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Philips has become the first manufacturer to reveal a pair of headphones designed specifically for the newly announced iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. The Fidelio M2L will use a lightning adaptor rather than a 3.5mm audio jack to provide higher quality sound, a first for any iPhone handset.
By using the lightning cable, rather than a 3.5mm audio jack, Philips has been able to add 24-bit Digital to Analog Conversion (DAC) and amplification in the headphones themselves, saving music fans the need to buy a separate dedicated headphone amplifier. Currently, iPhone 5s owners have to use an external DAC to eliminate the potential for crosstalk and interference from the internal audio components. The iPhone 6 is still limited to 16-bit files, however, so 24-bit lossless tracks will still need to be downsampled.
Based on the fantastic Fidelio M1 on-ears we reviewed last year, the Fidelio M2L has the same 40mm neodymium speaker drivers, closed-back design and signature Fidelio sound. Built with a combination of lightweight metals, leather ear pads filled with memory foam for a comfortable fit and a padded leather headband, the M2L looks every bit the premium pair of headphones.
As with all headphones designed specifically for Apple devices, the Fidelio M2L puts playback controls within easy reach, only on the side of the headphones themselves rather than as an in-line remote on the cable. It looks almost identical to the on-ear controls found on the Fidelio M1BT Bluetooth headphones and recently launched M2BTs, so should play, pause and skip tracks, as well as answer calls.
"We’re excited to launch the Philips Fidelio M2L, our first headphone that has a direct digital connection to your iOS device," Pascal van Laer, head of Headphones at Philips parent company Woox Innovations, said of the announcement. "This means we can deliver an incredible audio experience today, and also opens up exciting opportunities for innovation for the future."
Philips expects the Fidelio M2L to go on sale in the UK and across Europe from December onwards, with an RRP of €249.99 - meaning roughly £200-£230 in Britain with tax and VAT taken into account.
We're hoping to put a pair to the test once the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus arrives later in the year.
