Hifiman Edition XS planar magnetic headphone, over ear, open back design.
**More on the way...
Edition XS uses two newer Hifiman technologies to improve the sound quality: Stealth magnets and Supernano diaphragms. Stealth magnets are curved on the outside surface to improve airflow and reduce back-wave interference - this improves clarity and makes for a more spacious soundstage.
Hifiman Edition XS super-nano diaphragms are 75% thinner than the original, with the thinner & lighter material improving clarity further. A low sensitivity means these still prefer a decently powerful amp and can produce very dynamic sound and excellent separation of instruments. Bass response is stronger with more power and depth than the Sundara.
Edition XS ear pads are thick, angled for comfort around the ear with tons of space for your ears and are very breathable. The headband has thick padding with no hot spots. Cable looks basic but feels durable, does not tangle or transmit noise - you do not notice it, which is what you want from the cable!
Edition XS sensitivity rating is low, so feed these a bit of power in order to experience their max performance.
Hifiman Edition XS review : Headfonics.com review, 8.9/10: I could easily wear these all day long.... The HIFIMAN Edition XS has a large soundstage, precise placement, and imaging, an almost true tonality only rivaled by its much higher tier cousins plus the bass has finally arrived at the HIFIMAN house sound signature.
For a matching dac/amp... Fiio K11 R2R or Aune X1sGT pair great!, FYI.
For a balanced cable, Meze 4.4mm BAL, $79.
Hifiman Edition XS vs Sundara: Bass response, especially sub-bass, has better power, is more present and accurate with the XS. XS has an even larger feel to the sound. XS has more spacious ear cups.
Hifiman Edition XS specs:
This was my first taste of planar magnetic headphones. After reading some very positive reviews I decided to take the leap and I can say this really is a wonderful sounding headphone. Great instrument separation, wide soundstage and a balanced low bass and treble sound. I’m very pleased with the purchase and thanks to Travis for recommending these to me. Very happy with my purchase.
The purchasing process is always easy with Headphone Bar, Travis is very helpful, shipping is fast and good. The XS is very nice, pleasure to listen to, great quality and comfortable fit. Thank you.
I absolutely love the sound of these. I was so lost on whether to get the meze 109 pro or these which cost half, but ultimately I'm very happy with my decision! The soundstage on these things is great, they reproduce everything great. I don't like them a ton for metal as is but a quick EQ to make them sound more "warm" made them incredible for metal, as I loved metal on my old Sennheiser HD 518x. these headphones are especially great for instrumental or classical music! not that they aren't great for all kinds of songs. Just something I'd recommend is replacing the earpads if possible, and I'd absolutely recommend getting an alternative headrest for these, there's a lot of options out there like the Deconi nuggets or leather straps. but I ended up 3D Printing this model https://github.com/CapraAudio/CapraStrapra-6x0. it made the headphones far more comfortable. These headphones are very light, so with these mods, they went from uncomfortable to very comfortable for me. I've also put a picture of my "fun" metal EQ.
Excellent resolution and detail. Unmatched performance for this price point.
I cannot fault the sound of these and would wholeheartedly recommend them - so long as you wear them for an hour continuously and make sure the top of your head doesn't start hurting. I repeatedly found the headband incredibly uncomfortable after 30-45 minutes or so, and unfortunately Hifiman does not make replacement / alternative headbands. I read that somebody had used a lambskin horse-bridle cover to make the headband less painful and considered the same; and also found putting a pair of socks on my head also stopped it hurting - but in the end returned them. Great service from headphone bar and don't regret a thing. I also note that many people haven't have this experience - so maybe I just have an unusually shaped head? In any case, try before you buy!