best setup for Philips Fidelio X2HR

MatthewC1991 · 24 Jul 2019 at 19:32

Just recently bought myself a pair of Philips Fidelio X2HRs

Im using them mainly for gaming and music

My question is how will i get the most out of these headphones? plug into back of PC or i have an old astro mixamp that would be good to use because i can swap between pc and xbox

or do i need some kind of amp?
I dont have a soundcard just built in audio

Thanks

EsaT · 24 Jul 2019 at 21:02

Fidelio X2 is pretty low on power requirement and with its very low impedance doesn't need much of voltage.
So it won't require any special strong output, with any better made integrated likely being good.
(they should also work well directly from controller of Xbox)
And for music no other features are needed.

Again for gaming binaural sound simulation/HRTF can improve immersion lot.
Here's stereo:
https://youtu.be/Y6ROujJ8Ae8?t=50s
Lovely annoying inside left or right ear, or in center of the head feel.
HRTF:
https://youtu.be/Y6ROujJ8Ae8?t=6m20s

First minute of this BF4 clip is also excellent quick test:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1_20T8x_OI

Though with above neutral bass punch of Fidelio X2 wouldn't want Dolby Headphone's (used by that Astro Mixamp) bassy sound.
I consider it just about accetaple with bass neutral headphones.
Creative has lot better balanced algorithms, after bass killing CMSS-3D of X-Fi cards.

MatthewC1991 · 25 Jul 2019 at 11:50

Ok thanks for your detailed explanation... appreciate it!

I will just go from my controller then for Xbox and directly into the PC for PC gaming.

shankly1985 · 30 Jul 2019 at 09:30

Sennheiser gsx 1000 plus Philips Fidelio X2 match made in heaven.

EsaT · 30 Jul 2019 at 10:52

shankly1985 said:
Sennheiser gsx 1000 plus Philips Fidelio X2 match made in heaven.

GSX is still way overpriced for lack of even mid level DAC and proper amp.
And as for HRTF would expect Creative's "Project Accent" with head shape customizable HRTF to trounce others for most users.

shankly1985 · 30 Jul 2019 at 12:10

EsaT said:
GSX is still way overpriced for lack of even mid level DAC and proper amp.
And as for HRTF would expect Creative's "Project Accent" with head shape customizable HRTF to trounce others for most users.

Works well for me wouldn't change it for anything. Its in my opinion the best gaming audio experience.

Price is also subjective.

theoneofgod · 1 Aug 2019 at 01:29

A DAC like the topping D10 might be a good place to start. An AMP from SMSL or Sabaj? Dips your toes in the water that way. There's also the topping MX3

aoaaron · 2 Aug 2019 at 15:21

idk, i didnt think the X2s needed an amp. i thought the whole point of them is the low impedence.

C64 · 7 Aug 2019 at 21:22

The schiit magni amps play well with fidelios