

Vocals especially sound crisp and fantastic. The X3 pump out audio with delightful clarity even when you turn the music up to 11.

As mentioned above, the bass doesn't quite kick in the way we usually like it, but that's not to say it's non-existent and it really is a minor quibble. OK, now for the most important aspect of any headphone: The sound. The Philips Fidelio X3 have two jacks on the bottom of each cup rather than a single jack, with the package including a 3.5mm – 6.3mm adapter to suit. That said, the bass isn't quite as punchy as we'd like, but that's all down to personal preference. This helps to deliver excellent audio balance when cranking out your favourite tracks. They boast 50 mm acoustic drivers which are made from multiple polymer layers which are supported by a dampening gel. The Philips Fidelio X3 are wired and don't have Bluetooth capabilities, but that doesn't mean you should write them off. Looks wise, the Philips Fidelio X3 are much sleeker than the more industrial X2 and we really do prefer the softer modern twist on these cans. That said, these wired headphones are probably best used at home rather than on your daily travels. Meanwhile, the leather headband is lightly sprung, although be warned, this means they sit slightly tall on the head and do look a little strange. The soft velour ear pads add balanced comfort and can be removed for a quick brush up.
