KICK ASS $700 AUDIOPHILE SYSTEM! 

Literally the video I been needing

I 100 % agree to your choices for this system. I've been thinking about this exact combo since your reviews for those two pieces of gear came out, absolutely love this! I'm excited for the things that might come out in the future in this price category and where they will improve over this already pretty amazing performance.

I always enjoy these budget capped builds. And cheap audio gear is getting crazy good!

I followed the previous $700 video exactly and I’m in love with that system! I plan to upgrade more in the future because of course I now have the audiophile itch to see what’s next but couldn’t be happier with what I have. Next for me will be the Focal Elex!

Just purchased this combination based on your recommendation. Love the channel. Cheers.

Just got the amp yesterday, and I’ve been listening for about 6 hours straight now. So far, I’ve tried the Dt770s and Meze 99 Classics, and both sound great.

This was a great video, Josh. You're right about the 6XX. It does one thing perfectly, and everything else at least alright.

I actually bought the Dx3 Pro+ and Edition XS based on your reviews. Great combo!. I then added an A50S and a 4.4mm balanced cable and use the Dx3 Pro+ as a DAC+pre-amp to the A50S. Man, such a great sound. Even though the A50S is not a truly balanced amp, the difference between single ended and balanced is quite noticeable! I love it! Just a few small issues with the HiFiman Edition XS: 1 - I cannot make the headband "fit" properly. It's fine so long as I don't move my head, but when I do, (to pick up a cup of tea for example) the Edition XS slip and slide so that I have to adjust them on my head again. 2 - the black colour along the outer edge of the cups just under the headband pivot (where my thumbs rest to hold the headphones when I put them on and off) is fading/wearing and the silver/grey "under colour" is coming through. Under six months use - admittedly heavy use, my daily driver if you will - I wear them for many hours every day, consuming and creating content, gaming, everything. 3 - the earpads supplied are "hybrid" leather/mesh, not a fan of that type but I'll get some full leather pads soon.

Super winning combo! Definitely one of your best recommendations, if not the best for performance2value to date.

I've actually had this exact setup for a bit, and it is MAGIC! Ended up with this pairing based on your individual coverage of these products, and I could not be happier with it. Happy to see my purchase somewhat validated by your video as there was a lot of conflicting information in forums about the DX3 Pro+ being capable of powering this headphone despite the specs.

Highly waiting for your Audeze MM 500 review! Just got these and absolutely love them.

Tuff to beat this combo at $700..I have the topping dx3+ pro and it's simply amazing at it's price point. Feature loaded and plenty of clean power.

Just ordered this kit after watching your video. This is my first system. I can’t wait to hear it.

Thanks for another great video!

This combo was actually what I was looking to get to get into hifi audio after I got my tax return. Glad my instinct for a combo was good. Sadly both were out of stock on Apos so I landed with An Ananda and an SMSL 6 stack. Very happy with it (though I wouldn't be surprised if I could've found a better alternative set) and do not regret the purchase. I am curious about the 6XX now!

I bought this exact set up last week haha! Good to see I made the right choice.

Thank you for the video!

Topping is awesome. The features alone pulled me in to buying the dx7 pro.

I have a Sundara with an ifi zen dac v2. Been enjoying it so much. Superb sound. Paired it with a balanced cable as well recently

Nice build. Will definitely be looking to add the 6XX once I get the dx3 pro+

Got the same setup Edition XS and topping Dx3 Pro+ loving it so far

Hey Joshua, not sure if you'll see this but i love this series of knowing what i'll get for the money. Not many reviewers use this format. It is much appreciated. 😄

Very happy to find this review - I've been looking at the Edition XS and was hoping you had reviewed it (since I generally find your reviews far more reliable than pretty much all other "audiophile" reviews). It's basically at the top of my price range - I was considering going for the Arya and in the end I just couldn't justify it, and I feel like some of the cheaper options wouldn't be a big enough upgrade over my current headphones to justify the expense, but this seems to fall into a sweet spot where it'd be a big upgrade at a not-insane price.

Exactly my setup 😍 And also upgraded to DX3 pro + from Fulla E

Thanks for sharing 🙏

Great recommendations! I’m rocking the DX3 Pro+ with the HIFIMAN HE400se. Baby steps.

amazing piece of advice. Its insane to thing that getting the Topping DX3 pro plus u are set for the audiophile starter pack as well as till the 700$ + price point

Very good selection.

your studio's looking better and better every video

I run DX3 Pro+ with Fostex T50RP Mk3 upgraded with Shure's alcantara pads and an alcantara suspension strap from Mod House, all at a total cost of $430. Hard to beat that level of audio quality and comfort for the money.

Damn Josh I had to spin the intro music a couple times. Caught me off guard with my Arya on my head when that bass hit haha. Nice system rec in the vid.

I went used market, on reddit to be specific. Got the magni modi stack and sundaras for a steal. Love the setup. Saw a great deal on some aeon open x's and swooped those too, unreal comfort. Used market opens up some great options you might not have had otherwise.

Hello ! I'm using a Focal Elegia and a KRK VXT 4 with a DX3 Pro + and it's great ! I really doesn't want to sell my Elegia to get any other headphone. The monitors worked perfectly and the sound is just amazing.

This 700$ setup is my next purchase goal now, love to try it out.

I just got a Hifiman XS with a Geshelli Archel 2.5x with a Geshelli J2 dac. I was blown away with the XS when I switched from my PC's amp and Dac to the Geshelli.

I was running a Focal Elex & Topping DX3 Pro+ as my WFH daily station for the past few months. A great pairing. Just upgraded to the Focal Clear (scored used) & Schiit Jotunheim 2 (wMulti-DAC).

I have the DS3+ and HD6xx and it’s awesome. The ds3+ is godlike and it also works well with my other IEMs.

Nice vid Josh. I'd like to try the Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital with the Hifiman!

nice, ive been lookin for some months for a dx5 + xs combo.

I'm fairly new (18+ months) to this hobby and started out with the 6XX and the Hidizs S9 PRO, which was great to start. I later upgraded to a DAC/AMP stack--SMSL SH/U-8S--and immediately noticed the improvement in sound over the dongle, which is still great for what it is. Agreeing with your point about the imbalance in HP to DAC/AMP ratio, I was on the hunt for better cans. I recently upgraded to the Edition XS and I feel like am finally getting to experience what that next level of HiFi sounds like. I think this $700 reco is a good one and glad you referenced the Schitt stack as some folks may have a little wiggle room in their budget and would benefit from having a more "future proof" DAC/AMP that will allow you to grow the better HPs. I realize that this hobby can become an addiction in wanting to experience that even high level of fidelity, but I am truly satisfied right now the XS. When I A/B compare to the 6XX, you do realize that the 6XX is more of a starter set as nearly all aspects of the sound are improved when you step up to the XS. I won't get rid of the 6XX, but my XS is my "daily driver" for now. Great reviews, perspective and production. You are definitely one of the best YTers reviewing HPs and HiFi equipment. Thanks!

I'm running my Edition XS via Lehmann Class A Headamp, my DAC is Topping E50. Really great combination.

I just bought the Edition XS and woah is it good. Sublime sound through and through, it really knocks any other headphone under 1k. Bought a JDS Labs Atom Stack to go with it and can't be happier with them!

My $700 system is the sundara $300 and the JDS labs Element II $400. Unfortunately the Element II is discontinued and the Element III is $50 more. I have room to grow with headphones using the Element the build quality and appearance are perfect.

I think the main difference between the two you've picked as options at 700 is that the 6xx one is an expandable starter system where the Dac and amp won't need to be changed for a while , especially if the plan is to buy more headphones. This one is more of a final solution.

This kind of performance was acheivable only at 1500$ few years ago. Many considered the first gen Edition X worth it at 1700$ and Edition X V2 a bargain at 1300$. 500$ is crazy cheap!

Most definitely the headphones and speakers should have the most of your investment. True to the T. XS: Fantastic headphones. My endgame (with the Focal Elex - also grabbed after Josh's recommendation back in 2019. Thanks Josh!).

Hi, great video, as always. After your videos for each product. I bougth both (my first audiophile system, coming from audio technica ath-m50x), and i can t believe the richness of this hobby, is a one way trip. Do you have a recommended case for the headphones ? i dont like them pick them up dust. And which is the correct way to clean up and maintain them? Greetings from Argentina, continue your awesome work!

I have the Topping DAC/AMP + a darkvoice and I run 6xx, beyerdynamic tygr 300r, and a philips fidelio x2hr. I get so so much when I mix them with the tubes vs dac. I get a such range of flavors.

Nice Allan wrench set my man

Thanks for the great review! I’m interested in what your audio “source” is so I will continue to scroll through your video library.

I have a combo like that. I bought the topping dx3 pro + for my ibasso SR2. Great looking and pretty revealing combo for under 600€ at the moment.

Good stuff. Would love to add to my Schiit stack. The downside with the Magni being so small is that it was very easy to misplace during a recent move. Talk about heart breaking.

Zen Dac Signature + xDuoo MT-604 + 6XX might be a dream system w/balanced cable.

Great build! Your review made me buy the Sundara and I paired it with a used JDS Labs Atom+ amp. I kinda cheaped out with the dac and bought an Apple usb-c dongle. The build cost me 480 canadian rupees and I'm having a blast. 70-75% of your budget going to the headphones seems like the perfect balance.

Edition XS are easily the best pound to performance headphones out there. They really are something special

Just purchased this combo as an upgrade from a 58x julibee. Excited! Cost me 630~ with tax.

I have the hifiman edition xs, paired with the hip dac 2. And it's heavenly sound. Also, the edition xs is very very comfortable for people like me who have large heads

Totally agree Josh... About 70 percent of budget for speaker/headphone. Except for car audio setup, may be the proportion about 50:50 because need DSP with Time Alignment to build the great sound stage.

This is exactly the combo i've been looking at!. Can get the Editions for £410 here in the UK.

Im currently using a DT1990Pro with Dekoni Choice Suede- Xduoo MT602 Tube-rolled and a SMSL Sanskrit 10th MKII - its about the same price range and I love it! Just swap the pads and you have a completely different headphone . Nice video btw 👍

Thank you for your video!. I own the Topping DX3 Pro+ and it has made a lot of difference. My present headphones are the AKG K702 and they work very well together, but I am tempted to upgrade to the HF edition XS. Maybe during the upcoming Black Friday sales.

I've been doing a tic-toc type of upgrades to my system. Upgrade headphones 1 year, then amp/dac the next. I followed your advice when first starting by spending most of my budget on headphones and a cheaper magni/modi stack. Now I just upgraded my stack to something that's worth almost twice what I paid for my headphones. So naturally the next thing to be upgraded is my headphones, but that might not be for another year or 2.

I think the split can be a bit different on speakers if you are counting stuff like movies and games. A good amp with room correction, equalizer and the like will make a bigger difference than on a purely music orientated system. For music though, spend your money on speakers and headsets.

Just upgraded to JDS Labs Element 3, unfortunately my local store were sold out of DX3pro+ But JDS labs sound is simply amazing

i got a30/d30 stack and a 660s today for just over 700$ after market. And I'm really pleased, but it is my first HIFI setup and i think a made a good deal for upgrading later

This is my setup, I just added the Meze 99 Classics for a fun option when I’m feeling something more punchy

Although not going to meet $700, I started with D30 Pro and A30 Pro stack because I knew I would want to try a few different headphones and wanted plenty of head room. Essentially, I was future proofing. I always had SHP9500 for gaming, got sundaras around the same time as my stack, and the some Modhouse T50 Argons. The Argons LOVE the power. It's very comforting knowing that my stack will be able to handle 98% of what I will ever throw at it. And it's as you said, the fun is switching headphones, not dacs and amps. D30/A30pro is probably my one and done end game personally. Not TOO big (doesn't take up a lot of space on my desk) and lots of power. Much rather explore various sound signatures through different headphones.

Very helpful video. Got the XS for a couple of weeks now and im really satisfied with their performance.Have them connected with a sound blaster AE-5 , will i see an improvement with the topping? Currently also looking for a portable DAC/amp combo to use with my android phone.

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro and a MOTU M4 would be around $759 for a production/home studio setup. It also opens you up for adding 2 XLR mics, as well as studio monitors further down the journey.

looking to get these

I have had a pair of HD600s for almost 20 years now. I still occasionally use them.

My current "high-end" setup is Magnius/Modius with Senn HD6XX and Hifiman HE560v4 (modified) I got on open-box special for a similar price. Your recommendations on these have been spot on and why I purchased them (although I know you weren't as much a fan of the HE560v4s). I also use that set as a preamp for a DIY Pass-style amplifier with a Lokius. I guess you could say I'm full of Schiit. :) Thanks for your channel!

I got a Topping A90 and SMSL m500 mk2 after I bought the Edition XS. Very unbalanced in terms of cost, but I wanted to see what difference balanced connections and ample power did. Not disappointed though, sounds seem better separated and positioned than before. The thing I want the most now is soundstage, will probably buy the Arya non-stealth when I'm able.

Ordering an Edition XS with FiiO K7 and balanced cable, so glad I stumbled upon this video

I use Hifiman Arya with Ovidius B1, volume at 15% (using UAPP) was pretty loud already. Sounded amazing and I don't even hear any difference when comparing it to a much more expensive amp/dac stack like the Topping A90 and D90. Total money spent was Arya (2nd hand at $850) then the ovidius b1 at $150 with a total cost of $1,000.

Well done! I appreciate your insight into the products. Now to convince my wife… I prefer the split of the $$$ to go to headphones as well.

Can you do a review over the ifi zen can and zen dac v2

I have been delving into the audiophile world for 30 years but am new to the head-fi world. I like the price point a lot. I have bought Lavaudio DS400 as my tiny headphone DAC/amp and currently just have a starter headphone (Sony CH700N) but definitely is leaning towards your recommendation for Edition XS. I am hoping this group give me a recommendation for a balanced 4.4m Cable for that headphone. Down the road, I will need to figure out how to introduce one of the Schitt tube amp to the mix. Josh, great job in making things clear and providing the encouragement for Edition XS as I was not sure if DS400 can drive those headphones properly.

I think $500 (THX One, SU-8s and 58x) is AMAZING. Soundstage and detail are crazy.

couldn't agree more

Great video as always. Would like some guidance. I’m current using the Hifiman XS edition with a Modi/Magni Heresy stack, is it worth changing to dx3+ pro or any other stack for that matter? Would there n be a noticeable improvement?

I got started with a Liquid Spark, a Drop He-4xx, and an Ifi Nano iDSD

My 650 on the Xduoo 604 tube amp all in balanced..with a little Drop Grace SDAC balanced output 😋

My current setup is the Monoprice M1960s and a iFi zen dac/amp. Loving my combo. This one looks great too

I picked up a xDuoo XA-10 for 10% last week. Probably going to get the Edition XS with matching red Hart Audio cables next. Gonna look and sound bad ass!

Years ago a friend said, "Spend half your budget on the speakers." So I did, and have never regretted it.

Can you do a breakdown for headphones, amps, dacs separately for 300, 500, 1200, etc.? Like a top 3 pick for each at its respective price point.

very cool price point

I went with a DX3 pro + which was discounted on Amazon (less than 180 dollars) and a pair of 660s found second-hand but barely used for 250 dollars. I just decided to spend additional 15 dollars in a cable because the two in the box are WAY too long for my use case, sitting at the desk. For a total of 445 dollars, I am incredibly happy. Next Purchase will be a pair of Sundara, because I am quite curious to hear them

Listening through XS and the opening music and tones is just so nice. You will not hear the full potential of these kind of beats and musical touches through regular sets. Also wanna add, I bought the 560S and previously owned Dt 770 Pro 80ohm for years. The 560S is very impressive especially when EQ'd. It can deliver pleasing amounts of bass with a reasonable punch authority but it lacks the outright detail and neutral balance the XS brings to the table. XS is also superior in imaging and sound stage if you care about those things. There is something to be said for a smaller, intimate sound stage so I get that. I have been playing with Truth Ear Zero IEM later at night and it's shocking what a $50 IEM brings to the table these days. The XS has so much more going on for it though which makes it a better all arounder and *pleasing* sound signature. XS was made for EDM. It reproduces electronic noises better than anything I've heard. I still think a dynamic driver has its place for hip hop THUMP. I am also still very curious about the HD 600 lineup and might still buy a pair to see what the hype is about. This all being said, the XS is the "next level" and I know for a fact nothing will touch it in that sub bass region where it just delivers this crystalline wall of hot sub bass air... like opening the oven it just hits you with that WOOOMPH. All while maintaining perfect detail and clarity. You never lose any noises in the mix. I have to say I'm also very impressed with how it represents stringed instruments you just hear every detail and the speed is insane... nothing bleeds - ever. Overall as Josh says vocals are not its strongest point and I think that is because XS has a upper mid scoop but this does make listening to anything at higher volumes very natural yet subdued. There is zero "shout" to this headset like the 560S which sounded like you're listening through someone yelling through a parking cone. 560S also has a bit more air on top to really let female vocals whisp and ring out which I do miss. All in all, fantastic headset and clearly superior to anything else I've heard and I don't even bother to EQ it. XS definitely has that magic going on when you are teetering on higher volumes which other headsets cannot match. You can blast to outer space with this thing. Again honorable mention really needs to go to IEM because I get spine tingles with that $50 IEM and I'm just so curious what a $500 IEM sounds like. Of course, XS is a lot more practical to wear all day which I do.

I have a Fostex HP-A4BL DAC-AMP with 2 headphones: HD58X and DT770. So I spent more on the DAC-AMP than on the headphones. I get more joy out of being able to switch the headphones.

Great Build indeed, still though debating if I should invest in these or go higher and invest in a focal elex or Ldc-2 😮‍💨

Great video, I'm curious though, I know we are talking about very different products here but I was wondering how you would rate the Fiio K9 Pro (I have the ESS version) compared to both the Topping DX3 in terms of power and measurements, and other DAC/AMP's with similar feature sets. Also, if you could pair any headphones with the K9 Pro, what would you choose? Maybe this could be an idea for another video? I'm looking for idea's of what other headphones to try with it at some point.

Great input, thank you! I have the smsl HO200 amp and smsl with DO200 dac paired with a HD599SE headphone. And I want to improve my hifi and gaming headphone allot. Is the Edition XS that good, our should I go another route in your opinion?

Good combo I have the HE400SE at present,powerd by a SMSL dac via spdif from my PC along with some Fostex T20RP. Just started looking at some better quality gear and the Hifiman XS is very close to top for the headphone side but also considering Audeze LCD-2 used around £300 or just a bit under and for around £500 the LCD-X. Amp/ dac wise will most likely be ifi zen dac V2, and maybe the zen signature hfm can but may just get the std zen dac. These setups will range between the 650 to around 900 price range but under a 1000 easily. I will not go higher for my use there is no point, but I may buy a few sets of pads for pad rolling a tinker with a few different headphones to expand my collection for different music genres and also for movies and gaming.

My current system was about $700. $300 for the Sennheiser HD660S and $400 for the Asgard 3 with built-in DAC. It's a great system to me and probably a bit warmer than the one in this video but that's the sound signature I like. Now the goal is to find adequate closed-back headphones but the ones I'm looking at (ZMF Atticus) cost more than this entire system! Open-back is the way to go if you want affordable audiophile sound.

I love my Edition XS so much and I bought the SMSL SH/U-6 to pair with it based on your videos. I do think it is better and worth the money over the Sundara which I had previously but they have some dealbreaking problems IMO. I had some bad static issues with them with multiple setups and overall the imaging for competitive gaming is garbage. Obviously competitive gaming isn't the focus for the Sundara at all, but the imaging on the XS is absolutely fantastic for competitive gaming even compared to my PC38X. Ultimately, its just nice that I don't have to switch headphones from listening to music to gaming like I did previously. The default frequency response is also leaps and bounds better as I feel it needs none or very slight EQ, maybe a small bass shelf, but that is it. The Sundara I felt improved significantly with EQ more than just a bass shelf. The Dekoni Elite Velour for the Arya/Ananda work much better than the stock pads for people who get squeaking while wearing glasses. The material that contacts the side of your head can rub on the arms of your glasses and sorta squeak. I haven't noticed a drastic difference in sound overall with the Dekoni pads, just better comfort.

I got the HiFiMan Edition XS for $349 on Amazon's sale the other day! What a bargain! Now waiting for the DX3 Pro + to be on sale next. I will use my Fulla 2 as my Dac/Amp until then.

Hi joshua congratulations for the videos. It would be interesting if you would also add the source, such as the Wiim pro plus or higher, (Eversolo DMP-A6 Matrix etc..) . Bye

I have an LCD-X with a modi +magni stack, sometimes I switch back to the my HD598 and 600's, my split turned out to be about 80% headphone and 20% amp/dac