Not a single iPhone. Review headphones Philips Fidelio M2BTBK

Headphones from Philips this year was very diverse and balanced. We are already familiar with the models Fidelio M2L and Fidelio L2, and in the last review, I complained that the headphones were not enough universal. They worked perfectly in tandem with iPhone/iPod/iPad, but to use them on other devices (laptop, Android or Windows smartphone) was impossible – only option was connect the Lightning port. But it turned out that even on devish not going smoothly. Now this model there is an alternative – Philips Fidelio M2BTBK that can be used both wired and wirelessly without any reference to Apple.

Philips Fidelio M2BTBK
Philips Fidelio M2BTBK

Do not think that M2BTBK – an exact copy of the Fidelio M2L, and the difference is only the connection methods. Actually the differences are much more substantial.

Technical characteristics and equipment

Philips Fidelio M2BTBK

  • Type: closed wireless headphones
  • The size of the radiator: 40 mm
  • Frequency range: 7 Hz – 23,5 kHz
  • Resistance: 16 Ohms
  • Sensitivity: 107 dB
  • Maximum input power: 40 mW
  • Headphones weight: 194 g
  • Connectivity: wired 3.5 mm, Bluetooth, NFC
  • The recommended retail price of 18 990 rubles

The set comes with headphones wire for charging (with USB connectors and micro-USB), AUX cable, and a thin fabric carrying case. None of the cables does not contain the remote control or the volume control – these functions are delegated to a separate element on the right Cup, more on that later.

Design and construction

At first, in fact it seems that Fidelio M2BTBK exactly reproduce the design M2L – same size, same Cup, same packaging. But once you take headphones in your hands, you’ll immediately notice that the external finish of the headband became more modest. Instead of skin now uses a coating of synthetic fabrics. It is not rigid, so the inside of the headband felt good – a little strange feeling.

Общий вид наушников Philips Fidelio M2BTBK
The General appearance of headphones Philips Fidelio M2BTBK

The length of the headband is adjusted with a large margin, the minimum size can be called childish, but in the General case involves 2-4 dividing right and left. On the inner surface of the cups there are no more large symbols “L” and “R”, instead of them small, barely noticeable letters at the ends of the headband, on the inside. It may seem awkward the first day, then they can look at the controls on the right Cup.

Общий вид наушников Philips Fidelio M2BTBK Общий вид наушников Philips Fidelio M2BTBK

The cups are covered with the same embossed plastic, like the Fidelio M2L – there’s no change here. The left has no elements, while the right contains a huge power button with integrated led indicator and a small three-position joystick. The power button in operational mode is responsible for the functions of Play/Pause button, and the joystick allows you to change the volume and switch songs: one-click includes the next track, double – back and triple pressing Siri or voice dialing, depending on the platform. However, it works only when connected via Bluetooth or in wired mode buttons on the right Cup not working, and you can control playback only from your smartphone/music player/laptop.

Правая чашечка Philips Fidelio M2BTBK Левая чашечка Philips Fidelio M2BTBK

Headband not too tight, but the Cup sticks tightly. They do not completely cover the ears (Philips Fidelio M2BTBK should be attributed more to headphones overhead), and at high volume others can hear your music. However, headphones have a good sound insulation, external noise is hardly noticeable, so resorting to maximum volume levels will rarely. By the way, if you connect them by wire, then limit the volume about 20% higher.

Разъемы для подключения AUX- и USB-кабеля
Connectors for AUX – and USB-cable

Annular mounting cups are still made of durable anodized aluminum. No doubt in the reliability of the design does not occur, so M2BTBK can easily carry in your bag or in your backpack mixed with other things.

Connecting and listening

As it turned out, in conjunction with Android smartphones to use the headset more convenient than with the iPhone. The fact that the latter does not support quick connect via NFC, so you will have to hold the power button for several seconds to activate the wireless module. Or wait for the earphones you will see a familiar device — sometimes it takes a long time. No fault of Philips and Gibson Innovations in this – the problem is entirely on the conscience of the Apple.

Philips Fidelio M2BTBK и iPhone 6s
Philips Fidelio M2BTBK and iPhone 6s

The most important difference M2BTBK from M2L is the lack of built-in DAC. But on the character of the sound is almost not affected. After listening test I can say more expressive bass, as strange as it sounds, but at medium to high frequencies the new model manifests itself a little worse. Again, the difference is small – it can be noted in a comparative listening to orchestral music in high quality, in the most popular genres, you will hardly feel the differences between M2L and M2BTBK.

Best Fidelio M2BTBK suitable for pop music and various electronics genres: from trance and techno to dubstep and Neurofunk. Play classics it’s hard to call a model, but something tells me that our readers are not so much fans of Bach or Vivaldi (editor-in-chief is protesting).

Philips Fidelio M2BTBK в режиме ожидания
Philips Fidelio M2BTBK in standby mode

The earpads are soft and do not cause discomfort during extended wear, Cup size is relatively small, and when worn on the neck they don’t bother to turn his head and look around.

Capacity built-in battery is nowhere indicated, but I managed to squeeze about 9 hours of work. To Fidelio M2BTBK can charge via USB from any source, the process takes less than an hour.

Conclusions

In the official retail Philips Fidelio M2L and M2BTBK cost about 19 thousand rubles. The positioning is different, but I’m sure many people will compare and choose between them. Variant with a Lightning-connector will fully unlock the potential of loseless formats through the built-in DAC, but if we talk about convenience, the wireless version clearly wins. It is clear that for fans of Android and Windows the choice is obvious, but even the iPhone I would recommend to think if you need headphones with Lightning.


Date:

by