Edition XS

Owns the Edition XS and much prefers it to the Sundara, mainly for its fit.

“I got the Edition XS and much prefer it over the Sundara, mainly because of fit. I wonder if it would be worth upgrading either to Ananda or the next step up.”

Bought it after liking the Sundara, but finds the Edition XS fits too loosely and needs constant readjusting.

“I just got these since I really liked the Sundaras, but I have issues with both... Sundara's earpads touches my ears which causes irritation and the Edition Xs feels too loose”

Bought it for $400 and finds it amazing for the price; they barely use their HD 6XX because the XS is much more comfortable.

“i've bought them for $400 and they amazing for that price tag, i tnink. also bought 6xx, but not listen them cause xs is much more comfortable”

Coming from bassier closed-backs, was disappointed at first, but turning on XBass on their iFi Zen Can was a game changer and now they really like it.

“I got the XS a week ago. And I am used to closed backs with better bass (which I like) so I was disappointed at first. However turning the Xbass on my Zen Can was a game changer”

Thought it sounded pretty good, but the build quality let them down: a driver buzzed and they had to return it.

“The HiFiMAN XS headphones sound pretty good, but their build quality is poor. I bought a pair and had issues with them—the driver had a buzzing noise, so I had to return them.”

Replaced a worn HIFIMAN HE-500 and finds the Edition XS way better.

“Same I just bought these after owning the HE-500 (my HE-500 are in pretty bad condition - they have kinda like a high peak? and made some weird sound) The XS are way better”

Started with the Edition XS on an iFi Zen stack and later moved to an HE1000se with Topping gear, yet says the XS is not far behind a headphone eight times its price.

“I bought edition xs with zen stack. It was good. Now I upgraded to Topping E70+ Topping A90D with Hifiman HE1000 SE. It is not exaggerating to say that XS is not far behind HE1000SE”

Finds vocals somewhat boxy and slightly recessed even with EQ on a Qudelix 5K, coming from Moondrop Blessing 2 Dusk IEMs; otherwise they sound amazing.

“I find vocals rather boxy, even when using the XS EQ in the Qudelix 5K (although it's a lot better), but that's coming from Moondrop Blessing:2 Dusk IEMs which are spectacular with voices.”

Calls it the best value and best sound of any headphone they have owned, and says it scales brilliantly with more power, pairing perfectly with a Chord Mojo 2.

“The HiFiMan xs edition is amazing, the best value for money and excellent audio of any headphones I've had. And scales brilliantly with extra power”

Bought it recently and was surprised by underwhelming sound quality next to their other headphones, especially the soundstage, and wonders whether their unit is faulty.

“I bought it one recently and I was surprised by the underwhelming overall sound quality compared to my currently owned headphones and to what I had always read about it particularly in the soundstage aspect”

Bought it once the price dropped but heard a resonance on brass and forward piano, mostly in the left driver, and is returning it. Doesn't call it garbage, but their first HIFIMAN was disappointing at the price.

“There is a resonance which I hear on brass and very forward piano, especially on the left driver. Googling for this issue proves more people have this, but not all of them. Sending mine back.”

Frustrated with theirs: it sounds excellent in some ways but smothers the dynamics of rock and metal more than any headphone they have used.

“I’m pissed about mine. I’ve never had a headphone neuter a song like these. They sound excellent and terrible. All dynamic elements of rock and metal smothered.”

In humid Singapore the pads flaked so badly the pieces stuck in their hair and they had to buy covers; no driver problems so far.

“the flaking is crazy, mine flake and got stuck to my hair and i had to buy covers for them. So far no driver issues”

Has enjoyed it for over two years for music, gaming and movies on a Topping DX3 Pro+; still perfect for them, though the synthetic leather is almost worn away.

“enjoyed my XS for 2 years + now !! used it for music , gaming and movies on a dx3pro+ dac. still perfect for me . but the synthetic leather are almost clearing out now.”

Has owned the Edition XS for about a month and finds it very comfortable; the pads felt stiff at first but turned out fine.

“I own XS for about a month. I would be happy to see this review too :) I don't really understand theese comfort complains. For me there are very comfortable.”

Just got it and loves the sound, run balanced from a Qudelix 5K with Oratory1990's EQ plus extra bass, but comfort isn't great.

“I just got an Edition XS last week and really love the sound. I’m currently running mine with a Qudelix 5K and a balanced cable with Oratory1990’s EQ + some extra bass. Comfort isn’t the best though”

Bought it for $209 and is amazed by the sound, which they would rate highly even at the original $500. Chose it over the Arya Stealth, whose extra bass didn't justify the price, and finds it pairs wonderfully with an iFi Zen DAC III.

“Picked up mine on Amazon 3 weeks ago for 209.00. Holy crap, they sound amazing. I would have said the same thing, had I bought them for the original 500 dollar price.”

Owns both and finds the Edition XS miles better than the DT770, with no distortion and better bass extension.

Owns the DT770 Pro and Edition XS and doesn't find the XS a gaming headphone.

Didn't like the Edition XS at first, their first planars, but after a week loves them.

Thinks the Edition XS sounds brilliant with great value, though build quality isn't good.

Almost always reaches for the Edition XS over their HD 6XX for its open soundstage.

Has had the Edition XS for a year and really enjoyed it.

Is very happy overall with the Edition XS's neutral, airy, clear presentation.

After three and a half years their Edition XS's right driver suddenly died.

Has had their Edition XS for over four years with zero issues.

Loves the Edition XS but one side is louder than the other after an earlier issue.

Upgraded from the Sundara to the Edition XS and prefers its sound, though not its look and feel.

Stopped looking at other headphones after getting the Edition XS.

Has enjoyed the Edition XS for a year with an iFi Hip DAC 3 for classic hip-hop.

Has a big head so the Edition XS fits perfectly with a Capra strap; absolutely loves the sound.

Went through two returns for buzzing drivers and the current Edition XS has the same issue.

Is on their fourth Edition XS after two buzzed and one had channel imbalance.

Remembers taking naps with the Edition XS, their first HiFiMAN.

Chose the FiiO FT1 Pro over the Edition XS for its spicy treble.

Got the Edition XS for just over €200 and finds it an incredible experience for the money.

Bought the Edition XS but returned it after a week for the Arya Organic.

Finds the Edition XS among the best headphones they've tried: wide, immersive, detailed, great for gaming footsteps.

Loves the Edition XS, the first truly over-ear headphones they've used.

Finds the Edition XS sounds good but less of a wow than expected.

Has had the Edition XS for two years and would keep their HD550 over it.

Got a refurbished Edition XS for $84 and is blown away by how good it sounds against their HD 6XX and HD600.

Finds the Edition XS technically better at almost everything than the HD650 except timbre.

Got the Edition XS on AliExpress and a Capra strap helps the fit a lot.

Prefers the Edition XS over the HD600 for its bass presence.

Really likes the Edition XS and it still amazes them.

Really enjoyed the Edition XS's sound but it broke after three years.

Loves their Edition XS, especially after fixing comfort with a new headband.

Found the Edition XS quite comfortable even with an afro hairstyle.

Found the Edition XS too big with too loose a clamp, so returned it for the Arya V3.

Found the Edition XS a bit loose on their small head, needing an add-on to fit.

Didn't hear an increase in quality from the Edition XS, just a different sound profile.

Their Edition XS arrived in perfect condition and sounds great.

Kept the Edition XS when selling their collection because it's too good a value to sell cheaply.

Finds the huge Edition XS among the most comfortable over-ears they've worn.

Finds the Edition XS very comfortable, wearing it for hours daily for gaming and music.

The Edition XS headband presses on the top of their head uncomfortably.

Their Edition XS fits only on the smallest setting even for a full-sized adult.

Calls the Edition XS pretty much the best performance per dollar in audio, 85-90% of the Arya.

Loves their Edition XS but it isn't a daily driver because of its cavernous soundstage.

Found the Edition XS sound amazing with insane price-to-performance, soundstage and imaging.

Their second-hand Edition XS rattled; HiFiMAN sent a brand-new pair for a small fee.

Went through so many QC issues with the Edition XS, including a big channel imbalance, that they'll never buy HiFiMAN again.

Was so impressed by the Edition XS after the HD650, HD600 and DT1990 that they also bought the Arya Stealth.

Has enjoyed their Edition XS for over a year and plans to keep it for years.

Got the Edition XS and learned you should audition before buying, swayed by hype.

Found the Edition XS far too bright initially but gorgeous once EQ'd.

Loves their Edition XS even stock, and better with Oratory EQ.

Bought the Edition XS as their first audiophile headphones and was thrilled with the sound quality.

The Edition XS treble instantly put them off.

Has had two Edition XS pairs with notable unit variation; one was too spicy to get through a song.

The Edition XS is their favourite headphone, though a Capra strap is a necessity for fit and comfort.

Found the Edition XS a bit harsh and sibilant out of the box until EQ removed the sibilance.

Finds their Edition XS has a big vertical wall of sound rather than a wide directional stage.

Finds the Edition XS really shines with a strong amp like the Schiit Asgard 3.

Has had no issues with their multiple HiFiMANs including the Edition XS.

Bought the Edition XS for $240 and reaches for it more than the HD 600, though comfort is so-so.

Loved the Edition XS, which started their audio craze.

Bought the Edition XS on sale and is really happy with it.

Owns the Edition XS and found another HiFiMAN at CanJam felt better built.

Got the Edition XS for about $177 in a sale, cheaper than the Sundara.

Has owned the Edition XS a while and finds the stock headband fine.

Bought the Edition XS for about €205 and finds it gives more than its price, coming from the ATH-M50x.

After three days with the hyped Edition XS thinks it isn't worth the price.

Their refurbished Edition XS, bought for 97 dollars, sounds more open and airy than their AR5000 with surprisingly good bass, though it's harder to drive.

Bought the Edition XS but ended up going back to their HD 600.

Loves their Edition XS with a good DAC/amp as a budget audiophile pick.

Owning both, the Edition XS beats their HD 650 in bass, soundstage and imaging.

Grabbed a refurbished Edition XS for 85 dollars after a year with the HE1000 Stealth, and has no regrets.

Tried to enjoy the Edition XS but it was so bright with barely any bass that they sold it after a week.

Loves their HIFIMAN Edition XS.

Their Edition XS is neutral-bright with hyper-detailed, crystal-clear treble that isn't shouty; they love it.

Blind-bought the Edition XS and FiiO FT1, kept the XS and returned the FT1; it's hard to beat at its sale price.

Being treble sensitive, found the Edition XS absolutely unusable because of its treble.

Just got the Edition XS for 189 dollars and absolutely loves it.

When they want a more spacious presentation, the Edition XS still hits the bass well while opening up the soundstage.

For their head the Edition XS has a bad treble peak and needs a Capra strap with a small head.

Got the Edition XS on a good deal and has been blown away by it so far.

Sold their Edition XS for the Arya Organic, but missed the XS so much they ordered another pair.

Very happy with their Edition XS bought for about 125 dollars, especially after simple EQ; the air and soundstage are right up their alley.

Their Edition XS broke down after nine months.

Owning both, finds the Edition XS a higher-resolution headphone than the HD 560S.

Has owned the Edition XS for almost two years; the soundstage is huge, though the treble can get sharp at times.

Their new Edition XS sounds great and arrived with no QC issues.

The Edition XS sounds clean from a KA11 dongle and takes EQ well.

Their Edition XS sounds better from a K11 than a KA11, needing more power.

The Edition XS on a Fosi DS2 sounds better than they expected.

Uses the Edition XS for its wide, open soundstage alongside an HD 650 and Meze 99 Noir.

Finds their FiiO FT15 sturdier and better than their Edition XS in bass, vocals, treble and comfort.

Finds their Edition XS natural sounding and comfy.

After trying several headphones and amps, their preferred setup is the Edition XS on an Apos Merlin tube amp.

Heard a massive jump in Edition XS resolution, soundstage and dynamics moving to a Black Ice Aries amp.

The Edition XS made their Meze 109 Pro and Focal Hadenys sound boring and lifeless for a third of the price.

Their Edition XS has very light clamp and is among the most comfortable headphones they've owned.

The left driver of their Edition XS died after a year.

Their Edition XS with a Capra strap keeps sliding forward on the ears, which dips the sound until readjusted, though it stays comfortable.

Owns the DT 990 PRO and Edition XS and finds the soundstage difference night and day; the XS bass is there but presented differently.

Owns the Arya Stealth and the Edition XS; the Arya is better by maybe 10%, and nothing comes close to a $100 refurbished XS for the price.

Uses the Edition XS with Dekoni velour pads and a Capra strap as their endgame; likes bright headphones and doesn't find its treble bad, and EQ guides are easy to find if needed.

“Hifiman Edition XS w/ Dekoni velour pads and a capra strap. My personal endgame as I've yet to try anything that wows me enough to switch.”

Would keep the Edition XS over their HD 600: more versatile, and easy to EQ in the bass they love.

Upgraded from the HD 560S to the Edition XS on a Fosi DS2 and SK01 stack. Likes the detail, separation, soundstage, bass extension and how it handles busy tracks and EQ, but finds vocals clinical, instruments less lifelike, imaging less precise and a piercing treble peak on some songs.

“I thought the treble on the HD560s was harsh sometimes, but the Edition XS has this really uncomfortable peak treble in some songs that just pierces your ear, so I have to turn down the volume or use EQ then.”

Two Edition XS pairs developed rattling in the right driver; now on a third because nothing else they've found matches the sound, but worries the rattle will return and advises buying from a store with easy returns.

“I'm on my third pair because I haven't found something that can match them but man is it a drag to constantly be worried that the rattling will show up.”

The headband of their Edition XS started peeling last year and Hifiman no longer sold spare bands, offering a discount on a new pair instead; the headphones otherwise work very well, and they plan to buy the new revised band.

“My edition XS band started peeling last year and when I contacted Hifiman to buy a replacement they told they weren’t producing spare bands anymore.”