HiFiMan Edition XS review 2024: excellent for neutral sound

The open-back planar-magnetic headphones known as the HiFiMan Edition XS are the latest iteration of the company’s previous model, the HiFiMan Edition X. They differ from their forerunner in that they have a headband that is more conventional and that they employ a diaphragm that is narrower in order to improve the reproduction of track details while maintaining a low level of distortion.

The ‘Stealth Magnets’ design that the manufacturer uses also contributes to an improvement in the sound quality of these headphones. The end result is a sound profile that is generally neutral, with vocals and lead instruments that are present and strong. This makes them versatile enough to be used for most types of audio content. Their passive soundstage gives the impression of being large, natural, and expansive as well.

HiFiMan Edition XS Specifications

HiFiMan Edition XS review: Design and build

The main difference between the HiFiMAN Edition XS and the Ananda is the headband. The latest version of the headband on the HiFiMAN Edition XS is a Beyerdynamic-style headband instead of the usual suspended one. The earpads and earcups are actually the same as the ones on the Ananda. I think this is a pro because the design is simple and minimalistic, and it works well.

The build quality is about what we’ve come to expect from HiFiMAN products: good, but not great. The gimbals are made of metal, which is fine, and the earcups feel solid and well-made. The headband, on the other hand, looks and feels much cheaper than the rest of the headphones. You can get this headphone from its official website.

HiFiMan Edition XS review: Isolation

The ear pads are thick and wide enough to fit people with big side head hairs (aka ears). Even though the foam is soft, it doesn’t compress much when worn because the clamp force is low and the fit is roomy.

Surprisingly, a tight seal between the pad and the ear is not needed for great sound reproduction. Keep in mind that the pads may go down and press on the jaws. Due to the low clamp force, this is not likely to bother many people.

HiFiMan Edition XS review: Sound quality

The HiFiMAN Edition XS has their new stealth magnet design, which was first used in their top-of-the-line Susvara. HiFiMAN has made the air inside the driver cavity move and reflect sound waves in the best way possible.

This makes the magnet invisible in front of the sound waves so that the sound waves can travel through it more naturally. This technology not only makes the Edition XS better, but it also makes the magnet more stable and last longer.

HiFiMan Edition XS review: Features

The headphones have HIFIMAN’s NEO Supernano Diaphragm and Stealth Magnet Technology, among other things. Even the audio on the Edition XS is well-recorded and has depth and range. All of these perks come in a product that is priced reasonably.

Read on in our HIFIMAN Edition XS Review to find out more about the product. Find out about its features, specs, performance, design, and other things. But before we look at those, let’s take a look at the box and what HIFIMAN put in it.

Final Words

The neutral sound is great on the HiFiMan Edition XS. They have a very neutral sound that works well with many different kinds of music. Because they have open backs, they have a great passive soundstage that seems wide, natural, and all-encompassing. They also make sound very consistently and fit well enough to listen to for long periods of time.

FAQs

Is HiFiMAN Edition XS worth it?

With a very high price-to-performance ratio, the Edition XS can easily compete with headphones in the same price range. The XS are a great deal and sound almost as good as headphones that cost more than twice as much.

Is HiFiMAN Edition XS hard to drive?

Even though the XS isn’t the easiest amp to drive, I wouldn’t advise you to sell a kidney or take out a second mortgage in order to get an amplifier—unless, of course, that’s what you’re into.

Is HiFiMan a Chinese company?

HiFiMAN Electronics is a Chinese company that makes headphones, amplifiers, and portable audio players, among other things. Hifiman is known for its high-end audio products, which used to be called Head-Direct but are now just called HIFIMAN.