---
product_id: 220842071
title: "Fidelio X3 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones for Recording & Mixing Wired Over The Ear Open-Back Headphones, Multi-Layer 50mm Diaphragms, Hi-Res Music Studio Headset, Premium Finishing"
brand: "philips"
price: "£153.90"
currency: GBP
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 13
category: "Philips"
url: https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/220842071-fidelio-x3-professional-studio-monitor-headphones-for-recording-and-mixing
store_origin: GB
region: United Kingdom
---

# Sustainably sourced Scottish leather 50mm multi-layer diaphragms Hi-Res Audio certified, 5-40kHz range Fidelio X3 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones for Recording & Mixing Wired Over The Ear Open-Back Headphones, Multi-Layer 50mm Diaphragms, Hi-Res Music Studio Headset, Premium Finishing

**Brand:** philips
**Price:** £153.90
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🎶 Elevate your studio game with Fidelio X3 — where precision meets premium comfort.

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Fidelio X3 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones for Recording & Mixing Wired Over The Ear Open-Back Headphones, Multi-Layer 50mm Diaphragms, Hi-Res Music Studio Headset, Premium Finishing by philips
- **How much does it cost?** £153.90 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.uk](https://www.desertcart.co.uk/products/220842071-fidelio-x3-professional-studio-monitor-headphones-for-recording-and-mixing)

## Best For

- philips enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted philips brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Versatile Connectivity:** Includes detachable balanced & unbalanced cables plus 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter for seamless use with amps and mobile devices.
- • **Ethical Luxury Materials:** Premium Muirhead Scottish leather headband sourced sustainably for style and conscience.
- • **All-Day Featherlight Comfort:** Lightweight 13.4 oz design with plush ear pads that stay comfortable even during marathon mixing sessions.
- • **Precision-Tuned 50mm Drivers:** Multi-layer polymer diaphragms with dampening gel ensure crystal-clear highs, smooth mids, and controlled bass.
- • **Immersive Open-Back Soundstage:** Experience a concert hall vibe with acoustically transparent Kvadrat fabric delivering wide, natural sound.

## Overview

The Philips Fidelio X3 are wired, open-back professional studio headphones featuring 50mm multi-layer polymer diaphragms with dampening gel for detailed, uncolored sound across a 5-40,000 Hz frequency range. Certified for Hi-Res Audio, they deliver an expansive soundstage through acoustically transparent Kvadrat fabric. Crafted with sustainably sourced Scottish leather and stainless steel, these 13.4 oz headphones include detachable balanced and unbalanced cables plus adapters, designed for audiophiles and professionals seeking exceptional clarity, comfort, and ethical luxury.

## Description

Like a concert hall for your ears. From the singer’s breath to fingers squeaking on a fretboard, these Philips Fidelio X3 audiophile-grade open-back headphones match feather-light comfort with pristine tuning. Discover new layers of transparency and detail every time you slip them on.

Review: Wait, what?? - I hate velour, gotta get that out of the way. Not sure why so many companies insist on velour as the material to use with pads. What I own: Beyer DT880s (balanced) Beyer/Drop 177x Go Senn 660S Meze 99 Classics AKG K371 Audio technica 990z Audio technica 500x Blue Lola X2HR Source: Android runnin Viper 24bit/48khz through optical out to smsl m200 dac to smsl sp200 amp. I know, i know, why so many headphones...Soooooo I felt compelled to write this review because i bought these when the ball and chain gave me a $100 gift card and the price had dropped. I liked the X2HR but didn't love them; wasn't in that bass canon great soundstage camp everyone else was in. Don't get me wrong, they are very good but the sub bass roll off is so severe, I just can't get the sound I like out of them. Reading the reviews of the X3 was a mixed bag, mostly because everyone was comparing them to the X2; it seemed if you loved the X2 then there was no need for the X3 to exist. A quick tangent on pads; to my ears suede is the best pad on almost any headphone. It does darken the headphone a little for sure but suede also takes the shine of the top end, something headphones like the K371s and 99 classics need in my opinion as they can be very bright (same for the X3, with the stock pads). Suede also takes away some of the mid bass, turning the 99 classics in into some real closed back monsters. Also, if you own a pair of DT880s and are not using suede pads I don't know what you are doing with your life; the sub bass roll off completely disappears (not so with X2) without hampering the soundstage. Sheepskin is good too and my 2nd fav but doesnt lower the mid bass. Back to the X3s. My favorite headphones before these were the DT880s and 660s. The Senns were the king of fidelity; if you wanted to hear the track exactly as intended, you wanted the 660s. Great mids and the artist is right there, great for vocals. The DT880 soundstage and imaging are superb; the stage isnt as wide as the X2 or even the 500x but you could hear everything. The presentation is as much about the instruments as it is the artist. The 177x are also superb for imaging but can get a little clampy after a while, and the bass, so much bass. I got the X3s 10 days ago...and haven't taken them off. Quick observations: Best looking headphones I have ever seen, period. Great construction and just a superb, understated design. They will meld into your desk as opposed to being an ornament. Most comfortable headphones I have ever owned, period. My first full day with them i wore them for 11 hours. You know they're there but after putting them on, I don't have to make any adjustments, they just sit there. I wear glasses, btw. Not sure why there are so many comparisons to the X2; while not a completely different sound there is a fullness to the X3 that I don't hear in the X2. The X3 can be driven off of anything to great affect; I also own a THX Onyx, HUD100 and ibasso DC03, all getting great volume and push right around 60% volume (sounds the best on optical, even at the lower bit depth). The most important thing: No bass roll off if you change the pads. The Beyers and ATs and Meze have moss bass, but none sound this good. No bleed, the drivers are in complete control on even the most bass heavy tracks (the X2s would distort pretty easily). Comparisons: 660s The whole mix and incredible imaging. The mids are king here but if you want bass you can eq it in (if you change the pads) without distortion. Truly great headphones. The X3s are as resolving in my opinion but with a much, much wider stage (by design I believe the 660s is meant to be intimate). Voices are more full as well on the X3 and i would say the mids are just a good as the 660s. DT880 (250ohm) A lot more bass in the DT880 but the driver doesn't seem to be as fast; bass heavy tracks mask some parts of the mix when i listening to the DT880s while I still hear it all on the X3. You see a lot of headphones claim they go down to 5hz, i don't doubt it with the X3. The instruments are a little more lively on the DT880 but they are also closer to you; with the X3 those cymbals are waaaayyy over there (and I swear the bass is behind me), with the DT880, the cymbals are way over there. Not dissing the DT880s, those were my babies for a loooonngg time...but the reason I am writing this review is because they have been dethroned. Comfort, resolution, presentation, its like going from a Charger to an E Class; I loved my Charger but everything is just smoother in this E Class. I didn't buy these before now because i couldn't justify the price (didn't buy my 660s) but if i could have test driven before purchase, I would have paid the $350. The X3 does everything every other headphone in my collection does, better. One word of caution: aftermarket cords will not work with these headphones unless special ordered. 4 stars is too few, the X2HR don't come close to these, not sure what people are hearing. I have the Dekoni choice leather and suede pads, both are more comfortable than the stock pads. 5:stars is not enough, I have never had a better, more musical experience than with the X3s. Every genre, every type of song sound great, sound musical. Truly incredible headphones, buy them and don't look back.
Review: A MASTERCLASS in audio reproduction - There are 2 CAMPS: Camp 1 - Fidelio X3 "Haters" Those that say this headphone is overly bright and sibilant are definitely individuals who don't understand listening volume and sound engineering. Anyone with normal hearing that listens extremely loud isn't actually listening to the TRUE FIDELITY of their music. There is a science to it! Tyll from inner fidelity discussed this in full in a 3 page Headfi post titled, "Listening Loud Destroys Fidelity" Camp 2 - Fidelio X3 Lovers SIMPLY IMPRESSIVE!! The soundstage on display here is nothing like what most have experienced. Detail Retrieval is simply outstanding. I don't say this lightly. Once you've figured out how to listen to music at an optimal level, you shall know why these headphones should be worth around $600 in my opinion. At about $200 with it's stunning build quality and sound, this headphone is a STEAL! Remember, only for those who can listen at an optimal level. THESE HEADPHONES ARE DESIGNED FOR THE SOPHISTICATED LISTENER. If you love to listen extremely LOUD, don't bother with these headphones. You need something dark with tame treble. In addition, the construction and choice of materials used is remarkable; a metallic head band wrapped in fine Scottish leather. It's a great looking headphone. Now onto the sound structure. BASS: It's flat, present and extremely controlled. It's sufficient enough to be present & punchy. It's predecessor the X2 does offer a boosted bass performance that's quite addicting I have to admit. As a result of the X3's tuned down bass, all subtle details of the music can be heard very effortlessly. MIDRANGE: Liquid and Smooth! It's very comparable to the rich midrange of the X2. The layering on the X3 is very well done. Initially, the midrange might seem distant on the X3, give it time and you'll appreciate why. The distance paints the illusion of sound coming from speakers placed significantly in front of you. Vocal & instrumental timbre is realistically uncolored. TREBLE: Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! It never gets offensive. Well tuned to fit the concert hall theme. After listening for weeks, I'm still quite impressed at the realism of the cymbals produced. Note: If you love listening at extreme head banging levels, I'll highly suggest you steer clear and pick up a dark headphone. You'll be better served by a dark sound signature. Your hearing maybe still be at risk even with a dark headphone that's played very loud. Hint 1: Some YouTube reviewers have no clue on proper and optimal listening levels no wonder they never discuss it while they review & compare gear. The result, most of members of the community have been gravely misguided. Be sure to give Tyll Hertsen's article on Headfi a read. You'll be thankful you did. Here's Tyll Hertsen's 2 step guide on how to tell your listening volume is too loud: 1. A sense of fatigue with listening 2. A sense of pressure as you listen Hint 2: Do some research on Aliasing, Over sampling and why 'high resolution audio' sounds better (SMOOTH with ZERO GRAIN). It's has to do with a gentle low pass Anti-aliasing filter and not necessarily "Resolution". A very intriguing topic indeed. I highly recommend this Headphone, Great execution Philips!

## Features

- All new Philips Fidelio X3 with wide, natural soundstage and uncolored sound
- Exquisitely tuned 50 mm multi-layer polymer (with dampening gel) diaphragms - delivers exquisitely detailed highs, full and smooth midrange, and impactful (without overpowering) bass
- Hi-Res Audio certified. Hear the full impact of every note when wired to a high-resolution source for a lifelike performance.
- Open-back design. Wide, natural soundstage with acoustically transparent Kvadrat speaker fabric. By eliminating the air pressure build-up behind the diaphragms, an immersive and spacious sound is born.
- Premium finishing also means responsibly sourced materials. The sumptuous black Muirhead Scottish leather covering the headband is sustainably and ethically sourced.
- Balanced and unbalanced inputs means it is ready for your favorite headphone amp or your everyday phone and mobile devices.
- Detachable Balanced and Unbalanced 3 m oxygen-free cables included
- 3.5 – 6.3 mm adapter cable clip are also included
- Technical specifications: 5 - 40,000 Hz frequency response | Open acoustic system | 500mW maximum power input | 30 Ohm impedance | 100 db @ 1 mW sensitivity | 13.4 Oz weight

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B0884XTXS8 |
| Additional Features | Foldable |
| Age Range Description | Adult |
| Antenna Location | Music |
| Audio Driver Type | Dynamic Driver |
| Best Sellers Rank | #22,466 in Electronics ( See Top 100 in Electronics ) #640 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Brand | Philips |
| Brand Name | Philips |
| Built-In Media | Cable |
| Cable Features | Retractable |
| Carrying Case Color | Black |
| Carrying Case Material | Leather |
| Color | Black |
| Compatible Devices | Devices with 3.5 mm audio jack or adaptable to it |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired Hi-Res Music Studio Headset |
| Control Method | Touch |
| Control Type | Media Control |
| Customer Package Type | Standard Packaging |
| Customer Reviews | 4.4 out of 5 stars 924 Reviews |
| Ear Placement | Over Ear |
| Earpiece Shape | around the ear |
| Enclosure Material | foam |
| Form Factor | Over Ear |
| Frequency Range | 5 Hz - 40 kHz |
| Frequency Response | 40000 Hz |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 04895229102781, 14895229102788 |
| Headphone Folding Features | Over Ear |
| Headphone Jack | 3.5 mm Jack |
| Headphones Ear Placement | Over Ear |
| Impedance | 31.97 Ohms |
| Is Autographed | No |
| Item Type Name | Headphones |
| Item Weight | 13.4 Ounces |
| Manufacturer | Philips |
| Model Name | Fidelio X3 |
| Model Number | X3/00 |
| Noise Control | None |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Sensitivity | 103 |
| Series Number | 6923410710205 |
| Specific Uses For Product | Entertainment, Professional |
| Style Name | Over Ear |
| Theme | Studio Monitor |
| UPC | 840063201309 |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Warranty Description | 1 year warranty |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
| Wireless Technology | Bluetooth |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** Philips
- **Color:** Black
- **Ear Placement:** Over Ear
- **Form Factor:** Over Ear
- **Impedance:** 30 Ohms

## Images

![Fidelio X3 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones for Recording & Mixing Wired Over The Ear Open-Back Headphones, Multi-Layer 50mm Diaphragms, Hi-Res Music Studio Headset, Premium Finishing - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51yWObE6ECL.jpg)
![Fidelio X3 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones for Recording & Mixing Wired Over The Ear Open-Back Headphones, Multi-Layer 50mm Diaphragms, Hi-Res Music Studio Headset, Premium Finishing - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/712mNIPPZvL.jpg)
![Fidelio X3 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones for Recording & Mixing Wired Over The Ear Open-Back Headphones, Multi-Layer 50mm Diaphragms, Hi-Res Music Studio Headset, Premium Finishing - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61bk8q3FPDL.jpg)
![Fidelio X3 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones for Recording & Mixing Wired Over The Ear Open-Back Headphones, Multi-Layer 50mm Diaphragms, Hi-Res Music Studio Headset, Premium Finishing - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61xCTvdMguL.jpg)
![Fidelio X3 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones for Recording & Mixing Wired Over The Ear Open-Back Headphones, Multi-Layer 50mm Diaphragms, Hi-Res Music Studio Headset, Premium Finishing - Image 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71+LJVXNt7L.jpg)

## Available Options

This product comes in different **Connectivity Technology** options.

## Questions & Answers

**Q: How much do they weigh? are they lighter than the philips fidelio x2hr?**
A: X2HR 0.91 lbs
X3 0.84 lbs

**Q: Are these usb?**
A: No. There is no power involved with these headphones. The wires are plugged into a "source" like a phone, digital music player, receiver etc.

**Q: Do these comfortably fit a head that wears a hat size of 8 1/2?**
A: Can’t say for sure as I’m 7 3/4 but I’m able to wear them comfortably for 6-8 hrs at a time. Seems plenty fo room to spare

**Q: I don't really get it, Fifelio X3 description says "balanced and unbalanced cables included", the balanced one is 2.5mm or 4.4mm?**
A: On the headphone side, both cables are 3.5mm TRS.  But on the amp side, yeah, the balanced cable terminates in a 2.5mm balanced.  No idea why they made that decision, but I picked up a 2.5 balanced to 4.4 balanced converter that seems to work fine

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Wait, what??
*by C***E on March 16, 2022*

I hate velour, gotta get that out of the way. Not sure why so many companies insist on velour as the material to use with pads. What I own: Beyer DT880s (balanced) Beyer/Drop 177x Go Senn 660S Meze 99 Classics AKG K371 Audio technica 990z Audio technica 500x Blue Lola X2HR Source: Android runnin Viper 24bit/48khz through optical out to smsl m200 dac to smsl sp200 amp. I know, i know, why so many headphones...Soooooo I felt compelled to write this review because i bought these when the ball and chain gave me a $100 gift card and the price had dropped. I liked the X2HR but didn't love them; wasn't in that bass canon great soundstage camp everyone else was in. Don't get me wrong, they are very good but the sub bass roll off is so severe, I just can't get the sound I like out of them. Reading the reviews of the X3 was a mixed bag, mostly because everyone was comparing them to the X2; it seemed if you loved the X2 then there was no need for the X3 to exist. A quick tangent on pads; to my ears suede is the best pad on almost any headphone. It does darken the headphone a little for sure but suede also takes the shine of the top end, something headphones like the K371s and 99 classics need in my opinion as they can be very bright (same for the X3, with the stock pads). Suede also takes away some of the mid bass, turning the 99 classics in into some real closed back monsters. Also, if you own a pair of DT880s and are not using suede pads I don't know what you are doing with your life; the sub bass roll off completely disappears (not so with X2) without hampering the soundstage. Sheepskin is good too and my 2nd fav but doesnt lower the mid bass. Back to the X3s. My favorite headphones before these were the DT880s and 660s. The Senns were the king of fidelity; if you wanted to hear the track exactly as intended, you wanted the 660s. Great mids and the artist is right there, great for vocals. The DT880 soundstage and imaging are superb; the stage isnt as wide as the X2 or even the 500x but you could hear everything. The presentation is as much about the instruments as it is the artist. The 177x are also superb for imaging but can get a little clampy after a while, and the bass, so much bass. I got the X3s 10 days ago...and haven't taken them off. Quick observations: Best looking headphones I have ever seen, period. Great construction and just a superb, understated design. They will meld into your desk as opposed to being an ornament. Most comfortable headphones I have ever owned, period. My first full day with them i wore them for 11 hours. You know they're there but after putting them on, I don't have to make any adjustments, they just sit there. I wear glasses, btw. Not sure why there are so many comparisons to the X2; while not a completely different sound there is a fullness to the X3 that I don't hear in the X2. The X3 can be driven off of anything to great affect; I also own a THX Onyx, HUD100 and ibasso DC03, all getting great volume and push right around 60% volume (sounds the best on optical, even at the lower bit depth). The most important thing: No bass roll off if you change the pads. The Beyers and ATs and Meze have moss bass, but none sound this good. No bleed, the drivers are in complete control on even the most bass heavy tracks (the X2s would distort pretty easily). Comparisons: 660s The whole mix and incredible imaging. The mids are king here but if you want bass you can eq it in (if you change the pads) without distortion. Truly great headphones. The X3s are as resolving in my opinion but with a much, much wider stage (by design I believe the 660s is meant to be intimate). Voices are more full as well on the X3 and i would say the mids are just a good as the 660s. DT880 (250ohm) A lot more bass in the DT880 but the driver doesn't seem to be as fast; bass heavy tracks mask some parts of the mix when i listening to the DT880s while I still hear it all on the X3. You see a lot of headphones claim they go down to 5hz, i don't doubt it with the X3. The instruments are a little more lively on the DT880 but they are also closer to you; with the X3 those cymbals are waaaayyy over there (and I swear the bass is behind me), with the DT880, the cymbals are way over there. Not dissing the DT880s, those were my babies for a loooonngg time...but the reason I am writing this review is because they have been dethroned. Comfort, resolution, presentation, its like going from a Charger to an E Class; I loved my Charger but everything is just smoother in this E Class. I didn't buy these before now because i couldn't justify the price (didn't buy my 660s) but if i could have test driven before purchase, I would have paid the $350. The X3 does everything every other headphone in my collection does, better. One word of caution: aftermarket cords will not work with these headphones unless special ordered. 4 stars is too few, the X2HR don't come close to these, not sure what people are hearing. I have the Dekoni choice leather and suede pads, both are more comfortable than the stock pads. 5:stars is not enough, I have never had a better, more musical experience than with the X3s. Every genre, every type of song sound great, sound musical. Truly incredible headphones, buy them and don't look back.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A MASTERCLASS in audio reproduction
*by T***R on January 9, 2022*

There are 2 CAMPS: Camp 1 - Fidelio X3 "Haters" Those that say this headphone is overly bright and sibilant are definitely individuals who don't understand listening volume and sound engineering. Anyone with normal hearing that listens extremely loud isn't actually listening to the TRUE FIDELITY of their music. There is a science to it! Tyll from inner fidelity discussed this in full in a 3 page Headfi post titled, "Listening Loud Destroys Fidelity" Camp 2 - Fidelio X3 Lovers SIMPLY IMPRESSIVE!! The soundstage on display here is nothing like what most have experienced. Detail Retrieval is simply outstanding. I don't say this lightly. Once you've figured out how to listen to music at an optimal level, you shall know why these headphones should be worth around $600 in my opinion. At about $200 with it's stunning build quality and sound, this headphone is a STEAL! Remember, only for those who can listen at an optimal level. THESE HEADPHONES ARE DESIGNED FOR THE SOPHISTICATED LISTENER. If you love to listen extremely LOUD, don't bother with these headphones. You need something dark with tame treble. In addition, the construction and choice of materials used is remarkable; a metallic head band wrapped in fine Scottish leather. It's a great looking headphone. Now onto the sound structure. BASS: It's flat, present and extremely controlled. It's sufficient enough to be present & punchy. It's predecessor the X2 does offer a boosted bass performance that's quite addicting I have to admit. As a result of the X3's tuned down bass, all subtle details of the music can be heard very effortlessly. MIDRANGE: Liquid and Smooth! It's very comparable to the rich midrange of the X2. The layering on the X3 is very well done. Initially, the midrange might seem distant on the X3, give it time and you'll appreciate why. The distance paints the illusion of sound coming from speakers placed significantly in front of you. Vocal & instrumental timbre is realistically uncolored. TREBLE: Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! It never gets offensive. Well tuned to fit the concert hall theme. After listening for weeks, I'm still quite impressed at the realism of the cymbals produced. Note: If you love listening at extreme head banging levels, I'll highly suggest you steer clear and pick up a dark headphone. You'll be better served by a dark sound signature. Your hearing maybe still be at risk even with a dark headphone that's played very loud. Hint 1: Some YouTube reviewers have no clue on proper and optimal listening levels no wonder they never discuss it while they review & compare gear. The result, most of members of the community have been gravely misguided. Be sure to give Tyll Hertsen's article on Headfi a read. You'll be thankful you did. Here's Tyll Hertsen's 2 step guide on how to tell your listening volume is too loud: 1. A sense of fatigue with listening 2. A sense of pressure as you listen Hint 2: Do some research on Aliasing, Over sampling and why 'high resolution audio' sounds better (SMOOTH with ZERO GRAIN). It's has to do with a gentle low pass Anti-aliasing filter and not necessarily "Resolution". A very intriguing topic indeed. I highly recommend this Headphone, Great execution Philips!

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fantastic sound, but probably need to replace the stock pads.
*by M***E on July 4, 2025*

This is a truly phenomenal set of headphones for the price in regard to the audio. The sound is bright and crisp. Simply put, these are well balanced: great attack on the low end, silky mids, and crisp highs with plenty of air. As for criticism, the sub-bass is slightly anemic, but not in a way that detracts, personally. The lower treble is a bit recessed, and will make female vocalists sound less forward, but it also attributes to excellent vocal clarity overall. These headphones are bright, but not excessively so. Bassheads will not like the sound profile of these headphones-- to push intense bass through these you'll have to ramp up the volume to the point of getting treble fatigue. I would NOT call these headphones sibilant, but I can see why people that listen to their music very loud would feel that way. I don't own the X2 or X2HR, but I would say these are much better options for bass enjoyers. The $100-200 headphone market is VERY saturated, and as to why someone should take these over any of the others is very subjective. I can't say that these headphones are objectively superior to others that I own, but I will say that, for me, they beat almost everything in my collection. For example, and in no particular order: HD650 (these come close, but have veiled treble), 58X (congested low mid/high bass), M1060 (better bass, but muddy and inaccurate), Elegia (almost no soundstage, but better resolution), and M50X (bland and boring with no soundstage). I'd say these are on-par with the HD600, although I prefer the X3. The only headphones I currently own that I'd say sound better are the Aeon Closed X-- the X3 trades a bit of resolution and bass response for wider soundstage. The reason I'm giving this 4 stars is due to the design. The cans are locked in place, so getting the pads to settle on my head properly is a chore, where I find myself readjusting them repeatedly each time I put them on. Obviously, this will depend on the shape of the user's head, but I have a large head, and I find that the pads apply significantly more pressure toward the front, with the back feeling loose until perfectly positioned. I don't have this problem with headphones that swivel, and I'll have to find aftermarket angled pads to rectify the issue. The cables are long (this is good for me), stiff, and require a specific replacement, but there are 2 sets included with a 1/4" adapter. It's fine at this price point, in my opinion. The X3 will likely become my new go to set over the Aeon Closed X simply because the X3 doesn't heat up my head and has great soundstage-- optimal for extended gaming sessions. As an afterthought, the X3 is not particularly difficult to drive, but not particularly easy either. I highly recommend investing in a headphone dac/amp in general as these will certainly benefit. I am not an audiophile, and I don't have thousands of dollars of equipment, so all of my evaluations were made on my personal desktop setup-- SMSL Sanskrit DAC fed into JDS Labs Atom amplifier. Everyone is different, so I would implore you try these before buying if possible.

## Frequently Bought Together

- Philips Fidelio X3 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones for Recording & Mixing Wired Over The Ear Open-Back Headphones, Multi-Layer 50mm Diaphragms, Hi-Res Music Studio Headset, Premium Finishing
- Geekria 4.4mm Male to 2.5mm Balanced Female Headphones Adapter for 2.5mm 4-Pole Cable Connected to Balanced 4.4mm Player Device, Aluminum Alloy Conversion Audio Plug, Gold Plated Adapter

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*Product available on Desertcart United Kingdom*
*Store origin: GB*
*Last updated: 2026-05-21*