HIFIMAN Edition XS Planar Magnetic Headphone Review

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[@glenstephens9470]

Steve, I have to admit, most of the time I watch your headphone reviews I am really looking to see which albums you are listening to. Thanks for introducing me to a much wider range of artists/genres. Oh great review on the Edition XS, I just ordered mine.

[@albertloan396]

It would be great to have a list of the many albums Steve recommends by genres.

[@syanhc]

The Glass is amazing!

[@johnfisher3929]

Yes, the Glass IS amazing, but “Only the Lonely” is one of the best songs ever. Mr. Sinatra is not always my cup of tea (sacrilege, I know) but he is perfect for this song. My heart aches every time I hear it, and I mean that in the best possible way.

[@ElCid_86]

Same!

[@HiFiGOAudio]

HifiMan has done a great job with the Edition XS. It actually sounds better than a lot of higher priced headphones.

[@mybrandnewfunk]

Which headphone extension cable would you recommend for the HiFiman Edition XS?

[@Rsswagg591]

😮No 😢

[@VladVexler]

Delightful review, I listened twice. And picked up the XS too. Thank you.

[@dmytrotarasov9477]

Man, never knew that you're an audiophile:))) Love your videos, cheers from Ukraine

[@Bushviking]

Listening on my own Edition XS to your music suggestions was a real treat. Thank you very much sir! And agreed on the sound quality, open soundstage and very nice bass, I like 'm very much as well (comparing to my beloved HD600s).

[@Kamryetar]

I really appreciate this review. just picked up the Edition XS and I'm having a blast with them. upgraded from the HD58x and I can't even go back to them. This is an endgame pair of headphones for me.

[@abrahanneyra1657]

Is it true they need a lot of amplification? Like Wich amps you recommend

[@apersonthingy]

Ah damn, answered my question. I looked everywhere for a direct comparison with the 58x lol. Maybe one day I'll upgrade to these

[@eddtru]

​@@abrahanneyra1657 jds labs atom+ -> ifi zen can -> schiit magni will drive them appropriately. If you want to get the absolute best out of the edition xs look no further than the SMSL SP200 THX AAA-888 from Drop.

[@bradhuskers]

@@eddtru What about the small yet highly rated dac amp dongles, the apogee groove and the clarus coda? Will they be sufficient for the edition xs?

[@eddtru]

​@@bradhuskers Sufficient for loud volume maybe. But they will not sound very dynamic. These are somewhat current hungry planars, the more power at low impedance(16ohms) you can throw at them the more dynamic and full they'll sound.

[@Dampfaeus]

To my shame, I watched this channel a lot 2 years ago, but did not subscribe and forgot about it. I am really glad to have found your channel again (and instantly subscribed). Thank you for the great review 🙂

[@chickenheads3746]

Steve, great review on the XS, I really enjoyed it. I totally enjoy your reviews, I think you’re just awesome! I have not heard the XS, but I did own a HFM HE1000V2 for 4 years, and subsequently upgraded to the HEK1000SE, which is like the original HE1000 on acid. I as well as you enjoy the big egg shaped ear cups and huge expansive sound this line provides. Keep up the good work, your relaxed yet honest delivery in your reviews is infectious and always informative!!

[@scottengh1175]

Have not critically listened to headphones for 40 years. Just ordered the little Nitch/Schiit Piety headphone amp. These are the 3 headphones, plus Sundura. I have narrowed it down to. Perfect review to find, plus trusted source.

[@mnmmercury1094]

Gotta say. I head a lot of talk about speakers and headphones from other reviewers. I always trust steve's opinion. On his recommendation I tried klipsch horn speakers and I immediately felt like the music was alive. I just recently bought these headphones as well. Thanks for keeping the life alive in equipment recommendations!

[@ianbolton9882]

Another great review Steve. I think I will treat myself to the XS’s on your recommendation. I have been a viewer of the Audiophiliac since the early shows and congratulate you on your success - well deserved 🇦🇺

[@kentbergstrom3020]

Great review Steve, you have convinced me, I will order this headphone before I go to bed.

[@TheVeganVicar]

I recently purchased the first two of the three headphones you displayed at the beginning of this video, and they are ADORABLE!

[@christophernoto]

Ooo! I’ve got a dog in this fight! My favorite ‘phones are the Drop 6XX! My other set is a ten year old pair of Grado SR60s. Also… I got to hear Sarah Vaughn, live, in a small suburban Chicago club about 1970, the soundstage was mind blowing! 🔥 P.P.S. Adam! Man! You rock! Love the mix of exquisite high end gear and nicely turned out DIY! P.P.P.S. Steve Guttenberg! You are on a terrific run right now. I'm loving the mix of subjects that you've covered in the last few videos. Bless you, brother, and give Mrs. Audiophiliac our love, always. ❤️

[@malco49]

funny i have the 6xx's and a pair of grado 60's as well. my faves thought are my OPPO PM-3's. i also have a pair of hifman's but not planar's. i like those as well.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thanks Chris!

[@fbi8364]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac XS or Sundara?

[@bradhuskers]

@@fbi8364 Xs

[@Rsalmond83]

You are the man Steve! Great review as always. You have elevated my playlist to a whole new level! Love the shirts by the way👍🏾

[@kenjikodai]

I absolutely agree with the comfort, i had a Deva Pro before and that thing cracked my skull with the weight from both sides. I was scared with edition XS being heavy but man its so comfortable

[@Aswaguespack]

In my limited experience with headphones (only a few recognized mid priced level models) they all provided an excellent and very satisfying listening experience at a level that most speakers aspire to but fall just short in providing a high quality listening experience. That being said I’ve also been disappointed in the comfort level and “fatigue” was always my biggest complaint with headphones. I’m sure I’m not alone in this respect. Comfort became my personal #1 characteristic that I looked for in any headphone experience. It does seem that the more recent innovations in headphone technology has put more emphasis upon improving comfort along with audio quality. As a side note, I really dig this morning’s shirt. Wow, Uber Cool Steve!! I also agree with some comments by your audience members in that the latest Audiophiliac presentations have been fantastic topics of great interest. Steve ya at the peak of ya craft dude! Keep it rolling! 😉

[@joshuasterling2144]

Hey finally something I own. Just picked these up last week. First day I listened to them for about five hours.

[@tesmith47]

I appreciate your breadth of music choice, you are the only white audiophile that listens to Black music that I can relate to. Thank you

[@alfagerup]

Hi Steve. Thanks a Lot for your great reviews. Especially those who includes your Pass Labs HPA1 head phone amp...I've now bought one myself. And I totalt agree with your point of view. What a great amp 👍 Together with my Hifiman phones I now feel as in sound heaven 😊 All the best to You 😊🎶🎵🎼

[@WayymorTrouble]

Would it be worth it for me to get the XS and the topping dx 3 pro + as my first pair of hifi headphones?

[@GrotrianSeiler]

This is such a great and interesting audiophile channel. Cool.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thank you!

[@stimpy1226]

As Sarah Vaughan got older her voice evolved with a wisdom if I may use this term very similar to Frank Sinatra’s voice in his album ‘September of My Yeatrs’ . I was honored to hear Sarah around 1982-1984 in a NYC posh Supper Club and could not believe that her voice had turned into the female ‘Velvet Fog’. What a remarkable evening of live music. It’s one that I’ll never forget. Sorry to go off topic.

[@FOH3663]

Damn ... thanks for sharing, I love hearing about experiences like that.

[@stimpy1226]

@@FOH3663 It was a special evening and I have been to many jazz clubs and concerts. She even had Grady Tate on the drums and she got him to sing as well.

[@bradhuskers]

@@stimpy1226 Ella Fitzgerald, "love for sale" Pure bliss

[@oioionionone]

Thanks for the recommendations, really enjoying the xs, only had them a few hours and already I’m smitten, I need to downsize my collection so the HD600 might have to go to make room for these, I’ve owned a 600 for so long!!!!

[@klaverro]

Great review again. I like your musical advices about albums your listening (like Phantom Thread 👍🏻). Keep up the good work (and the audiophiliac viewers system of the day…🔊😁🔊). Greetings from The Netherlands.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thanks!

[@mebaugh1]

Love the XS! Big upgrade from Sundara which in comparison feels uncomfortable now. Bass is much better than Sundara. Running it with SMSL SU-9 and Topping A90 with Apos balanced cable. Ramsey Lewis Dance if the soul cd is incredible eat candy!

[@zibikonti8901]

I have auditioned Sundara vs Edition XS vs new Sennheiser HD 660S2. After 2 hours of tests with various music genres I chose XS. I run this test on Violectric DXA v226. XS impressed me the most with the space and staging. I confirm how comfortable XS are. I prefer Sundara design but the sound from XS was on another level to me. I wonder what desktop DAC/HP Amp in one box would you recommend in up to 1500 USD range to match XS. Any ideas / opinions are welcomed.

[@robertkirkpatrick1826]

Great video awesome sound analysis. I LOVE listening to these headpones. But i couldnt disagree more about the comfort. I have literally never worn more uncomfortable headphones. They are literally painful to wear. I love the sound, but despise wearing them. I have had to modify them with pliers and pads to be able to wear them.

[@TheJuniorMints]

Great review Steve! I love your podcast, keep it up!!!

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

thanks

[@piglingbland8666]

@@keplermission4947 What's a podcast?

[@JohnJohn-lk4lq]

@@keplermission4947 you need help

[@robertdavis1976]

Hi Steve. Really enjoy your videos. I sent you a picture of my system two days ago. I guess you get pictures from audiophiles in Jamaica every day that have no preamp, DAC, conventional power amps or speaker box enclosures. Lol! Just pulling your leg. Will keep watching whether you feature it or not.

[@jan9]

Thanks Steve, I really liked this one :) Great timing as I added a headphone amp to my system upgrade list today, this fueled my inspiration further.

[@Foxrock321]

Steve love your reviews..if you want to judge the hi frequency capabilities…Louis Belson Big Band Explosion recorded in 1975. has two cuts where lead trumpet Cat Anderson goes absolutely nutz. His super high notes can defeat a speakers tweeter very easily ..Cat played with the Duke Ellington Orchestra for many years….his solo on “Groove Blues” goes into the stratosphere even higher than Maynard Ferguson…..when I get my XS I will put this tune on first..

[@bencausey]

Thanks. Wish you would’ve mentioned soundstage width and depth.

[@orlandomoreno1695]

Sé que hablas español. Estoy pensando, seriamente en adquirir los XS por tus apreciaciones y tambié las del Audiófilo "La opinión del CHANGOLEÓN". Abrazos y saludos desde GUATEMALA !!!

[@l67swap1]

I may be crazy but I think these are better than the hd800s especially in the bass department and still have a good sound stage and imaging... So good especially for the price😊😊

[@HermeticAscetic22]

Good review. Please do a review of the HIFIMan HE 400SE.

[@dilbyjones]

Thing about Steve is he was on THE SCENE in it's hay-day ( 70s) thar unique perspective is why this channel is a great choice.

[@mrgee918]

Thanks for the heads up. I kinda got that vibe that he's been long in the game from his reviews. I have the XS and his opening comment that they sound correct is exactly how I would describe them. Now to find those tracks!

[@Cen0byte]

I really liked your review, My dt1770's failed me for the second time, so i'm thinking about replacing them and these look great. I play electronic drums, and i really like to play very loud. Will those heaphones do the job or i should stay with my 1770's ?

[@avgjoerh]

The Phantom Thread soundtrack was to some degree composed by Jonny Greenwood ( from Radiohead). I classify him as somewhat of a hero. So, I just wanted to highlight his talent....very interesting thought process and approach. There are a number of really good interviews, videos, and material out there on him...huge Radiohead fan from the start, but don't worry Steve Guttenberg, you are also on the short list 😉

[@Rayman30]

Steve, have you compared the Edition XS with the Ananda?

[@bradbortner2601]

Glad to hear they now provide US based service. A while back, I had some out of warranty 400i’s whose headband broke. They wanted me to ship them back to China. Nuts.

[@ramalingam108]

Thank you, great reviews all the time. Hifiman Edition XS OR Beyerdynamic T1 3rd gen. for classic and instrumental music ?

[@TheVeganVicar]

XS.

[@FOH3663]

Dig the viewer system ... diy loudspeaker system, dsp contoured diy subs, decent room treatment... Nice. AMTs and the ribbon, dipoles?

[@sijushenoy8422]

Hey Steve Thanks for the review. Can you please compare this with the Audeze LCD-2 Classic.

[@joshuasterling2144]

Hey killer album recommendation. It does sound shockingly good.

[@frog382]

Which one? Im curious.

[@joshuasterling2144]

@@frog382 Sings For Only The Lonely. Frank Sinatra

[@frog382]

@@joshuasterling2144 Thank you, it sounds fine with hd580, but just not enough of surface detail and the snare suffers- i think its the 580, not the mix, so i will listen tomorrow. Ive got PCM remastered version

[@joshuasterling2144]

@@frog382 It has a higher noise floor but for the fifties recording its amazing. I was pulling it off of Tidal which has the mono and stereo versions. I am listening with the XS that is being reviewed. Cheers bud

[@frog382]

@@joshuasterling2144 Oh, i got only mono. Awesome that you have XS, cant wait for my dt-48a, pandora hope IV and sony sa 3000 to paint me a clearer picture tomorrow. Cheers 🎧

[@Anomalyn1]

Enjoyable review, Steve!

[@dragomirpetrov6469]

Can these be properly driven by dap? I have the Shanling M6 pro . I would invest for a balanced 4.4 cable .

[@seantaylor9331]

Hi I've j watched your video on the hi-fi man sx I'm looking for a portable DAC I use an iPhone 13 Pro so I was very interesting to hear your view when you use the Dragonfly red with a iphone in your opinion would I get better sound if I up my budget and went for the mojo 2 DAC fron Chord Electronics. Any advice will be appreciated! TIA

[@brendan5235]

12:55 sounds like we could be neighbors!

[@aceofspades6667]

That pass hp amp sure is a thing of beauty.. I sure wish it had a bit more to drive my cans otherwise I would have bought one.

[@mattoni1972]

Hello. Can dragonfly red fully play music with these headphones? I've read a lot on forums that the XS edition needs a more powerful amplifier to show its potential. How is it anyway?

[@davidforsythe1718]

I love that Phantom Thread score. I need to get a good copy of it.

[@tonytramonti5828]

Have you tried the bellend2240 electrostatic (nobjockey edition) amazing clarity for the money

[@jimtuma7507]

Does the sound of the Edition XS in any way resemble the sound of the Magneplanar MG1? I bought a pair of MG1s in 1980 when I was in a basement apartment. I had the space to set them up as per Magneplanar's instructions and they sounded fabulous. However I moved a few months later and never again had the space to set them up properly. Sold them in 1990 when I moved into my current home. If the Edition XS has any of that MG1 magic I'd be quite happy. Kudos to Steve for doing these videos - always interesting.

[@martinfox2244]

Great! So now I have to decide. Is it worth upgrading my Hifiman Sundara with the XS or go for the Ananda or...?

[@joshuasterling2144]

I was in the same bind for the Sundara and the XS. I like the oval shape and the design, plus the XS has the updated technology. Also the XS has more bass and it can take a generous bump in eq for bass and still sound very natural. The XS in orders of magnitude is only marginally more money so I pulled the trigger on them instead of the Sundara. I have very limited experience with planars but they sound fantastic, but I don't have a first hand experience with the Sundara so I cant tell you how big the bump is between them. I am listening to that Sinatra album with the XS right now and its killer. I also us the Dolby Atmos app in windows for extra spice.

[@Chiefbrody22]

I preferred the XS over the Sundara, both for sound, and as much for the headband. The XS doesn't have the clamp force of the Sundara so for me it is far more comfortable to wear over long portions of listening. I havent owned a Ananda but from what I've read, you're better off saving a little bit and just getting the XS for comparable sound quality.

[@musicxxa6678]

Ananda is significantly better than Sundara.

[@lower0101]

I just got the Anandas for a total of 512 dollars. If one of you is interested, send me a message to share the buyer. It was shipped directly from China and took 35 days to get here (I'm from Mexico), but God was the wait worth it.

[@joshuaschneck]

Adam, that's an unbelievable looking system! You must be tall in order to be able to change records on that turntable. One question, are you using a linear power supply with the ifi Zen Stream? I have a Zen Stream, like it quite a bit, and have a LPS on order as I've heard that can make a significant difference in improving clarity.

[@adamrenz4433]

😁 Only six feet tall. The VPI is sitting on a large slab of granite that was the extra piece when my sister renovated her kitchen countertops! Eye-level height makes life easier. I'm using ifi's own upgraded wall wart. Absolutely positively get a better power supply; the stock PSU hobbles the performance.

[@JohnJohn-lk4lq]

@@keplermission4947 dude, no one cares, get lost

[@jetho2186]

Hi, thanks for the review! Can you tell me if Hidizs ap80 pro is enough for these headphones, or do i need to get a stronger amplifier?

[@TheVeganVicar]

I use a Hidizs S9 Pro with the Edition XS, but it really requires a proper headphone amplifier to sound its best.

[@supabayes3284]

Nice shirt Steve

[@ExtremelyTastyBread]

Do you think a Schiit modi/magni stack would give me enough to appreciate these cans?

[@thisjustanother]

if you are running the the newest version magni/modi, then you'll have no issues running the hifiman XS

[@dr.shivamkukreja]

Sir i m currently running a shitty earphones m thinking of getting a new headphones but m not sure which i m a huge pink floyd fan and m comfused around Sennheiser hd 560s akg k702 /k712 pro and beyerdynamic 880 pro (250) all these 3 are basically of same cost here in india I think i can spare some cash and get some ifi zen air dac amp combo as it is cheap Or i should save money for dac and get an edition xs? Actually truely saying i really m leaning towards either k702 or edition xs😅 I will be greatfull as you are one of that actually know the sound signature and what could be the best Love to hear your input Regards Really m looking for your input ☺️

[@o.g.willing]

I own akg k712 pro which are great for studio reference, but they are not that fun to listen music (only great for techno basically). Hifiman XS is definitely step up. Btw akg 712pro would beat akg 702 in every aspect

[@ydid687]

viewer system was and is very cool, also what's the story behind the picture posted at last?

[@FOH3663]

He and engineer Bob Katz have been friends and colleagues for years. Speculation, but perhaps this was a Chesky recording session.

[@theshootindutchman]

That was fun steve, nice job 👍

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Awesome, thanks for watching.

[@gamingandmusic9217]

Thanks from INDIA. ifi zen dac v2 + ifi zen can + edition xs vs ifi zen dac v2 + Ananda ?? edition xs with dedicated Amp Vs Ananda without dedicated amp? which is better option?

[@LorenzoFrausto]

I d would say dac/amp

[@pfjb9122]

Thanks for listening to classical and jazz, I disregard almost all other headphone reviewers because the don't.

[@williamevans9426]

Like you, Mr Guttenberg, I wear spectacles so wonder, purely from a comfort perspective, whether you used the XS headphones with or without your specs. on? On another point, does anyone have any experience of HIFIMAN customer care in the UK? With many thanks!

[@JohnJohn-lk4lq]

@@keplermission4947 muppet

[@fletchermunson6225]

A good word for Hifiman. They repaired my Sundaras quickly. Excellent customer service.

[@bradhuskers]

I have a couple of highly rated small dac amp dongles, the apogee groove and the clarus coda dac amp dongle. Can someone tell me if I can run the hifiman edition xs with these small dacs? They are very small, yet very highly rated.

[@HowardFrischer]

Why is the wire setup like: TRS-L TRS-R to TRS?

[@dominiquedistefano]

Hi Steve, as always a great review ! My question if you allow: Can you once test a german top line amp ? Audionet, T+A, Burmester, German Physics, AVM...........

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Once? I think I reviewed a Burmester preamp 10+ years ago! I think I liked it, I don’t know who I wrote the review for.

[@dominiquedistefano]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac 10 years.....You love your Pass and the Luxman you recently tested....why not compare them with one of Germany's best amps, for example the T&A PA3100HV to take only on ? By the way it is always a pleasure to listen to you.

[@Finn-McCool]

"TAVSOTD" is an hour West of STL!? "I'M" an hour West of STL! Man I need to get out more! Need me some friends like HIM! 😂 Great video as always. I'll stay content with my Black Schiit Triple Stack and my Austria made AKG K240 'phones. But I like to window shop at the high end store. 😉 -✌🏼

[@olo7297]

How does it synergies with mojo 2?

[@laika25]

Pass connected to? CD?

[@Rayhanurkabir]

Is this Stealth Magnet version?

[@gandralf]

Hehe. I have a XS, a HD6xx and a Grado SR320x.

[@bradhuskers]

Not only are these headphones comfortable, but the sound quality is outstanding.

[@nature_sweet_vibes]

Does anyone drive the Edition XS with ifi Zen stack (dac + can) using the balanced cable ? It seems on the can with gain +6db if I pass after 12-13 mark on volume it starts to lag and interrupt the sound in headphones... does this happens to others too ? I am using foobar2000 with volume set to max. It seems the issue is with the zen CAN.... it doesnt have enough power to drive the Hifiman edition XS to max... on 0 gain it starts lagging and intrerupts with foobar2000 volume on max and volume to max on zen CAN. if I hit +6db gain on Zen Can it starts lagging and interrupting as I said at 60% of the max volume on Zen CAN. Maybe my zen Can is deffective ? I tried edition XS on FiiO K5 PRO directly and it can be really loud without interrupting.

[@BriamRC]

Can i drive it with the chord mojo?

[@thiscorrosion900]

You should be able to drive the XS with a Mojo. However, you'll probably get the best results with a good serious home desktop headphone amp. Not tube, a good solid state amp. I own the HIfiman HE400Is (5 year old model) and they sound best with my Creative Labs G6 sound card/amp. I can also drive them with a Fiio Mont Blanc amp, but they eat power like crazy that way. Most planars are power-hungry to some degree. My HE400Is lack some bass response, but the XS apparently have tons of bass.

[@FilipinaVegana]

16:25 Bob Katz?

[@LandsPlanes]

Its a better option than Sundara?

[@robm321]

Doubt it

[@BigJalapeno]

Not worth the extra price imo

[@philipsills5298]

I have both and luckily got the XS for a bargain price so a bit closer to the Sundara retail price and I really love them both. The Sundara’s have been my Goto for the last couple of years and the XS have just taken over from them. The XS is a little more comfortable to wear than the Sundara, you forget you’re wearing them. They do sound different with a little more excitement and bass on the XS than the Sundara but the Sundara bass already is fantastic with careful EQ. They are an upgrade from Sundara but not a huge amount which is credit to the Sundara’s. If you need a second pair for travelling etc like me it makes sense to get them but if you have Sundara’s then you can be content with your purchase in my opinion.

[@ChrisKeyman]

@@philipsills5298 hi, which one has wider Soundstage?

[@philipsills5298]

@@ChrisKeyman I would say the XS is slightly wider but not vast amounts. It’s probably more to do with the shape of the cups. I will say I prefer the cup shape of the XS over the Sundara!

[@fastguitars4380]

Steve, you stated that a comparison with the Sennheiser made sense ?? Yet, how is that, as the Senn is a 30 yr old design, and a dynamic driver. And that's your "made sense" comparison? Hummm, Are you drinking cool-aid? Why not compare the XS with any of the Hifiman 1000 series or the Susvara, or the Arya, as that would "make sense". How about anything with a Planar driver in it, would "make sense"....much more so than a comparison with a very old dynamic driver.... or a Toy Grado.

[@dorjedriftwood2731]

I tried planers and they really made my ears hurt, like going to a concert, I have never had that problem with headphones even when played very loud. I have excellent headphones, including ATX 1700s and various other similar quality open and closed back and a hifi plug in headphones amp which enabled me to properly drive the planars. They sounded great but they really felt over aggressive on my ear drums. Does anybody have an explanation of why Planar Magnetic drivers would damage my ears more than other headphones even when played at a lower volume then I would typically play my headphones?? I’m legitimately curious what is different about the sound waves created by Planars that my Ears would find injurious.

[@FirePuppyDotCom]

There is no difference in sound waves created between planar and dynamic/electrostatic. Some headphones are simply fatiguing, especially if they have major spikes in their freq response. I’m sensitive to some treble, so the DT770/He400 feel uncomfortable to me. The Sundara (planar), Stax Lambda (electrostatic), and HD600 (dynamic) sound fantastic to me, but you may enjoy something different. Look up the planars have you tried and see if they are known to be shouty, boosted bass, or bright. Did you use EQ? Do you have an amp which colors the sound? I’ve never heard of the ATX1700 you mentioned, but if you like them, look for planars with a similar sound and try them.

[@eshskis1]

Your experience is called exaggerate acoustic resonances, (ear fatigue) but everyone's ears are different, you may want to entertain a different style of headphones, as this can over time degrade hearing, it is normally accepted that anything above 70db over time will degrade hearing starting at the threshold of speech, headphone selection should be made with care and personal experience, When you experience this feeling your ears are telling you something proceed with caution

[@immanueljungheim8512]

I seem to have this on just one ear when listening to my m1060. Would this only happen on one ear or only on both?

[@utube9487]

I upgraded from 8 year old Sennheiser HD598 and it wasn't a big difference in sound quality. Only difference is it sounds music is coming from farther away, that's it. From actual relaxed music quality, I prefer my old Sennheiser. Truth be told, if you have a $150-$400 pair of Sennheisers in the 5 or 6 series the past 10 years, you don't need to get this.

[@socalexpat]

😄

[@LastAphelion]

Wild to read this now, because my HD579s have been my regular love for six years now and I had yet to feel the need to up/side grade and have yet to like anything else's signature, I can't escape the 5xx series love even though so many claim there is so much better since. I have sent back everything I've tried so far like the 6xx (too concentrated too intimate in a singular focus kind of way and not open enough, it doesn't make me look over my shoulder for who is talking to me or where a sound came from, gives me the impression of muddiness and losing detail of the mid-high, its funny I find the 6xx bass more than enough to me yet people complain it's not enough, harder to separate the layers=found them fatiguing and not relaxing or enjoyable in anyway, like a garden hose in my ear hole instead of a wide shower spray). So I was about to go buy all the used 579s left I could find which isn't many and or try the other 5s left on my bucket list to test.. but I decided to try the XS I'll be giving it a shot tomorrow.

[@utube9487]

@@LastAphelion Do tell

[@tewwywuggles]

I have the hifiman edition xs. I am expecting a new cable any day now from Periapt. I’m agonizing over which headphone amp to get for them. Does anyone happen to know a good source for explanations on headphone impedance / efficiency? I was under the impression that the Editions should be hard to drive. Now I think that impression is wrong.

[@joshuasterling2144]

I can get good dynamics and loudness out of my LG V60 cell phone with its dedicated quad dac. On my main system I have 1.6 watts and on the low setting I can get to about 80 percent volume. I say the more reserve you have the better. I don't know what the dynamic draw is but I suspect its higher.

[@ydid687]

K9 Pro by FiiO is nearing synergy to my ears, also a combination of sensitivity and impedance is a factor among others for something to be considered "hard to drive".

[@hoobsgroove]

couldn't find the spec on the vanderhul the grail noise floor you know what it is Steve!

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Sorry, no.

[@pauljohnson2473]

Since you did bring Grado into this review can I ask you- is the cable on the new series better suited to not twisting and breaking? I had the 80e phones, really liked them but after heavy use the cable eventually broke.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Over time the cable will break.

[@pauljohnson2473]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac thanks for the quick response. I really appreciate your review and interviews. The gear I have purchased as a result has never disappointed me.

[@steveluck9541]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliacdo the rod block upgrades stop this? I bought some pre-loved Grado GS1000i and the cups do spin round when I put them down but upgrade parts start at 180USD

[@doifeellucky]

The cable is terrible as is the quality control. I have the 325x and in the natural hang down position both cups face in the same direction. I’ve owned them since launch and they haven’t improved. The cable is also very rough and not in a good way. The headband edges are something I’d expect from a $30 pair.

[@vvidover]

Cool review Steve. Now do Apples and Oranges. ;)

[@justadad2304]

Steve, you really are the King.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thanks

[@CheekyFest]

Ive been using Sennheiser HD650's since 2014 (when I paid £300). What would be a sensible upgrade somewhere between £600-1000?

[@lower0101]

Hey! I'd get the Hifiman Ananda, hands down. It's value for the sound is really the best. It's not as bassy as the new XS, but detail retreaval and those very small things that you get from a more expensive headphone, which are lacking in the XS, are all there in the Ananda.

[@CheekyFest]

@@lower0101 What about 'normal' (i.e. not PM) headphones?

[@lower0101]

@@CheekyFest what kind of sound signature are you looking for? Neutral, more low end oriented or the other way around?

[@CheekyFest]

@@lower0101 I listen to a very wide variety of music. I've enjoyed the sennheisers so far, but havent heard much else to be honest

[@lower0101]

@@CheekyFest the 650s are really good, I dont feel they "lack" anything that much, but they definitely could benefit from a stronger low end. Detail retreaval is another area where I think you will notice a big improvement when you upgrade from a mid to a hi fi headphone, which you are definitely getting with that budget. I'd get the Focal Clear. It's on the higher end of your budget, but id argue its definitely worth it.

[@rev_dude]

So it sounds like at the current price of $270 these are a steal. Though I am planning on getting a midrange headphone & amp as my one and only audiophile grade product for the next 5-10 years, seems like these sound great, my only concern is reliability compared to something like the 6XX. I've heard HiFiMAN has a bit of a reliability problem where one side or the other dies after a few months

[@juanmillaruelo7647]

And compared to the Ananda?

[@kimbalxyz2]

It shrank, it got smaller, thinner , harder by comparison to the HE1000. Through a Pass Labs HPA-1 (3,675.00.) So why buy the Hifiman XS. He is telling it is not worth it so again why buy it ? Thank you , Steve Guttenberg Audiophiliac !

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

By comparison to the six times more expensive headphone, yes the XS was thinner, harder. Did you want me to say that they were almost the same?? I think the XS is fantastic, but it doesn’t sound like a $3000 headphone.

[@gandralf]

Harsh. I love this headphone, but I find it a little harsh sometimes.

[@robertkirkpatrick1826]

I love how you dont pander to the cheaper headphones but also dont cater to the higher end. You give credit where credit is due. YES $3500 is going to sound better than $500 DUHHHHHHHHH. But $500 can sound good, dont bash the person loving the $3500 pair, and dont talk down to the person loving the $500 pair. There is enough audio love for both.

[@CheekyFest]

I *LOVE* Koyaanisqatsi

[@gotham61]

Price?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

$499, the price is shown in the video

[@gotham61]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Ah okay. I see it now

[@nonchalantd]

!

[@CheekyFest]

2 x 15" subs !?

[@sean5996]

😚 Promo'SM!

[@skipsterz]

HD6XX all the way. Not even close.

[@radissimo1]

I have both and XS is magical as a whole listening experience, just so airy, with well defined bass, which is 6xx lacking

[@pcg3003]

Steve, FYI a man's ears never stop growing (*_*)

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

So they say!

[@endrizo]

audio and iphones dont match bro