If you think the 1990s have that you’ll have your mind blown by the edition xs. 1990s actually have a relatively small soundstage for an open back.
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I should also add that they’re very capable of narrow soundstage if the mix calls for it
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I’ve heard they blow the 1990’s out of the water for realism and size. I do love that presentation, but it doesn’t engage me like closed-backs do?
I might get the Elegias for now, then eventually get Edition XS too. The 1990’s impress me a lot for technicalities and realism. But I still get more pleasure from Sony XM3’s (which sound pretty poor).
The Edition XS would be the upgrade to my 1990’s when the time comes
I get what you’re saying but that’s usually only the case with exaggerated soundstage and in my opinion the elegias don’t come close for overall enjoyment. There’s a bit of psychoacoustic trickery that some headphones abuse to make the soundstage seem big but what ends up happening is that you lose the close intimate parts and I think I can safely say that isn’t the case with the edition XS.
Maybe @ATK or @starence can elaborate a little on the staging and engagement level. They’re definitely no slouch at enjoyment.
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Thanks for the help. If it’s any more context, I sold my HD 599’s as they had a similar effect. I liked the tall sound, but it was so distant and mushy, I couldn’t use it for fun listening. Though they’re known for having issues with staging and speed.
Hey so - well I have a problem with Beyers personally. They are sibilant - and I’m not certain if they still have the dynamics as good as Focals or Fosters. The driver tech in these latter ones definitely plays some role there.
Beyers may also distort and not scale so well - my custom studio pro surely has those elements I’ve mentioned, and I kind of feel that way about the 1990s/1770s too. If Made in Germany is not a huge consideration - I think that’s what’s often glamorized there - and of course their build quality and customization possibilities etc.
Soundstage-wise, Focals aren’t too great either. Very nice imaging, but more like a sphere around your head. Hifimans go much further, every time.
I did mention though that I consider Hifiman Edition XS as a mid-fi endgame class pair of cans - again, it may still be better to try something like them before you buy. Blind purchases worked out for me, 3 times now. But I don’t recommend that for everyone else.
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i think that feels fair. it makes me want to try the arya stealth but i’m fairly content with headphones for now so i’ll leave it to reviewers to compare them but they just seem all around likable and safe.
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Yeah, where I live there’s no way to try out headphones - only the Bluetooth ones in tech stores. I have to spend forever taking in opinions, until I make a judgement.
The Focals seem to get wildly opposing thoughts (on all aspects; tonality, soundstage, imaging). But most of what I hear about Elegias makes me think “Yes! That’s what I want”. While the Ananda’s are described more closely to my open-backs, which I want to avoid (for pure pleasure listening).
I think regardless, I’ll still buy Anandas or Edition XS within the next year. Both Focal and Hifiman have been on my list for a while.
don’t get me wrong the elegias are great and punchy and fun and when they’re on a good sale they’re a good option. i’m not a huge fan of closed backs most of the time.
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Oh wait - you were talking about the Elegias? Oh for a moment I thought Elears. So my impressions were in part of the Elex (which are pretty close to Elears).
The Elegias… hmmm… I don’t like closed backs myself. I’ve even made my EMU Teaks open with modded grill cups.
I don’t think you can take any closed back over an open for the sheer natural airiness and the much reduced fatigue with the opens.
I don’t think I would consider Elegias - unless closed back is really something you desire.
I’m a basshead kinda guy listening to electronic, and yes, I want my bass, yet still I can vouch for the Elex and the Hifimans (in closed or semi-closed backs, the Fostex/EMU line is quite the thing).
So yeah I would not vouch for closed backs either. Gave me tinnitus, some of them, and for quite some time - thank God I’m fine now.
I have the Elex. That, with the Hifiman Edition XS completes my Holy Grail.
Even sound wise, I don’t think closed backs compete with the overall package. So there’s my two cents.
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I see you 
you unstoppable planar bounty hunter!
honestly get the ananda it’s not even a close comparison, it’s a much better headphone. I tried the celestee before and it’s supposed to be a better elegia and i’d still take the ananda
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This was my experience too. I actually preferred the Ananads over the OG clear, but I think source gear and preference is really important at that point.
Don’t buy blind. Try to audition both.
I’ll definitely get the Ananda, you’ve all convinced me. But I’ll get the Elegia first - I want slam and dynamics, and it seems they do it well. I quite like the less airy, closed-back sound (though Elegias are less claustrophobic than others, I’ve read).
I keep reading the Anandas are lightning fast, really resolving, but lacking slam (except in the sub bass). That’s what I want to avoid - my 1990’s have no slam except in sub bass, and I never feel “moved” by it. I will still get the Anandas as a 1990 upgrade though. Thanks for all the help
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Pretty sure the assessment here is correct as to which one would be the “better” headphone, but I don’t think you will be disappointed with the Elegia if you do go that way. I love mine. It’s primary pairing for me is with the BF2 > XDuoo TA-20 and it’s wonderful. Just be sure you buy a cable for them as the cable that comes with them is the worst I have seen. Evar!
Just my $.02. Happy Friday!
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Again the edition xs stomps the Ananda and is cheaper. The Ananda is not all that great, it’s just detailed.
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Yeah, it seems Ananda is the better headphone, but Elegia is more what I’m looking for. I’ll definitely pick up Ananda or Edition XS as my next “Wow” headphone (or for mixing!). Happy Friday
And yeah, it’s kinda crazy that even a £15 cable from Amazon beats Hifiman and Focal’s stock cables…
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Maybe try to audition a FostexTH600/610 if you like the DT1990’s sound sig. E-MU Teak is a unicorn, impossible to audition. There’s also the new and old Denon lines (7200,7000,5000) but depending on where you live they might be too pricey. I got the 5k for 200 and at that price it’s pretty darn good. They don’t sound exactly like a 1990 but they sound more fun and that’s what you’re going after.
I also suffer from tinnitus (and hyperacusis… An audiophile’s worst nightmare). For me, I’ve found headphones with less slam/impact are the most fatiguing.
Headphones like this are the M40x, HD 599, and (less so) the DT 1990’s. They all sound so flat and lacking punch. Even though the 599’s are quite soft and easy-going, they hurt my ears!
Then my WH-1000XM3’s are much less fatiguing for me. They punch really hard, despite being ‘slow’ in dynamics. I’m not sure why it’s less fatiguing, but I’ve heard others say the same.
So for now I’ve gone with Elegia, I’ll update when I get them! Hopefully I’ll find the Anandas (or other planars) for cheap in the future too.
Hmm all the more reason to avoid closed backs. Open backs are the way for me now - I’m converting/have converted all my fav cans to open - took the covers off the M1060Cs too - matter of fact, they really open up after taking the wooden lids/cups off, the sound improves a lot - less in your ears more natural and airy. Same thing I did with my BD Custom Pro Studios (cut modded the rears), and the EMU Teaks (took off cups and printed open cups to put on)…
Anyhow - hope it works out for you.
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