HiFiMAN's Edition S is a good headphone at the asking price, especially considering the generous bundle. The Edition S is an interesting proposition as it works in both open- and closed-back mode. There is no doubt that its performance is great as far as open-back headphones go and that its tuning suits most modern music; however, the performance drop associated with installing the caps is a little high. Still very listenable in closed-back mode, it is clear that it is first and foremost an open-back headphone.

The Editions S provides excellent bang-for-the-buck as a simple, portable and foldable open-back headphone. The additional closed-back option is just icing on the cake for people who find themselves in need of a little attenuation on the go. You can get better closed-back headphones for the price, but it is difficult to find something as portable and well-sounding in open-back mode as the Edition S.

Considering that it is very portable and foldable, it provides tremendous value for those who want a versatile headphone that can be used on the go and holds its own when used for some serious listening at home.