HIFIMAN Edition XS Planar Headphones

[VSG]

HIFIMAN continues its technology trickle-down with the all-new Edition XS. It is the least expensive teardrop-shaped open-back, over-ear set from the company and features stealth magnets as well as a much thinner, more responsive diaphragm than its predecessor to make for excellent headphones at a reasonable price.

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[wolf]

This model is that one that I've been eyeing off as my next set, I current have Oppo PM3 and Phillips X2HR. I love the planar clarity and detail, and the soundstage of the open backs. These seem to meet and exceed the strengths of both.

 

[VSG]

This model is that one that I've been eyeing off as my next set, I current have Oppo MP3 and Phillips XH2R. I love the planar clarity and detail, and the soundstage of the open backs. These seem to meet and exceed the strengths of both.

I have the Philips Fidelio X2HR here, and it is arguably more comfortable while feeling better built too. The tuning is quite different from the Edition XS as well. So as long as you are aware of these, the Edition XS will be a significant upgrade in pure sound reproduction and further customization.

 

[wolf]

I have the Philips Fidelio X2HR here, and it is arguably more comfortable while feeling better built too. The tuning is quite different from the Edition XS as well. So as long as you are aware of these, the Edition XS will be a significant upgrade in pure sound reproduction and further customization.

Indeed the Fidelio are very comfortable and high quality, I do find aspects of them quite muted, and from what I gather these Edition XS is more the sound in looking for.

Great review and great advice!

 

[VSG]

Indeed the Fidelio are very comfortable and high quality, I do find aspects of them quite muted, and from what I gather these Edition XS is more the sound in looking for.

Great review and great advice!

Glad to have helped, these go on sale from time to time so keep an eye out for a price closer to $450 or under if you are not in a rush.

 

[Chomiq]

Man, Fidelio's have great build quality and comfort, considering they are being sold now for €120 or something like that? I bought my X2's when they were in €250 range and they held up great. Multiple drops on the floor from waist high, nothing damaged. Large amount of metal, real leather headband, the only use of pleather was on the headband cushion (which started flaking after few years, but was easy to remove). Here you pay what? $499 for pleather band that will look terrible after 3 years or so and there's plenty of plastic everywhere? Sure, it might sound great but build quality should not be compromised with that price tag.

 

[Mister300]

For 500 bucks the frequency response should be flat not U shaped. "There were multiple instances where I noticed some sibilance, but it was mostly the Edition XS exaggerating sibilance in the recording than it wholly contributing to it". Build quality is another no go. I would take my Grado set over these.

 

[VSG]

For 500 bucks the frequency response should be flat not U shaped. "There were multiple instances where I noticed some sibilance, but it was mostly the Edition XS exaggerating sibilance in the recording than it wholly contributing to it". Build quality is another no go. I would take my Grado set over these.

Flat frequency response is not a good tuning btw, at least if you are referring to raw measurements. You need to have some variation and pinna gain at least.

 

[SOAREVERSOR]

Flat frequency response is not a good tuning btw, at least if you are referring to raw measurements. You need to have some variation and pinna gain at least.

I think this depends on what you are going for. I have a dozen or so IEMs but the two I keep coming back to are the Moondrop Blessing 2 (not flat) and the Etymotic ER4 SE (flat). They both have their ups and downs.

 

[VSG]

I think this depends on what you are going for. I have a dozen or so IEMs but the two I keep coming back to are the Moondrop Blessing 2 (not flat) and the Etymotic ER4 SE (flat). They both have their ups and downs.

I assume you meant the ER4SR? Either way, all Etymotics have pinna gain anyway and the expected drop in the treble frequencies. I think we are talking about different things (flat bass vs flat entire frequency response).