Philips Fidelio X2HR _(Z Reviews)_ Still the Soundstage KING 

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I remember how the X2HR were celebrated in headphone communities for 300 bucks. Now they are 99 dollars! Really can't go wrong here if you need a good open back. Just one thing, the pads collect dust like there's no tomorrow.

When Gibson went bankrupt (around a year ago now?), Philips took the right for the Philips branded headphones back. The headphones are now produced by the same company that also produces television sets for Philips. Since this is more closely supervised by Philips, the quality control should also be much better now than in the Gibson days. Your X1 is produced by Gibson (since the pads where glued on). Philips was not happy with the quality of the Gibson models (worse/inconsistent build quality, glued on pads, much higher failure rate, lots of them sounded different/worse/inconsistent compared to the originals produced by Philips etc.). Gibson now has rebooted as a much smaller company and is back to only making guitars again.

I just got into audio recently, I was struggling to choose between the shp9500 and the X2HR. Thanks to this video, I got a X2HR, fucking love it

The moment when you see this video after already ordering one

I have the 'actual' original Philips made X2's from when they first released. The pads are even different from these X2HR's but it's nice to see Philips is making a proper X2 again. I tried a pair of the Gibson produced X2's and they were awful. Sadly, I believe many people judge the X2's by the Gibson made ones, sorta hurt the X2's rep a bit.

I got mine for $115 recently and they are now my favorite headphone. I also actually really appreciate the high rails on the headband, as when I wear them the floating headstrap very nearly touches the top rails. I have an extremely large head lol.

Just a warning for anyone purchasing the X2HR. I LOVE this headphone for movies or casual gaming. There is a massive issue though, and that is build quality. They slipped off my desk onto carpet once and the plastic headband snapped. Also if you have a slimmer head, the clamping may not be sufficient for you. They're very heavy so they slip down. I find them very comfortable though. Anyway just be careful with them and if your dog walks under your desk, do panic

The first zeos video I ever saw was his X1 review, and here I am years later watching this on my X2HRs.

I just received these. They are quite good. MONSTER bass ans Soundstage! Color me impressed. Gonna be my new gaming set. Thanks for the rec, Z!

I noticed at around 5:45 you said the headband was plastic but its actually genuine calf leather Zeos it says so in the included booklet, I just got my pair yesterday for 99 and I couldnt be happier

after hours of watching reviews from different reviewers. I was between these, sennheisers and AKGs , also being price point conscious (single dad. ) I decided to pull the trigger on these, and upgraded the cables as well. Thanks for posting these reviews, they helped me out quite a bit over the last few weeks

Picked these up on sale per your recommendation. Just using software EQ and preamp, they sound excellent for the cost. There's a good balance between all the ranges, I was afraid of them being a bit bass-heavy but the bass is super clean. They've been great for gaming as well, just enough detail to remain enjoyable but not distracting. The biggest surprise has been comfort. I have a huge Tito Ortiz head and they fit with no issue. I stretched them out for a bit and the tension is right where I like it. I agree about the cable. If you were 7 feet you could comfortably jump rope with it. This feels like a very utilitarian headset so I appreciate the review. Great value, and honestly surprising quality from Philips.

Bought these because of this video. Absolutely LOVE THEM.

So these over the SHP9500, Sennheiser HD 599 and AKG K712? Also isn't the thingy at 17:26 for an extra cable when using a mic?

Alright, what the hell... HOW can you time this video any more perfectly!? I've been sitting this past MONTH looking at headphones, and this week I've been considering the X2 more and more. So THANK YOU for making this video today, Im sitting at my computer, literally SECONDS away from ordering a pair. And this video shows up... Now I just gotta watch this video, then we'll see! Thank you Z!

Bought them a while back, they are freaking amazing :D

You convinced me with these when you mentioned the DOOM soundtrack.

My Sennheiser HD 363D (their first Gaming Headset) died last week. Yesterday when I'm shopping for amps and headphones, you put this review up. Little over 24 hours later, I'm listening to this review again with my new X2HR headphones on my new Magni 3. Damn lucky timing for me.

Edit: update on my pair. After dropping them once, they broke completely (right side completely dead.) There’s a pin that holds the Drivers in place, made of plastic. Going to say, these are *not* the best built headphones out there. Word of warning, these are fragile. Got this a while back, and I looooove them. Edit: About those Pads, they do soften. Just paired them with the Schiit Magni 3, and holy shite these are what I go to every time. As for the cable, I’ve used it for roughly 3 months now, and it’s smoooooth now. Do not. Roll. The wire up. It gets kinked again. Basically like you said, get a new wire.

Thanks Z just ordered happy holidays my man

I just got the X2HR + vmoda boom mic. 2019 black Friday. this is very nice for gaming and not bad at all for music on the PC. was a fantastic deal at $99 USD.

From what I read from people who have the X2's and X2HR's, they are the same sound quality-wise, the X2HR's just improve on a few QC issues and maybe have better stock pads. I remember the review Zeos did for the X1 where he said he couldn't remember a difference between it and the X2's, but this sounds more in line with the sound quality difference people heard when directly comparing the X1's to the X2's, or in this case the X2HR's. I may just try to find the new pads for my X2's, since they use the same mounting mechanism. But yeah, from everything I can find, these are basically the same as the X2's but with better pads.

**update** It should be noted that the pins that hold the ear cups to the headband are made of plastic and snapped due to the weight of the cups. Philips does not cover this under warranty. beware or you'll be holding onto a fancy looking paperweight. Case pending currently with the BBB and philips audio CEO.

Well, at the time im typing this comment, they're 99.99$

Bought them about 2 Years ago, mostly because you recommended. Love them to death. Thx, bro. Currently I drive them with my SMSL M3. Can you give some advice on improving my sound with a new DAC/AMP? Stay the way you are, your a legend ;) PS: I AM kinda pissed about you NOT having the Doom OST BFG Division.... Im still subscribed though ;D Prost from Germany!

There's very little difference between the X2 and X2HR. The only changes are to the headband, slightly different pads and fixing the QC issues. The drivers and all other details are the exactly the same. Will be interesting to see the Fidelio X3 next year.

I swear i stopped at 9:00 went and ordered them on amazon and now am here just continuing the video for relief 🤣

9:57 - so uh, what's going on behind the monitor, Zeos?

I got these at $99, and I also had a Discover 20% off so they were around $85 after taxes. Not a bad pair of cans for the price. 😁👍

From the description you gave, these are the EXACT version I received and tested my new Schitt Magnius with today!! The ending ranking of my 2020 audio refresh: HD660S, HD600 and the XHR2s in a tie, knocking the KPH30i to 3rd, and 9500s down to 4th (shh m40x, she knows her place and does what she was built . wtf lol all it took was a week of making my way through a week in some weird fucked up dimension where time just doesn't work anymore. You recommended the 9500s when I bought them almost 4 years ago, and here I am, with a JDS Element II powering KHP30i's ... But for real you've been the weirdest type of gauge for me on my audio journey. It's almost like you filmed a lot of what I watch a year before I actually watch it. (Oct 2020, The year of Microchips and DAC dominion. They made the 789 to flex their power of large scale amplification of anything and everything. Then showed their hand. Only to find out a lot of us were already stuck in the matrix where there is an agent smith that already had put done it successfully. A rise and fall of everything, even audio equipment. Keep that in mind people of the future, ONE YEAR, and everything is different.)

Mr. Pantera I respect the shit out of your hustle. You have a tough job and I have been watching for a long time. Really your channel just makes me wish I was rich so I could hear everything you are hearing. To get to the point of my comment is I’m a speaker guy (no experience with good cans) and I will be getting a fiio q1 mkII for my iPhone and need a good an inexpensive pair of cans. Toss up I’m thinking between shp9500 or thesssse. The x2 sound like more what I’m looking for but I don’t know and really don’t have the money for mistakes. Soon if you don’t know what to do with those origanals with nice pads could send em my way to borrow ;) thanks for all your hard work I love your videos!

Got mine for $60. Best headphones ever

I have those on the way from amazon, very excited! These are going to be my first open back headphones.

Do you think that the X2HR are better for gaming than the SHP9500?, planning on getting one of those two.

are you going to do a review of the Philips fidelio x3's?

I use these and V-Moda BoomPro mic for games because the SHP9500 are a tad bit too shrill in comparison, these you can turn up the volume a decent amount more than SHP9500s without losing comfort. They are awesome and worth every penny or pound.

The price is probably because the Fidelio X3's are coming very soon apparently, with a completely new design and new specs, like being balanced now, for example.

I’m wondering how well this headphone compares to the market in 2022.

these or hd599. i bought the 599 but thought they sounded dark and muddy. also narrow soundstage.

At $149. The Phillips fidelio x2hr, is the very best. Anyone who says otherwise, has a low IQ.

You come for the reviews but you stay for the entertainment.

We need new 2019 Headphone Wall Review again bro. fo sho

I got the SHP9500 because of their price and after watching Z's and everyone's glowing reviews about them. I LOVE the sound on them. Coming from closed back m50xs (i know), going to the SHP's i was worried I would miss the bass. I kind of miss the bass, but the mids and crisp trebles sold me. As well as finally hearing headphones that have a soundstage. The only thing I don't like about them is the loose clamp force. They kind of shift around on my head from the slightest movements and the mesh pads rub against my skin and is sort of aggravating. I have to sit completely still in one position. I didn't even know these existed, and after seeing the rting graph on them I decided to return the SHPs and just fork up the extra $80 for these X2s. I know the rting graph isn't the be all end all, but in comparison to the SHPs they have a really similar sound profile with much more of an extension in the bass and sub-bass. I know they have more comfortable pads and a bit more clamp force than the SHPs, so that's all i need. They're coming in a few days, I CANNOT wait.

I have the X2HR for a while now, more than a year. Initially I paired it with an Aune X1 Pro and frankly, I didn't like it. The treble was bright, like hurt my ears bright. I thought something wasn't right, I went and pair it with a cheap E10k and whoa... it was amazing. For jokes, I plugged it straight into the motherboard, it sounded better than with the Aune X1 Pro.

I just bought this today on Black Friday on Amazon $99

They are pretty much exactly the old X2's, same drivers, same build, the normal X2's also used memory foam in the pads. Only a few X2's made during a specific time period had their pads glued on, Gibson fucked up, mine didn't come glued on.

I got these used for $76 used, not expecting much buy heavy, metal headphones with big bass but god damn these are INCREDIBLE. 1000% worth $199 and every bit comparable to my He4Xx which are also outstanding value, but require a really good amp. These dont. These are HEAD AND SHOULDERS better than the SHP9500s. No question. These are excellent

I needed this video. I was hesitant on buying these, but now I’m definitely going for it. I listen to music quite often and also game pretty competitively. I feel as if these are the ones I need. Thanks!

Ii've watched your reviews for speakers and other stuff, but never headphones I guess cuz i'm shopping for them atm, but your cable "kinks" literally have now broken me out laughing and also bringing back the same horrid memories multiple times now. Same thoughts. Love it!

I've had mine for years, absolutely love them. Don't know why I never thought to take off that little cable routing bit on the cable lol. Btw the cable it comes with does eventually stop being kinky.

"there's nothing I would change!" - I just came from another video where you toss those stock pads in the garbage hahaha

Visually X2HR's are stunning pair of headphones made of premium materials. Unfortunetly they have some serious design flaw in terms of clamp force that cannot be fixed. I was able to weaken clamp in HD650, even without doing anything time after time I felt they were more and more comfortable. X2HR's are not like that, the only thing I managed to do was to bend the headband and trust me I did it too many times already both top headband as well as sides near earcups + each time whenever put them on and off. Yes the clamp was less after that, but... only for limited time as the strap itself is making them back to previous clamp force in a matter of short time. Not to mention after bending as it was more comfortable before going back to hurting my jaw again I felt pads not sitting firmly changing it's position with minor head movement. So you can make them clamp less, but then they don't sit snugly, and the next day because of the strap it goeas back to having strong clamp again as it was the first day I got them. In a matter of days I developed some serious jaw pain that I felt for next day even without wearing any headphones. Also found the velour type is kinda itchy to my skin, aside from being the worst type of velour collecting tons of lint and shreds when cleaning. To me this is unnacaptable and the ultimate reasons to let these go even though I got them for only 103 euros. At this point I just know they wouldn't have much of a headtime with me. Finally to me these do not sound like people were describing them few years back. The newest X2HR batch have less bass and no sibilant treble. However If not for the comfort issues I would've kept them for huge soundstage and unique non-fatiguing sound experience alone.

I have the wire trained in a loop. The janks do come out. It's a very nice cable, just give it time.

I decided to re-purchase these at the black friday deal. Had my original x2s (non glued) since 2016. Last month issues were creeping up on my old pair. Sleeping with them for years and wearing them 8 hours a day at work, and then again at home. They broke, I could possibly repair them, but then I need to resolder and redo the wiring in the earcups and find replacement screws etc, too much work. I am looking forward to getting these X2HRs, you are the reason I got my X2s in the first place, and I loved them throughout their lifespan. Now it's time for them to go though. Got the X2HR on Amazon DE for 120eur, 125 shipped to Sweden :) great deal imo. Edit, just got them unboxed and hooked up, sounds less muddled than my originals, sounds clearer and more balanced. I never had a problem with audio quality on my originals though so that's just an added bonus :) and also the clamping force is a lot stronger :D but that is just from 3 years of daily use.

These headphones are amazing, Such a great buy for the price.

Wasn't the Fidelios the ones you made the joke about "$300, or these"? Just remember that the video was one back in the days of reviews in the living room on a fold out table. Pretty sure that was the X2s (Edit) It was the X2

Trying wearing these backwards. They sound waaaaay better. Waaay more detail. The driver is basically angled right into your ear. I enjoy them so much more backwards. Crazy.

£99 in uk... sent back the sen 599s and prefer these! I also had the original x2 it may be me but these sound clearer to me great review as always

Anyone watching this now, they just went back on deal for £105 on amazon. Go grab em !

How would you compare the X2 to the SHP9500s? I mod’ed the 9500s to have the Brainwavez pads that have more distance and more bass. Really curious

These are still my favorites for just sitting down and enjoying music

I'm soo gonna pair these with ifi zen dac v2! :D Thanks for another amazing review!

I actually bought these after watching this.... my beloved cooler master MH751s sadly just don't have the build quality to warrant another purchase.... (a screw holding the right head band in place is continually loosening) and tbh, as much as I love the way they sound, they can distort and bloat out a bit at certain high volumes due to the driver size. I need a decent open back headphone for gaming and home listening. I've never really experienced middle to high-end headphones... just cheaper ones mainly (cooler master, BLON BL-03, TIN T2s, etc etc). My thoughts after a few days listening;\ LOVEREED> They just sound really solid. Lots of detail (seemingly a touch more than others I've listened to), good balanced sound, nice low end, excellent width, amazing imaging etc etc.... they are satisfying to listen to (even though my gorgeous trusty BLONs have kind of ruined every other headphone i try with whatever the brilliant funky thing they do with music is). Also, build quality on the fidelios is reassuringly decent on close inspection. Mostly well machined metal parts and they just feel robust in the hand. Less LOVEE> ttksooflfs!!! these are even bigger than i imagined. I have a slightly smaller head and they just don't sit on it satisfyingly, with a some what 'off' centre of gravity feeling. They are not terribly wobbly as such, but it just feels a bit strange and unsteady. They are no where near as immediately comfortable as my cooler masters (of course). Am hoping they feel better after some breaking in perhaps. To me, the highs (and particularly metallic or cracking noises) on this headset can be pretty..... OooooF. I can't quite decide if I'll keep them yet. They def sound great and are built to last, they have better positioning in gaming than the CMs... but I definitely know they are on my head all the time, where I didn't with the CMs. Not to mention they cost a fair amount more once you add in the cost of a mod-mic thing. Anyone else who owns these with a normal or slightly smaller head size? did you find them a bit awkward feeling at first and did they get more comfortable over time?

16:59 best moment

I remember paying around $290 for my X2s back in 2016 after I saw your review and I love them, still my daily drivers as of today, but $119 is a fucking steal, I'm considering buying them again just because of that, but just ordered the Senns HD 6XX. Get the X2HR is you guys can, it's an awesome product.

So now thanks to this channel I have 2 sets of kph30i 2 sets of the shp9500 and a set of the X2HR. AND I BLOODY LOVE IT

Owned two pairs of X2. Could never fall in love with the sound though. It was good. Just not.. Great for me. The build quality however and feel was premium. Koss POrta Pro has become my endgame.

I ordered these for 114€ on amazon. They sound great for music but while listening to a podcast I noticed that voices are louder from the left channel. I tested 4 different sources and a bunch of different videos and songs. After ordering a replacement from amazon it felt like the new pair had the same issue, if not worse. Now in comparison the imbalance on my first pair feels a little less significant but to be perfect I have to turn the left channel on either of the headphones down by 10-12%. I am really confused, did I just get identically shitty pairs? Am I going insane? Should I send the second pair back? Should I send both back? Do I just live with it and fix it with Windows settings? It is really disappointing because they sound great otherwise, its barely noticeable in music but also my 90€ cloud II's have much better matched drivers :/

These are the most comfortable and well built headphones I have used by a long shot. I wish I could just get a closed back version with a different sound profile. Also, no lie on the sound stage it is amazing, and swallows you up. I have Sennheisser GSX 1000 and these basically have the 7.1 effect in normal 2.0 mode.

Bought these yesterday for 99 GBP. I can't wait man, my first pair of open backs ever. Listen to lots of UK Dubstep and hip hop, hope I made the right choice. Coming from M50x which people seem to hate.

Forgot 58x

Im on my 3d pair of X2's. Same issue with all 3 pairs: The screws holding "metall-headband-rods" into the cups got loose. And there is no way to tighten em. Sadly bad design. Any tips about the next upgrade with the same sound character and open backs up to 300$?

The first good pair of headphones I got was the X2 back in around 2015 an replaced my old skullcandy earbuds and loved them. I accidently broke them and went a year without good headphones until I bought the HD 600. I now own the HD 600 58X Jubilee Grado SR80e and Hifiman 400SE and actually like the 58X more than all the others even for 80s-90s heavy/progressive metal that's mid range focused with a lot of high 5th octave notes. Maybe my ears just suck or I like "fun" headphones. I'm wondering if the drop 6XX would be better for what I like maybe or try getting another pair of X2HR version now. I never had the X2 at the same time with any other headphones or DACs or pads even EQ settings to compare them too.

I have the same Yang as my lockscreen! Also great review as always

So, X2HR or Jubilees?

How does this compare to the Philips SHP95000 whcih one do you prefer xD ?

Why in the HELL are these things only $120!?! After some time with these and the 6xx, I go for these more often. They're not veiled like the 6xx, they have bass, they have detail. MAYBE the mid is sucked out a bit compared to the 6xx, but isnt' everything? So far, the only thing going for the 6xx is gaming for the imaging quality.

Bought them 80€ on amazon

You mentioned the Erupts, but what about sound comparison between them?

These or the 58x jubilee’s???

I have some X2s from the Gibson days, the headband broke awhile ago and I have been on the fence about replacing them. They're now 99$ on Amazon. Yeeeah I'm gonna grab these, even if I don't really NEED them. The X2s were my first headphone when I got into this hobby and I want to have a pair just to have a pair. I love them.

I'm so happy I bought these together with a Vmoda Boom-Pro back in July. Worth it even without the Black Friday deal...

Hey man, here in mex we got two versions, the x2hr/00 and the x2hr/27, there's price difference and don't know which version is better.

I had the X2HR. My 50 USD Takstar Pro82 are better than the X2HR. X2HR were bassy, but veiled, bloated and muddy. Pro82 are better in almost every aspect sound wise (the only exception being soundstage size) not to mention infinitely more comfortable. I'd say X2HR at 99 USD are 49 USD overpriced.

Got those a moment ago for 99.99 USD + 35 USD for the 2-week shipment to Russia - damn, that's a steal!

What song are you playing in the start?

The X2HR or the SHP9500?

These or Jubilee 58x?!!??

For me Philips flew totally under the radar when it comes to neutral sounding headphones. Bought one on ebay for just 79. I'm excited as f... 😊

Does anyone still look at this comment section? How good would the X2HR be of an upgrade from the SHP9500? I use them for everything, music, gaming, movies... only competitive game I play is Rainbow Six Siege and the sound system is different, you can't really pinpoint footsteps like you would in CS:GO or Valorant. So what do you guys think?

HE4XX/400i or X2HR?

Man, I'd love a random audio file in the description every video from the ones you used in the vid. I mean if I buy headphones by your advice gimme the samples

There's a certain bracket of people looking for a certain sound in headphones, where they tend to be considering these (given all the posts on e.g. reddit and headfi etc): Shure 840, Audiotechnica m50x, beyer dynamics DT 880-990, and Phillips Fidelio x2hr/x3. I have bought first M50x, then dt 990, then shure 840, then x2hr. I'd say, the only choice is between Shure 840 and x2hr (given x3 is a lot more expensive than either, and I will leave dt880 as an option, as I never tried!). 840 vs x2hr is a matter of open vs closed back. You should get both. if you cant then look at your use case: will leaking sound annoy your surroundings? MAybe 840 is on sale and thus much cheaper? if none of these are a concern , get x2hr.

just ordered one for $99. You better be right Zeos or I'm coming after you. I'm upgrading from also by your recommendation the shp9500s. Funny thing is that I don't like the sound of shp9500 unlike the (S) variant. Now! I don't know if my particular ones sound good or the regular non (s) needs breaking time.

I just realize you have beyonce-like wig behind your screen. Did you use it to practice "single ladies" dance?

HD 58X is definitely worth considering. Also the HD 599 SE can be had for like $100 on special Amazon prime sales. 4XX are only $130

Philips X2HR or HD58X? I mostly use for casual listening (pop, rock or edm), watching movie, anime and gaming of course. Not for editing or mixing. Does rock and pop genre counts as warm sound signature? I don't know how warm sound works. I'm still new in audiophile things.

Goddammit Zeos i was happy with my takstars 2050 until the fidelios X2HR came along at 99 on black friday, also grabbed a V moda boom pro to replace my zalman zm mic1. What headphone+ speaker amp and dac you recommend? i plan on using speakers in a few months.

Would you recommend the X2HR or the SHP9500 for competitive FPS gaming?