Three models. Three opinions. 10% discount. And one cultural shock.

What are we talking about?

We're talking about devices from Philips Fidelio. In addition to the Philips team, the people responsible for the legendary guitars and equipment work closely on this product line Gibson. The popularity of Gibsons is known far beyond the music industry, but if you need proof, check it out volume a separate article on Wikipedia dedicated to the musicians who own these instruments.

When musicians and experts make equipment for themselves, it can be seen (and heard) from afar. And if you season it with marketing, you also get a very worthy product, which is not a shame;)

More seriously, Fidelio is an attempt to combine classics and modern technologies in the middle price segment. The headphones can be considered a challenge to sub-brands from Asia, capable only of design and pompous “show-off”: they also worked on the sound, this is immediately obvious.

At the same time Philips time are not limited to any one ultimate model. The assortment includes portable headphones, home headphones, “special” ones (for example), and, of course, amateur-professional ones.

On our table are Fidelio F1, L2 And X2. Personally, I listened to the last ones, and there were a lot of impressions.

1. Philips Fidelio F1. Small, but remote

2. Review of Philips Fidelio L2 headphones. Neoclassical

Text: Ilya Shevtsov If you are a true musical conservative, then this model is just for you. Fidelio L2– the older brother of the model, but is equipped with a standard 3.5mm minijack. Did this affect the sound?

Crystal Precision

It’s not for nothing that Philips’ Fidelio line of headphones bears its name, derived from English word"Fidelity", which can be translated as "precision". The headphones in this series are very different detailed And clean sound. Moreover, this definition applies to all models, from to. And the L2 model is no exception.

The Art of Technology

3. Philips review Fidelio X2. Suddenly, Must Have

Headphones that you don't want to take off. Is this real life?

If suddenly the discount does not count, use the promo code:

FID-10

Where to listen to everything

You can test the headphones in the official Philips online store at the address: metro station Leninsky Prospekt, 5th Donskoy Prospect, 21 “B” p. 10.

Opening hours:

• Monday-Friday from 9:00 to 20:00;
• Saturday-Sunday 9:00 – 18:00;
• holidays from 9:00 – 18:00.

Detailed address:
Exit to the city from the last carriage from the center. After exiting the glass doors, turn right, walk along the house to the corner, turn left, go straight to the traffic light, then cross the street. Vavilova (Auchan store is visible across the road), continue driving straight along Auchan and the Volkswagen car dealership. Cross the street and in front of you there will be a multi-story glass building - that's where you want to go! Enter through security into the territory of the business center, then go to the nearest entrance, go to the reception and say that you are going to the Philips online store.

(4.00 out of 5, rated: 1 )

They have many advantages. The main thing among them is that the user has the opportunity, without disturbing anyone, to calmly watch a movie or just listen to music. Headphones, the review of which is presented in this article, appeared on the market relatively recently. The manufacturing company positions them as a premium model for amateur use.

The successful shape provides excellent sound insulation and excellent sound quality. In this regard, the user can be completely immersed in the musical world, forgetting about the headphones on his head.

General description

The device is a classic full-size open-type model, made of fairly high quality materials. The main structure of the headphones is made of metal. Many users note that the large headband is very soft. One cannot help but pay attention to the large cups covered with a pleasant-to-touch velor. External parts are made of soft plastic. They look very solid, but here in some places the joints are visible, which creates a certain discomfort from an aesthetic point of view. The standard equipment of the device includes a removable wire in a fabric braid, the length of which is three meters, as well as a 6.3 mm adapter.

Design and ergonomics

Speaking about the design of the headphones, it is necessary to emphasize the fact that the use of high-quality materials provides the device with a very solid appearance. There are no special complaints about the assembly. Despite their large size, the headphones are quite lightweight.

An air hammock is attached under the headband, which ensures a comfortable fit. Moreover, the device is practically not felt on the head and quickly adapts to its shape. The ears do not become numb even with prolonged use of the new product, which makes it very convenient for watching movies.

Main Features

The headphones are a wired modification, and therefore there is no point in talking about controls. Equipping with Layered Motion Control drivers can be called the main highlight in the technical equipment. Reviews from many users indicate that thanks to this, mid and high frequencies are reproduced as clearly as possible while listening to music. The developers used a composite diaphragm in the model, the size of which is 50 millimeters. It consists of several layers of polymer, between which there is a gel layer. To effectively suppress inner ear reflections, the earcups are positioned at a 15-degree angle to the ear canal. According to representatives of the manufacturing company, the frequency range of the device ranges from 5 to 40 kHz.

Sound and acoustics

The model is considered semi-studio type headphones. Their use helps the owner to fully experience the entire musical gamut of the melody being played. Reviews from device owners indicate that when listening to songs, there is a feeling of complete immersion, regardless of what style of music a particular track belongs to.

Thanks to the use of an open acoustic design, there is no pressure behind the sound emitter and the diaphragm moves freely. This is the key to transparent and pure sound. Low resistance cable along with double cups reduces interference. The headphones sound very loud, so the device can even be used as a kind of speakers. It should be noted that during production, each speaker is carefully tested and tuned, after which pairs are selected, which also ensures detailed natural sound.

Flaws

As in other models from this manufacturer, the so-called leakage of headphones is more than 50 percent. In other words, people around you will also hear the music. In this case, even low volume will not help. In this regard, there is no need to talk about evening solitude watching a film. Another disadvantage is that to fully develop the potential of the device, the use of special equipment is required, in particular an amplifier and Hi-Fi equipment.

Conclusions

To summarize, one cannot fail to mention the cost. The price of headphones in domestic stores starts at 12 thousand rubles. In general, the model can be called very successful and high quality, because a lot of effort was spent on its creation.

The need to additionally purchase auxiliary equipment, as recommended by the manufacturer, is undoubtedly a big disadvantage and scares off many buyers. This is not surprising, because if a person wants to listen to his favorite music, he should have enough good headphones. Be that as it may, even without improvements, the model provides high quality sound, which, combined with an attractive design and convenient construction, cannot leave any music lover indifferent. All this makes headphones very popular in our country.

In 2012, Philips released the Fidelio X1 headphones, a flagship model with an open acoustic design. For its sound signature, build quality and high price-quality ratio, the model received many laudatory reviews - both from the specialized press and from ordinary consumers. In many ways this Philips model stepping on the heels of well-known audiophile brands with their more expensive Hi-End headphones. Philips recently released a new top model - Fidelio X2. What has changed in the new product and did Philips engineers manage to correct the minor shortcomings of the Fidelio X1? The answers are in our review.

Design and Construction

At first glance, the design of the X1 and X2 do not differ from each other - these are full-size open-type headphones made of premium materials. But while the X1 had brown and silver accents in its design, the X2 went all-black. Most of the headphones' construction is metal (machined brushed aluminum), which gives them reliability and a solid appearance. Looking at the specs, you'll notice that weight has been reduced from 430 grams for the X1 to 380 grams for the X2. This, of course, has a positive effect on comfort during long-term listening.

The headband has become a little larger, which will please listeners with large heads, who noted the insufficient size of the headband on the Fidelio X1 model. The headband is covered in calfskin and has a very comfortable and elastic pad for automatic adjustment size (like AKG headphones).

Most often, the disadvantages of the previous model were the ear pads - large, filled with memory foam and covered with soft velor - they provided excellent comfort, but for some reason they turned out to be non-removable. Philips Fidelio X2 received replaceable ear pads, you don’t have to worry that they will wear out over time - now they can be easily replaced with new ones, and they can be removed without any problems - no bolts or other complex fasteners.

The headphone package remains the same - a three-meter detachable fabric-braided cable (3.5 mm mini-jacks on both ends) and a 6.3 mm adapter. Not the richest set for a flagship, but the Philips Fidelio X2 also costs less than many competitors in this class.

Sound

Philips has prepared new Layered Motion Control (LMC) drivers for the flagship. The diameter of the diaphragm remains the same (50 mm), but now it is composite: it consists of several layers of polymer with a layer of damping gel. This solution equalizes the frequency response in the area of ​​medium and high frequencies. The drivers are positioned at a 15° angle to the ear canal to suppress inner ear reflections and enhance stereo imaging.

According to Philips, the frequency range of the Fidelio X2 has been expanded to 5-40 kHz (versus 10-40 kHz for the X1). Impedance, maximum input power and sensitivity remain the same at 30 ohms / 500 mW / 100 dB@1 mW respectively. Thanks to the impedance and sensitivity, the headphones can even be used with a phone or tablet. However, to unlock its full potential, Fidelio X2 should be used in conjunction with Hi-Fi equipment (high-quality DACs and headphone amplifier). In addition, the model is open and intended primarily for the home - it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to enjoy music with the X2 on public transport.

Typically, open-back headphones have a more natural sound with a wide soundstage. The price to pay for this is sound leakage to the outside and - often - a “weak” response in the area low frequencies. However, Philips managed to achieve a warm and rich sound with powerful bass already in the Fidelio X1 model. In the new flagship, these qualities are not only preserved, but also improved.

The improvement in sound of the Fidelio X2 versus the X1 is obvious. The headphones cope noticeably better with voices, brass instruments, drum cymbals and small nuances in the high frequencies. The bass is booming and full-bodied, but it has become more balanced and better controlled. The sound signature of Fidelio X2 and X1 is similar, but new flagship sounds more mature. Response to everything frequency range the result is smoother, which will certainly appeal to audiophiles and personal audio enthusiasts. Music is reproduced more pleasantly and naturally, but at the same time it is still exciting, without monitor dryness.

In addition, the headphones are well suited not only for listening to music - surround sound and powerful low frequencies help immerse yourself in the atmosphere of movies or games, explosions and various effects sound great.

Verdict

The Philips Fidelio range gets better with each model, offering excellent value for money. Not many open-back headphone models can boast such a low-frequency response, and the overall sound has become more balanced and “adult.” Premium materials provide comfort and durability, in addition, the Fidelio X2 has resolved the design flaws of the previous model (headband size and removable ear pads). Thus, Philips Fidelio X2 is definitely one of the best home headphones options in its price range.

In 2012, Philips released the Fidelio X1 headphones, a flagship model with an open acoustic design. For its sound signature, build quality and high price-quality ratio, the model received many laudatory reviews - both from the specialized press and from ordinary consumers. In many ways, with this model, Philips stepped on the heels of well-known audiophile brands with their more expensive Hi-End headphones. Philips recently released a new top model – Fidelio X2. What has changed in the new product and did Philips engineers manage to correct the minor shortcomings of the Fidelio X1? The answers are in our review.

Design and Construction

At first glance, the design of the X1 and X2 do not differ from each other - these are full-size open-type headphones made of premium materials. But while the X1 featured brown and silver accents, the X2 went all-black. Most of the headphones' construction is metal (machined brushed aluminum), which gives them reliability and a solid appearance. Looking at the specs, you'll notice that weight has been reduced from 430 grams for the X1 to 380 grams for the X2. This, of course, has a positive effect on comfort during long-term listening.

The headband has become a little larger, which will please listeners with large heads, who noted the insufficient size of the headband on the Fidelio X1 model. The headband is covered in calfskin and has a very comfortable and elastic pad for automatic size adjustment (similar to AKG headphones).

Most often, the disadvantages of the previous model were the ear pads - large, filled with memory foam and covered with soft velor - they provided excellent comfort, but for some reason they turned out to be non-removable. Philips Fidelio X2 received replaceable ear pads, you don’t have to worry that they will wear out over time - now they can be easily replaced with new ones, and they can be removed without any problems - no bolts or other complex fasteners.

The headphone package remains the same - a three-meter detachable fabric-braided cable (3.5 mm mini-jacks on both ends) and a 6.3 mm adapter. Not the richest set for a flagship, but the Philips Fidelio X2 also costs less than many competitors in this class.

Sound

Philips has prepared new Layered Motion Control (LMC) drivers for the flagship. The diameter of the diaphragm remains the same (50 mm), but now it is composite: it consists of several layers of polymer with a layer of damping gel. This solution equalizes the frequency response in the mid and high frequencies. The drivers are positioned at a 15° angle to the ear canal to suppress inner ear reflections and enhance stereo imaging.

According to Philips, the frequency range of the Fidelio X2 has been expanded to 5-40 kHz (versus 10-40 kHz for the X1). Impedance, maximum input power and sensitivity remain the same at 30 ohms / 500 mW / 100 dB@1 mW respectively. Thanks to the impedance and sensitivity, the headphones can even be used with a phone or tablet. However, to unlock its full potential, Fidelio X2 should be used in conjunction with Hi-Fi equipment (high-quality DACs and headphone amplifier). In addition, the model is open and intended primarily for home use – it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to enjoy music with the X2 on public transport.

Typically, open-back headphones have a more natural sound with a wide soundstage. The price to pay for this is sound leakage outward and – often – a “weak” response in the low frequencies. However, Philips managed to achieve a warm and rich sound with powerful bass already in the Fidelio X1 model. In the new flagship, these qualities are not only preserved, but also improved.

The improvement in sound of the Fidelio X2 versus the X1 is obvious. The headphones cope noticeably better with voices, wind instruments, drum cymbals and small nuances in the high frequencies. The bass is booming and full-bodied, but it has become more balanced and better controlled. The sound signature of Fidelio X2 and X1 is similar, but the new flagship sounds “more mature”. The response across the entire frequency range is smoother, which will certainly appeal to audiophiles and personal audio enthusiasts. Music is reproduced more pleasantly and naturally, but at the same time it is still exciting, without monitor dryness.