We’ve discussed about Sennheiser headsets before, the GSP 500 which is a great open back gaming headset. Philips however, is seeing its first headset review today and it’s about time too. The Sennheiser HD650 vs Philips Fidelio X2 is a much discussed topic among audiophiles and we will try our best to conclude which one is better for who through this review. So buckle up and keep reading!
Sennheiser HD650 vs Philips Fidelio X2 Specs
| Sennheiser HD 650 | Philips X2 Fidelio | |
| Driver(s) | 42mm | 50m |
| Frequency Response | 10 – 39500 Hz | 5 – 40000 Hz |
| Weight & Dimensions | 260 g, 12.4 x 10 x 4.33 inches | 0.38 kg, 19 x 23 x 11 cm |
| Impedance | 300 ohms | 30 ohms |
| Sound Pressure Level | 103 dB | 100 dB |
| Cable Length | 118 inches | 3 m |
We will see the similarities and contrasts of each aspect relevant to a headset for both.
Design and Build Quality
Comfortable fit is a must for headsets especially during lengthy MMO sessions. Therefore, it is a critical factor to investigate before making a choice. The Sennheiser HD 650 has a high-quality titanium/silver finish and a specially developed damping element, made from fine acoustic metal mesh. According to Sennheiser, this ensures a precise damping over the entire diaphragm surface and highly constant in all climates.
The Philips X2/27 Fidelio on the other hand is a bit more sophisticated. Deluxe memory foam earpads for extensive durations, breathable velour cushions to help mitigate pressure and heat and the self-adjustable airy hammock with 3D mesh. So the headband of the Philips is naturally more user friendly due to the self-adjustment inclusion over the traditional locking mechanism of the Sennheiser. However, the 650’s velour pads are said to be more comfy over memory foam and more importantly, highly breathable. Overall, the Philips win here because of the self-adjustment option for fitting.
Sennheiser HD650 vs Philips Fidelio X2 Performance
This is where most of the users make their final conclusion. So the frequency range of both the headphones are different here. Frequency response is the most important part of an audio reproduction. A well designed headphone has a neutral frequency response and reproduces the audio as it was intended by the producer. When it comes to detail and clarity of music, the Sennheiser outperforms the Philips due to its nice depth in the soundstage. With the X2, the sound profile is more 2 dimensional. The Sennheiser frequency response is quite flat which is why many producers prefer them. The mid bass is tight, clearer and accurate with the HD 650 while with the X2 it performs better in the upper mid range while in the lower, it is a bit non-uniform.
So the high pitch sounds as the experts state, a bit harsh with the X2 while the 650 is more detailed and natural. How about the bass? The X2 bass accuracy is quite powerful in all ranges. The 650 too does well in the mid and upper bass range. Overall, the X2 shines in the sound performance competition mostly due to its bass and low pitch variation. However, a headset choice is as personal as a set of speakers so you are the only one to deem what is fits your needs.
Connectivity
Both headsets are wired of course and the HD650 includes a gold plated 1/4 inches jack plug, and a 3.5mm jack adapter. The Fidelio X2 functions with two types of adaptor plugs, the 3.5mm jack, and the 6.3mm. So in a compatibility perspective the Fidelio X2 is a step ahead of the HD650 as you have a second option if the device you are planning to use these with does not support 3.5mm. Nevertheless, all devices do have a 3.5mm jack therefore, we feel like this detail does not pose a major impact for a buyers choice.
User Feedback
So how well do both these headphones live up to their specs sheet out in the practical world? Let’s see what the users have to say.
Sennheiser HD650
The HD650 has absolutely zero hate, for the sound is just phenomenal. All users strongly recommend getting an amp for this one to be able to enjoy the full effects. One user claimed that even after plugged into his iPhone’s headphone jack, the sound was phenomenal for pop and rock mostly. Furthermore, he advises that without an amp, the 650 can fall apart on classical and jazz recordings with a wide range between loud and quiet sections. Another user who has owned headsets costing almost $2000 comments that he always comes back to the 650 because of its non-fatiguing, long-listening ability. All types of genres seemed to have worked well with this headset. Daniel who listened to classical claims that every instrument is as clear as day, it was distinctive and very detailed. Users also state that the fit is extremely comfortable and adjustability is such that the pressure is eased. Overall, these are legendary!
Philips Fidelio X2
Again, a pair of headsets that have zero hate. A user who owns both the Sennheiser and the Philips stated that the X2’s transparency, clarity, sweetness and coherency are better than the Sennheiser and doesn’t rely heavily on amplification as the Sennheiser does. The soundscape is 3 dimensional according to some, so much so that they’d turn their heads around to find the instrument! Furthermore, they mention that the large velour ear-muffs are like soft pillows and it never gets too hot unlike memory foam. More bass presence is also something that all users noticed with this headset. So there you go, it is really hard to choose between the two which is why the Sennheiser HD650 vs Philips Fidelio X2 is a much researched topic among audio geeks. Conclusively, we can say that the X2 is a fraction ahead because of the bass, but both the headsets are equally well received in the community.
Sennheiser HD650 vs HD6XX: Bonus
We won’t be going into detail here instead, we will provide a summary of the reason why one triumphs over the other. The driver structure is the same for both of these. But the HD 6XX has a higher clamping which results in consistent audio delivery with better bass accuracy. Also, the HD 6XX changes the HD 650’s gray color with a darker, more dramatic, deep midnight blue. This headset too offers great value for money according to its users.
Leave a Reply