Don't stop filming. I assure you one day you'll be a very popular audio reviewer. Your picture, label, and technical level is at a very high level. I'm sure you'll do very well. You're one of my top columnists.
Thanks man! Definitely means a lot. Sometimes though we must ask ourselves, Why? And what should we really be striving for? I've been doing a lot of soul-searching over the last few months and I'll just leave it at that for now. In terms of filming, yeah I really do love making videos and all that. I just get burnt out at times. I have other ideas and channels I want to explore as well. I guess I just have so many hobbies and interests that I can get overwhelmed is all.
@@HomeStudioBasics I understand. Just know that your technical abilities are at a very high level. The picture, the sound, the presentation. Your content looks great.
Just be completely honest with yourself while making content nobody likes fake sell outs so keep it real and it will be a breath of fresh air for the viewers.@HomeStudioBasics
Hi Stu, I have owned the HE400se for quite some time now and love it, thanks to your recommendation. How much of an upgrade is the XS from the HE400se and any notable differences in tonality? P.S. How are the Grand Kids?
Hey Paolo! I would say there is a definite improvement in resolution and tonality. After the XS, any improvements get increasingly more marginal as you spend more and move up product lines.
Yes how much of an improvement, I too have the he400se. Is it like 40% or like 5%?? Need to know before I hand over my wad of cash, please. Or should I save the money for my kidney transplant?
Despite some shade thrown at hifiman for their QC, they're always striving for new and better things and constantly listening to their feedback. They're a company that's grown on me. And I might be a little bias because I absolutely love my Arya. current combo right now is Schiit Modi Multibit 1, Asgard 3 amp, and Arya v2 with Dekoni Hybrid Elite pads. The synergy is preeeetty sweet. Keep up the good work, Stu!
Thank you! Yeah, I totally agree and that's something I talked about in previous articles and videos. Glad to see someone else noticing as well. They seem to always be forging ahead and learning from their mistakes. The only thing is I wish they would stop using those horrific pads on the 400 series models. It's not that they aren't comfortable, it's the glue issue on the back. There's really no reason I should have to buy aftermarket overpriced Dekoni pads to compensate. It's crazy to me that they're manufacturing what HIFIMAN should make themselves. So instead of glue on a thin piece of pad, the pads wrap around the back and there's no need for any adhesive. If you were curious, check this article: homestudiobasics.com/hifiman-he4xx-vs-400i-vs-400s-vs-sundara/ Just scroll down until you see the 2 side by side. It's something I've been harping on for a few years now.
Yes, phenomenal headphones and price as well. I always aim for peak value and that's what they deliver. In fact, they are almost a bargain considering the prices of more expensive headphones that in reality aren't enough of an improvement to justify the price jump.
The difference between the edition xs and the Ananda is less than 50$ for me right now, would you still say it's not worth it to go for Ananda over xs? Do you think the xs is better regardless of price?
If it's less than $50, I may go with Ananda, but I have a soft spot for it. I wouldn't necessarily say the XS is better, just a better value at $500. If you prefer a brighter sound up top, Ananda is the ticket. The XS, while better than the original X, is still a bit more laid-back sounding.
@@UnknownDarkness1 Rather buy a clear or arya if you can find it for a good price. Or buy the Ananda sm for $400 which is a bargain. I don't think the LCD X is worth it apparently requires alot of eq.
I bought the Anandas used a few years ago on your recommendation and I am using them with the btr3k all day still, for me, its perfect comfort, I had a few issues over the years that I fixed by disassembling them and cleaning all the internals and they sound new.
Well I do enjoy hd600 a lot more then the XS. Might be the more relaxed presentation. But one thing really bothers me most on XS: it's the metallic sound that comes through here and there. It just sounds off. While the rumble and huge presentation are jaw dropping in some tracks, I find myself taking them off after 20 to 60 minutes. They do have something for sure, but the hd 600 is night filling without any fatigue. Btw. I get your point in veil presentation but personally I only recognise it after switching from XS to HD600. It get's obvious with drums. After some tracks this feeling is gone. At least for me. I liked your hifiman comparison back then on your website and the same way here. Good job.
Its funny how much our ears can vary. I've had the XS for a week now & have basically zero fatiguing. With no EQ, I can listen for 6 hours plus, without any issue, which is very unusual for me. Comfort is "almost perfect" too, although I have now added the Geekria Large Hook & Loop headband, to make it actually perfect.
I had the original Ananda and thought they were great until I got the Arya stealth and that totally blew me away. Everything was better. More realistic bass, the vocals were buttery smooth and life like, and the treble was super smooth and nicely detailed. But I had to sell them awhile back. But now I have ordered the Ananda Nano and can't wait for them to come in. I've heard they have the stealth magnets and the nano millimeter driver. And they say they are easy to drive. Hoping my Fiio K7 and Q11 will be a perfect match.
Wow you got rid of your arya stealth , I guess you hope the nano sound just as good , but I doubt it .I have the stealth and like 5 other headphones and easily the arya stealth rules over them .
@Angel I'm not expecting the Ananda nano to be better. Just easier to drive and cheaper than the Arya stealth. Also I'm wanting it to work well mobile. I don't have a lot of time to sit down at my PC to listen to music.
I was just thinking how unfortunate the timing of this roundup was given the Ananda has just been superseded by the Ananda Nano. I'm very curious to know how significant the differences between them are. If they keep the Ananda's strengths while restraining the top end a tad I can see myself reaching for my wallet.
@allums73110 Hey I just returned the XS and am waiting on the Nano after not liking how thick and sub-extensiony they were I'm praying the Nano is the compromise I want for more detail and clarity. Any chance you can talk about how you've been liking them or not since or what else you've gone to now?
@LastAphelion they have been phenomenal. I run them with a Hart Audio balanced cable and a Hifiman ef400. They have amazing detail, very spacious, nice bass slam, lots of treble detail and nice timbre in the mids. If I want more engaging sound I go for my Sennheiser ie600 but the Nano is almost perfect for my ideal headphone.
Finally, an honest headphone comparison. Thanks for this! Makes me feel good about my purchase of my edition XS for 279 refurbished. My only points of reference are a pair of HD599 and VModa M100s so anything from Hifiman should be great to me.
Hi sir, I have been using Edition Xs with topping E70 + A90 D. Edition xs is perfect for me in all aspects except that I want more depth in soundstage. My main preference is : Forward depth in the sound stage. I want to feel the singer and instruments at some distance in front of my head as if i am sitting in a concert. Please suggest between he1000 stealth or Arya stealth for their forward depth in staging. Or You can suggest some other options for my preferences under $2000. I really appreciate. Thank you.
Hi dudes! Arya isn't going to give you a much different SS than XS, and I haven't heard the he1000. Other options for grand Soundstage are the K702 but one headphone that actually made me feel like the artist was in front of me was the Dan Clark Aeon Flow.
Even thou I have more expensive headphones it was worth it, first planar that I own which actually is well tuned, not too bright/dry more musical natural sounding. For my ears it is worth 1000~1500$, 350$ is a joke rly. Bare in mind that it originally cost was 1000$ so good amp is recommended
great review and comparison. really appreciate your knowledge with these headphones. super useful. just subscribed to your channel. i'll ask you about your great grand nephews...but not today. cheers!
Really miss this guy. Sucks that he puts most of the focus on his websites but it is what it is. One of the best reviewers out there and actually the first to tesch me the basics of audiophile grade gear. I could really use a arya organic review.
Thanks for the comparison, I can get Ananda and xs for about 300€, the Arya stealth about 200€ more. xs is new and the other are second hand, is the Arya worth the extra?
People don't like hifiman for their build and QC but one thing I love them for is they are constantly lowering their prices and improving their headphones all the time, other companies still charge the same for headphones that have long been passed by but hifiman always moves forward and isn't afraid of improving on their own headphones even at the determent to them, very brave thing for a company to do IMO. I understand how it could upset someone who bought let's say a Ananda Stealth and then they release the nano a few months later for only $50 more. Haven't heard the nano but even though I bought a stealth it doesn't upset me in the least. Also I think the Ananda is so much better than the XS, I tried them both and XS was not musical and too dry to me.
Yeah, it totally seems like they get the hint, especially with regard to pricing. I also love how they updated the build quality of the 400 series starting with the DEVA in 2020. The only thing I can't stand still is the pad issue on 400 series models which I commented to someone previously above (Captain Skelly if you were interested)
6 months later, but I found this Thank you, SCB! I ordered the HIfi XS after reading your written review. But - as always - loved your video review. You are the only videographer/audio reviewer I can watch at this point. You are smart, detailed, natural, unique, in short: a delight. And as you pointed out, you tend to consider price in your calculations - thank god. btw: I bought the AKG 702s on your recommendation as well, and left a glowing review on Amazon pushing people to your review on Home Studio Basics. I am really grateful for your reviews. AND, you paint! As another review below suggested, "Keep at this" (please).
@@dx48. What you think? I returned my XS for a loose left side jack port, and I found them a bit too thick. Like they have sub bass extension for days like picture getting the tingles non stop from hearing heavy stone doors shutting in caverns reverberating for miles and miles. No other headphone has done that for me. But I wanted less of that thickness, more elevated highs, detail/clarity focus so I am trying the Nano next.
Great, I am eyeing an XS. Mostly cause my amp setup is mid fi. I feel Arya could be worth it if you budget more for whole setup. Better dac amp (kilobuck range).
True, but I said Arya was overpriced from the start homestudiobasics.com/hifiman-arya-review/ and sure enough it's come down. Good headphone but there's no reason to get it over an Ananda or Edition XS. There is a slight upgrade in sound, but not worth the asking price. If it comes down more than maybe I'd consider it.
Hey, if you had to choose between Edition XS and Ananda at the very same price point (got a pretty good deal locally that would make the Ananda $25 cheaper than Edition XS) which one would you choose? Thanks
Just get the HD660S2 and call it a lifetime. lol! These Hifiman are not yet proven to last and even the Sundara whom they say is lively is actually bright and fatiguing with its fit.
I still wonder if its worth it vs a well eq'ed hd600 with strong sub bass added to it. i read/watch reviews claiming with eq its about the same or close.
Haha thanks man! There's actually a funny story behind that face I made. Way back when, my sister used to tease me because of the way I smiled or something. We were out at dinner with the family and I actually filmed her doing an impression of me smiling and what you see is roughly how it looks. So since then every time I think about it it makes me laugh. 🤣😂
since there's no one else in audio with your sense of humour can you please take this more seriously😈😁 i mean post more regularly, for the love of your grandkids if nothing else🤓
XS's Can run from phone just fine too, they won't be loud maxed out but they play without loosing a beat. (Realme gt ME, dunno if it matters). Not suprised they sing from Go Link, very easy to drive, just on less efficient side. And before anyone asks, my distant family was interested in my hobby, so I just took EXS's with me and played EQ'd from phone. Didn't wanna take amp, dac and laptop just to show it off. P.S. Thanks for the beat list, not a lot creators does it :D I appreciate it.
Hey man, it's seems you are doing fine, good / great to see that, nice hair,...what about a techno or gothic haircut? shaving the sides....anyway, thanks for sharing the information about those great headphones. Nice background music. I think I like all 3 headphones. I use dt 770 pro and audio technica m50x again. For me I am satisfied. However always great to see your opinions and reviews. Keep on going. Stay healthy Alex from The Netherlands.
Hey man great video as always, I feel I should take a step up to the XS now then! Throat punching activities are a little concerning, perhaps they need some protection fittings like on those Dyson headphones.
Great review. Edition XS are ace, perfect sound for me personaly. They are great for most music but also in open world games. My only negative is the band does start to hurt after an hour or so, maybe I have an odd head shape. I get the same issues with my Focals, but not my sennheiser or Bowers & Wilkins . Next up is I need to replace my G6 DAC... Any recommendations? Keep up the good work and stay honest.
Thanks man! Will do. Love the XS. Replacing G6? Why? My recommendations are now FiiO K11 and K7. NO real reason to get a K5 Pro anymore though it's still a great product. It's just that the K11 has a balanced headphone output for cheaper and if you don't need RCA inputs, it's a better buy. if you do need RCA inputs, K7. I also like the ATOM 2 because I like John Seaber and what he and his company stand for (No BS).
Interesting take on the Arya vs. the XS, and falls well within the principle of diminishing returns. Is 800$ worth it for that extra 5-10%. I think picking up an HD800s instead for that wacky soundstage or a focal for some slam would round out a collection way better. Speaking of ,you still got you sights set on the Utopia as your end game or moved on from that?
Yeah, I mean I think 5-10% is pushing it though. You're maybe getting a 1-2% improvement in resolution; if that. I just can't justify spending all that extra money on such a tiny increase that I would never even care about had I not had them both to go back and forth with. Let's say you're correct and that it's like 5. Still too much money. Now, if the Arya was $700 vs. $500 for XS, sure, spend a couple hundred extra. Utopia is still the best headphone I've heard up to this point and would still be my end game.
@@HomeStudioBasics Thanks for the response! Yes, I agree, and I wonder if people would fail to spot differences between them if blindfolded and had someone put the headphones on their head with the same track. So for someone who likes smoother relaxed sound signatures [think meze, sivga, sendy] which hifiman would you suggest?
I came here to research HD600 a few years ago. I came here to look at the Hifiman HE400se last year. And now I am here looking at Edition XS because I've seen them used going for way less. Oh mine, here we go again. 😀
@@HomeStudioBasics I have to tell you this. I bought them for 200 bucks. They were brand new. I'm done. Now I look at other headphones and I feel nothing. I think I'm healed. 😂😊
I would like to get a little more straight comparison, but it seems like you really were focused on the pricing the whole time. It’s a headphone review not a shopping review.
hello, I'm using akg q701 together with soundblaster g6. use for fps games, open world, mostly pubg. I'm thinking of getting hifiman ananda. Because I have a small head. My question is: would I have a better image and details with hifiman? compared to the akg q701?
I have the XS and I almost never use them. The headband hurts the top of my head. I’m thinking of switching to the Ananda or Arya JUST for the headband.
Found your channel through my research about Grado Headphones. My old EGrado is falling apart, and they aren´t producing any behind the neck variants anymore. Do you know anything that i could use, that does not have absolute trash sound, and is of good use for just normal activitys like the gym and a walk, so i dont need perfect sound, just not shitty one. And wireless is not an option. Thankfull for anybody who has an idea for me.
after calculating piwer requirement for both my hd6xx and blon b20 ..found that they require less than 2volts to function as intended..so im back on 3.5mm jack on my a90d ..resulted in more natural timbre.
Love your humor! I'm sitting on my hands waiting for the Nano review before I pull the trigger on the XS. I'm hoping you might get your hands on one asap and give me (us) your thoughts. P.S....I've searched reddit, youtube, the web in general and there's "nothing" yet on these Nano's.....be the first to get your review out there and the views will be massive. Food for thought!! Cheers!
@@HomeStudioBasics I'm sorry...I was referring to the new Hifiman Ananda Nano. Brand new. I took your advice and many others honestly and bought the XS. They arrive Tuesday. Looking forward to your future videos. I truly believe you are one of the few reviewers that are honest and not biased based on corporate influence. Good job!
Hifiman must be fucking insane, a hundred different headphones which nobody knows in which way different from each other and then they actually bring out XS with that ugly uncomfortable headband where as they have a good headband design on virtually all other models. WTF is this joke
My gripes with HIFIMAN are QC and their dog shit pads. Dekoni makes the pads that HIFIMAN should include with all of their headphones but they're overpriced asf. Makes me so mad. I've been talking about this for years.
YES. I'm collecting all the original ones I didn't already have. Got Don, Leo, Mich, Raph, Shredder, Rocksteady, and Bebop. Both arms were missing from bebop but I was able to find a couple in the ebay scrap heap xD
Haven't heard the Nano! But in general, Arya may be slightly better than Ananda/XS, but not worth the price increase. I was basically the only one saying it was overpriced from the start and it's finally come down because it wasn't worth $1600 lol. Not even close.
I have the Hifiman Edition XS and I'm extremely happy, my use case is for gaming... If you have grandchildren then they are step grandchildren from a wife that must be significantly older than you.
Man , would love to see you get your hands on the hifiman he1000se. I could really use a comparison of the he1000se and he1000 v2 stealth while hifiman has the sale going on. He1000se is $1999 and the v2 stealth is like $1,300. Basically can buy new for the price of what they went for used on headfi classified
@MuzdokOfficial il y a 9 secondes (modifié) I still wonder if hd660S2 are worth it vs a well eq'ed hd600 with strong sub bass added to it. i read/watch reviews claiming with eq its about the same or close. @HomeStudioBasics your toughts? Répondre
