Update: Our full review of the HiFiMAN Edition XS can be found here.
Continue reading the overview posted below.
HIFIMAN is one of our favorite high-end headphone brands for a number of reasons; build quality, affordability, and sonic performance.
I own 5 different models which makes me a bit of a long-term customer; the HE400se that I just reviewed and purchased puts a stamp on 8 years of support for the brand and I’ve recommended them to dozens of people outside of readers and industry friends.
Does that make me slightly biased? I think it’s fair to say that I prefer them over other brands but I also own Grado, Audeze, Meze, Campfire Audio, Sony, 1More, and Sennheiser headphones/earphones as well so I’m not living in some weird HIFIMAN bubble.
At the end of the day — there isn’t one pair of headphones currently available that meets every single requirement and for those people (like myself) who run in really inclement weather along the ocean and enjoy fishing in the bitter cold, you’re not taking these new headphones outside with you.
HIFIMAN, a leader in high fidelity personal audio, today announced the availability of a long-anticipated update of one of its most popular headphones.
Beginning this month, the Edition XS (SRP: $499) is available through select dealers and online at the company’s store, in addition to Amazon.
Like the original Edition X, which debuted in 2015, the new Edition XS is a high-fidelity open-back planar headphone a natural soundstage that reproduces music precisely as it was recorded and mastered. The effect is similar to sitting 7th row center in an acoustically accurate concert hall.
The HIFIMAN Edition XS builds upon its predecessor’s neutral, ultra-wide soundstage with HIFIMAN’s recently developed Stealth Magnets, which feature a unique shape that enables waves to pass through the magnets without generating interference. As a result, Sonics are detailed and transparent, exposing every detail of the recording without extraneous noise.
“Edition X was one of our biggest successes,” says Dr. Fang Bian, President, and CEO, HIFIMAN Electronics. “I knew that if I were going to bring it back to the market, there would have to be demonstrable improvements to the original’s sonic signature. Thanks to Stealth Magnet Technology, a qualified follow-up is now a reality.”
HIFIMAN’s Stealth Magnet technology is acoustically transparent, dramatically reducing wave diffraction turbulence that degrades the integrity of the sound waves, maximizing the accuracy of the sonic output.
Additionally, HIFIMAN’s NEO “supernano” Diaphragm (NsD) is 75% thinner than previous designs, improving both response and imaging for full-range, natural-sounding sonic output.
In addition to the technical upgrade, the Edition XS features improvements in ergonomic design, including a new lightweight headband that features high-grade memory foam for a comfortable fit and lasting elasticity. In addition, the cable sockets are like those found on most common audio devices. The supplied cable is changeable and upgradeable.
The new Edition XS with Stealth Magnet technology features an impedance of 18 ohms, sensitivity measured at 92dB, and a frequency response of 8Hz – 50kHz. Its weight is 14.3 oz.
Where to buy: $499 at Amazon | hifiman.com
ORT
January 13, 2022 at 4:14 am
Nice writing! I will have a look-see and a listen-some at my earliest convenience! I am gladdened to read that the cabling is up-gradable as that is some thing I have been pondering of late. Mostly for looks as I doubt I could hear any difference between pieces of wire but I KNOW I can see one and if I like what I see, I then try to buy it if I can afford to!
Thank you so very much!
ORT