Here’s my Edition XS review, translated from italian:
Headphone lovers (and headphones in general) are very familiar with Hifiman: the company produces magnetoplanar headphones for all budgets, and has some models that have become true benchmarks for the industry within different price ranges, just mention Sundara, Ananda and Arya. We had the opportunity to test the recent Edition XS, which are located in the segment between Sundara and Ananda, also comparing them with other models of the company. What is our judgment? They sound damn good for their range and are very comfortable despite considering the not insignificant weight typical of magnetoplanar headphones. But let’s proceed in order.
The Edition XS are the evolution of the previous model, the Edition X launched in the now distant 2016, and represent one of the company’s flagship models for the price range between 500 and 600 euros, thus positioning themselves as an intermediate solution between Sundara and Ananda, resembling more to the latter (a similarity that starts from the design of the ear cups, wide and elongated). They are equipped with Stealth Magnets and NEO Supernano Diaphgram technologies, are wired and supplied with a good no-frills cable, and looking at the specifications of these headphones (of open circumaural type) we find a frequency response of 8Hz - 50kHz, 18Ω impedance and 92dB sensitivity.
These are clearly desktop or armchair headphones, not designed to be used on the road (notwithstanding that those who do not fear bulk can always connect them to a portable dac/headphone amp) and have a significant weight (405 grams), but the band with cushion and wide and soft ear cups make it still comfortable, and we had no problems with prolonged listening.
The Stealth Magnets technology was theorized and implemented to reduce possible interference between waves with a new magnet architecture in order to recreate a more faithful sound.
"The NEO Supernano Diaphragm or NsD, another proprietary technology of Hifiman, is a new diaphragm 75 percent thinner than previous ones, which further improves the level of detail of the reproduction.
How do these Edition XS fit? A peculiarity of this model is to have a low clamp force, that is, they press little on the ears, a factor that for us was comfortable, it could be less so for those who have a particularly thin head profile or a very small head. Some say that Sundara are more comfortable but honestly, while appreciating the cheaper Hifiman model very much, we far prefer the XS in terms of comfort.
How do the Edition XS present themselves
XS HifimanIt is possible to purchase the XS in the version with official travel case, which you can see below, and classic, the one we tested, with elegant black Hifiman box with flap opening from one of the short sides, and inside the headphones lying in the black satin-lined molding, together with a good 3.5mm cable with 6.35mm adapter, all with warranty tags, tags explaining Stealth Magnets Technology and product guide. In the guide instructions on how to use the product, on how to replace the ear cups and other details (the recommended break-in time, incidentally, is 150 hours).
The headphones can be extended simply by pulling the part between the band and the ear cups, reaching an extension sufficient to cover a head and a half. The design, as you can see from the photos, is simple and clean, and the wide ear cups make their figure once you wear the XS."
How the Edition XS sounds
The ear cups of the Edition XS are really big So let’s move on to the fateful question. The Edition XS sound very good for their price range, to the point of not fearing comparisons with major competitors in the segment. The similarities with Ananda (a higher category headphone whose price has risen in recent months, now not far from 800 euros) are also very evident in the sound reproduction, as well as in the ear cups. The Edition XS boast excellent detail, good instrument separation, a “well-set” stage and bass that, while not being boisterous, while not being vehement (as is customary for magnetoplanar headphones compared to dynamic driver ones), are felt, are well set and well defined and it is very nice to follow their nuances. We found them satisfying, those who want more push on the bass front, however, can always play on the DAC/amp to match.
The mids are very clear, relatively energetic and with a tone that appears natural, especially with voices, which in rhythm and blues tracks become protagonists, with the XS able to reproduce their nuances well. The highs are transparent and with good detail: always keeping in mind that the range is just above 500 euros, it is difficult to find flaws in the overall sound capabilities of the headphones. Hifiman is known for its ability to produce devices with a great ratio between sound quality and price, and the XS are no exception.
The voices appear well calibrated. In pieces where instrumentation is felt, however, it is the instruments that take center stage: the XS manage to reproduce a good stage, not very wide but with the work of individual instruments well identifiable, presenting the right dynamism and rendering details very well. They excel in reproducing Radiohead tracks like Led Zeppelin’s and with good electronic music it’s a moment to get lost in the sound experience.
The ear cups of the Edition XS are really big So let’s move on to the fateful question. The Edition XS sound very good for their price range, to the point of not fearing comparisons with major competitors in the segment. The similarities with Ananda (a higher category headphone whose price has risen in recent months, now not far from 800 euros) are also very evident in the sound reproduction, as well as in the ear cups. The Edition XS boast excellent detail, good instrument separation, a “well-set” stage and bass that, while not being boisterous, while not being vehement (as is customary for magnetoplanar headphones compared to dynamic driver ones), are felt, are well set and well defined and it is very nice to follow their nuances. We found them satisfying, those who want more push on the bass front, however, can always play on the DAC/amp to match. The mids are very clear, relatively energetic and with a tone that appears natural, especially with voices, which in rhythm and blues tracks become protagonists, with the XS able to reproduce their nuances well. The highs are transparent and with good detail: always keeping in mind that the range is just above 500 euros, it is difficult to find flaws in the overall sound capabilities of the headphones.
Hifiman is known for its ability to produce devices with a great ratio between sound quality and price, and the XS are no exception. The voices appear well calibrated. In pieces where instrumentation is felt, however, it is the instruments that take center stage: the XS manage to reproduce a good stage, not very wide but with the work of individual instruments well identifiable, presenting the right dynamism and rendering details very well. They excel in reproducing Radiohead tracks like Led Zeppelin’s and with good electronic music it’s a moment to get lost in the sound experience.
The sound overall has a full-bodied character, without peculiar characterizations, so it is generally reproduced in a neutral or natural tone, perhaps with a very slight warm note.
Edition XS vs Sundara
A comparison with Hifiman’s more popular entry-level headphones (which currently cost around 330 euros) will be useful. The difference is particularly noticeable on the front of detail, instrument separation and overall balance in track reproductions. Sundara are among the best sounding headphones in their range but the more advanced technology of the XS does justice to the price jump. Sundara make dynamism and a “punchy” sound distinctive features, and when switching to Edition XS these may initially seem “less tough”, but the advantage gained in definition, balance and soundstage, and in our opinion also in comfort, make them superior. In short, if you have both devices at home, you will hardly feel like going back to Sundara.
Conclusions
HifiMan has clearly improved the Edition X. The new Edition XS are among the best headphones in the 500-600 euro segment currently on the market, characterized by excellent sound, defined, with good instrument separation, good dynamism and remarkable overall balance. The model has a weight managed very well by the cushions and wide and soft ear cups, which makes even prolonged listening sessions comfortable. With a good combo of DAC/headphone amplifier (such as the EF400 from the same company or the HFM Zen Signature Set from Ifi) you will have a headphone listening system for a thousand euros or just over capable of giving you satisfying listening for years.
A safe choice for those who already appreciate headphones with magnetoplanar technology and a great way, for those who have never tried them, to discover these devices.
Here you can find the Edition XS original review written in italian.
