đŸ”¶ Hifiman Edition XS

Headphones [Official] Open Back
1404

I think pretty much all hifiman measure with a ton of energy after 10k, I’d look somewhere else if you’re looking for a relaxing hp
 I just like hifiman for classical and soundtracks tbh

1 Like
1405

  1. Currently 3XP w/supercharger + SMSL Sanskrit 10th MK2

  2. Forza Claire Hybrid

I wonder, even with the ~6khz peak issue, people prefer HD800S treble over XS?

1406
  1. Schitt stack - Magnius/Modius
  2. Bought a balanced XLR cable from Hart Audio

REALLY enjoying this headphone! My 45 y/o ears have no complaints with the treble.

2 Likes
1407

OK, unless it’s just a bad match (doubtful, but possible) the 3XP is likely not the problem. The Sanskrit could be. Your amp and DAC are a bit mismatched in performance capability, specifically in a way such that the 3XP is probably revealing the limitations of the Sanskrit. My guess is this is where the problem is coming from. I would hear the XS with a higher level DAC before making too many judgements about it.

To the HD800 S question, it’s a very different headphone. It will give you more resolution and sharper imaging & separation than the XS, but won’t give you the bass presence, slam, or staging height. It’s also MUCH more money and if the problem is the Sanskrit, the HD800 S will make you even more aware of it.

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1408

My Gungnir isn’t here yet, so I guess I’d have to test it again sometime down the road. Though, I would probably rather find something that maybe sounds at least as good, but a little smoother & warmer to begin with. If that exists lol. Arya Stealth? Some ZMF?

1409

Arya Stealth is going to be a very similar presentation, but more refined and detailed. It probably will come across as smoother. A used HE1000v2 may also fit the bill
but might still be a bit too treble forward for what you’re describing.

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1410

Not sure how I missed this in my initial reply but congrats! My guess is your XS will take on new life with the Gumby + 3XP. But, as is inevitably the case in this hobby, you’ll realize you want more and you’ll have a signal chain that can also handle much more capable headphones. Please report back after you’ve had a good listen with the new DAC.

2 Likes
1411

Haha, that’s kiiiiind of why I think it’s best to just get rid of the XS right now, and try to find a bit warmer, smoother flavor. =p But yes, I definitely would like to repeat this experiment, once I can A/B the new/old DACs. My Erupt is sure kicking ass on this setup, even without the Gumby
!

XS basically sounds like a $1500 phone to me already, so I wonder if Arya sounds like $3000
 :thinking: Or just $1501. ^ ^

1412

HE400se was like 90% of the XS for me lol
generally higher price brackets has increasing diminishing returns

1413

Wow, I felt they were very different. XS much more refined and Sundara-like. 400se more basic and 400-like. Can’t say what Ananda or Anya sounds like, haven’t heard em lol.

1414

@WaveTheory I saw your video about the edition xs (great video btw :+1:)
 Do you think that the topping dx3pro+ would be ok for the xs? I want to buy both things. Thanks!

1415

Jesus, I can’t believe I am doing this. Headphones.com had these on sale for 439 bucks, so I am gonna try them. I gotta see what all this hype is about! I am really rollin the dice as they are open box! LOL! I guess I can always blow them back (or sell them) if they suck. :grin: Somehow, though, I don’t think they are gonna.

1416

I use the XS a lot and sits next to my 1266 TC and is able to give me that 1266 bass with my Woo WA5 LE. Difference between those is presentation so staging is awesome on both. The kicker is the bass and with the right amp you really can get that Abyss bass at much less. It does not do all the magic but for $500 I wouldn’t complain. Now if tear headphones apart on how close cymbals sound than I don’t know. I have5 headphones and I only use the two posted. My LCD 2 I just look at and my Snorry chassi to the headband but sony cd3000 drivers same thing just look at them so I don’t think I have enough. I’d rather have a set of RAD-0 to look at instead but important thing enjoying Hifiman for the first time since getting into this hobby. I thought I liked them until I put the first 1266 TC on my head back in 2018. The XS is trippy with a lot of stuff happening far away from my ears.

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8 Likes
1417

I really was genuinely astounded by how different it was from the normal Hifiman lineup and at the price I was pretty shocked by how well it scales and how it’s timbre stands up with a lot of music.

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1418

LCD-1 vs XS? Vastly poorer detail/resolution on the LCD? But perhaps much smoother and bassier?

1419

XS vs Dt1990 pro in separation and resolution?

1420

Interesting pick for best planar magnetic:

RTINGS 7 Best Audiophile Headphones - Spring 2022

2 Likes
1421

BTW, anyone have any experience with Linsoul Tripowin cables with the XS?

1422

Yeah, best planar period? I love my EDXS but i KNOW there are better planars, albeit more expensive. Also I find some of those other picks suspect


1423

All the choices in the article are odd

“DT 770 Pro - best close back”, its not even close to being the best, even in the “under 200$” catagory

1 Like