For most people, spending $400-$500 on headphones is where they begin to commit to the audio hobby. Is this headphone going to give me that significant ‘wow’ factor sound-wise that would make me want to pause moving up the ladder? The Hifiman Edition XS, in my experience, is a headphone that’s worth looking into if you are precisely in that scenario. Let’s take a look!
Overview
The Hifiman Edition XS falls into the category of either an entry-level or mid-tier headphone, depending on your perspective. It retails for $500 and serves as the successor to the original Edition X, although it’s not directly related to the Edition X V2. Hifiman has equipped it with the Stealth Magnet Structure, which, according to Hifiman, enhances sound quality. Much like other Hifiman egg-shaped headphones, such as the Arya and Ananda, the Edition XS is designed for home listening and is not known for its efficiency or suitability for portable devices.
Packaging & Build Quality
The packaging is typical of Hifiman, coming with a cable and a quarter-inch adapter. The cable quality is decent, but it features an L-shaped or 45-degree termination, which is more commonly seen on headphones meant for portable devices. The Edition XS has the classic Hifiman “egg-shaped” design, which may not be the most aesthetically pleasing but is distinctive and synonymous with audiophile headphones. One notable improvement over the Ananda is the swivel design, allowing for greater flexibility in cup movement. While the build isn’t the most rugged due to its plastic components, it doesn’t feel flimsy. The headband padding is similar to the Deva and offers comfort.
The ear pads, known as “Serenity Pads,” feature synthetic leather on the side and velour material on the front. They provide decent quality and comfort. Another welcome change is that the adjustment indicators no longer get scratched when adjusting the headband, a previous quirk in Hifiman headphones.
Comfort
Comfort-wise, the Edition XS suits those accustomed to large open-back headphones. However, the cups extend past the jawline, which can be uncomfortable after extended use. It definitely takes some getting used to if most of your experience are with rounded or lighter headphones.
As for attenuating passive noise, It offers minimal isolation and leaks a lot of sound due to its open-back design. It would definitely be audible if you’re playing in a quiet office environment.
Page 2: Sound Quality & Conclusion