with relatively huge soundstage, I know pretty ironic, but I want the best I can get for the money. I would request to provide me sub a $400 option and a money no bar option too. I can wait for Massdrop versions too, granted they have shiped those in the recent past.

Anybody know what camera gear Joshua uses? The quality is amazing! All that toneh!

Hey Joshua, love you videos, any chance you will do a fiio K5pro review in the future?

where can I get replacement pads for these?!

I love these, I got them for $175 used and very worth it at even that price. So comfortable and laid back. They kind of remind me of a dynamic driver version of the HE4XX; dark-ish sound, wide soundstage, but with little bass authority and texture. For headphones with bass slam and texture, I reach for 1More Triple Driver Tridents ("over" ear)

Is this the ceiling for the headphone that would be great for gaming with a great soundstage but with a lot of clean deep bass?

I just purchased the 'HRs last week. I owned the 58X and these are way more enjoyable in my opinion. I'm not an audiophile. I just enjoy listening to quality sound and the 'HRs put a smile on my face. I listen to groups like the Clash, Zeppelin, Depeche Mode, The Cure, Foo Fighters, The Ramones, and Fear. All of them sound great on these cans. I also listen to classical and in my opinion, the 'H2s sound amazing as well. If you're considering these I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.

I got an early version of the X2 and the pads are fine, Instead, there''s wear on the headband, and I can see in time adding a cloth or knit wrap to keep it going.

Idk why people are expecting emphasis on bass with this pair of headphones. The Philips Fidelio X2(HR) are open-back headphones, hence the bass cannot achieve the level it would with a pair of close-back headphones.

they are now for 100e on prime day, should I get them with the Vmoda BoomPro mic. My current headphones are broken.

Any recommendations on monitor headphones for Dubstep/ Bass music production? Looking to stay under $200. Have studio monitors but lacking any bass, thanks!

I listen to mostly hip hop and RnB then little soft rock and pop music... Do u think this Fidelio x2hr would perform well enough for those genres of music ? And is there too much clamping force that makes it difficult for hours of listening sessions?

IDK, according to the frequency responses for X2HR and HE4XX they might be called V-shaped only after mid-focused Sennheisers, because measurements are pretty flat on both (especially X2HR)

I have seen your review of the monoprice m1060, i like metal, jazz, classic music, but also i am a basshead. Wich one is the Best for me, i mean, fidelio or the monoprice m1060? Wich one has the Best sound stage and image?

Actually been questioning these as I've been seeing them at work and knowing the X2s made me a bit curious.

Hey Joshua, Need a bit of help I listen to vocals, chill wave/synthwave, ambient, 60's rock, jazz (coltrane, davis) and classical (cello,violin heavy arrangements). Ideally looking for reasonable sub bass extension, warm sweet mids, and non sibilant highs with reasonable soundstage and resolution/detail. Between the X2HR, Sundara and AKG 712 Pro.. which one wud be yr recommendation? im getting all three in $300-$350 in my country. Tx!

Appreciate the feedback on this as I have 9500 was thinking to get x2hr as upgrade.

This and the Dekoni Blue would make a GREAT comparison video for gaming, especially since they're both V Moda Boom Pro compatible. Yes, I use a V Moda with the Blue lol

Thank you, I had these and agree with your assessment. Fantastic for the price and was my first proper introduction to the headphone world. I urge anyone starting out to pick up these.

To watch movies, the x2hr or the shp9500?

I own both the x2 and shp 9500. I do prefer the x2. Having said that Josh's analysis here is right on the money.

Is this one better than the AKG K52 ?

Excellent Accurate Review! I own or have owned all four and agree with your comparisons. Many X2HR owners are incredulous when I tell them I like the 9500 better. but the X2HR was just too fun for me....I understand why some people like it...kind of Beats for Grown ups. The other three: 9500, 58X, and 4XX are much more accurate, which I prefer. My go-to phones of the group are the 9500s with better (Shure) pads, but I can see how others would differ on this and they are all amazingly good phones for the money.

is the soundstage as wide as Sennheiser typical offering e.g. the 5XX series? A nice wide soundstage is pretty much vital for me.

I got a pair of these for $140CAD from Newegg Canada. I'm very pleased with them. I use them mainly for gaming, the bass it puts out is great. I recommend some EQ though, it makes it a great headphone.

I own approximately 15 headphone between 50 and 350$. These are my favourites for listening to everyday music and watching videos on RU-vid, especially after I had changed the original earpads. I bought them about 3 years ago for 130$. Connected via a MOTU M4 USB interface and/or a Topping A50s.

I don't know if this review do these headphones justice. The bass rivals my HD800S (still way louder and a bit less refined but that's expected) and they blow the LCD-2Cs out of the water in terms of comfort, detail and especially sub-bass. They're a true worth while contrasting but also competing headphones to my 1500 dollar sennheisers and for literally 1/10th of the price they're a steal.

Anyone able to recommend me a great open-back headphone for classical music and choir music?

That intro song is badass!! Never heard of that guy before. Been going through his albums for the last two hours now. You have great taste in music!

Any good ideas to help make it clamp tighter? I find they are too lose on my ears.

theyre on sale rn for 61% off on amazon, picking them up for a christmas present, hope the person likes them, could be really good value for money if they do. they currently have skullcandy crushers so im sure they wont mind the base hump lmao

Mine don't seem very bassy. Tried on pc with onboard.. Mi A1 phone which has a decent amp... Laptop.. none reaally have much bass. Mine are defective?

What would you suggest for someone looking for a headphone around £500 primarily for listening to country music?

will the mb quart fit in these?

does anyone find the fabric on the pads itchy?

Got X2HR's during BF sales. I really don't hear recessed midrange, sure it's not as forward and lush as sennheiser's, but it's enough to be enjoyable. Vocals are loud and clear without feeling as if coming from far. As for the bass that's definetly not a basshead headphone. It's got some grunt to it and plesent warmth, but it kicks less than my HD599. Overal what I like best in X2's is how great they're balanced, relaxed and at the same time quite precise in microdetail retrival. On top of that they're built like 500$+ headphones. I prefer them to 58X minus the vocals. They also easily beat SHP9500 in just about every aspect of sound. Soundstage is huge and you can definetly game with these, but for that particular job I prefer sennheisers because of they're maybe not as wide, but a little bit better positional accuracy.

I’m an year later but wow! What a great review, thanks!!

Reported as indecent, Forcing that poor HD58X to expose its naked drivers, no foam!

Great review, thank you

i have had my HD559 for years looking to get HD58X should I make the jump?

long awaited review 🤗

Hello! i have a question.... Do I need an amp for the Fidelio X2HR? and if so which one is a good choice?

Great video. I've owned both the SHP9500's and briefly tried out the X2HR's. I returned the X2HR's because I found the highs a bit to sibilant. I currently own a pair of Senheiser HD660s and love them but use EQ to increase highs and lows ever so slightly. I might have to try the 4xx from your recommendation.

To anyone that can help--So I have a pair of HD 660s great for gaming but I listen to a lot of grunge rock Chevelle type music etc. what would you recommend (closed back?)I’m assuming for my genre of music the 660s are great for like string guitar stuff like that but I’m more into the heavy-metal Deftones like music

I just got my X2HR, compared to my Grado SR125 it quite surprisingly lacks the deeper bass. Didn't expect this since most people claim the X2HR it's for bassheads. They're comfortable though and soundstage is awesome - playing them with Demon's Souls remake is a real treat.

Yo Joshua, I've really only got the Samson Sr850's as reference. How would you describe these sound like in comparison?

I need to know how these compare to the Sony MDRXB650s? I fucking love bass and ever since they broke due to poor build quality I have been scouting what's next.

Great review,which would you recommend for music production..mainly EDM

Have you tried the Audio-Technica ATH-WS1100is?

Thanks for a great, intelligent review. Subscribed.

I have an X2hr and I wasn't too sure about it at first. I felt like the potential was there but something was missing. A few weeks later, I changed the pads to the Dekoni Choice Suede X2hr pads and paired them with a Fiio K5 dac/amp combo at 2 gain (no sure what level, just have the switch on the 2 dot level haha) and now it's amazing. I still wouldn't recommend them for general RU-vid videos with a lot of talking as there are sharp spikes but for Metal, Rock, EDM, Bass and Chill music, they have been fantastic after the upgrade.

I bought it last Month(X2HR) and it has Imo not that much bass, not more than my Beyerdynamic Dt 880 and i disegree here with Josh on Sound, its smooth but really rich of details and you have allmost a 3D Sound. The Soundstage is really good and the middles are not so good as my Beyer 880 but still pretty good. You have to think when the Headphone came out it cost almost 400€. The Pads are really magnets for all kind of things. But i would not recomend listening without a Amp, with a Phone it does not Sound very good, but with a good Amp its a Beast.

When I first listened to these headphones, I thought they hardly had any bass whatsoever. Did I get a defective unit? The Fidelio X2HR I got /27 model.

In my opinion the V-Moda m100 are the best professional DJ headphones and audiophile headphones with great sounding "CLEAN" Bass. Great all around headphones. They have great sound quality with enough bass to listen to hip hop, techno, pop, rock and they do great at everything.

Kind of unrelated but if you still have dt19990 I just got some dakoni pads and combined with some heavy eq, they sound a whole different level than with the stock pads. Also if you wanted to borrow my ahd7200 for a short time I'm sure I could arrange that

Finally I thought you would never review the legendary philips sph9500 legendary bigger brother, as the Fidelio HDRX3 are almost out. they also react to eq well and have a heck of a lot less plastic than sennheiser 5 and 6 series. this are for enjoying music not mixing mastering and dissecting music. Now if you only can get your hand on the Phillips Fidelio L2, which is semi open, with slightly less bass, slightly more treble, more intimate sound stage. As with all philips headphones they are very easy to mod and change their sound with dacs amps and earpads. Older X series I believed did not use plastic earcups. The X1, X2, X2 gibson, and latest x2hdr have been reported to have different sound signatures.

Can you please fix the description for the shp9500

I found these to be extremely harsh in be highs. Everything has a sibilant, metallic tone to it. I put some fabric (boxer short material that I cut up) in front of the driver and now they sound a lot better. It hurts the airiness and the sound stage slightly but they sound very smooth and nice now

Thank You for your purchase! I work with Philips Audio and appreciate the honest opinion!

I Just Got Mine Yesterday And WOW I Love The.Sound Quality . I'm Using ZFold3 To Hidizs S9 Pro DAC/AMP DONGLE To X2HR Playing TIDAL , NETFLIX , ETC .

Thumbs up for the 'all metal' seconds. :)

This headphone works well with Schiit Vali 2+ with the philips E88CC or the Gold Lion E88CC Brings out the best in female vocalists.

Headphones for movies: I'm using cheap DAC and my Bose QC35s and I'm quite happy with it. Is it worth buying X2s? Will I notice the difference? Maybe new SHP 9600s? Same price for me.

WHAT is that headphone stand!??

Bro, what is your video and audio setup, cos the only person I can think of with videos with this level of production is MKBHD? I love your work!

How would you say the bass on these compare to the argons? I just ordered some argons, and i've actually heard these before (unlike the argons). For that reason, it'd be great to hear a comparison from someone who's heard both :)

Can someone just answer this, how do TOOL sound on them ? From there, it is an easy yes or no. Thanks.

What were you listening to these through? I was never satisfied by them. I got rid of my X2's to repurchase a pair of shp9500, which I really missed the mids and highs of. Originally at the time, the x2 was on offer for same price as 9500 and I was torn between the two... Kept the x2 even though I knew I enjoyed the 9500 more 🤦🏼‍♂️ Now I'm exploring what can beat my 9500... 💸💸💸 Headphones are dangerous 😂

do you have a top5 closed headphones list?

Would Philips Fidelio X2HR be a good/reasonable candidate for home studio headphone or monitor headphone? I think about to use it for playing my digital piano, recording my singing, or participate in some conference/webinar/online course,...etc. which require long period of time wearing a headphone. Therefore the comfort for a long run is a must, and the the secondary criteria is the precision of each note. Can X2HR fit these main criteria?

I like the overall sound signature of these cans but damn were the old ones bad QC vise, I'm talking about the ones from a few years back. And there's really no way to buy parts for these too. I used to keeop these as my daily drivers.

A little late but i game on pc and i'm sick of all these cheap so called gaming heasets. Would you recommend the x2hr for gaming?

I bought these ones 2 months ago. I really liked them but the form factor is too big for my head and soundstage are not as good i expected. The built quality is amazing though. But a week ago i bought the Koss KPH30i. The sound quality is mind blowing, it put a smile on me everytime I ear an album, play PS4 (yes they have a mic) or watch a movie, and the look and fit is perfect for me. Also I replaced the pads with the YAXI ones and the change is remarkable. I'm using them with the FiiO BTR3 Bluetooth Amp and the combo is godlike. And they cost only $30! I'm really thinking of selling the Philips.

Great video, love the comparisons to others in the price range. Recently upgraded my 9500s to the 6xx’s and feel like that was also a nice upgrade in all respects, but I’ve never heard the 58x unfortunately. I just had the opportunity to get either the 58x or 6xx for basically the same price so went with the traditionally more expensive pair.

@1:37 Damn it ! I spill out my coffee lmao

wtf is grunt? in terms of low end? Honest question. Never heard it described that way.

Between the Sennheiser HD6XX and X2HR, I ultimately love the X2HR more. Using the JDS Atom Stack and I swear the range of bass, mids, treble feel much cleaner and wider than the 6XX

I had the 58x and just got the fidelio x2hr. It comes tomorrow and I mostly game and listen to instrumental music. I loved the 58x vocals they sound so good! I found that the treble was really sharp and the sound direction wasn't so great.

Looking for advice to buy me a new pair of cans. I own Grado´s SR80e, Philips´ 9600, ATH-M40X, and Sony¨s WH-1000XM3. My music of preference is Prog Rock (Steven Wilson, Tool, Dream Theater, Rush, and PF) and occasionally listen to Classic Jazz (Miles, Coltrane, Nina). Currently considering upgrading to more "audiophile" headphones, such as HD 660S, ATH R70X, Beyer 880, and Philips Hi-Res Fidelio X2HR. Would appreciate your feedback. BTW, this is a great channel, man!