Packaging and Accessories

Edifier now operates a web shop and sells the STAX SPIRIT S3 directly in addition to authorized retailers world wide. Given this review sample shipped directly from Edifier, I wanted to cover briefly the shipping packaging to mention that the product box arrived inside a larger Edifier S3-branded shipping box, and this in turn was inside an even larger box without any branding. There's a lot of protective material all around, and a label on the side hints that perhaps there might be other color options aside from the black/noir one currently on the market. The product box itself has thick, soft foam all around the sides to ensure it will arrive safely at your doorstep even if overzealous couriers try otherwise.


The product box is also well designed with a lot of relevant information adorning the sides should you chance upon it in a brick-and-mortar store. On the front is the Edifier logo and the product name, and here we see S3 used in short more often than not. A render of the headphones from the sides also greets us and is accompanied by salient marketing features and other logos/certifications. This continues on the back with more renders and specific information about the product and the drivers used, as well as an illustrated list of contents to expect inside. A cutout on the side confirms this was more a thick outer sleeve, with the inner box sliding out as seen above. This has a more abstract design with the missing STAX SPIRIT words now adorning all six sides to remind you about the product name and category it belongs to. The lid opens up similar to a fancy gift box to reveal the contents inside.


I appreciate how much thought Edifier has put into the packaging of the STAX SPIRIT S3 as we see thick foam with machined cutouts to host the carry/storage case as well as two replacement ear pads. This is also the first time I have seen these pads not only ship separately, but also inside their own individual soft fabric drawstring carry pouches too, which come with the STAX SPIRIT logo on the string cinch. Edifier provides two so-called "cool mesh breathable" ear pads that are filled with medium-high density memory foam and a mesh fabric exterior. There's an oval-shaped opening which is large enough to accommodate most ears easily inside, and four plastic nibs on the other side no doubt are involved with installation. Note also the integrated screen to help protect any contaminants from hitting the drivers while also keeping your ears more comfortable should they protrude inward more than average.


The zippered travel case may be shaped like a heart, but it is quite functional while being easily portable owing to the lighter weight compared to hard case and the smaller form factor too. STAX SPIRIT is seen on the front in white to contrast better against the black background, and the case feels durable enough in the hands. There is a carry strap stitched neatly on the side next to a self-sealing zipper that adds some dust and spill resistance on top. Opening the case, we see the headphones folded inward for easier travel with a foam divider preventing the ear cups from hitting each other. The accessories are found in a compartment on the inner side of the lid itself, with a soft lining throughout to keep everything safe.


As per usual with Bluetooth headphones, there are multiple forms of paperwork which here include regulatory information and a handy multi-language user manual (online copy here) going over the setup, functionality, and user controls of the STAX SPIRIT S3. Next comes the customary short USB Type-A to Type-C cable to hep charge the headphones, and then we see an actual plastic pick to remove the ear pads—Edifier also refers to them as ear cushions—another first for me. Rounding off the unboxing section is a short 3.5 mm TRS to 3.5 mm TRS single-ended cable for when you may want to use these headphones wired, and a 3.5 mm to 6.35 mm (1/4") adapter if pairing it with a more prosumer source. This is one of the better cables included with Bluetooth headphones but will mostly go unused by the average customer either way.