Hifiman Edition XS Review - $500 Golden Egg?

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March ieMadness Info:
Here’s a link to the form with more details and the bracket: forms.gle/V9bndic7rP3YqjM59
Straight link to make a copy of the bracket (Google Drawing): docs.google.com/drawings/d/1t...
PDF copy: drive.google.com/file/d/1Depv...
Hifiman Edition XS - I know this headphone has been on a lot of people’s radar, and for good reason. It’s an entry into the Hifiman oval-cup headphones and it comes it in under $500. It’s good. My question was really how does it compete with the Focal Elex, which I’m really digging lately and is right in that price range. I also wanted to test it against the HE1000v2 which is the TOTL oval cup Hifiman.
Timestamps:
00:00 - March ieMadness Plug
00:38 - Intro
01:28 - Packaging / Build / Accessories
03:30 - Comfort
04:10 - Sound Intro
07:10 - Comparisons
08:23 - Conclusions
Links to stuff mentioned in the video (some affiliate):
Hifiman XS (Apos): apos.audio/products/hifiman-e...
Hifiman XS (Amazon): amzn.to/3KP5JmY
Focal Elex: drop.com/buy/massdrop-x-focal...
Dekoni Elex Pads: amzn.to/3N3eXOs
He1000v2 (Apos): apos.audio/products/hifiman-h...
He1000v2 (Amazon): amzn.to/3JlTONq
A couple of other relevant reviews:
Edition XX vs Ananda: • Hifiman Comparison: He...
He1000v2 vs HE6 vs Arya: • Edition XX vs Ananda -...
Look down below for links to all that gear and some other recommendations.
Of course, I always recommend you take a look at the used market, below are some sites that are great for that.
Head-Fi: www.head-fi.org/
HifiGuides: forum.hifiguides.com/
Reddit: / avexchange
Hifi-shark: www.hifishark.com/
US AudioMart: www.usaudiomart.com/
Some of my favorite equipment for various niches (some links are affiliate):
Super Budget Headphone: Koss kph40: koss.com/products/kph40-utility
Need these pads for the kph40 though: www.aliexpress.com/item/10050...
Cheap Gaming Headphone: AD700X: amzn.to/3b4ACUS
Super Cheap Closed-Back Gaming: Recon 500: amzn.to/3numqem
Cheap All-Around Headphone: SHP9600: amzn.to/3b6aUiP
Entry Level DAC: Modi 3+: www.schiit.com/products/modi-1
Entry Level Amp: IEMagni: www.schiit.com/products/magni-1
Entry Balanced DAC: SMSL SU8: (look used)
Or Modius: www.schiit.com/products/modius
My Main DAC: Soekris 2541: soekris.modhouseaudio.com/soe...
My Main Amp: Burson Soloist 3xp: amzn.to/3oCPd0K
Tube Amp: Bottlehead Crack: bottlehead.com/product/crack-...
Headphone #1: Hifiman He1000v2: apos.audio/products/hifiman-h...
Headphone #2: Focal Elex w/ Dekoni Fenestrated Sheepskin: drop.com/buy/massdrop-x-focal...
Headphone #3: OG NIghthawks: (look used)
Gaming Headphone: HE560v4: adorama.rfvk.net/6bnGoG
Bluetooth Portable DAC/Amp: XCan: amzn.to/3vJG8WA
Wired Portable DAC/Amp: Mojo: amzn.to/3CbYWQs
TWS: Sony XM4: amzn.to/3Glr7Py
Cables:
Hart Audio Cables: hartaudiocables.com/
Worlds Best RCA Interconnects: amzn.to/3pB2Oa7
Worlds Best XLR Interconnects: amzn.to/3vEdwxO
Recording Gear:
Canon M50: amzn.to/3ba7KKJ
Sigma 16mm 1.4: amzn.to/3vF6SaB
Beyerdynamic Fox Mic: amzn.to/3hoQ01v
Canon M100 (overhead): amzn.to/31lZAxT
Canon 22mm 2.0 (overhead): amzn.to/3dowiAO
#hifiman #editionxs #headphones

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Опубликовано:

4 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 124

@InDueTime25 2 года назад

Great review bro. Keep them coming.

@therealwhite 9 месяцев назад

I absolutely love that quilt thing in the background.

@MrAyrit 9 месяцев назад

My grandma’s handy work.

@quincyfreeman2901 2 года назад

Good stuff! I’m surprised you still stuck with the Elex over the XS, considering how well hifimans tend to jive with you 😛 This was interesting to me because most of your comments comparing the 2 headphones are the same things I’m experiencing comparing the Sundara and Elex, and why I’m having a hard time choosing the Sundara over the Elex, despite the used price differential ($175 is significant when talking entry-mid-Fi value). Cheers!

@musicxxa6678 2 года назад

Coming from Ananda, Sundara isn't really good. XS seems closer to Ananda so i'd say it's a good deal. Elex imo worse overall but you are not gonna get that dynamics from Hifiman planar so Elex has it's specialty on dynamics.

@truth-uncensored2426 Год назад

IMO the Elex is a better overall headphone compared with the Sundara. There's a review that the Oluv's Gadget channel did comparing the Elex with the Hifiman XX, I recommend you to watch.

@craigslue 2 года назад

Just watched your video on the HE6SE V2 and had been trying to decide between the getting the Sundara, Edition XS, when I seen your 6SE V2 video. Decided to grab a Sundara B stock for $249 while I could direct from Hifiman. Looks like Drop has a sale going on now on many headphones. They have the Elex for $599. The Elex seem to have a lot of longevity quality issues. Check ebay, plenty of broken Elex plus I've read about many having drivers stop working. Anyway since you suggested you prefered the 6SE V2 over the Edition XS what about between the 6SE V2 and the Elex?

@MrAyrit 2 года назад

That's a tough one. I could honestly go either way if I had enough of an amp to power both. If you are ONLY using at your desk, and have no intention of ever using in any other situation, I'd probably lean towards the HE6. However, if you ever want to carry it with you, and power it with something even half-way portable, the Elex is solid and you can get them used for $400 all day long.

@darindotson2874 2 года назад

I completely agree with your review, nice job! I love this headphone, very comfortable for hours of listening. Worth the money!!

@Scapegoat32 Год назад

I would love to swap the headband for the suspension type. I contacted customer service and they said it couldn't be done. Did you ever make a video on how to? Thanks!

@MrAyrit Год назад

I’ve got one on the circle cup Hifimans. I would imagine it’s very similar. A sundara style band could probably be swapped on in 5 min. An arya style would probably require dissembling.

@towsifshahriarshovo 2 года назад

Great review man, how do xs compare with lcd-2 in sound?? Especially in bass.

@MrAyrit 2 года назад

I’d take the LCD2, but I haven’t heard the LCD2c, my experience is with the PF or the older fazor 2.

@ryanhostudio 2 года назад

“hey siri i wasn’t talking to you” LOL

@Hari-kx2er 2 года назад

Obviously He1000v2 should be considerably better than Hifiman Edition XS. They are in entirely different price categories. No contest. A much better comparison would have been to Ananda. What is your take on Ananda vs Edition XS? Which do you prefer more?

@MrAyrit 2 года назад

My thought was to compare the XS to something more expensive, with the idea of is the more expensive thing “worth it”. I did not have an Ananda to compare to, but I did a comparison awhile back between the Edition XX and the Ananda, and I preferred the Edition XX. I think it’s safe to say I would prefer the XS over the Ananda. Check out that comparison, and it’ll probably give you a decent idea. The XX and XS are more alike than different. XS has a bit more treble presence.

@Hari-kx2er 2 года назад

@@MrAyrit Thank you for your response👍I made the earlier comment because from your comparison between the Edition XS and the He1000v2, it never seems as if He1000v2 is that much more expensive than the XS. Anyone unfamiliar with the He1000v2 will only feel as if it is just the next jump in price category to the XS (say 1000$) but it two or three steps higher when it comes to price at nearly 3000$ brand new

@MrAyrit 2 года назад

@@Hari-kx2er ahh, I see. So, a little about me. I almost always buy used. I purchased my He1000v2 for $1500--in my mind that is their "going" price.

@Hari-kx2er 2 года назад

@@MrAyrit Even at 1500$, it is three times the cost of a brand new XS at 499$. A used XS from this video itself is already available at 400$. So nearly 4 times the price comparing used to used. I think comparing Edition XS to He1000v2 is like comparing Arya Stealth to Hifiman Susvara. It is not really a fair comparison and nor are they intended for the same target audience. That said, I do get your point of view about how far does a 500$ Hifiman perform compared to its expensive siblings. However a comparison of Edition XS to He1000v2 needs to be prefaced heavily keeping the price difference in mind. Anyway, it is just my perspective. Very good video overall 👍👍

@HectorGonzalezC 2 года назад

Yes! 100%

@belphegor_dev 9 месяцев назад

I know this is an old video but is a Hip Dac 2 with bakanced cable enough to drive this well?

@MrAyrit 9 месяцев назад

Yeah

@mtnmankeith9069 Год назад

I have hart audio cable that I had made for my Beyerdynamic Amiron home which is 3.5mm into each driver. I’ve had two edition XS headphones that are not working with hart audio cable. Either a driver cuts in and out or doesn’t work at all. Is there a difference in 3.5 connectors? The cable that came with the xs has never had a problem.

@MrAyrit Год назад

I have noticed that there are a couple of different types of 3.5 connector, although usually they seem to work interchangeably. Sometimes they are TRS sometimes they have an additional band. Do the 3.5 connectors looks the same?

@mtnmankeith9069 Год назад

Yes they look the same. Contacted hart and the said “Hey Keith, unfortunately Beyerdynamic and Sony pin their dual 3.5mm headphones out differently from the rest of the industry, so that cable will not be compatible with hifiman headphones unfortunately. Our Standard Dual 3.5mm cables on our website will be pinned out for Hifiman / Focal / most other dual 3.5mm headphone applications”

@Winsentc 2 года назад

Thank you for the reviews. Have you heard of headphones like the Denon ah 9200? It would be interesting to see a review from you

@MrAyrit 2 года назад

I’ve heard of them, and I owned an Emu Teak at one point. I’m definitely Curious to hear more. Unfortunately, they are pricey and aren’t widely available for good prices on the used market, so I’m not sure when I’ll get to them.

@Winsentc 2 года назад

@@MrAyrit Thanks for the reply, I also heard about Emu Teak, but they are in the Edition xs budget. I'm considering the Hifiman Arya v3, but I'm afraid the pitch will be too neutral for me, and the Denon ah 9200 should be more fun, like maybe the ZMF Aeolus.

@andreasschwarz4908 2 года назад

Have yet to listen to it, judging by the graphs it should be an Ananda with (more) subbass, I wonder if it has the same blunted notes or if that (personal) problem has been fixed. It might not have been since you mention there's compression which could be something else but I think it's exactly that, just worded differently.

@MrAyrit 2 года назад

Are you referring to decay (or lack of it)? In any particular area of the FR?

@andreasschwarz4908 2 года назад

@@MrAyritMight be more related to the tallness of the sound which makes it less punchy. I noticed that smaller drivers/housings equals smaller, punchier sound. Couple the tallness of the Ananda with lack of bass (anemic sounding) and brighter signature and it just sounds like it's on life support.

@musicxxa6678 2 года назад

I get you. I will receive my XS soon coming from Ananda (died after the warranty). I'm curious if it has better dynamics. Most people say it has slightly better dynamics. Ananda really have that blunted notes(lack of dynamics/compressed sound) but it has other advantages. If you want a polar opposite, check out DT1990.

@andreasschwarz4908 2 года назад

@@musicxxa6678 I gave the XS a listen today. I think the sound is well done, biggest cons are lack of soundstage, harshness and dull midrange, but the source I had wasn't the greatest so I'd still take the XS into consideration cause it couldn't show its full potential (though the other headphones didn't have the soundstage issue, but the dullness was also noticeable on the Sundara which isn't present on my personal setup)

@musicxxa6678 2 года назад

@@andreasschwarz4908 So yeah i listened it quite a lot and my impression is that XS slightly less compressed/more rhythmic and punchy than Ananda but i think Ananda's sub bass is significantly better overall when eq'ed.

@LandsPlanes Год назад

Which is for you best open back under 700€ and best in ear under 700€ right now?

@MrAyrit Год назад

IMO, a used 8xx is the best value for an open back. I don’t feel like I have enough experience with in ears to comment on that.

@phalanxtairoi 2 года назад

how do they compare to arya steath from memory?

@MrAyrit 2 года назад

I’ve got the Stealth still, I can get it out again this weekend. I’d say the stealth is more resolving and more neutral, and more comfortable.

@tonytramonti5828 Год назад

Have you tried the bellend2240 electrostatics, same price but more high end

@MrAyrit Год назад

Haven’t heard of them. You have a link?

@nature_sweet_vibes Год назад

Does anyone drive the Edition XS with ifi Zen stack (dac + can) using the balanced cable ? It seems on the can with gain +6db if I pass after 12-13 mark on volume it starts to lag and interrupt the sound in headphones... does this happens to others too ? I am using foobar2000 with volume set to max. It seems the issue is with the zen CAN.... it doesnt have enough power to drive the Hifiman edition XS to max... on 0 gain it starts lagging and intrerupts with foobar2000 volume on max and volume to max on zen CAN. if I hit +6db gain on Zen Can it starts lagging and interrupting as I said at 60% of the max volume on Zen CAN. Maybe my zen Can is deffective ? I tried edition XS on FiiO K5 PRO directly and it can be really loud without interrupting.

@LilBrujoFH18 2 года назад

I bought the hifiman edition xs a week ago. I like them but I am not enjoying them as much I am enjoying my 660s. Upgrading my amp/dac soon so I hope my xs sounds better. Idk maybe I got a lemon

@MrAyrit 2 года назад

The 660s is a fine headphone. They are probably technically similar. It’s totally fine for you to like the 660 better. I’d that’s your taste, that’s your taste.

@LilBrujoFH18 2 года назад

@@MrAyrit I ordered the fiio k9 pro amplifier. I hope to a better soundstage for my xs

@MrAyrit 2 года назад

@@LilBrujoFH18 I haven’t had a chance to hear the k9 yet. Let us know what you think of it.

@Hari-kx2er 2 года назад

@@MrAyrit From all, I have read so far XS would be better than 660s except for Midrange excellence. Again, if someone prioritises Sennheiser midrange above everything else then 660s is the way to go.

@sharmatechtalk 2 года назад

Can I use the edition XS with my Sony nw A55 without additional amplifier?

@MrAyrit 2 года назад

I don’t know the specs I’d the A55, but the XS isn’t particularly power hungry. I imagine it will be fine.

@sharmatechtalk 2 года назад

@@MrAyrit thank you for your reply, Sony has MAXIMUM POWER OUTPUT (JEITA 16Ω/MW) 35 mW + 35 mW. Slightly more powerful output as compared to LG v series smartphone. Did you try to use it with any smartphone just for the reference?

@MrAyrit 2 года назад

@@sharmatechtalk mmm, that’s pretty low. I don’t think it will probably be enough.

@sharmatechtalk 2 года назад

@@MrAyrit thanks, you clear my doubt.

@HWong-hp4pg 2 года назад

Video for swapping out the headband?

@MrAyrit 2 года назад

I can release that tomorrow .

@HWong-hp4pg 2 года назад

@@MrAyrit thanks. I want to swap mine out but not sure which is compatible.

@yunloy Год назад

How these compare to the he6se v2?

@MrAyrit Год назад

They are comfier, wider, easier to drive. Probably overall easier to recommend than the HE6seV2, just for simplicity purposes... but the HE6sev2 is special. I'd take it over the XS any day as long as I had a decent amp to drive it.

@kentbergstrom3020 Год назад

It's a real shame the build quality is so poor on these, I've had two of which the height adjustment on the headband broke within a week, the sound is absolutely fantastic though.

@MrAyrit Год назад

Yeah, not a fan of the headband. I think the $75 suspension strap headband from Hifiman is well worth it for these.

@mkosto Год назад

@@MrAyrit And is it compatible?

@bradhuskers Год назад

@@MrAyrit The suspension strap headband is WORSE. THE headband on the xs will last much longer

@musicxxa6678 2 года назад

What can you say about XS vs HE6 se v2 ? My XS is defective, should i replaced it with HE6 se v2 ? I use EQ so tonality isn't a question. I like the XS overall but the bass is meh. I like the wide sound of XS, Ananda wasn't wide it was more of a forward sound but Ananda did bass much better imo.

@MrAyrit 2 года назад

The HE6 had better timbre and spatial presentation IMO. The soundstage is smaller, but more 3d. Sub bass on the HE6 is pretty great if you’re into that. If you have the amp to drive it, I’d take the HE6.

@musicxxa6678 2 года назад

@@MrAyrit Thanks. I will see if i can get one.

@MrAyrit 2 года назад

@@musicxxa6678 I’ve been seeing quite a few on the used market for close to $400. You could also check Hifiman and Adaroma for open box.

@jtasanen 2 года назад

I got these just few days ago and while it has great soundstage and lot's of bass great detail, but what i really hate is the upper frequencies, too much treble, just hurts my ears.

@MrAyrit 2 года назад

I think that I have grown to appreciate the upper frequencies more and more. You might try something like an LCD2 if you don’t like the treble on the XS.

@HomoHereticus Год назад

I got mine a month ago ant the treble has gotten much better with time. I bought the fiio k9 pro which further smoothed it out. I even prefer them now without EQing the treble out.

@smallm7943 2 года назад

This is one of the most varied reviewed headphones ever...

@MrAyrit 2 года назад

One of those that you just have to hear for yourself (actually, that’s all of them 😉)

@SuchaDoofus 2 года назад

Based on the reviews I've read, I can safely assure you that these phones are completely shit/spectacular.

@genohero6139 11 месяцев назад

Good headphone for somewhat big ears that stick out?

@MrAyrit 11 месяцев назад

I’d say so.

@genohero6139 11 месяцев назад

@@MrAyrit HOw does it compare to the FOcal CLear Iam gonna give this man from ny a call

@onlyspace9813 Год назад

Sivga sv023 or Edition Xs? Both have same price.

@MrAyrit Год назад

I’d take the 023

@onlyspace9813 Год назад

@@MrAyrit Could you explain main sound difference?

@onlyspace9813 2 года назад

You have a tier list?

@MrAyrit 2 года назад

Not really. I did a ranking list with the TOTL stuff I had on hand about a month ago, but it’s only got a handful of headphones on it. I’ve though about doing one. Do you think there’s quite a few people that would be interested in that?

@onlyspace9813 2 года назад

@@MrAyrit Yes, it does not need to be very elaborate. The technical level of the headset might be enough, then more data is optional. We users are interested in them because we use them as references and we can compare.

@MrAyrit 2 года назад

@@onlyspace9813 so, are you talking a spreadsheet? Are one of those things where I import photos and drag them to different tiers? Or both?

@onlyspace9813 2 года назад

@@MrAyrit It can be done in a spreadsheet but it is not necessary to add photos. There are tier lists that look like this (example). -Rank S to D. S best, D worst. BGGAR for exemple. -Other are inverse. Honest Audiophile for example. -Others divide each headphone into detail, tonality and comfort. Dms for example. There really is no definite way. It's a matter of ranking the headphones. Ideally the sound signature should not be rated as better or worse because there will be people who like one or the other better. That's why I particularly like ratings purely on technical capabilities and those that add their tonality features but as extra information. For example majorhifi.

@chad6 2 года назад

Yeah the elex is not in the same price bracket…

@MrAyrit 2 года назад

Used / open box it is. I bought mine for $350.

@chad6 2 года назад

@@MrAyrit that’s not new-for-new price comparison

@MrAyrit 2 года назад

@@chad6 yeah, that’s not really how I operate. I pretty much go based off the used market, because that’s how I buy.

@amanieux 2 года назад

does your best $500 headphone sounds better than your best $500 iem ?

@MrAyrit 2 года назад

I’ve never had iems that expensive. But I’m experimenting with iems right now, perhaps that’s the next test.

@TheNewSkai 2 года назад

I'm not too experienced in audio but I had the moondrop variations and now have the edition xs and I can say that the edition xs sounds much better in pretty much every way except tuning. Overall, though, the edition xs are much better than the variations. I haven't heard any other iems in that price range so I can't compare to any other.

@AA0011. 2 года назад

He6se v2 comparison?

@MrAyrit 2 года назад

I had already sold my HE6, so I didn’t have it on hand. I think for most people the XS would probably be better, just because it’s waaay easier to drive, but if you have the amp, I’d go with the HE6, smaller stage, but more 3d, better resolution and timbre IMO.

@AA0011. 2 года назад

@@MrAyrit Nice! Thanks for the answer.

@MrCellus27 9 месяцев назад

why are you comparing XS with HE1000 v2 (500$ vs 3000$) 😅

@MrAyrit 9 месяцев назад

Don’t you think people will wonder how the eggs compare?

@JMAudioEditions 2 года назад

youre a golden egg

@MrAyrit 2 года назад

Thanks… I think.

@JMAudioEditions 2 года назад

@@MrAyrit egss=good people

@carlosalvarez7445 2 года назад

One thing to consider is whether your review was made with the cans out of the box as opposed as after at least 100 hrs of use. For me, it has been a significant change from being simply OK at the beginning to awesome after I allowed the membrane to relax and interact better with the magnets... just saying...

@ConsecDesign 2 года назад

What youre hearing is more than likely pad break-in. It is, and im being generous here, an unsubstantiated claim to say that the driver "burns in", and that this burn in always results in a positive change.

@carlosalvarez7445 2 года назад

@@ConsecDesign well... like so many other things in audio, that would be a matter of debate. Some argue that, when new, the membrane of planar magnetic cans have a degree of stiffness and that with use, they sort of soften and bring out their best performance. I've read that the Edition XS require about 300 hours, but for me, at around 100 I notice better sound. Go figure...

@MrAyrit 2 года назад

I do let things burn in a bit, but they definitely didn’t have 100 hours on them. I agree that it’s certainly possible for the sound to change, but as a reviewer, making sure 100 hours is on everything before I review it is a bit of a challenge.

@gamingandmusic9217 2 года назад

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?

@MrAyrit 2 года назад

I would take the XS over th Ananda regardless, but definitely with the dedicated amp.

@gamingandmusic9217 2 года назад

@@MrAyrit i am a fan of soundstage. Xs or Ananda in terms of soundstage ?

@MrAyrit 2 года назад

@@gamingandmusic9217 it’s been awhile since I heard the Ananda, but still XS I think.

@gamingandmusic9217 2 года назад

@@MrAyrit thank you so much

@MrAyrit 2 года назад

@@gamingandmusic9217 you bet

@ryanguy6789 2 года назад

Are you a teacher? Just curious why you use the term Mr in your username.

@MrAyrit 2 года назад

I am. I figured kids would be searching me, that's part of why I just kept it that way.

@ryanguy6789 2 года назад

@@MrAyrit cool stuff, what subject?

@Rocky-sn6fl Год назад

Hifiman should vary scripts which they're sending to YT reviewers.

@MrAyrit Год назад

No scripts. They actually really don’t ask for anything. Pretty hands off.

@TheDigitalcrack 2 года назад

Dude you are all over the place...xx has worse bass snd treble but you think you liked it more? You said the xs had a wide soundstage but it's compressed ??? You liked it but all you claiming is that it isn't what you like but you had issues with it? I have no idea what to believe after your review thoughts

@MrAyrit 2 года назад

Hmmm, I’ll have to listen again, made sense to me at the time I suppose.

@MrAyrit 2 года назад

Okay watched again and I think I can clarify a few things. First, when I’m talking compression, I’m talking frequency response, it’s like thing have been “normalized” if you do a little search I’m sure it’ll make better sense than how I can describe it. 2 the bass is better controlled than I remember on the xx, and the treble is more present-is that better? Idk, personal preference. It’s a good overall headphone, I’m just saying it doesn’t fit my preferences perfectly, which is fine. I’m just saying if you like a slight v shape and you don’t mind a bit of frequency compression it’s worth a look. Clear as mud? (That’s probably how most of my reviews are)

@utube9487 2 года назад

This guy had the most realistic review on the Edition XS. Basically a 'parts bin' made for China release and when people started importing them, Hifiman started selling them Internationally. Every new Hifiman seems worse built compared to older models, cheaper feeling and don't even start on the horror quality control, just Google it. I bought the hype and got this model and was underwhelmed, very cheap build, creaks, rattles, feels like a $20 Costco headphone (apart from the design which looks good). Nothing too special about the sound. Found the treble peaky, no mid range, my 5 year old HD650 Sennheiser rips it in tracks with a lot of vocals. Also detail seems fake with treble taking center stage to make it artificially sound like it has more resolution but it doesn't sound natural. Yes, bass on the Hifiman is much fuller but does not sound natural like the Sennheisers. Only good thing I felt was comfort with low clamp force was great for long term listening and also sound that felt like it was coming from a distance like from speakers farther away from you. All in all there are much better headphones and also with much better build quality around at the price as the reviewer mentioned, especially on the used market. I re-sold mine, bought from Aliexpress for $400 with coupons so was able to get my money back reselling it. Either wait for Edition XS V2 or skip this revision, this seems to be made for China only and was hastily released worldwide as hype kicked in.

@MrAyrit 2 года назад

I don’t know that I’d be that harsh on it, I still think it’s a decent headphone for the money, but I don’t think it competes with Hifiman’s higher end stuff.

@Hari-kx2er 2 года назад

@@MrAyrit This 'uTube' guy is a self-appointed trash talker with regard to Edition XS, lol. He goes in the comment section of MOST youtube videos regarding the XS (also in other audiophile forums regarding the XS) and trash talks about it.

@musicxxa6678 2 года назад

You have some points but it's not really fair. All their stealth magnet headphones well received including this one and as you said the comfort is good. I can shit on HD650 all day if i look for it's weaknesses. It doesn't even have soundstage at all. I'd rather listen my $1 iems. Congested mess.

@dreamstormPL 2 года назад

You should try a better AMP/DAC. XS scales very well. For only vocals HD650 can be a competition but for everything else XS is just a different league. I really love them. It's a clear step up from Sundara. I think for 500$ it might be just the best option. I wish I had heard Elex.

@MrAyrit 2 года назад

@@dreamstormPL I’m using pretty decent stuff. Soekris 2541 and a Violectric V280. We’ll beyond what most people would use with the XS (I imagine).