Edition XS Full-Size Over_Ear Headphones Open-Back Planar Magnetic Hi-Fi Wired Headphones with Stealth Magnets Design, Adjustable Headband, Detachable Cable for Audiophiles, Home, Studio-Black

(Edit) *This is a slightly altered version of review from my first submission - I forgot a few very important items. I edited it from within rather than having a separate section. The Hifiman Edition XS IS BY FAR the best value in headphones that planet earth has ever seen. Hands down. The original price was a great deal. The mark down price(s) were even better. The current deal is a give away. They blow my $500 -$800 range headphones out of the water when it comes to sound quality. Now sure - there are some non-sound issues that I'll mention later - but none of those issues are a problem for me (I'll explain.) These are so so so underrated that I'm dumbfounded. A combination of comfort / weight conditions, plus picky views from brainwashed Audiophiles, have kept the XS from being a 5.0 rating. I do consider myself an Audiophile - except I'm really an Audiophile Rebel. I'm different. To me, these are 5.0 rating headphones once you fix the comfort situation I'll mention later. *** CAUTION: RANT (lol) - skip if you want - This rant doesn't necessarily have anything to do with the Edition XS...I just fealt compelled to say something. As for the Edition XS, I dont have any major complaints whatsoever (just an issue that I fixed.) If regular Audiophiles praise the XS - I agree (although I may not exactly agree on how they decided to praise them...but that's just me.) If they trash the XS (on sound quality) - I staunchly disagree. Beyond these particular headphones...generally speaking - here's my 2 cents I want to get out (and again, this may not have anything to do with these particular headphones.) I disagree with many Audiophile fundamentals because of real life reality (and science) that Audiophiles have no clue about. They think they know everything and yet don't understand things like the Fletcher-Munson effect (and how humans hear and perceive certain frequencies differently than test equipment...not taking the F-M effect into account) and also how small drivers push certain frequencies easier than others, causing a need for balancing and equalization...and don't understand the point of the Harmon Curve and why V / U shape exist in the first place. They also usually don't understand the true definition of sound balancing either (they think a "neutral tuned" pair of headphones is always balanced - when that's usually far from the truth - it really depends...there are caveats and exceptions. Drives my bonkers! * I will say this ---> the Edition XS does have good sound balancing - this is extremely rare for a fairly neutral sound profile. From my experience, neutral tuning is almost never actually balanced (which is why the Harmon Curve and other sound shaping exists in the first freakn' place - Hello!!! *THIS IS NOT OPION - ITS FACT! I could argue (and win) for hours, days, and weeks on end about how wrong most Audiophiles are when it comes to their arguments on quality headphones. Anyway, I just wanted to throw out some elementary and obvious points while I was here (without getting too detailed... I'll save that for a video I'm going to do one day about all this). Last thing here - music is supposed to sound "fun and exciting" - yet audiophiles trash headphones that are "fun sounding" and preach that more neutral, lean bass, articulate headphones are more realistic and proper...Whatever! Have they even been to a concert of any type? If a pair of headphones don't sound fun and exciting, then they aren't best for music. MUSIC IS SUPPOSED TO BE FUN! As for the XS - although they are more neutral in response, they DO have a fun impact. They are an EXCEPTION. Although they do not have a deep v shape that many regular people consider to be super fun - these do have a true hi-fi quality about them...with an immense soundstage, lush openness and good ability to go with the flow of the music (you just have to hear what I'm talking about) • I've had these a year. As far as sound quality, they beat the vast majority of headphones I've ever tried. I'm in my mid 40s. Of course, a lot of that is opinion. Personal audio / sound is extremely personal and it's hard for one to truly gauge something unless they try it themselves. As I always say "Audio is very personal. It's as personal as ones toilet behavior - very personal" At $209 - they're practically giving them away. I thought the same when they were 269 - when I bought them. The original 500 or so price tag was still a screaming deal imo. Based on sound, I would think they are way more expensive - maybe even pushing $1k. Of course, the Arya variants are also priced nicely, so I guess that's the boundary (meaning these are worth up to the price of an Arya - which at that point, you'd probably buy an Arya.) The only drawbacks are how they fit some people and weight (but it's not a problem if you get the Dekoni Nugget - cube cushions - I'll mention this again later.) I know I may be repeating myself here, but it's warranted imo --- They have an extremely wide soundstage, and are very open (it's like you are sitting between a set of full range speakers, several feet apart - a truly awesome experience. They are not closed-in sounding) The openness is as if you're not even wearing anything - very transparent. Although I usually like a little bit more low end Bass response - I'm perfectly happy with these. Since these do have great low end extension, do a good job with replicating the recorded audio and push bass when it's needed (in my staunch opinion) - I'm perfectly fine with the more neutral bass. This is because it will push pretty far when it needs to...I really don't think they are too lean. It's hard for me to explain: it's like the XS starts at neutral, but will push farther in peak response when the bass drops then most other headphones that have a neutral start - especially for a planar driver. Matter of fact, these headphones are at my lower limit for bass. But since they sound so, so good - and do have some bump and thump (again, they will push some air when needed) I'm perfectly happy. Keep in mind - I have 3 variants of Skullcandy Crusher headphones...and other bassy headphones...I love my bass...but these sound so good that I really don't need more - not in this particular situation anyway. The Edition XS is a true piece of engineering artwork.) Also - some people think the bass should be dialed back... so they definitely aren't too lean by any major metric. To my ears - the sound profile is fairly neutral / flat...but not boring flat. These seem to flex quite well according to what's being played, moving the driver where it needs to be to play back whatever you're listening to. If I ever "need" to add bass (rarely - only if I'm using a very clinical, analytical, lean low end DAC / Amp set up) - it's a very little amount that I add (I mean a small or even micro turn on my EQ, depending on which DAC / Amp I'm using) Lows go deep. Nice Sub-Bass extension. Mid and High Bass is there when you need it. Sounds pretty accurate (no area of the low end is pushed to high, nor is it too recessed.) Bass isn't muddy or bloated. It doesn't bleed into the Mids. Bass section is flatter than most open back headphones. The XS doesn't have a severe sub-bass roll off like most open backs and there isn't a sizable bump in Mid Bass or High Bass that many open backs have to compensate. This keeps things sounding nice across the board imo. Bass is punchy, AND still has some decent weight and prominence as well (I say this because in many cases, when the word "punchy" shows up, Bass can be extra lean with no weight or true slam. This tricks people into thinking there's more power to the Bass then there actually is. I really don't like the term "punchy" because it can be misunderstood, causing disappointment. That's not the case here. It does certainly punch in the Audiophile term, but isn't thin or lightweight like many other so-called Audiophile headphones that are considered to be punchy headphones. It has slam, but also isn't too flabby either. Full without being too full. It's not one dimensional Bass either - it's plenty layered. My overall point is - the Bass is of good quality while also having enough quantity (in most cases, depending.) I think most people will be ok with the Bass amount. You have to remember what type of driver this is as well. If you're a bass lover, you may (maybe - maybe not) want to add a tad more thru EQ depending on what equipment you use (again- depending...if it's a musical DAC / Amp situation, probably not...if your DAC and or Amp results in a very clinical sound - then maybe.) On the flip side, if you are a bass hater, it may be a tad too much (I'll never understand how these could possibly have too much Bass - that's crazy imo) So basically --- Hifiman somehow hit a sweet spot with the Low End. I say that because people complain both ways...so it's definitely in a good spot - especially for a planar. There's also many who compare the bass to other Hifiman models and usually miss the Bass of the XS (most other models are more lean.) And how about the fact these are planars - you must take in account... the XS isn't a dynamic driver - yet it almost acts like it at times with raw impact...while still retaining its quick response time & punch...and layer. Some say the treble has extra brightness, but it's definitely not too bright...it has a wonderful sparkle in imo - perfect amount of sparkle to get a great amount of detail, without getting fatigued. It's certainly not too dull or too mello. The XS is considered to be a "neutral - bright" headphone by many - I agree with the neutral part, but wouldn't say they are super bright. Maybe a tad bit of brightness... But - saying "bright" can be a bad word to use. Those who are Treble sensitive should be ok - unless they are super sensitive and prefer a more dull / subdued top end. In that case, just use EQ - don't overlook these. I really don't think it would be a problem. Rare if at all. I'd consider these to be borderline bright or "Slight-Bright" These should be ok for most. They aren't as Bright as say a Beyerdynamic DT 1990 or something. Those are a lot Brighter. Personally, I believe the Edition XS is in the Goldie Locks Treble zone. There's enough Treble to pick out extra detail and nuance, without giving you a headache or being siblant. No issues with S's or screeching of any kind. Just right. Midrange is just right for me. It's not too forward, nor is it too recessed. Mid range instruments and vocals are clear and present. I have zero issues hearing details and naunces. Personally, I don't like Mids that are too forward. Mid ranges are the easiest sound frequencies for humans to hear anyway. It's best for overall sound quality to have Mids in check (as long as they don't get buried or muffled, which isn't the case here.) By not having the Mids too forward, it also helps with the soundstage. As I hinted to before, these act as if you're listening to a home stereo...filling a room... rather than a pair of headphones on your head. I think the Mids are just right. Plenty of detail and nuance. I don't feel like I'm missing out on any instruments. Everything is there and placed well. More of a 3d soundscape than most headphones. Goldie Locks Mids for sure. * NOTE - These need plenty of power to fully engage and reach their potential. An amp is an absolute must. They may be low impedance, but they are also low sensitivity - that matters big time. You don't need a super powerful amp, but don't under power them either. Like anything else - but especially these - whatever DAC and or Amp (or combo) you have the XS hooked up to - it could be a good degree of difference in both the low and high end depending on the equipment used. The soundstage and openess seem to be fairly constant between different equipment (because it truly is wide and open...also has great vertical and depth imo). As for Bass and Treble - it will absolutely depend on your DAC / Amp situation. My main headphone stack --- SMSL DL100 --> Douk Audio T8 (7) Band EQ (Tube hybrid) --> Douk Audio H2 (Tube hybrid) - all connected via balanced XLR cables ----- the Edition XS sounds like an audio masterpiece (which reminds me - I need to update my DL100 review - I slammed it hardcore...it's great as a DAC (not using its built in amp) - I prematurely trashed it (although I still have some negative opinions regarding the amp portion...and it also depends highly on what amp you pair it with - it sounds great paired with a tube amp - after the tubes get burned in - that's a whole other thing) Anyway, pairing the Edition XS with a fairly analytical DAC that's connected to a warm, musical amp - WOW! This way, the XS's planar bass can really come thru and shine - definitely not too lean, nor too much. Plus, all the detail and nuance in Mids and Highs come thru - with some musical warmth. Of course, you don't need that exact combination of equipment type for these to shine. It's just what works best for my taste. My point with this is: be mindful of your DAC / Amp situation before judging these in a bad way if something seems off. Chances are, these will be great regardless. Bottom line - the sound is incredible and punches way higher than it's price. It's definitely one of my favorite headphones...if not my very favorite. (I have a collection of many headphones and earbuds... so that's saying something... including sets that are way more expensive.) Comfort - ok, here's a possible snag. I don't have a huge head - 7 3/8. Pretty average size head. It seems that most people who love headphones have massive, gigantic heads (I say this because I see headphone reviewers always complaining about their giant head...or heaphones being too small...that's a very strange anomaly in life lol.) The Edition XS is built for those people. Even on the smallest setting, the XS sits on top of my ears to where the top of my ears are almost starting to bend down - way too big. This is 100% fixable. I bought a package of black Dekoni Nuggets - cube shaped cushions for headbands. I used 3 of them on the headband (the pack comes with 4 nuggets) Problem solved. I did have to extend the headband one notch on both sides because the cubes slightly overcorrected the height. With the cubes installed, and extending the headband one notch, my ears are perfectly centered inside the massive earcups. Those nugget cushions are very comfortable. Even with the heavier weight of the XS, I can wear them for hours and have absolutely no issues. So the size and comfort is now perfect. The Dekoni Nuggets cost around $25 a pack. I actually bought a couple more packs of Dekoni Nuggets and used them on other heaphones. My other heaphones only required 2 nuggets each. Only on the XS did I feel that I needed to use 3 instead of 2 (because they are big and heavy.) As an FYI - I used those nuggets on my Hifiman Deva Pro, Hifiman HE9 and HE10 (the closed back models that use the Bluemini R2R DAC) Sivga P2 Pro and Fiio FT1 closed back. It's absolutely worth the extra $25. *If you actually got this far and read all this, and considering buying the XS (just do it...dont miss out on the craziest deal ever in audio history) - definitely order the Dekoni Nuggets with it - even if you have a large head... without them, the crown of your head may start to hurt after a while. My head did start to hurt wearing them after a short period of time without the nugget cushions. * I had zero QC problems. Matter of fact, I haven't had any issues with Hifiman headphones. The only issue that came up, was with one of my Bluemini R2R DAC units - only one of them had issues... got it replaced. I do understand that a small percentage of people have had QC issues with some headphone units. Just swap them out if you have an issue. These are worth a try for sure. I don't think it's that prolific of a problem. The supplied cable is decent imo. I did buy a balanced cable, but I can't really tell a difference. Maybe if you have a cable that costs more than the headphones themselves, then sure - maybe it will make a difference...but the supplied cable is just fine. I'm happy with all my Hifiman cables (which are all essentially the same.) The stock earpads are comfortable and provide a good seal. No issues. The only con is the headband - without extra cushion, the top of your head will start hurting after a while. That's due to its weight. I can't say enough - after sticking on the Dekoni Nuggets, any issues go away (and yes - you simply stick the nuggets to the headband. It has 3M heavy duty double sided mounting tape installed on the nuggets. That's the same tape I used professionally when I worked a job that requires that type of thing. First - just lightly stick the nuggets where you think you want them - don't apply full pressure yet. Then, you can move them around slightly - fine tune your placement. Once the nuggets are exactly where you want them, apply pressure on the nuggets for a moment and that's it. Done. I haven't had any issues with the nuggets coming off. I do have the XS resting on a headphone stand when not in use. The middle nugget, situated under the direct center of the headband, has not lost its "memory" from sitting on the stand for long periods of time between uses. That's good to know. I was worried the foam would start to lose its memory and not rebound after sitting on the stand for long periods of time - but it doesn't. At least not yet. After a year and light use (I have a bunch of headphones and earbuds as I mentioned. I rotate them out. So I don't use any one pair all the time. So that means the headphones are on its stand for most of the time.)...the nuggets are holding up well in this condition after a year. Even if I had to replace them, I'd gladly do it since they work so well. Although I may not use the XS all the time, I have used them more than most of my headphones because I really do like them (just wanted to clarify that.) So with all that said...with all of the repeating of the same points over and over (sorry...I tend to beat a dead horse) - the Edition XS is truly a great set of headphones. Sounds awesome, great deal, and become comfortable once you get the Dekoni Nuggets (or whatever you decide.) I truly can't think of a better deal in headphones. Buy them. Don't wait until they are discontinued.

I'll preface this review by saying this is the first set of mid-high end headphones. Previous to this I primarily used Sennheiser HD599 SE which was a taste of what a high quality headphone is like. I got hooked and after doing a lot of research and sampling of other headphones where I could, I landed on these HiFiMan headphones. I'm driving them from a Focusrite Scarlett Solo and Schitt Magni Heresy amp. I can't compare these to previous offerings from HiFiMan so I can't comment on the "stealth magnet" technology. I can comment on the raw sound quality, sound stage and build quality. Pros: - Very detailed sound. I've heard things in music and other media I've never heard before. - Sound stage is the most open that I've ever heard in a headphone. - The sound is not "colored" too much. To my ear it's a bit V shaped but stays relatively close to reference. - I've never heard bass delivered with such clarity and "slam" before these. Very fun to listen to all different kinds of electronic music. Cons: - Build quality could be better. They don't feel like they will break too easily but I also don't feel like I can just throw them down. - The headband is a bit uncomfortable when wearing over a long period of time (>2 hrs). - Clamping pressure is very low, to the point where they do like to slide around a bit too much. - The cable is not very good. It's pretty clear what HiFiMan has done here. They aimed to deliver one of the best sounding headphones at this price point and hit it by cheaping out a bit on the materials that don't matter quite as much. The result is a headphone that maybe isn't the most comfortable to wear for a long time and makes you feel like you need to be gentle with them, but once you start listening to your favorite music, that no longer matters. Sound is crisp all throughout the frequency range with no signs of distortion even at uncomfortable listening levels. The highs are well controlled and not too sparkly, mids are a bit clinical but well balanced and lows are simply amazing. Oh that bass. It's just perfect the way it is but if you like a bit more these take to EQ very well. Sound stage is unlike anything I've heard. Very open although my ears aren't good enough to place instruments even with Sennheiser's HD800 series so take that as you will. There's no feeling of being closed in with these. If I could change one thing about these headphones, I would probably make the midrange a bit warmer. Other than that, I would hesitate to say they are perfect only because my sample size is just too small. I haven't heard everything in this class of headphone so maybe there's some show stopper out there that blows everything else away that I haven't heard. However I absolutely would recommend these to anyone interested in headphones with planar drivers. The price is certainly justified. Remember to give these headphones a bit of break in time. When I first plugged them in I was turned off as the highs were too present and shrill at times. That went away over time and they sound fantastic now.

The sound is really good. The only thing I find annoying is that it's rather large on the ears and the head area can be uncomfortable sometimes. It's better if they use some form of headbands like some of their other models. They should be more consistent in their design.

I will cut to the chase. Fantastic detail, soundstage and resolution for the price. Maybe the best. However there are a few concerns that need to be addressed. I run these with eq, but stock tuning is well done. Firstly, these headphones are huge. I require an aftermarket headphone headband to position my ears in the centre of the cup. This also helps comfort issues as well. Secondly, these require amplification. Testing desktop and mobile setups, I have concluded 4Vs and around 220mw is the sweet spot. They do get loud enough off 2vs but I do feel for headroom especially if you run preamp to avoid clipping 4Vs is worth it. Quedlix 5k (in balanced) can drive the edition xs easily. Tube amps do not sound good on this headphone. Build quality is an achilles heel for hifiman. No complaints so far but will update if they do fail and the subsequent warranty claims. All in all, at this price ($449 AUD) it is a no brainer buy. End game for most users.

Qualidade sonora incrível! Para audiófilos com a melhor relação custo/ benefício.