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Philips Fidelio L2 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£250
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wireless
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Philips Fidelio L2 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

5.5

Good

5.5

Good

?

6.9
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
?
Audio latency
25.0%
4.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
4.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
?
Battery life
5.7
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
4.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
?
Battery life
18.0%
?
Weight
16.0%
4.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
4.0
Ambient sound mode
6.1
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
4.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
4.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
?
Battery life
14.0%
4.0
Companion app
7.3
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
?
Weight
24.0%
4.0
Water resistance
20.0%
?
IP rating
16.0%
?
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

£?

Best rankings

#57 in Best Philips Headphones
#508 in Best Wireless Headphones for TV for Seniors
#520 in Best Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
#689 in Best Wired Headphones
#788 in Best Wireless Headphones
#794 in Best Over Ear Headphones
#1287 in Best Headphones with Mic

Verdict

The Philips Fidelio L2 is a high-fidelity over-ear headphone featuring a semi-open back architecture designed to balance an airy soundstage with controlled noise isolation. It is equipped with 40mm neodymium drivers tilted to the ear's natural angle, offering a wide frequency response of 6Hz to 40,000Hz, a low 16-ohm impedance for easy driving from mobile sources, and a sensitivity of 105dB. Key pros include its premium build quality with aluminium ear shells and leather-covered memory foam pads, along with a balanced sound profile characterized by tight bass and transparent mid-range. However, notable cons include non-replaceable ear pads, an inline remote that lacks volume control, and inherent sound leakage typical of semi-open designs.

Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Philips Fidelio L2

Overall score

5.5

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?

Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Sound

5.9

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Active noise cancellation (ANC)

What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology

When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

Driver type

What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used

When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: HIGH

dynamic

Driver size

What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit

When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: HIGH

Number of drivers

What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup

When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

Lowest frequency

What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce

When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

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Calls & Controls

6.1

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Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: LOW

Can be used as a headset

What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.

When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: LOW

Number of microphones

What it is: Total number of built-in microphones

When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

Boom microphone

What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity

When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

Microphone SNR

What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone

When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

?

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Connectivity

5.0

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Connectivity

What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)

When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: LOW

Bluetooth version

What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported

When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=5.0

N/A

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device

When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A

Audio latency

What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode

When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <60 ms

N/A

Multipoint support

What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices

When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: LOW

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Features

4.0

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Ambient sound mode

What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness

When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

EQ support

What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer

When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

Companion app

What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates

When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

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Battery

5.3

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Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >45 hours

N/A

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A

Quick charge

What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period

When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: LOW

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

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Design

6.8

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: LOW

Philips

Form factor

What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)

When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: LOW

over-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <150 g

Acoustic design

What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)

When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: LOW

semi-open

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: LOW

?

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Philips Fidelio L2 vs the average pair of headphones

Why is Philips Fidelio L2 better than the average pair of headphones?

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Hi-Res Audio certification
Philips Fidelio L2 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
What it is: Certified for high-resolution audio playback
When it matters: When official support for high-resolution playback matters to you.
Importance: HIGH
Philips Fidelio L2 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
12 Hz lower bass extension
Philips Fidelio L2 has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (6 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=10 Hz
Philips Fidelio L2 has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (6 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.6 Hz vs 18 Hz
More flexible connectivity
Philips Fidelio L2 offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.
Importance: LOW
Philips Fidelio L2 offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
20,000 Hz higher treble extension
Philips Fidelio L2 has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=24000 Hz
Philips Fidelio L2 has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.40000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
In-line controls
Philips Fidelio L2 includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.
Importance: LOW
Philips Fidelio L2 includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
0.2 % lower distortion
Philips Fidelio L2 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.1% vs 0.3%). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3%.
What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=1%
Philips Fidelio L2 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.1% vs 0.3%). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3%.0.1 % vs 0.3 %
Foldable design
Philips Fidelio L2 has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.
Importance: LOW
Philips Fidelio L2 has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Philips Fidelio L2 has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=106 dB/mW
Philips Fidelio L2 has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
Foldable design
Philips Fidelio L2 has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
9 mm more spacious earcup width
Philips Fidelio L2 offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (53 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
Hi-Res Audio certification
Philips Fidelio L2 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
12 Hz lower bass extension
Philips Fidelio L2 has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (6 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
20,000 Hz higher treble extension
Philips Fidelio L2 has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
0.2 % lower distortion
Philips Fidelio L2 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.1% vs 0.3%). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3%.
3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Philips Fidelio L2 has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
Play while charging
Philips Fidelio L2 can play while charging, the average pair of headphones cannot. 29.1% of headphones support play while charging.
More flexible connectivity
Philips Fidelio L2 offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
AptX support
Philips Fidelio L2 supports aptX, the average pair of headphones does not. 18.4% of headphones support aptX.
In-line controls
Philips Fidelio L2 includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.

Calls & Controls

Why is Philips Fidelio L2 worse than the average pair of headphones?

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19.3% higher weight
Philips Fidelio L2 is heavier than the average pair of headphones (260 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
7 mm tighter earcup height
Philips Fidelio L2 has tighter earcup height than the average pair of headphones (53 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
Tangle-prone cable
Philips Fidelio L2 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
No passive noise reduction
Philips Fidelio L2 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
No voice assistant support
Philips Fidelio L2 does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
No passive noise reduction
Philips Fidelio L2 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.
Importance: HIGH
Philips Fidelio L2 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
No voice assistant support
Philips Fidelio L2 does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.
Importance: LOW
Philips Fidelio L2 does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
19.3% higher weight
Philips Fidelio L2 is heavier than the average pair of headphones (260 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: <150 g
Philips Fidelio L2 is heavier than the average pair of headphones (260 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.260 g vs 218 g
7 mm tighter earcup height
Philips Fidelio L2 has tighter earcup height than the average pair of headphones (53 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.
Importance: LOW
Philips Fidelio L2 has tighter earcup height than the average pair of headphones (53 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.53 mm vs 60 mm
5.87x less popular
Philips Fidelio L2 is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1.00 vs 5.869).
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Philips Fidelio L2 is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1.00 vs 5.869).1 vs 5.87
10% worse value for money
Philips Fidelio L2 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.62 vs 7.279).
What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Philips Fidelio L2 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.62 vs 7.279).6.62 vs 7.28
Tangle-prone cable
Philips Fidelio L2 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.
Importance: LOW
Philips Fidelio L2 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
2.78x more expensive
Philips Fidelio L2 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£250 vs £90).
Philips Fidelio L2 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£250 vs £90).£250 vs £90

Graphic comparison of Philips Fidelio L2 and other products in the Headphones category

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Philips Fidelio L2?

Exceptional sound clarity and detail across the frequency spectrum
Premium build quality featuring aluminum, real leather, and detailed stitching
Highly comfortable for long listening sessions with soft memory foam ear pads
Excellent value for money, often outperforming more expensive competitors
Easy to drive directly from mobile phones or portable devices without a dedicated amp
Semi-open design provides a spacious soundstage while maintaining decent isolation
Tangle-resistant, removable cable with an inline microphone and universal remote

What customers dislike about Philips Fidelio L2?

Ear pads are non-removable and non-replaceable, which limits long-term durability
Semi-open back design still leaks some sound, making them less ideal for quiet public environments
Inline remote lacks dedicated volume controls
The thin headband can cause a 'hotspot' or pressure point on the top of the head over time
Included carrying pouch is basic cloth rather than a protective hard case
Ears can become warm or 'steamy' during use in hot weather

Expert reviews

head-fi.org

13/03/2014

Summary of the review

Philips Fidelio L2 - Reviews - Head-Fi

The Philips Fidelio L2 is characterized in Head-Fi reviews as a premium, lightweight, and durable over-ear headphone featuring robust aluminum and leather construction, paired with a highly functional, universal inline microphone. While praised for comfort, the review notes drawbacks, specifically that the thick leather earpads are non-removable and the included audio cable is quite short. Acoustically, the semi-open L2 offers a balanced sound signature, providing a wide, accurate soundstage and tight, detailed bass, making it excellent for gaming and general listening. However, the headphones can struggle with complex musical tracks, occasionally producing a muddy sound, leading to a 4.5-star rating that balances high value with minor design limitations. Head-Fi.

head-fi.org

25/07/2014

Summary of the review

Philips Fidelio L2 - review and comparison with (a lot of) other headphones

The Philips Fidelio L2, as discussed on Head-Fi, is praised for its detailed, clean sound signature featuring an organic midrange and extended, non-fatiguing treble. Notable pros include high-quality aluminum and leather construction, along with a low-impedance design that makes the headphones easy to drive directly from mobile devices. Conversely, the semi-open design causes significant sound leakage, and the bass is less impactful compared to the Fidelio X1, which may disappoint some listeners. Cons also include non-replaceable ear pads, along with reports of tight, small, or limited-extension headbands that may affect comfort for some users.

technofaq.org

26/04/2015

Summary of the review

Review: Philips Fidelio L2 | Techno FAQ

The Philips Fidelio L2 review on Techno FAQ presents the semi-open headphones as a "stunning" and premium offering that delivers exceptional audio performance with high synergy across multiple gear setups. Built using premium materials like an aluminum headband wrapped in brown leather with distinct red stitching, the headphones feature 40mm speaker drivers, an impedance of 16 Ohms, and a removable paracord-sheathed cable. Sound-wise, the reviewer emphasizes a highly balanced, warm, and natural sound signature with flawless instrument separation, an intimate yet deeply layered soundstage, clear and non-sibilant treble, perfectly tuned mid-ranges, and a fast, punchy bass kick. Additionally, it features a unique semi-open acoustic architecture that leaks sound outward but remains highly efficient at isolating ambient environmental noise from coming in. The specific pros highlighted in the review include its impressive detail and clarity, premium sturdiness, beautiful aesthetic design, standard 3.5mm removable cable, and its highly coherent sound spectrum. Conversely, the definitive cons revolve around the non-removable earpads, which the reviewer wished were larger and deeper to accommodate personal preference. The reviewer also notes that the clamping force is somewhat...

cnet.com

22/04/2015

Summary of the review

Philips Fidelio L2 (Black) review: A hidden gem of a headphone

The Philips Fidelio L2 is a well-built and comfortable semi-open headphone designed for both home and mobile use. It features an aluminum headband and memory foam ear cushions covered in leather. The headphone delivers impressive sound quality with excellent clarity, tight and precise bass, and an open, spacious soundstage. It includes a cloth-covered cable with a one-button inline remote and microphone that works with both Android and Apple devices to control phone calls and track playback.

headfonia.com

11/02/2013

Summary of the review

The Phenomenal Philips Fidelio L2 Review

The Headfonia review characterizes the Philips Fidelio L2 as a significant, comfortable upgrade over its predecessor, boasting a modern aesthetic with a smooth, full-bodied midrange, potent bass, and high sensitivity. While pros include high-end sound performance, potential cons for some users are the bright treble and the semi-open design causing sound leakage. The companion Philips Fidelio M1BT is praised for its durable, on-ear design, featuring a stable Bluetooth connection, long battery life, and a warm, non-fatiguing sound suited for casual listening. However, the M1BT faces limitations with weak noise isolation and a lack of audiophile-grade technicality.

head-fi.org

25/07/2014

Summary of the review

Philips Fidelio L2 - review and comparison with (a lot of) other headphones Would you like me to look for technical specifications or frequency respon...

The Philips Fidelio L2Go is characterized as a highly detailed, transparent, and revealing semi-open headphone that offers exceptional audio clarity, particularly distinguishing between compressed and high-resolution files. Its sound signature is described as precise, with crisp highs and tight, controlled bass, complemented by a premium, lightweight design featuring aluminum and leather components. Conversely, the semi-open design results in significant sound leakage, making it unsuitable for isolation, while the soundstage is described as intimate and forward, though paired with precise, surgical imaging. Key practical drawbacks noted include non-removable ear pads and potential discomfort from the thin headband padding during extended listening.

diisign.com

17/02/2014

Summary of the review

Philips Fidelio L2: better than the L1?

The Philips Fidelio L2 is a sleek, neo-retro headphone that improves upon its predecessor, the L1, with a more refined design and a punchier, though less natural, sound profile. On the positive side, it features excellent sound quality with a wide soundstage, and an improved design where the headphone jack plugs directly into the left ear cup rather than hanging from a cable. The build uses premium materials, including a robust, braided cable that resists tangling. Acoustically, it emphasizes both the bass and treble, creating an energetic and lively listening experience that appeals to most users. However, purists might consider the treble boost a regression from the L1’s strict neutrality, and it gives a slight impression of being less indestructible than the original model. The primary drawbacks of the Fidelio L2 center around its practical daily usability and poor isolation. A major downgrade from the L1 is the loss of the 3-button 'Made for iPhone' remote, which has been replaced by a generic, one-button universal remote that limits volume control and usability for Apple users. Furthermore, its sound isolation is...

clubic.com

07/01/2014

Summary of the review

Philips Fidelio L2: Excellence, Made Better

The Philips Fidelio L2 is an open-back, over-ear headphone that refines its predecessor (the L1) with a more compact, modern, and lightweight design tailored for premium mobile use. Weighing 18 grams less than the L1, it features streamlined tubular earcups, a memory-foam padded headband wrapped in stitched leather, and a detachable cable that connects directly to the left ear cup rather than using a vulnerable fixed peg. On the technical side, Philips lowered the impedance from 26 to 16 ohms, making it significantly easier to drive at higher volumes using low-power mobile devices and smartphones. The headphone's primary strength lies in its exceptional audio quality, characterized by a lively, V-shaped sound signature that delivers impactful bass, bright highs, and clear, well-positioned midtones. Furthermore, its expanded open-mesh earcup design delivers an incredibly wide, natural, and precise soundstage. However, this open architecture serves as its main drawback: it provides very weak acoustic isolation, causing music to leak out to people nearby while failing to block external environmental noise. Additionally, the high price tag makes it a significant investment.

lesnumeriques.com

16/11/2013

Summary of the review

Philips Fidelio L2 Review: The Return of the Master

The Les Numériques review awards the Philips Fidelio L2Go a perfect 5 out of 5 stars, celebrating it as an exceptional portable audiophile option. The reviewer heavily praises its excellent, robust construction, featuring an abundant mix of premium aluminum and leather that shifts towards a sleeker, more modern aesthetic compared to its predecessor. Sonically, it delivers a highly precise and astonishingly neutral response, with a slight, playful V-shaped signature that subtly enhances the bass and treble for a more engaging, lively listen. Comfort is also a distinct high point, as its plush memory foam ear pads make it highly wearable for large heads. Additionally, its impedance has been lowered to 16 Ohms (down from 26 Ohms on the L1), making it vastly easier to drive directly from portable devices without losing spatial definition or encountering harmonic distortion. However, the review outlines a few key compromises, particularly regarding isolation and accessories. Because the rear transducer grill has been widened to create a more open, spacious soundstage, sound leakage is severe, making it poorly suited for nearby commuters on public transport. While...

auriculares-hifi.com

27/03/2014

Summary of the review

Fidelio L2 Impressions - Hi-Fi Headphones

This review of the Philips Fidelio L2 headphones highlights a product that, while visually appealing with high-quality metal and faux-leather construction, struggles to define its target audience due to its semi-open design. On the positive side, the headphones feature solid build quality, premium material finishes, Android compatibility, and a detailed, neutral sound profile that performs well with calm, acoustic music or jazz. However, the reviewer notes a severe lack of comfort, particularly due to high clamping force and an insufficiently padded, narrow headband that causes pain after just 30 minutes. Furthermore, the non-replaceable ear pads pose a major durability concern for long-term use. In terms of audio performance, the primary drawback is an excessive and piercing brightness in the treble, making energetic genres like rock, metal, and electronic music highly fatiguing. While some forum users noted they perform poorly with classical violin and deeper bass frequencies, others found them decent for the €150 price point. Ultimately, the review concludes that the Fidelio L2 falls short of its intense online hype; because they leak sound and fail to isolate noise, they...

techdifferent.it

24/10/2014

Summary of the review

Philips Fidelio L2 headphones review

The Philips Fidelio L2 review on Techdifferent.it highlights these headphones as a truly excellent, top-tier audio option featuring high-definition sound quality. The reviewer praises the design and engineering, specifically noting the sturdy yet lightweight build, the 40mm neodymium drivers, and the semi-open acoustic architecture. Key strengths (pros) emphasize the supreme comfort provided by the memory foam ear cushions that adapt to the user's ears, as well as the pre-tilted speaker drivers that offer a natural listening angle for fatigue-free, long-term use. Sonically, the headphones stand out for delivering well-controlled, widespread bass alongside exceptionally crisp mid-range frequencies. Furthermore, they are highly functional, packing an aluminum shell design that reduces external interference, an integrated microphone for handling calls, a 6.3mm adapter, and a practical carrying pouch.

fwdmagazine.be

05/02/2014

Summary of the review

Review: Philips Fidelio L2 - FWD Magazine

The Philips Fidelio L2 is a half-open headphone that offers premium build quality and high performance for its price point. It features a lightweight design weighing 260 grams, comfortable leather ear pads, and a stylish black headband with distinctive orange stitching. The audio profile delivers a well-balanced, slightly warm-neutral sound with deep bass and high detail, making it highly suitable for genres like rock and electronic music. It is highly efficient and designed for mobile use, functioning excellently when driven by a smartphone. The headphones present several distinct advantages, including excellent wear comfort, high-quality aluminum and steel construction, and limited heat build-up around the ears. However, there are notable drawbacks to consider. The light clamping force leads to weaker passive noise isolation, rendering it less ideal for noisy environments like plane travel. Additionally, the two included 1.2-metre cables are too short for convenient home listening setups.

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