Soldato
- Joined
- 25 Mar 2004
- Posts
- 15,985
- Location
- Fareham
My trusty old Fidelio X1 headphones are starting to fall apart a bit, especially on the left ear thing. I've had them since Feb 2014 so lasted a while.
What sort of replacement options should I be looking for?
Usage is mostly gaming/music on the PC.
I like having open backed, as primary concern is comfort over long periods of time. The X1's are very easy to work for hours.
For cost I don't mind spending a bit, but don't want to go too crazy, probably no higher than £250-£300. The X1's cost £150 originally, I can get the X2HR's for around £130 at the moment (but seen them go as low as £100). Think the X2HR's are discontinued now.
To drive them I am using the onboard DAC on my motherboard, an Aorus Master Z390 - ESS SABRE reference DAC (ESS 9118). By all accounts it's reasonable as these things go, but the X1's are easy to drive.
I do have the option to try and fix the ear things, but people on the internet said they are glued on, and aren't quite the same with aftermarket replacements if you can go through the hassle of changing them.
What sort of replacement options should I be looking for?
Usage is mostly gaming/music on the PC.
I like having open backed, as primary concern is comfort over long periods of time. The X1's are very easy to work for hours.
For cost I don't mind spending a bit, but don't want to go too crazy, probably no higher than £250-£300. The X1's cost £150 originally, I can get the X2HR's for around £130 at the moment (but seen them go as low as £100). Think the X2HR's are discontinued now.
To drive them I am using the onboard DAC on my motherboard, an Aorus Master Z390 - ESS SABRE reference DAC (ESS 9118). By all accounts it's reasonable as these things go, but the X1's are easy to drive.
I do have the option to try and fix the ear things, but people on the internet said they are glued on, and aren't quite the same with aftermarket replacements if you can go through the hassle of changing them.