Philips Fidelio X1 Headphone Review

[@exosfear512]

Thanks for the vid Philip Seymour Hoffman.

[@JimmyJaxJellyStax]

Very much a doppleganger! Even in voice / accent.

[@MRoesterreicher1]

After 6 years, I am still using these X1 Headphones. Only switching the audio cable every noun and then. Love them!

[@0Wayland]

You certainly got the money's worth! I also used Beyerdynamic DT 770 for 7 years almost daily and they're still fully functional albeit I've changed pads a couple times.

[@MRoesterreicher1]

@@0Wayland Oh thanks! Still using them, just thinking about replacing them with the X2 due to worn pads. But apart from that, still working as on the 1st day. The 770s are great also!

[@nicktan4530]

why do you love them ?

[@MRoesterreicher1]

@@nicktan4530 Still working after 8yrs.

[@nicktan4530]

@@MRoesterreicher1 Just bought the X1. Treble sounded aggressive and less control mashed up all together in the sound presentation. Bass is more towards the thin punchy side of things with tiny bit roll off while sub bass roll off expected with an open back. Again, signature is aggressive and warm/bassy specific type of sound. Its pretty good for its time and now there are better alternative. However, X1 still good for specific type of people who love the aggressive treble tuning with width staging. It has less metallic timbre compare to the X2 that I prefer. Punchy bass but less control in overall tightness.

[@m.g.i2480]

Almost 5 years later and i still love them. Thanks to you review back then :)

[@rajam.yassin5152]

Just received my pair from the post office. I'm certainly pleased. The Fidelio X1 is superb. That bass is Fan-bloody-tastic

[@RobbieKhan]

Folks in the UK who can't ship VModa cables can buy the Fisual S-Flex Mini from Amazon UK at up to £13 for a 3 metre length. I find it a very nice cable and the build quality is great. very flexible and can be curled and tucked around a desk or chair without snagging or tangling. The jacks are silver and small too so won't get caught in stuff.

[@xBlutchx]

do they also fit the vmoda m100's or are you talking about the x1?

[@RobbieKhan]

xBlutchx Hi dude, on about the x1.

[@campbellthomas5868]

Hello. Philips Fidelio X1/28 Premium Over-Ear Headphones *Sale off 23%. Only 1 weeks with price $232.26 & FREE Shipping at home for you*. *BUY NOW AT*: ##amzn.to/1gj6rEr

[@Blackford3661]

Your reviews are balanced with passion, science and lastly sensitivity for the listener's needs. Refreshing indeed.

[@Headphoneaddict]

I recently got these, and Fidelio X1 is truly impressive for its price. I would maybe put them above both classics from Sennheiser HD 650 and HD 600. Like Tyll, I too enjoy Audeze LCD-2 and LCD-3. I believe X1 will become a huge success! They have so many qualities, and they look hotter than hot! :D

[@deltadel1]

A very helpful review. It's difficult to decide whether headphones reviewed by the Hifi press are to your own taste, and it is also difficult to find dealers with these on display. I will have to search through your videos for reviews on other headphones. Many Thanks !

[@InnerFidelity]

The V-Moda is more uneven and closed in sounding, but it hits harder in the bass. The X1 is more even, open, and spacious sounding, but is just a little soft in the mid and low bass.

[@Sunnshineforever]

It's been now over 8 years since Tyll made this video...I just want to let all you know i have those X1 for all these years now .. as for the durability and reliability my phones have stood the test of time.. Ear cushions are still in great shape and amazingly so are the phones and its original cable.. is still my fav Phones to use for critical listing.. at times i do prefer the X1 sound signature over my Stax SRM-1 tube amp and the lambda signature headset..Suppose that does says allot for the sound quality of both those X1 and X2 series Philips phones in my book..

[@Lionspel]

Do you have the X1 or the X1S? I don't know what's the difference aside from the X1S have dettachable earpads and I can't find any reviews of it. And also there's X2HR and I can't choose between X1S and that.

[@plexim1591]

@@Lionspel which ones did you end up getting? I ordered the X1S and they're on the way, found a very good deal that made me choose them over the X2HR.

[@DagnisCC]

I have these for couple months now. And I freaking love them! Great sound and build quality! Got them for 200 euro on Amazon!

[@dmitry7643]

Thank you, Tyll, for reviewing these cans, especially for telling about the "problem" with cable. Your reviews like a priceless knowledge for me)

[@Feernea]

it's weird from an experienced guy that reviews products and talks about their quality and then u watch a video by him with a crappy mic o o

[@oooweebaby4483]

Expert is sound output

[@Tommie22x]

thank you for the intro, it was a very good synopsis on the concept of open headphones, which is very rare to see in today's mainstream society (ex with beats and the like, all closed headphones)

[@JimmyCheng]

I would recommend the Sennheiser hd600 at this price range. They scale up really well and can surprisingly be competable with flagship headphones on a good desk-top setting. The DT880 from Beyerdynamic is dryer more analytical sounding though, with great detail and resolution, if that's what you are looking for, but not as musical as the HD600

[@InnerFidelity]

I think the sound quality of the X1 is superior, but it's only for use at home or in the office really. If you're needing a good all around headphone that you can use portable, the M-100 is much better suited.

[@micahlee7747]

Thank you InnferFidelity for this review. I wouldn't have had the balls to bend the frames to get a more comfortable fit if you hadn't shown me how to do it.

[@EricdeRode]

The X1 is good value for money. Min: Cable conducts mechanical noises like scraping because it has kevlar on the outside. Inside diameter of ear cups is about 6cm. Weight is not an issue. Ear pressure may oppose a problem with large-headed people.

[@ricardoanton-ifiaudio]

I have the Shure 1840, they are very balanced and neutral with very good instrument separation and soundstage, I recommend you to try those :)

[@anthonybell4554]

Love your work Tyll, wall of fame and hours of watching these vids led me to some Amperiors after much deliberation!

[@DJ_PROMO_PR]

Great video as always. It's funny how you have that grin and get excited like a little kid when you hear a good pair of headphones! :)

[@davidnguyen5936]

Why is there always so much static in your videos?

[@nikefolis]

bad mic

[@xxGLhrMxx]

audiophiles everywhere

[@walterorellana-aguilar9844]

Laziness. It only takes like 20 seconds with audacity to get rid of it. He just doesn't want to bother doing it.

[@CouchPotato343]

Depends if you have amplification or intend to invest in any. If yes, I would recommend the following: AKG K701 Beyerdynamic DT 880 Sennheiser HD 650 All of these are less than 500$, but if you want something that can be driven easily even with a portable player, the Fidelio X1 will better suit your needs.

[@Kim2310]

Listening to this review on my X1's, got them somewhat cheap (way cheaper than the HD650 though) and they're really really good. I agree with what Tyll said about it, but if you're paying full price and you have a good amp, i must say there are better alternatives. But if you don't have an amp these are also amazing since they are very easily drivin and it just gets better when you amp them.

[@SuperUltra]

This is the most technical review of a headphone ever in the history of the world.

[@InnerFidelity]

No. Though it's a tad warm. I'd call them polite and refined.

[@MostEasterlySteve]

Thanks for this review. I own these and had high hopes for them. Beautifully made and at the price can hold its head up against almost any other. From a purely personal point of view I find them too bassy. I like an open, neutral 'airy' kind of sound and over time that is the only way headphones don't become fatiguing for me. I also have BeyerDynamic DT 880 (closed back - and too bassy also). My faves are my AGK 701s. They are still my go to headphones for hi-fi listening with a headphone amp (Musical Fidelity X-Cans). I now use the Philips Fidelio X1s on my Yamaha digital piano where their sonic weightiness works quite well and their low impedance makes them an easy drive for the onboard headphone stage in the piano. Off topic I know but one headphone that has (pleasantly) surprised me is the Bang & Olufsen H2 - just a tad bass heavy for my taste but so nearly perfect for the price - ideal for iPad/iPod use. Thanks again for your thorough review! Cheers, Steve

[@TheTechnopider]

Relatively, they are a little expensive, but no more so than most high end headphones. A good headphone usually costs more than 200 dollars, but the price can extend to $1500, and even higher if price is no object.

[@renatorw1165]

Great review as always. The fact that the earpads are not changeable is an absolute KO criterion in my opinion (especially in countries with warmer temperatures where tendency of transpiration is more relevant, like here in Brazil). I think that Philips are on a good way with regard to their headphones line of products, but this is absolutely stupid, can't find a diferent expression.

[@InnerFidelity]

I like guitar Gipsy Jazz. The French do that better than anyone, IMO. I also like some of the harder Gipsy hip-hop-ish stuff, which is sometimes French, but I think the Balken stuff is better. Check out Gipsy.CZ, good stuff.

[@AleksaStefanRadunovic]

A innerfidelity giveaway would be awesome.

[@ricardoanton-ifiaudio]

The Sennheiser Momentum are very light and have very good sound insulation, good qualities for biking, and they sound great!, but they are expensive

[@ManicMindTrick]

You don't like the HD598? That's a bit of a surprise to me. I own both and in a direct comparison it has higher fidelity than the X1 for sure. The bass is not very impactfull and lack some controll. They sound is pretty transperant, clear and neutral though and not wolly. I also have the HD600 and these two headphones are sidegrades IMO. To me the HD598 is the best buy in it's price range for everyday use.

[@Linkmat97]

Tyll, as always great video, bu I would like to request you something. Could you make a series in which you teach us about all this technical aspects of audio and headphones. It would be much appreciated.

[@Galshaer]

Thanks for the video Tyll. Always enjoy watching.

[@rustbucker]

You might check out the book Loudspeaker and Headphone Handbook, the price is steep but you can find PDFs online, you didn't hear that from me though.

[@sambalsamurai9672]

Hi Tyll! I re-watched this video of yours as I have this headphoen and love it. I like your vids. So honest and well spoken. Also... whenever i watch your vids I feel like im on holiday! ;) your shirts are so lovely patterned. Which headphone(s) according to you would sound even more natural in (female) vocal areas, without sacrifycing any good qualities of the fidelio X1 (base, clarity etc) Thanks!

[@utubecomment21]

I've had a few headphones with that 'Spring' lower headband. They never last. Very bad idea. However of the Philips headphones I have and do own, I've found them to be as good as, if not better than the more ... respected brands.

[@InnerFidelity]

That's a good suggestion. I'll think about it.

[@InnerFidelity]

Yup. That's why I swung the bat a bit in the review.

[@shalvam]

Thanks Tyll for the nice Review. The new Fidelio X2 (with removable Ear-pads) will be available next Month (in Germany). I really like the X1 Sound, but I need removable Ear-pads. I hope the X2 will sound the same. Will you review the new Fidelio X2?

[@Xko121]

do you know if they will be out in Canada or USA i live in Canada and i have heard such good things about the X1 but if the X2 is coming out i may wait, just don't know when they are going to be available to other country's

[@shalvam]

Xko121 No I don’t know if or when the X2 will be out in Canada or USA. I live in Germany and I have sent an Email to Philips few days ago. Maybe you should do the same, just sent an Email to Philips.

[@Xko121]

shalvam ok thanks :)

[@rajam.yassin5152]

Thanks God or who ever I should thank els than the person him self for being so generous as to give out this valuable and accurate information. What a professional! What a honest and kind person he must be.

[@nikonovandrej1985]

Try Beyerdinamic DT990 pro, well that is a very base heavy HP with very open sounding drivers. Good resolution, a bit aneven midrange a a noticeable peak at 10KHz.

[@InnerFidelity]

I bet they did. What can I say, that's the way the mike and Canon 7D sound. Can't really fix that except maybe buy a new mike. Did you miss the meaning due to poor sound quality? No. So it's really no big deal. I like good sound, but I'm not obsessive compulsive.

[@besi1974]

they made a mistake on the pads,you have to throw out the whole headphone after couple of years. pads are gets flat quickly. i'm waiting for the X2

[@MilkysTekk]

Inner Fidelity, I am an avid fan yet i find myself not being able to train my ears to determine good sound from poor sound. I own the Sennheiser Amperiors and am very pleased with them, but do you have a suggestion as to how i can train myself? Keep up the good work!

[@vassillioss]

still vacillating on whether or not to send these back for a pair of nad visos or focal spirits. While these don't blow away sealed headphones out of the water with excellent soundstage/imaging like a pair of hd800s (as I was hoping they would) the bit of spaciousness that they do have adds a bit of magic to acoustic guitars. On the other hand the treble sounds a bit grainy ant fatiguing, and it's really hard to go back to rolled off bass after hearing a flat bottomless headphone like the denon d2000

[@m.g.i2480]

Hm to me the X1 is a lot less grainy and fatiquing then the D2000 and D600, although the Denons do have a bit more bass, but are not nearly as natural and open as the X1s. I also feel like the X1s do reveal more details in the music. But you could watch the TheGamingAudiophile review too, because he has both the NAD HP50 and the X1s and he prefers the X1s by quite a margin, it just doesnt get much better then the X1s in my opinion :D D600 is sent back cause they really were far to unnatural and fatiquing and unbalanced ... The D2000 seems to be a bit more natural though, but not my much. The Sennheiser HD598 is also really great for the money, but they lack the bass and the treble extension that the X1 delivers. The Sony MA900 are a bit more relaxing then the X1s and sound even opener, but they tend to crackle at high volumes, so not great for movies and games, but definitely amazing for music at moderate to semi high volumes. X1 still my favorite, getting my 3rd pair now oO Dont know whats wrong with me xD

[@SrmthfgRockLee]

how the fck do all these ppl know the models.. n names of headphones n so much about them.. I bought philips yesterday and now i find that even tho my left sony headphone isnt working, compared philips to the right & Sony still seems better even tho philips costed 5$ more making it 15$

[@kissingyourshadow]

Tyll, what would you suggest after X1 (a bit too warm and bassy), HD650 (recessed highs), and Denon AH-D2000 (the sound is too "light" for me). Hifimans? :P

[@InnerFidelity]

I'll keep working on it. And it's Tyll...like on the floor only spelled different. :)

[@GofreMcNoodle]

@InnerFidelity what would you recommend for a full sized, open headphone for home use that aims for neutrality, at around £300/$500? I really don't want a warm headphone and that seems to be what most headphones seem to be going for these days. I'll be pairing it with a good quality desktop amp so power isn't an issue. Great video as always!

[@InnerFidelity]

If you want hi-fidelity audiophile listening, no. If you want a headphone that's bouncy and fun that'll make your head bob, yes.

[@InnerFidelity]

I kninda don't like the 598, a bit too wooly for me, as I recall.

[@InnerFidelity]

No. Not really. I think they're for different things. HD 650 refined audiophile quality listening. X1 Fun, rich sound for a headbobbing listening session, but not refined like the 650.

[@Diseree]

I bought it several months before. The sound is awesome, but the headband is too short to me. The elastinc suspension system does not work any job.

[@jamesfield1674]

Soundstage on these phenomenal

[@firhanhassan2801]

Hi there, I just bought this and waiting for it to arrive as Xmas gift for myself and i am just wondering if you have any theory as to why Phillip have made cable with such high resistance for its flagship headphone with such potential? I do not know much about physics behind this and i wouldn't address myself as an audiophile, but i find this intriguing and would like to know what is your opinion about this. Thanks. =)

[@java2894]

What’s the difference between that and the x2hr ?

[@BizzleByron]

Has he ever done the HD598? I own a set for gaming on the console and they really are the business.

[@Viettzz]

Isn't the DT 990 has the bass for an open headphone also? Or is this Philip is better in every way?

[@Yolas1]

Another amazing interview. I really like your style. Awesome shirts, awesome presentation... I have an AKG Q701. It's really good. I wonder though, would the X1 be fine 2nd headphones? From what I understand, they have a different sound signature. Or aren't they worth it and should I save money for a Beyerdynamic T1? :) Ps: There's so much "ssssssssssssss" sound in the video, it hurts my audophile ears. :)

[@Satfgk]

Tyll, is the bass response on these deep enough in practice to reproduce those sub-sonics in movies satisfyingly? I ask because I'm interested in this but the frequency response shows a strong bass roll-off. I enjoy my Momentum very, very much but I would like a more open sound and i like my LCD-2 but the bass really isn't powerful enough for them to replace my home theatre.

[@rssarma]

Tyll, great review, I use and really like the fidelio L1s and I'm curious about the resistance of the cable that comes with that. Would you recommend changing those as well?

[@bluewker]

Do you have any immediate comments about comparing this phone against the V-Moda M100? Particularly regarding the mids and the lower end?

[@ozscorpio7]

Cool review as usual

[@axisdrummer24]

very informative as always

[@gabrielsosa2606]

Hi Phillip! excelent review. Litlle Question... i have the opportunity of acquiring between the X1, the Shure 1540 and the Sen HD600 ST the same price. i'm a pink Floyd lover and some new age bands. Wich do you think is best for my purpouse? Sorry for my English. Following you from Argentina. bye!

[@dCotnijoeb]

What about the HD650? Wouldnt you consider those pretty warm and bass heavy open headphones too?

[@thecaptainplus]

have you ever considered trying the Pioneer SE-A1000? they're very inexpensive for "audiophile" headphones

[@Neowis3]

What headphones are good for going on the street with? I tend to bike and hate the current wind i hear when i'm biking with my headphones on.

[@bratosin1]

hi tyll ! do u think this is better than p7 ?? i cant figure out ,i love big bass but also clarity and airy sound.

[@sheed64]

Your Grados huh? You know you can listen to the static without headphones?

[@ricardoanton-ifiaudio]

Nice review, I want to buy these headphones, how they compared to the V-Moda M100 (I know they are closed back), but how you compare the sound?, Thank you for the great videos!

[@leivabernie]

Hey sorry to interrupt here, but I was looking into the 598. What do you mean by wooly? Thanks.

[@coffeecoffee8]

just got these on ebay for $250! can't wait

[@monokendo]

superchrist1000 $209.59 on amazon

[@teatoxic8563]

+Mono Kendo $1.99 on blackmarket

[@monokendo]

Phantom lol made in china?

[@AstrumAnimal]

Nice review. Thank you very much !!

[@Cholycat]

Can I use them with my mobile phone without any trouble, right? Because the impedance is the same as in my current ones, but I'm not completely sure about that...Please answer me. Thank you

[@tgfdpgnltlvtffedctup]

Hi, does bending the X1 to make it fit better on the head alter in anyway its sound or its soundstage ?

[@sonynadidas]

Do a video review of the Philips s1 and s2 earphones they look intriguing

[@SirTheCrafter]

i think its kinda ironic that this guy who runs an audiophile shol can have such a staticy sound... my Grados really revealed this static.

[@RoyBarSayag]

Hey InnerFidelity , I have question. I am going to buy Audio-Technica ATH-AD700 soon and i would like to know what do you think about them :) and the hd 598 from sennheiser :) Thanks a lot! :)

[@eladiozro]

I always dreamed with having the hd 650... but... would this ones change my decision?

[@charliipresley]

Tyll would you say these headphones have a similar signature to the Denon D5000? If not, what would?

[@bruno3833]

Not the subject of this video but I am wondering what to get SR60i or HD228?

[@InnerFidelity]

Juste quelques mots, voulez commander une bière, mais je sais comment utiliser Google translate, qui travaille pour des cas comme celui-ci. Cheers!

[@ZorgDK]

I want these!

[@InnerFidelity]

HD 600. None better in the price range, IMO.

[@ThePellski89]

what would you recommend for an upgrade full size headphone from the audio technica ahd 50s... this is my first pair of over ears.. i do have a pair of monster turbine pros coppers.also.. my play list rages from classic rock-hiphop... i like a good balance.but with good bass.. i dont have a dac/amp yet.. also

[@rodneyduck850]

What happens with low ohm headphone like x1 with av equipment with high powered impedance amps?

[@dinezeazy]

Hei friend am planning to buy the idance products, really confused to buy or not !! even its confused to choose which among the idance model to choose. Plz guide a video for that ,cause as a new company i cant find much clear detail about the product anywhere :( Plz plz. am planning to buy them this week

[@ricardoanton-ifiaudio]

Hi Tyll!, are these good for instrument separation and soundstage?, thx!

[@alpinab14]

i wounder how these sound compared to the v moda m100 , tyle any thoughts man? thanks

[@onn]

Thanks for this, nice video!

[@EncoreStream]

Are these the best headphones to buy?, like top three?

[@pettromill]

Hello, can i ask you..What do you think about the Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Headphones?

[@AsianTaeHyun]

Hope you read my own response, but thank you anyway. Btw, on topic, can't believe Beats are $299....

[@danm3655]

Is the X1 and X1/28 Fidelio the same?

[@JustOnlyAUtuber]

can you use this on a mobile device?

[@TaeFace93]

Philips Uptown please!

[@TecCkey]

i want to buy a dekstop usb dac for around $300. any recommondatins?

[@Muhammed552]

great video sir ty