Might do an upgrade soon. Which would you say is the weakest link in my set-up?

Looks good to me. What are you lacking? Do you wanna try something different or is it just GAS/FOMO?

Definitely the headphones, but if you are happy with the X2HRs, then you can rock this setup until something breaks. I recently upgraded from the X2HRs to the LCD X 2021s while it was heavily discounted during Black Friday, but I think I made that decision more because I felt a "need" to buy something new rather than feeling like the X2HRs weren't getting the job done.

looks complete to me

Eh I have that setup, the k5 pro has enough power for most stuff unless you want to try balanced output. I just ordered the k7 because I'd like the option to use balanced outputs for the Hifiman planars I also have.

My gripe with that headphone is it has this sibilance I just can't get used to with music. If I'm watching movies I never notice it so I do use them for movies.

I'd say if you are happy with them just stick with what you have. If you want to try something different you could try planers but those will usually have less bass punch so they will sound very very different then the Phillips headphones..

Wonderful soundtrack selection.

Depends, do you really enjoy the X2? If you do then I would just stay satisfied with them for now.

Personally, I always thought they were too heavy and really a muffled mess in the year I that used them (first real headphones after gaming headsets). I primarily upgraded for comfort reasons. But the HD660s and K702 were such a dramatic improvement both objectively and to my tuning preference that I now wish I could just get rid of the X2's if it was even worth it lol

Outside of the cup hinges are the X2's honestly even capable of breaking? Those things are built like military grade machinery compared to most headphones lol

GRIS soundtrack, respect! Most underrated game soundtrack in the world.

If you wanna upgrade something, definitely upgrade the headphones.

Yo we have the same audio setup! Nice. I actually bought the pair on recommendation of a friend who was also using the same.

What keyboard is that though?

I actually have the same headphones. I wouldn't say they are a weak link, especially because they are very well built and super comfy if you upgrade them with Dekoni Choice pads. But I think that they benefit greatly from EQing, you could give that a try if you haven't yet. The stock sound was too muffled for my taste.

Not OP but Keychron, 60%? If it's not a Keychron, Keychron will very happily sell you something identical.

Alphanumeric keys are razer style keycaps though.

I've been using my X2HRs for years now, and the only noticeable difference is the pad depth. Love them.

Military grade isn't necessarily a good thing but these headphones look sturdy 👌

Looks like a 60%. Doesn’t looks like a keychron to me, but there’s plenty of 60% on Amazon. If you really want to delve into the rabbit hole, /r/MechanicalKeyboards

Like the other comment says it’s just a 60% I found on Amazon EPOMAKER SK61. I just swapped the letters to black keys

Sorry but what do you mean by GAS/FOLO?

GAS = Gear Acquisition Syndrome

FOMO = Fear of missing out

In other words do you miss something real or do you just want to get something new, to get something new.

Well I’m a mostly simple person I believe. I got my current set-up over the AirPods Max or Sony headphones because I wanted sound quality, not features. I already have AirPods for walking around.

Anyway, back to topic. Whenever I listen to busy music I feel like there could be some improvements on open-ness and instrument separation. Switching EQ profiles kind of help but I’m wondering if there are any headphones that can sound much more open and separated without costing much more than my set-up. Thoughts?

Ok. That's helpful.

I always felt that way about Metallica with my Grado and V-Moda M100. The stood all in one place on stage in my head and I never liked them when going mobile.

Than I snatched a pair of Sony MDR-1a for dirt cheap off of eBay and the revelation came. The Sony have really good imaging and soundstage and if nothing else would be great, I would own them just for Metallica. They are great soll around though and super comfy. I will not give them away and they can be upgraded with a balanced cable.

So, hunt down some cheap used Sony MDR-1a as a complement to your Philips would be my suggestion.

Thanks! I’ll look into them

You should store the X2 by the leather headband and not the elastic strap. It'll loosen up eventually the way you have them.

Otherwise that setup is looking good.

Will do!