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I love the Fidelio X3. It's the sound signature I like most in headphones. The Ad1000x, K712, HD560s etc. The design, sound, and comfort makes the X3 my favorite headphone right now.
@@Elektroslag More mid=forward, expansive and airy sound. Solid bass, delicate highs, warm tilt in the overall sound. x3 > x2HR...but that's my opinion.
Thanks for the detailed review! I have both HD600 and Sundara, I will skip the X3s because I am allergic to spiky treble (but I also love detailed treble, just needs to be smooth like the HD600 and Sundara)
Wow, as an owner of the HD 600 (OG 1997 model), Sundara (2020 revision), and X3, I couldn't disagree more, especially regarding the treble. As someone who loathes bright or overly detailed treble, and can't stand ANY Grado or beyerdynamic (from entry to flagship) because of their sibilance problems, the X3 to my ears is FAAAAR less fatiguing and peaky, even over the HD 600 and especially the HD 660s!
Hey fantastic review ! Btw did you try swapping cables between hifiman and X3? Also I recommend trying the x3 through a nice balanced amplifier. Keep it up bro!
I was searching a shorter x3 cable but there is nothing to find. So I bought a 3,5mm splitter and 2 identical 3,5mm cables and it works. For my ears the x3 is much better than the x2 . I was a big lover from the x2hr but now it’s the x3. Big love for the x3 ❤️🥰❤️
I got both x3&x2hr, be honestlly and the sound is very very big different, the x3 can feel better dynamic, more tight bass details and less dynamic compression. if you listen to the violin or piano, you can hear the “Grainy” and “muscle” is more spririt than the X2HR. But X2HR still have these advantages. the 1st is the x2hr got deeper bass expansion. Yes!! the X3's bass is powerful but not too deep. The 2nd because the X2HR sounding more soft in whole frequency, especailly in treble range, you can feel some deeper soundstage and extensive soundfield.
Many thanks for this comparison! The question remains: is it worth upgrading from X2 to Sundara? I like the warm and dark sound of X2(as for open headphones). Will I get similar from Sundara? Or is it better to wait for the release of X4? ;)
@@SuperReview Hmm, thanks for the quick response. I found out that in the audio store near me there are exhibition samples of Sundara, HD 600 and even HD 650 (now there is a discount - they even cost $ 10 cheaper than the 600s). One of these days I will come and hope that I will like something
If you want the same or better detail than the Fidelio X3. Then get the Fidelio X2 HR with Dekoni Choice Leather Pads for the Fidelio X2 HR. It'll cost you as much as a Fidelio X3. It'll give you the same or better detail retrieval as the Fidelio X3 and it will give you a better bass response and the comfort will be vastly improved. Also Phillips just discontinued the Fidelio X2 HR.
@@SuperReview I don't understand english at all, if you could summarize it for me.. what's the difference in the sound? i mean is an improvement or just sounds different?
S1RuX They took away bass, a little flabby but nice, but added to the treble problem. In other words they failed on both ends. Seems like it’s just another Fidelio L2.
Don’t watch reviews try it out sound is subjective I was watching this and was about not to buy the x3 but I’m soooooo happy that i bought the x3 it’s sounds much better than the good old x2
Hello, the previous X2HR were reated 5 stars and the X3 only 3 stars. Could you please tell me how would you rate the X2HR today? How H2HR compare to HD600? Thank You in advance!
With an updated review, I'd probably rate the X2s 4-stars. Still a solid headphone, especially at the prices you can find it now. Vs. HD 600, the X2's vocals are more withdrawn, bass is more present, and there's some extra treble zip. Generally I find the midrange of the HD 600 much richer, full, and detailed.
@@SuperReview thank you very much. I am thinking of buying the X2S for leastening pleasure.. and Audio Technica M40X for critical listening. What do you think of the M40X? I was much impressed by this video ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-sj69-mWHV3E.html&ab_channel=SonicSenseProAudio
@@SuperReview Rating the x2 as a better headphone than the x3 is very surprising. I think it is fair to *like* the x2 better than the x3, and good on people for that, but saying they are *better* in an objective sense? I would disagree. Now, neither of the headphones are for me, but I did spend some time with both of them. I personally preferred the x2 because they were a more relaxed listen rather than the actively listen on the x3, but the x3 sounds objectively better. It certainly has problems. Such as being sibilant at times. Such as in trying to elbow itself into an established scene with stiff competition. But in a vacuum it is the better sounding headphone, a good sounding headphone, even a great sounding headphone. The x2 stops short there, but is decidedly more fun. But as the question was for better? Either you had a dud x3, I had a dud x2 or one of us has dud ears. I hope that's me, because you are the one doing this for a living. More fun, yes - better, no. Have a good day! (not trying to be confrontational and I am certainly not attacking you. This is how I pursue discussion and I have been told it comes across abrasive(?) to Americans. Easier to provide disclaimers than fundamentally reroute how my brain communicates via my third language) (I didn't end up with either, because of my head design. :P The clamping force gave me a lower jaw induced migraine out of the box, and didn't want to spend the effort on breaking them in)
The Fidelio X3 looks really brilliant!! Glad to see Sundara still sitting on top imaging headphones among these three. It's my favourite headphone under 500$ price tag!! Thanks for this detailed video.
If u are lucky one and dont get any problems. My Sundara had 2 times problems under warranty and i sold them after that. No point og having a headphone that will not work after 2 or 3 years.
@@SuperReview problems with left driver. Cut off sound and the next one had lower volume. The third was working great . But i was to afraid to keep it. I sold them lost 100 euros and call it a day.
@@Tripokaridos22 I also heard about some quality issues with the Hifiman products. But luckily my unit is running strong since past 6 months and I use it almost every other day. Sad to know you faced some issues :(
Good review, I am doubting, I do not know if you have tried the shure 1840, among the shure. 1840 and the hifiman sundara which one would you choose? I'm also looking at the audeze lcd-2 classic but they go up a lot in price. Thank you.
I haven't heard the 1840. Between Sundara and LCD-2C, I prefer the tonality of the Sundara, and it's a more comfortable headphone -- the Audeze is pretty heavy. But Audeze is a bit more relaxed a listen, both have some mild treble harshness vs. something like HD600, but the 2C is definitely warmer, thicker, more laid back. Sundara is more transparent sounding.
Hey ! Thanks for the review ! I am a little bit lost, i am going to play fps competitive games AND listening to Rap / Hip-Hop songs (Travis Scott, Post Malone, etc.) Between these three, which one have the most "punchy" bass (not the quality but like the quantity of bass, the "boom boom" if you know what i mean ?) ? I am hesitating between the Sundara and X3 because X3 is 290€ and Sundara is 350€, but i know there is A LOT of QC issues with the Sundara :/ Thank in advance !
I'm OK if they want to try a different sound, and the price could make sense since the old headphone got cheap over time (didn't start out that way). But... too much treble.
Have all 3 of them. The cable thing is a construction problem, I have returned my first pair thinking this is a faulty unit, but it wasn't. Its weird but I think Philips did not want the users use aftermarket cables. The other weird think is even the balanced 2.5 mm cable is the same length. I would understand perhaps the reason for the length of the unbalanced cable, but the other has to come with max 1.2 m in length I believe. Knowing the history of the Philips headphones, I believe the unit responsible now for marketing of these does not understand the market. They probably did not wanted to create a product for audiophiles, such as X2HR was, but a product to compete with Apples and B&Os of the world, hence the choice of prime materials and the price point selected. They did not realize it won't really compete with those, and put the X3 right to compete with the Sundara and HD's where it really can't do the job. I got lucky to get my pair for 180 Eur, and believe for this price, it is a very good product. But not for 300+...
U can use every 3,5mm or 2,5mm cable on the x3 I bought a standard 3,5mm splitter and 2 standard 3,5mm cables and it work’s perfectly. Now I have a 1m 3,5mm cable and a 1,5m 3,5mm cable for my X3
It is interesting that i hear the x3 is highly fatiguing, because for me it allows you to more casually listen, i was not fatigued in any way. I just bought it and I think there is no heavy emphasis on treble. However the sundara and hd600 are considered some of the great headphones. But tbh if you want to have something you can wear outside and beat up a little there is only 1 option, and the x2hr are not, people think your a time traveler if they see you wearing those.
Tip for HD6 owners when original pads destroyed dont throw then away take out the clip and buy Shure 440 840 1440 1840 that are cheap and velur or leather. And the Shure 1540 the ones with holes the expensive and fit them around the ring then click them inside the HD6 series and good to go.
Buy them Before I bought my x3 I was watch this video and I don’t want to buy the x3 . But,I watch many other videos and read in the internet about the x3 and I’m sooooooooo happy to bought them. And buy the way I was a realy big fan of the x2hr. I fall in love with the x3. I say buy the x3 for 170 ,if u don’t like them u can return them. Don’t hear on RU-vid reviewers try it by ur own and do ur own opinion. My tip if u use a usb c dac/amp with the x3 like the hiby f3 or hiby f4 u will love them more and more.
zeos gets hyped about everything. he said the shp9500s were comfortable and sound amazing, when in reality the pads feel rough as hell and feel like theyre made of carboard and they sound mediocre.
Thank you for the brilliant review super*. You're the undisputed subjective headphone reviewer champion as far as I'm concerned. Rtings the champ of the objective analysis. But you both usually echo each other. Z review and that guy who does all the comparison videos are the king's of demo. Oluv is runner up in every category. 😁. Joentell is king of speaker reviews.
I suppose that a sennheiser 58x jubilee kicks it ass costing only 150 dol (less than half), kinda hard competion for the x3 price, the prices soon will drop i guess
I compared the Philips X2HR against my HD 600 and the treble on the Philips felt grainy and low quality. I can't find any headphones with the HD 600 smooth, high quality treble.
If Phillips tightened and extended the bass, and made the treble sound like the 6xx, they would’ve had a hit and made money. They had 5 and a half years to make improvements but seem to have mucked it up.
Friend, HELP !. I do not know which one to buy. This HiFiMan Sundara, Philips Fidelio X3 , The AKG 712Pro and the Sennheiser HD600. I am one of those who sits down with "a whiskey" to enjoy Music. I like Sound almost FLAT, but with a LOTS of SoundStage and Imagine and lots of detail. I dont like the Headphones with increased frequencies. I hate shrill trebles (I get tired very quickly), and I like with a little deep bass, without exaggerating that, just a bit. I like New Wave, Synthpop and some Progressive Rock. Greetings from Japan !, Tremendous Channel! Thank you!!
X3 is shrill treble. Not sure about K712; I've heard KXX but not sure how much they have in common. I find it kinda bloated and muddy. Sundara is very good with decent bass extension. Slightly off timbre. HD 600 is my personal favorite, great midrange tone and texture. Bass is not strong, but it's decent for me.
@@SuperReview That's right, I'm between 50% and 50% with Sundara and HD600. In the Audiophilic world the HD600 is the master reference and I believe it, but there are more and more excellent reviews of how incredible the sound of the Sundara is. Thank you so much for your answer. I really appreciate your opinion.
@@SuperReview thanks that's still a good score from yourself, I'm very tempted, I'm just concerned that on my journey I to higher quality music I may not quite be ready for the 600 or 560s level of neutrality yet although my hunger for bass does see to be decreasing month on month and after getting the Audeze Mobius it now takes a while before I can enjoy listening to my XM4's as they just sound so grainy and muddled at first.
@@SuperReview I have never heard an open back headphone in my life, I am trying to decide which one to get as my first pair and the x2, 560s or 400i 2020 although I have to say the Mobius seems to let in so much ambient noise I'm not sure it's really a closed back sometimes. That's not a critisn of them I find with the 100mm drivers even low vol music and everything just disappears unless it's quite loud.
The cable is designed so that it doesn't matter which plug is connected to which socket, left and right will always be correct. One earpiece uses tip and lower sleeve and the other earpiece uses tip and upper sleeve. Monoprice M560 used the same design feature. That's why your OTC cable is 'kinda weird'.
That not true On the cable are L and R symbols. When you put R cable in left cup and L cable in the right cup ur headphone doesn’t work The original cable is realy funny I looked for a shorter one but it’s impossible to get a y cable with 3 x 3,5mm So I bought a 3,5mm splitter and 2 same 3,5mm cables and it’s works perfectly. I don’t know what’s wrong with the Philips cable ,it’s makes no sense L and R symbols on a TRS cable
Cable length is not a really valid point of contention IMO, different people have different use cases. Personally I enjoy a long 10ft cord because I sit a good distance from my rig.
That's fine if you do, I don't so I said it :P This entire review is relative to my preferences. I understand it's not everyone else's, I can only speak for myself.
From speculation, I think about 50% of X2/X2HR customers are buying them for FPS gaming performance, so HD600 definitely isn't comparable with that benchmark in mind. So, I would do a standalone FPS gaming comparison, and optionally a standalone music/overall comparison.
Everyone should just buy used hd600 on eBay for$200 or less like I did 4 years ago. All my other headphones get no attention. Except my wireless earbuds dudios zeus ace. I've thought about getting the hd6xx. Not only do the hd600 sound great, they demo all other gear the best, are comfortable, can hear around you because they're open back, best demoing headphone I know of.
People hype 6xx and they are good for instrumental music and intimate voice presentation but for other stuff the soundstage is narrow and base is very sterile. 4XX works much better for me (esp after some EQ and added padding) - decently deep, wide, clear.
They re-tuned the Sundara and rolled off the highs. I bought a pair and returned them. For all they did right I just couldn't get past the lack of treble openness.
@@SuperReview ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-mMPGRbKHieM.html This guy charted the frequency response of the Sundara and the update. He loved the new version, I thought I would, too. No such luck.
@@SuperReview As for what I like better, well, I'm looking. I wish someone would put together a Sennheiser audition kit so I could compare 3 or 4 of their best and make my choice!
@@SuperReview I have a pair of Grado sr225e at work; given the right music they are beautiful. They don't have the richness of the Sundara's, and they fall flat if orchestral music gets too loud and complex. But choral music or classical guitar? They're wonderful. But what do I know?
Manufacturers won't want you to review their headphones man. You're honest. Manufacturers only want Z to do reviews because he's just a salesman/ full of shxt.
I found something about sound. I love my hd600 but if I follow their sounds signature in my car speakers, it doesn't sound good. Just like wearing hd600 in a running car with road noise they won't sound good.
For me the best that i have listen under 1.000 are HD660s and Sundara. And over 1.000 Focal Clear . i wish Hifiman fix there quality problems on the next Sundara.
@@SuperReview My first pair after 1 -2 weeks some times the left driver was working and some others dont . I send them back waited for 1-2 months and they send me other , The second pair had the left driver volume lower i thought that was my ears many people hear them and yeah they was lower volume , Again the third pair came in and i sold them. I love headphones i am a collector and i wanted to have them for years and give them to my childs . So to my understanding and from what i have read on amazon and forums , Hifiman headphones are an amazing headphone with an expire date .
@@SuperReview Can i ask do u know if the new 2020 version from Thomman store is better quality ? I am thinking buying again i miss the sound of them but i wan to know that after the warranty i will not habe problems again.
@@bradhuskers i know its great i have them. I like both 660s and Sundara... 660s have better imaging and are smoother and sound organic And Sundara have better seperation and sound clinical Organic. I love both of them but to me 660s are better more natural.
@@SuperReview same happens with HD600 hybrid pads. And yeah HD6 series pads are hybrid outside is velur and inside the ring are synthetic leather they also.use gray fast bound foam higly air penetrated. So i 3d print the inside plastic ring of the original HD6 pads and ...Let.me tell.u that a lot.of pads fit...around the ring and click positive on Sennheiser HD6 series. I have Tested. Shure 440 840 1440 1540 1840 that fit . also M50X terrible pads fit. Bose q35 also fit and many others. Shure 1540 was the best for HD600 they give some warmth and soundstage but they need more power.because they are far from the driver.
U should listen HD660s its like HD600 but faster bigger soundstage tight bass and most of all better imaging. Trust me i know i have all Sennheiser 5 and 6 series.
My friend loaned me a set of 660s, along with HD650s, and I spent extensive time comparing the three. We both prefer the HD600 FWIW. 660s seem somewhere between 600 and 650, but easier to drive.
@@SuperReview HD 660s are somewhere between 600 and 650 they have the midrange of HD 600 and the warm of HD 650 ... But HD 660s have way better image and seperation something like Stax or Sundaras. The soundstage its a little bit biger personally i dont like big soundstage on my music, On the other hand HD 660s also have faster and tighter sound. But i understand that some people its hard to Change the HD 600 that i also love because all these years our ears learned to love this sound. The same happened to me . So i keep all of them HD 600 , 650 and 660 they are very close but also different , i want keep them because i collect 5 and 6 series. I can understand your favorite of all of them , but fact is that technically 660s are better even if u dont like the FR .
I honestly had a hard time making out any difference in stage and imaging that wasn't better explained by the fact that they play louder at the same volume settings :P
@@SuperReview really ? Interesting...Doesnt better imaging makes u hear with closed eyes the direction of each sound ? And not only that HD650 and 600 sound like there is no air between the instruments. I would ask about your amp dacs but i will not because even with low volume and bad amps u can hear the separation. Winona Oak listen some songs from her there are a lot of instruments and the breath of her voice u can easily separete with Sundara and HD 660. Sont get my wrong 600 and 650 are amazing and for most neutral sound everyone knows that 600 is the king. But Sundara and 660 sound more clear fast and modern. I respect your opinion but it sounds strange to me. Even with the first 10 minites i could easily hear the differences.
Super disappointed considering the looong wait. You were very kind in this review I think. There are also other headphones at this price range that seem to be better sounding than these. Philips should have taken profit from the long period to really think the technalities...
@@SuperReview nope but I know the Sundara and HD600, your review made understand the kind of FR of the X3. And the problem is that I do not find the Sundara and HD600 that good either.
...on sound X2's strong point was big stage with big base, everything else being kinda crap....and now they've taken out half the good stuff and doubled the price. :facepalm:
Hard for me to choose between Sundaras and HD600s, Sundara on definition and bass quality, Sennheiser on midrange and treble quality. Sennheiser easier to recommend without some of the build concerns I have with Sundara.
Lol 1000 xm4 the king of headphones. U can’t compare openback headphones with closedback and by the way xm4 is Bluetooth lol I have the xm4 too,the Fidelio x3 sounds so much better than xm4 ,the x2hr sounds so much better than the xm4 too. Xm4/5 are overpriced plastic cans.
