Edition XS totally surpassed my expectations in every metric. It's much less a competitor to others in its own price range and much more an Ananda/Arya variant. It has features from the entire range implemented. It redefined what a $500 headphone should strive to be and along with Sundara filled a huge gap in the market. I think it's very aggressively priced and could easily be the same price as Ananda and still be a good buy. For budget audiophiles it's good enough to be endgame with the right amp. It has a smooth, dynamic, fun sound signature that's just the right distance away from flat. Very universal. Hifiman have done a great job with this one!
This is a great review! I totally agree with everything. I own XS for over 2 months and I love them. I had Sundara for 2 weeks just to test it so I can compare XS to Sundara. Sundara is impressive at it's price but I was lacking base (I mainly listen to prog rock music). Sundara also was trying to put details to my face a bit too much. I was comparing it to my upgraded Beyerdynamic T1v1 and Sundara didn't have more detail but put more emphasis on it. I love XS because they don't lack anything. They are build well enough to be durable and comfortable. They also have this airy sound. Every instrument has it's place and the distance. I didn't have this feeling in Sundara. I didn't hear better headphones in this price range.
This was a very long review but the intricate descriptions of sound and comparisons you presented compared to other headphones make it very worth it. it really creates an ‘image’ in my head to what these could sound like and the quirks in the process that make the XS sound better adjusting them on your head.
I have Ananda but now i want these ty so much lol! I dont use EQ... (more laid back). Damn you are the best reviewer today. Thanks for your take on these and keep it up!
Thank you for the suggestion to wear it lower, I had it at the smallest setting and thought how it can be since I have kind of a firm enough head lol now the sound stage is definitely different this way thumbs up!
Excellent review as always. I own the Sundara and Arya V2. Also tried the V3. I find your sound impressions match mine very closely but I do prefer the V2 over the Stealth. I've not heard the Edition XS yet but at $500 I'd say the best headphone I've heard is the T60 Argon. Given they are not as mass produced as the Hifimans, they seem to get overlooked. But they sound fantastic, especially with the latest pad upgrades. I'd be interested to hear your take on those and your comparisons
@@theheadphoneexperience-wil2250 Question. I have two dac amp dongles that are highly rated. The apogee groove and the clarus coda, could you tell me if these are sufficient to use with the hifiman edition xs?
I also have the Deva Pro which I finally decided on after your review, it’s got more mid bass than the Sundara, some more sub and isa more fun listen although I still keep going to my Sundaras quite regularly. These sound as if they have more sub bass extension again and probably detail.
I'm kind of glad they went with cheaper materials on things like this and the Ananda. The headphones are so large that if they went with solid materials those things would probably weigh 800 grams 😅
@@parassahai I wouldn’t know how to answer because this is the only dac I’ve used the headphones with so I cant compare to something else. Im new to the hi res audio, but they sound amazing. You wont be disappointed if you purchase.
I'm actually looking at the exact setup that you have. After 5 months, how would you rate your time with them? This will also be my first entry into the "hifi" world.
@@thaddeusyost9331 I only listen to them about 1-3 times a month, but its definitely a different experience. Hands down the best way to listen to music but you have to be in your room or desk to use because it is hard to carry the dac around with the cables. Im looking to selling my setup. The headphones are like new, dac like new, also got the balanced cable and usb to lighting for iphone use.
Hi I use these with the Chord Mojo 2 and tweak the EQ to my tastes and find it to be a great combo. Great clarity and soundstage and surprisingly comfortable. One of my work colleagues has a dragonfly and DT770 pros and after listening to mine wants to go out and buy the same set up.
I've had the XS for about a week. I'm finding them uncomfortable on my head. Thinking about moving to the Ananda (similar price at the moment), but damn...you're selling me on the Arya Stealth. Great review.
@@theheadphoneexperience-wil2250 Thanks for the reply! I think it's two things that are getting to me. The headband (my head is a bit too small). And the somewhat harsh seam on the earcups between the 2 fabrics.
Which version of Sundara are you refering to: is it 2022 with asymetric pads or the previous one? I have Sundara and Xs for tests and have different findings only in bass department. For me they are comparable there.
Nice review. I own a Sundara and would like to add an Arya but the price is killing me. The Ananda I could get one for $529. Is it a better choice over the XS at $499? Thanks!
I hate to admit this, but I have not yet heard any of the 6 series Sennheiser headphones. I review what is loaned to me for review, and so far none have come my way.
Your video is very long and I will watch it later but I know you have the same amp/dac as me so I'm just wondering, how did it sound on the Benchmark Dac1? Does it sound good? can it drive the edition xs?
Thanks from INDIA. ifi zen dac v2 + ifi zen can + edition xs vs ifi zen dac v2 + Ananda ?? edition xs with dedicated Amp Vs Ananda without dedicated amp? which is better option?
Question. I have two highly rated small dac amp dongles, The apogee groove and the clarus coda. Could anyone tell me if these are sufficient to use with the hifiman edition xs??
@@LorenzoFrausto Thank you! By the way? I have both the edition xs AND the new Ananda stealth magnet version. They are both outstanding! The Ananda sounds better, but they both are fantastic
@@LorenzoFrausto Sp far, I'm giving it the edge. I've only been listening for a couple days, but it looks like from my ears, the new ananda stealth magnet wins. But the edition xs is also real real great as well.
I used to EQ it to tame at 3k and 7k. However, after switching from the stock cable to a Mogami based cable, the peaks, and the dips just disappeared. It seems to me that the published frequency response with the peaks and a dip were the result of the stock cable. Then I tried a cable based on the Gotham GHC-4/1 and the bass got even more controlled and the midrange and the highs more neutral. For my taste, this is the best match for the XS. The bottom line is that this headphone is not slightly bright as the reviews indicates, and the Frequency respond also suggest, unless the stock cable is used. Otherwise, it's neutral.
you should improve your microphone quality and balance. your voice is very ear piercing... buy some normal mic , even Blue for 60$ will be day and night better...
