A taste of HIFI: Hifiman Edition XS REVIEW!

[@SuperReview]

Audience Q&A is here 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIjZeaFqm8uApsk Missed the Q&A but still got a question? Follow me on Minds and start a Supermind with me for guaranteed response. www.minds.com/superreview/

[@raf.nogueira]

It's possible to push this headphone with the Fosi K5 Pro Gaming ? someone can help me ?

[@kohnfutner9637]

You do good reviews. Accurate assessment, good communication and explanations, your ability to judge value might be expecting too little for too much but everything you say describing the headphones i agree with you: comfort, build quality and sound. I disagree that these were a bargain at $500, as I find them a bit pricey at $269 but it might be the sound quality I get from my phone.

[@cptpepper7731]

I'm a new owner of Hifiman Edition XS, which I'm running off the Topping DX3 pro+. I admit that I'm new to this hobby, so perhaps my standards are a bit different and I'm not as fussy as other customers. In short, these headphones are a noticeable upgrade from the Philips Fidelio x2hr that I also own. Comfort: no issues. A lot of people are complaining about the lack of clamp tightness, but it seems fine to me and I don't have a big head. Certainly, they are not as tight as the Philips Fidelio and but after listening to the XS for a week now I find my Philips a bit too tight, so as you can see it's a matter of perspective. Once you get used to them, you don't notice they're on your head. Having said that, they will fall off if you try to dance with them on your head, but for normal lounging and listening to music, they're just fine. . As far as the sound, it's heaven. I think I prefer the Philips for heavy rock, but for everything else (jazz, classical, instrumental, vocals) the XS is on another level. The music has an almost haunting presence; it pulls you in. I'm not going to pretend that I know all the audiophile lingo about sound stage, imaging, etc. Suffice it to say, they are the best headphones I've ever owned and for me they're the endgame for this hobby. I have no reason to spend any more money on anything better. This is most likely the point of diminishing returns. I hope this help. I've certainly read many comments before finally pulling the trigger.

[@Nargon604]

I've been using X2HR's daily for 3 years until they started to fall apart. Good headphones until you drop them one too many times!

[@JeroenNietDoen]

For over a year now I've been trying to replace my Fidelio X2HR. I loved everything about that headphone except that the bass is a tad overdone and the bass/kicks don't come in that fast/punchy. I purchased an Edition XS because that came up a lot as suggestion as the perfect upgrade to the X2HR. I was pleased with the sound, detailing/imaging was so much better and the bass was exactly what I expected. However, I had a QC issue with a screw on the headband/earcup. Also the headband was uncomfortable for longer sessions (I do 6-8H sessions on weekends) and the headband even on it's lowest setting was too big (and I don't have a small head!), just didn't sat correctly on my ears. So I sold it. Now I've been searching for a while looking to replace that X2HR. I've tried a Drop HD6XX, that's not my taste at all. Now I was looking at the Fiio FT5, and I see you and other reviewers mentioning the Edition XS as being much better. Considering how I liked that Edition XS my questions is more like, what is an alternative for the Edition XS but without that terrible headband? Any suggestions?

[@SuperReview]

Get one of these: www.etsy.com/listing/1548705110/hifiman-comfort-strap

[@mattriarchal]

I can see why you chose the sundara as its a very common recommendation and i really loved this review! Though i feel i missed out on the livestream haha but i think a third headphone for comparison should’ve been the ananda instead? Being the same price and design but without the drop collab, but maybe you’re saving that for the venus review? Anyway its a suggestion not a criticism as the video was great as it is

[@SuperReview]

I don't have an Ananda would be the #1 reason it's not in this comparison :D

[@vincentchen9454]

Seems pretty good. Just started on the hobby this year, so far I have Hifiman Deva Pro and it sounds stellar. Would it be kinda a night and day difference between the two?

[@Anomalyn1]

its a big difference, yes. but be careful if you have a small headx they won't fit!

[@Usmvalor3]

If You're talking big heads, I'm Your man. I was wandering how Edition XS would fit me with those drivers, since I have Hifiman's budget he400se... Sporting preety much the same headband. Let me tell ya it feels bad to stretch them to their max for the drivers to sit on my ears. But when they do, they are quite comfy and I wear glasses too. So that's a pleasant suprise. I'd say they would fit me and not slide to much. Most headphones do, and I'm used to some pressing on sides of my head. But, there is a "but" assosiated with my globe of a gnogin. If I buy something remotely expensive, and those are to me. I would go to the physical store selling this model and listen/try them on just to be sure they fit.

[@jaw3410]

My Sundaras have no issue holding position with adjustment.

[@BoastfulCookie]

I tried out the Ananda which shares the same cup size. I didn’t like that the bottom of the cup sat right on my jaw so I’d I moved my mouth I could feel the cups move and change the sound since it changed the seal.

[@SuperReview]

Moving of the mouth takes a back seat to hifi.

[@TrueBlade-1889]

Why doesn't one reviewer stick a ruler next to the cups ?

[@Roni-u2c]

Hello, What is the model of the Parametric EQ and the Headphones Amp that you're using? And do you also use those to test IEMs? Thanks in advance

[@SuperReview]

I use Soundsource on MacOS for PEQ I use various sources.

[@vivaldidarren]

Hi, I'm just wondering, is buzzing in planar headphones are normal? In my case, my Edition XS left channel buzzing in a constant 600hz test, but everything normal when using normal song, even in high volume. Should i be worry about this condition?

[@SuperReview]

I would personally get that repaired.

[@doifeellucky]

Mine do the same on the right channel. Not tested any specific frequency but there is very noticeable distortion/buzzing especially on the outside, but not noticeable 80% of the time.

[@literalghost929]

@@doifeellucky My 400i left headphone rattled at certain frequencies, sent them back as they were under warranty and just a few weeks old, the replacement didn't have the issue. HFM is kinda known for poor QA or build quality.. :\

[@hpwrotethis]

What does hifi taste like? How do I prepare it well? Do I need to go organic or locally produced?

[@SuperReview]

Lots of cardamom.

[@raf.nogueira]

It's possible to push this headphone with the Fosi K5 Pro Gaming ? someone can help me ?

[@SuperReview]

I don't have one to test, but looking at specs it won't be a problem.

[@koustuvkanungo9873]

How do these compare against the Fidelio X2HR?

[@SuperReview]

Edition XS has next level technicalities. Less bass.

[@joefilter2923]

I was looking for improved trouble over the Fidelio and ended up with the R9, which also has bloated base. I recently tried the XS and really like it. I still have problems with shout in the lower treble but the XS has me reevaluating my whole approach.

[@SuperEnforcer88]

There is a stealth version.

[@SuperReview]

This one has the stealth magnets.

[@Thiago_TS_BR]

When we get the day that a headphone does everything well this hobby will ends.😬😬

[@SuperReview]

It won't happen.

[@drewmorg.]

I was an audio skeptic for a long time. Tried a slew of entry level audiophile gear and never really being blown away but recognizing there was some potential there. Didn't believe in amps. Etc. Well I am here to tell you guys $500 XS is that entry point to being "impressed" if you are just a normie. These are great cans. They are natural and smooth, and honestly they make my 560S sound harsh. I EQ'd the 560S like crazy to get them to sound good I find their flat profile to be boring AND shouty. The one area the 560S can compete with these XS planars is bass impact and extension but the XS is just a league (or two) above in every other area... and even some areas you are not expecting because you haven't experienced it yet. If you can stretch the budget, skip the whole HD 600 range and go straight for XS.

[@spamcan9208]

I never use my HD560S for that very reason. There's something about the treble I find intolerable and I don't know what it is. My OH10 don't bother me and think they have a V shape with more treble. Hard to keep track honestly. All I want to do is find an immersive, comfortable sound. I was hoping planars would help with instrument separation so I can pick out and follow along with anything that catches my attention. This hobby is so full of shit it's exhausting wading through it to know what's worth spending money on and what isn't.

[@drewmorg.]

@@spamcan9208 Agree it's full of shit. With people making up all kinds of placebo sound words and justifications. Ears are not that different. We all hear roughly the same thing IMO. XS is crisp, clean, and clear. If you want instrument separation -- these are it. 10/10. Strings sound amazing, detailed, separated, and natural. I'd say it's their biggest strength. I'm not a big strings guy, I like hip hop and EDM and they are excellent for EDM but slightly lack luster in the bass hit department for Hip Hop. Although, the vocal clarity, sound stage, imaging, and noise separation always keeps me coming back. I tried like 8 different pairs of headphones over a 3 months period these are the only ones I kept and still use. These things are so damn clear you could probably listen to two songs at the same time and separate them both at the same time. That's how separated and clear they are.

[@spamcan9208]

@@drewmorg. cool, thank you. That gives me a better idea of how these are

[@Riley_Canvessa]

do you have a discord? Im planning on getting the edition xs and would like to talk to someone about it its better in chat tham yt comments. whic is why im asking for discord. if its ok ofc

[@AliArghavan]

It's crazy how inexpensive good headphones have become. Edition X was priced at 1700$ and Edition X V2 at 1300$. Edition XS is a steal at 500$ IMO. The sound is just another flavor of Ananda and it's really close to Arya, which was considered a good deal at 1600$

[@SuperReview]

Interesting, I didn't know the prices were that high on previous Editions.

[@Vamp898]

Good headphones from Hifiman gotten inexpensive, good headphones that were inexpensive to begin with always existed^^

[@AliArghavan]

@@Vamp898 sure but there was no Sennheiser HD6XX for 180$ back then.

[@Vamp898]

@@AliArghavan when exactly is "Back then?"

[@onlyspace9813]

An advice. Change the stock cable. I feel my Edxs sound better with new cable (8 cores)

[@l67swap1]

Just grabbed a refurbished edition xs with free shipping for 279 ... Cant wait to get it :)

[@imtheisify]

Have you gotten it? How do you like it?

[@dtz1000]

Probably he didn't like it, so didn't bother to reply. I didn't like the Ananda stealth that I purchased.

[@mattbauer6304]

⁠They are now $239 with free shipping & no tax. I love mine.

[@mattbauer6304]

⁠that's specious reasoning

[@Vantavimeow]

I tried the XS, it arrived with an intermittent connection and felt like it was assembled/designed by a 5-year-old. I had a peek inside and the cables are just forced into place, no attempt is made for cable channelling because they didn't allow any space. My picks are the DT1990 with Dekoni Velour pads for less money or the Meze 109 Pro which are an absolute joy to own. Oh and on single ended (Topping A50S) it sounded pretty crap because the drivers are incredibly power hungry, on balanced (aftermarket cable) it sounded substantially better, but the intermittent connection caused my AMP to shut down/freak out.

[@SuperReview]

Definitely would get a replacement unit in that case.

[@drewmorg.]

While I can understand thinking build quality and materials need work, I feel they spent the money where it mattered which was sound quality. I have a narrow head and so far the XS has been comfortable on me trying it out for the day. I'm using a Schiit Magni+ and it slaps pretty hard. DT 1990 are the best looking pair of headsets IMO. I wanted those to be my next set but literally everyone says the XS is more enjoyable to use for music and media. I had DT 770 Pro's and those had questionable build quality and broke down on me twice in 2 years of full time usage.

[@CThienV]

I wish your review came out 5 months ago. I bought these based on the reviews. Your review correlates with my experience. They lack body and are a little too bright for me. I gifted these to myself so they're too sentimental to sell.

[@SuperReview]

OK, time for me to watch some other reviews. Even minus the body, it's a pretty satisfying listen. Try +6dB @ 1.7kHz w/ a Q-factor of 2.0

[@CThienV]

@@SuperReview oh, I meant to say "lean", not "thin". They are a bit lean in the bass for the amount of brightness they have. I can't listen to these at rocking-out volumes without autoEQ which I prefer not to use.

[@literalghost929]

@@CThienV Regret purchasing or? Thinking grabbing a pair, but 500 isn't chump change!

[@CThienV]

@@literalghost929 demo them first. I didn't have that luxury unfortunately. I still use them but with autoEQ + 3db bass shelf over Harman target

[@Farpun]

So excited that you're doing more headphone reviews and measurements

[@NikoTimbaldi]

if you try balance cables compared to the ones that come in the box, you will notice the difference.

[@SuperReview]

What do you think balanced cables do?

[@psychopopdesign]

Ostensibly my favorite headphone reviewer

[@SuperReview]

I need to dub over that "Apparentlyyyyyy" kid. "Ostensiblyyyyy"

[@disastrousemouse]

I EQed some low midrange back into the XS, and that’s all it needed to put that tiny touch of weight into the notes. You have to be careful or it starts to kill the sound stage, IMO.

[@turtlet7201]

Hey what eq settings did you put

[@mendymata3491]

This year this is 370 us it’s a no brainer buy

[@SuperReview]

Mind blowing.

[@hartyewh1]

If a big soundstage is what you like (many don't in the end so best not to assume that it's a plus) then these are an excellent choice and value. Usually big soundstage comes at the cost of macrodynamics, separation in busy passages and bass and it's no different here, but still everything sounds at least good. Wouldn't pick these for EDM or metal primarily, but they can handle some with EQ. Wearing them right now. Well tuned, but EQ does improve them still. I don't see any reason to go for Ananda or Arya over these since the value drops a huge amount (and Arya has some timbre issues), but an HE100se V2 would be a worthy upgrade for sure. For value the HE6se V2 and these are just in a league of their own imo when it comes to sound quality. Build of course not the best, but I think perfectly worth the savings.

[@NFStopsnuf]

Any opinion on these vs he6se v2 to pair with lcd 2 classic?

[@hartyewh1]

@@NFStopsnuf I'd say bith Hifimans are rather different from the LCD-2. Either clearly bigger or smaller soundstage, much cleaner, faster and more technical. The bass on the XS is faster, but not as heavy or full as the LCD-2, but HE6se V2 is faster still and hits very hard.

[@NFStopsnuf]

@@hartyewh1 Thanks for the insight. What would you say would be better to get a sense of the hifiman "house sound," considering I tried the 400se and didn't like it that much due to the 2k dip (I guess unavoidable with Hifiman), poor bass punch, and slightly too bright. It seems like the he6se would be the better pairing for me.

[@hartyewh1]

@@NFStopsnuf The 400-series are pretty rounded in the bass and blunted in general. Good for the price in many ways still. Sundara is far better, Edition XS is a bit better yet and HE6se V2 is just ridiculous. All are also well tuned, but to get the most out of planar bass EQ is a must.

[@NFStopsnuf]

@@hartyewh1 Thanks again. I think I'll go for the he6se and hope for no QC issues. Also, if you posted a lengthy review of it vs. the LCD X on reddit, then that post also provided me with a great amount of detail

[@GadZookz]

Maybe you are evolving into an essential over ear headphone guy. 🤔

[@SuperReview]

I got a database now, it's happening. squig.link/headphones/

[@SzymonSaysStuff]

Mark expanding into the cooler side of this hobby 😎

[@GadZookz]

@@SuperReview Just ordered the ZMF Atrium last week. Probably, I’ll be sticking to IEMs for now. Having too many OE headphones is like having too many shoes. 🙂

[@nofxer]

I personally own the XS, and so while I do enjoy them immensely, I agree on the hotspot thing (I almost max out the sliders, I have a large noggin), so I tried out Dekoni Nuggets, put two of them on the spots where the band curves down a bit, and can wear them for extended periods of time with no fuss.

[@LencoTB]

Everybody talks about EQing but no one explains how. What if you mainly listen to Apple Music on an iPhone using a dongle like Cayin RU6? How do you EQ that setup?

[@Mare0912]

I considered these my end game headphones. Couldn't wait to finally get them. Now, I've received them some days ago and couldn't be more disappointed. I will send them back and keep on searching. :(

[@SuperReview]

Compared to what?

[@thecompanioncube4211]

Just got the XS. And I can say I am blown away. I have got 58x for comparison and these planar magnetics feel like they're from another planet. The subbass extension is just... Chef's kiss. And it doesn't sacrifice the top end for that too

[@SuperReview]

Hear hear.

[@hugoserrano-chan3699]

What dac/amp setup do you use for the XS?

[@thecompanioncube4211]

@@hugoserrano-chan3699 DX3 pro+. That's what I could afford. You can look into better dac/amps if you'd like

[@amuria55]

I'm receiving mine on the 2nd of april, paid €430 with tax included, and I'm on western Europe. I honestly can't make much sense of most of the info on frequency, I just hope it doesn't make my head hurts, I really bought it on impulse. I have a Sennheiser headphone I got because it was recommended to me, and it makes my head hurt after some time using it, its so weird.

[@SuperReview]

If the issue is clamp pressure, these are definitely less clampy than Sennheisers.

[@amuria55]

@@SuperReview Thanks :) But I kid you not, and I can't make sense of it, but its not confort related, I mean my head hurts internally, its like there's something in the sound that slowly hurts my brain and then ends up leaving me with a headache. I know it sounds crazy, I myself can't make sense of it, as it happens even when I hear it at very low volumes. I have another headphone though luckily, until this Hifiman arrives :)

[@ThefamilyofAnimalsYT]

Good job. Thanks 👍

[@MTheoOA]

It's funny that you think XS as just thin and bright. I just eqd the upper midrange and put even more 5k energy lol... and i remove 2db in 500hz region and add 5db in 40hz. I think i really like brighter sets.

[@SuperReview]

Go for broke 🤙

[@h1a8]

Can you give a quick comparison between these and the 109 pro. And which one do you prefer and why? Thanks

[@SuperReview]

I prefer Edition XS. Doesn't have the treble issues of 109 Pro, bass digs deeper, imaging is a half step better.

[@luigiheewan]

I just bought a pair of Ananda Stealth's for 350 bucks. What. A. Deal.

[@SuperReview]

Score.

[@Cassus123456]

Again, pretty sure your sundara doesnt work as supposed. There's smth. wrong. Trebble should be a tad too much, not vice versa. And the Sundara really shines in the mids. What you describe sounds more like a 20$ Bose or JBL or smth. :D

[@SuperReview]

I've recently acquired a rig for measuring frequency response, doesn't seem to be anything abnormal showing there FWIW. squig.link/headphones/?share=Super_OE_Target,Hifiman_Sundara

[@Cassus123456]

@@SuperReview Well maybe it's about taste and maybe even different ears. Who knows.

[@superpeca]

Hi, great review! I was wondering if they benefit from a balanced cable and amp or better said are these truly balanced or not? I have a zen dac v1 and it has more power on balanced output than on single ended....

[@SuperReview]

IMO balanced headphone cables are a waste of time, I wouldn't sweat it unless your headphone isn't getting loud enough.

[@mr_5htman]

I use Fiio K7 with XS, with balanced it's tighter and less shouty and better imaging. Though idk if it's because of the premium balanced cable I have vs the stock 3.5mm cable. But on balanced it sounds more surgical and precise.

[@drewmorg.]

IE 600 vs XS what do you say Super? :)

[@h1a8]

Xs by a country mile. I have both. No comparison. Xs is on par or slightly above my Mest mk2 which is significantly above ie600

[@drewmorg.]

@@h1a8 Yep, had to get used to the fit but I'm glad I kept my XS. Nothing has come close from my experience!

[@deadline7610]

Nicely Done. Off topic question. Last week you suggested that I compare the Shanling M3 Ultra to the M11s. I was hoping you might have this unit in your que for review ? Before pulling the trigger I was hoping something might of stood out for you that I would want to know before hand ? It looks good on paper but know one has reviewed it yet :( Thanks

[@SuperReview]

Sorry, haven't used the M3 Ultra. Given the limitations Shanling puts on their Android DAPs, I'd lean toward the Fiio.

[@deadline7610]

@@SuperReview Thanks so much. Besides output mW what type of limitations should be of concern ? Big sale going on

[@harackmw]

mm500 review coming?

[@SuperReview]

Yes.

[@alrizo1115]

Looks like I can cook bacon on that grills

[@SuperReview]

Even better.

[@kazumasatou6124]

any chance of reviewing the sendy apollo?

[@SuperReview]

Don't think so, no.

[@cdave2006]

the "gap" people are talking about is like -1.5db to max 3db for 3k.... It's almost nothing

[@SuperReview]

Talking about the upper midrange dip? If I fill it in with EQ, it makes a big difference.

[@cdave2006]

@@SuperReview mhh ok, will have to try then. I am considering buying the XS was hopping to leave it as it is without EQ. Thanks for the review btw

[@SuperReview]

@@cdave2006 The EQ is optional, I spend 99% of my time listening to this without EQ.

[@cdave2006]

@@SuperReview thanks! Hope my Fiio K5 Pro will be enough.

[@h1a8]

Which do you prefer more These or Moondrop Venus?

[@SuperReview]

Aiming to review the Venus on Sunday, will discuss then.

[@carybarlow]

I have been eyeballing the XS for a bit, anyone know how to get a discount or where to find a black Friday deal?

[@SuperReview]

Hifiman has open box sets for $430. store.hifiman.com/index.php/edition-xs-open-box.html

[@patrickdanneker5480]

amazon warehouse has additional 10% of during black friday week. Makes for a good deal

[@AliArghavan]

Honestly 500$ is a discount for this kind of sound quality. It's a successor to 1300$ Edition X V2 which itself was a successor to 1700$ Edition X.

[@mustaclient1210]

Hey, im just a casual listener who wants to try out some better headphones than i normaly do. Right now im owning a gaming headet (not very fun because mine lack in bass a lot).... im looking for a headphone that i can use for watching movies, gaming and listening music with. My budget with AMP is about 500$. Im mainly looking at the Harmonicdyne Zeus, Sundara, hd6xx and the Hifiman Deva pro. Which headphone would you recommend for Casual listeners who want to have a fun experience rather than an analytical?

[@Poached_Toast]

Schiit magni / modi stack. Hd58x from drop (hd6xx if you have the money) Thats what i started with and i absolutely love my setup.

[@gabsriel]

Well placed in the HIFI ladder :-) EDIT : for body and weight, maybe climbing the ladder to the Arya Stealth is needed ?

[@SuperReview]

Been too long since I heard the Arya, I do recall it being more similar to Edition XS than different. Looking at Crinacle's graphs, it seems to have a similar 1-2.5kHz dip.

[@ishanparikh5587]

I got my xs last april and it did not come with a stand lmao. rip me

[@SuperReview]

Oof, that's thirty cents worth of foam you'll never get.

[@Rsalmond83]

Love the XS, but I sold mine in favor of the 6XX, which is now my third pair. The 6XX sound is alluring and sexy, especially with my tube amp and various choices of tubes to change the sound signature.

[@young-hanhahm8789]

I honestly think this headphone doesnt give enough sound volume. Whats your take on that?

[@SuperReview]

Uh, it depends on what you're playing it out of. Out of a phone, probably not.

[@elobreque3886]

There are no word to describe how much your videos help us men 💞💞

[@SuperReview]

Where my ladies at.

[@Reeeepicheep]

Sundara is better than the XS for me, better tonality and comfort. The Ananda Stealth is a better option than the XS if you care about soundstage and want an egg shaped Hifiman.

[@ikoyDaPnoy]

In terms of sound, how does it compare to my Moondrop Blessing 2?

[@kamrhd]

Have you by chance heard the Sundara? I have it and I don’t really like it all that much and was wondering if the edition XS was a worthy step up

[@deparoo]

You did watch the video,right?

[@SuperReview]

19:55

[@kamrhd]

@@deparoo Not the entire thing no