But $150 level headphones donāt require amps. Thatās my point. Like you donāt need to amp your Audiotechnica m50x. So clearly the $150 amp was meant to amp more expensive headphones. Itās not a stretch to believe that my K5 Pro should run everything from the 6XX to about the Elex.
Anyway, the new Element III seems enticing for an all in one device. Really hope it plays well with sensitive IEMs though, as I may want some of those in the future. the K5ās low gain does really really well in that regard too.
These are strangely broad strokes.
Entry-level Hifiman Planars, most Beyerdynamic DT series headphones, Fostex T50RP series and a billion other besides the first three that popped in my head deserve amplification that donāt cost a ton of money.
There are also headphones that cost twice this that need little. Dollars does not equal amplification need. Oversimplification. Dig into enthusiasm beyond consumerism.
9 Likes
So i went down to my local retailer for an exchange and the same issue happened on the new pairā¦ It appears to be an issue on the jack as swapping the L/R cables still yields the same result.
The openheart cable doesnāt seem to have the issue tho
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So, I guess Iāll share my early impressions of these cans. They arrived a lot earlier than I thought, but I havenāt put in many hours yet.
Keep in mind that Iām very inexperienced and Iām also driving them with the sound blaster X7, a pretty weak power source. That said I was still able to hear a massive upgrade over the HD560S - which I heard before the XS - they are on a completely different level and also Iād say they are overall more pleasing and less fatiguing.
The only downside, the mids āscoopā, I think becomes a bit more noticeable in tracks that are already mixed with a āthickā bassy and warm sound profile, at least in my limited experience so far. For instance in Shaolin Monk Motherfunk by Hiatus Kaiyote the electric piano sounds a bit recessed and submerged.
With classical music I think they sound great, they definitely provide a good sense of scale and the separation is beyond anything Iāve ever heard, while listening to Mahlerās fifth symphony I told to myself ādamn, I never heard this stuff beforeā lol.
I listened to the more electronic stuff by Nine Inch Nails and thought they sounded great for that too, Iām curious how they fare with albums like The Fragile.
I still havenāt delved into jazz with them, but itās high in the list of priorities.
I tried them also for gaming and besides being very precise with directional cues, they are really immersive, Iām mostly a single player gamer, but I think they would work well for all purposes.
So far Iām very happy with this purchase 
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On another note, Iām considering some options for an amp upgrade down the line and so far Iām oriented towards something like Topping A30 pro or L50. Has anyone some experience with those?
I think Iāll use the sound blaster X7 as a DAC for gaming purposes, and maybe Iāll get a better DAC for music listening, but Iāll wait a bit on that.
I have moved this review here from the Acho Reviews thread to keep things tidier and more on topic.
The Edition XS have been kindly loaned to me by Hifiman in order to evaluate them and create this review. Hifiman has not made any requests, they never have, so the following will be my personal opinions in the usual fashion of being as unbiased and sincere as possible. However, it is always good to consider the fact that it has not cost me anything to try out these headphones.
You can find the official Hifiman Edition XS page here: Headphones & portable audio - HIFIMAN.com
Introā¦
Itās been a while since I last reviewed a set of over-ear headphones. In fact, I think that the last ones I reviewed were the Hifiman Arya Stealth, back in October last year (which, by the way, are a set of headphones that I like more each time I listen to them).
I will also mention the fact that I am a Hifiman fan and also a big fan of the Ananda. The reason that I mention this is that comparisons with the Ananda will be unavoidable in this review, and although I aim to be as unbiased as possible, my love of the Ananda could create a little bias, although whether that bias could be both positive and negative. I mean, when someone brings out a new model of something that you really like, the usual human reaction is to dislike the new product that may replace it, whether this stance is logical or not.
In this case, I will start out by saying that the Edition XS are a set of headphones that are very similar to the Ananda in my opinion, and have fixed some of the things that people disliked about the Ananda, but are they a better set of headphones for less money?
Presentationā¦
Apart from the Ananda and the HE1000se, I think that every other set of Hifiman headphones I have received have always been packaged in the same way (except maybe of the plastic insert instead of silk on the HE4000se, but they were still more similar than not).
The usual Hifiman box showing the Edition XS on the front and specifications on the back, opens to reveal the usual warranty card and other documentation laying on top of a foam divider. Underneath the divider, the Edition XS sit in the usual silk covered cut out, with the cable in the allocated center space.
There isnāt really much more to say about it. I have no complaints with the presentation as it is the same as many others by the brand.
Build and aestheticsā¦
This may actually be the part where the Edition XS differs from the Ananda the most. While the Ananda has the steel headband with the suspension strap underneath, the Edition XS use the headband that Hifiman are using on many of their latest models. The headband is a simple foam and leather covered headband but has one thing that everyone missed on the Ananda, cup swivel.
Well, I say everyone but that is not really true. Personally I have no issue with the fit of the Ananda, it just fits me correctly without hassle, but I do understand that many peoples largest complaint with them was that lack of adjustment to get a good seal. This is something that the Edition XS has fixed and should make a lot of people happy.
Butā¦ and there is always a butā¦ I much prefer the suspension strap style headband. In my personal case, the newer headbands create a hotspot on the top of my head and while it is not unbearable, it does cause me to never really stop noticing the headphones on my head. I am obviously a minority in this case but all I can do is share my personal opinion.
The build quality is also very similar to the Ananda, although I do find that the part of the headband that swivels, and its plastic covers, do feel a little flimsy. I canāt say if this particular headband will cause issues over time but seeing that they have used it on many other models and I havenāt seen too many complaints, I can only guess that it should stand up to daily use without issue.
The aesthetics are also very similar to the Ananda, in fact, the only real difference as far as looks is again, the headband. Aesthetics are obviously a very personal thing and everyone has their own opinion, my personal opinion is that I prefer the look of the classic suspension strap headband.
The last thing to mention in this part of the review is the cable. Here I have to say that the cable that is included with the Edition XS is probably the most simple cable I have received with a set of Hifiman headphones, and it is also the best. It is a simple no frills cable that does not tangle, is of a decent length, avoids microphonics and just does its job.
Soundā¦
When I first listened to the Edition XS, my mind automatically said āAnandaā. Let me just point out that there are a few differences between the sound of the XS and the Ananda, which I will comment on, but the differences I feel are minor and if it wasnāt for listening to them side by side, I am not sure I would be able to spot them easily.
Before getting into the specifics, let me just mention power. Although I have listened to the Edition XS on multiple systems over the past week or so, a lot of that listening time has been in the office using a JDS Labs Atom. In my opinion it powers the XS just fine and to reach my normal listening levels (which are quite low), I have been keeping it around noon or less on low gain.
So, starting off in the subbass frequencies as always, here I feel that there is no difference between the two. The extension down into the subbass realms is neutral and any roll off is more due to our natural hearing roll-off than any drop from the Edition XS. Subass is tight and well controlled, keeping up with literally anything you would like to throw at it.
Putting it through the usual āChameleonā stress test, and giving it plenty of power to see how it did, subbass is just where I like it. It is not as boosted as some other sets, nor are planar usually my favourite choice for the lows, but gives enough to not feel that anything is missing and does it in a very controlled manner.
Moving into the midbass, it is a continuation of the subbass. It is neutral, balanced and very clean. From hip hop to pop, rock to reggae, I find that the bass is just a great representation of clean and neutral. With the lower end of acoustic instruments, such as the guitar on āCrazyā could maybe benefit with a slightest bit of warmth but that is something that I find with (almost) all planars I have tried. Donāt get me wrong, it sounds great, but is just a little more sterile than on some of the dynamic offerings (or higher end Hifiman models such as the HE1000se or the Arya).
There is absolutely nothing to complain about in the transition from bass to lower mids and the neutral balance continues up until we start reaching the higher mids. @Resolve shared a graph of the Ananda vs Edition XS on the headphones.com forum (here) and his graph shows the Ananda having more presence in the 3 to 4 kHz region.
Now, I am obviously not arguing with a measurement but there is something about this region that strikes me as different and not necessarily smoother on the Edition XS. Let me see if I can explain this in a way that is understandable and not seem like a total fool at the same time 
The Ananda does give me the impression of being more āactiveā in these higher mids. As I have said before, plenty of times, I feel that the Ananda is an exciting headphone that sort of shouts ālook what I can doā, where I feel that the Edition XS, while having a very similar (almost identical) FR, does not portray itself the same way. I feel that the Edition XS is slightly smoother in that high mid forward space, butā¦ there is a frequency that can come across as very harsh with certain female vocals.
I have a few theories (looking at the graph) as to why this may be and I am inclined towards the fact that the 3kHZ boost does not irritate me at all (when done correctly). However, as the 3kHz mark is slightly reduced on the XS, it leaves the 5kHz mark as the highest peak and I feel this is something that my ears donāt really like that much.
Now, before anyone gets the impression that this makes the XS unlistenable to me, far from it. The difference between the two is very slight and I am focusing on something that is really only a couple of dB difference on very specific songs by specific artists. As I said at the start, if I wasnāt listening to them side by side I am not sure, in fact I very much doubt, I would notice.
Moving up to the higher ranges, here I sort of feel that the Ananda is slightly smoother while the XS gives a slight increase in perception of space. Again, these are differences so minor that I could not choose between the two and would be more than happy with either of them.
As far as details, layering, dynamics and all those fancy words, I really feel that both are on a very similar level. I get the feeling with some songs that I prefer one, on others I prefer the other and in general, they are both great.
Conclusionā¦
This review has really turned into a comparison rather than a review of only the Edition XS. I suggest you take a look at my complete review of the Ananda (here) in order to get a more detailed grasp on my opinion of them, that will put this review into context a little better.
I feel that the most important factor for deciding between them will be the headband, in other words, comfort. If you are someone who prefers the swivel and the new headband, then you should have no doubts that you are not giving anything up by choosing the (cheaper) Edition XS over the Ananda.
If you donāt care which headband you use and find them both comfortable, then I would again just choose the Edition XS. It is cheaper than the Ananda, it has a better cable and the sound is just as good. There really isnāt any reason to choose the Ananda over the Edition XS unless you really want that comfort strap (which I really like by the way!).
If you own an Ananda, I really donāt think that there is any reason to move to the Edition XS, again, unless you want the headband/swivel. Both are excellent headphones at their price.
All I can say is that Hifiman has introduced another headphone that I feel sets a level of quality for the price bracket. Where the HE400se is my go to recommendation in the lower budgets, I think that the Edition XS is now a reference mark at the 500ā¬ mark.
As always, this review is also available in Spanish on my blog (here) and on YouTube (here).
12 Likes
Somebody tried Edition XS on devices like xduuo xd-05 plus or xd-05 bal? Im thinking about purchasing semi-portable device for XS, and for price xd-05 bal looks good for me. But is it a good pairing? Is xd-05 power output will be enough? Is xd-05 bal sound quality is enough to open up up Edition XS? Will be waiting for your response:)
Just received mine today. Initial impressions with my Topping L30/E30 are great! At about 11:00 on 0 gain.
initial impressions:
Comfort: The headphones are light enough that the stock headband is fine for a couple hours before becoming irritating (HE400se was more like an hour for me), stock clamp is pretty light I was able to increase it a bit by just bending the headband inwards, no issues with the stock earpads on these so far
Sound: these seem like a big brother to the 400se to me (havenāt done a/b testing yet) sounding similar but being more open due to the extra space of the cups, came across as a bit sharp initially but I left it playing music for a few hours and it seems to have toned down already
Drivability: balanced on a ifi Zen Dac/Topping A90 only get to around 30% not a significant difference between the two but the A90 had a bit more Sub bass impact,
SE Fiio E10K/ifi Zen Dac sound is very close but the Fiio isnāt quite as open
my audio chain seems to make up to a 5% difference (not a lot but noticeable if A/B testing)
(current) conclusion: a potentially great mid tier headphone held back by cut corners, if you love the tuning and arenāt bothered by the headband great otherwise mods are likely needed
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Just for funsies for people powering these with the zen can. Use resolves optional Bass EQ with xbass turned on and listen to Roulette by machine gun kelly (descently high volume) and try to not let the cans fall of your head 
I feel like zen dac bass boost is a bit much not to mention the zen can 
By an Asgard
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Unfortunately where I live Schiit products are not easily available, I would have to resort to import or second hand market. I was oriented towards those two Topping amps because they seem to provide great performance for a decently low price. I think L50 should be enough, but I am considering also A30 pro as a just in case if I were to buy a harder to drive headphone in the future.
zen can bass boost is waaaay less prominent than that of the can though. The dac has more midbass while the can only boosts subbass. dac boost is too much for me aswell.
Hey mate, how are ya doing with your Arya, is it a huge leap comparing to XS?
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So sell the Susvara or not?
jk,jk
Though I could see myself picking up an XS. I really, really liked the Edition X v2 I had. Iāll wait for @WaveTheoryās review and see how it goes. I could also just be feeling sentimentalā¦
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(first set DoA). Erm, so zero burn in, yup, sound pretty good. Gonna give this 24/36 hours burn in and then pit it head to head with my primary music headphone, HE-500.