Hifiman Edition XS Launched

[Xerosnake90]

I'm embarrassed to admit I've been using Spotify after Tidal didn't blow my mind. Downloaded Qobuz cuz I've heard good things, God damn it. There's another subscription I'm paying for. It's like I went from muddy, no detail to perfect clarity and details. I feel like I'm not even listening to the XS anymore because everything is so clear all of the sudden. Even my bad music sounds amazing.

Also have a bifrost 2 incoming!

That said. Anyone know of a good EQ app for Android? Unfortunately Qobuz doesn't work with Wavelet

 

[vikinguy]

Are we all selling our Arya to grab Edition XS?

 

[cycloverid]

Are we all selling our Arya to grab Edition XS?

I returned the Stealth Arya after trying both as they sounded identical to me. It's definitely not an upgrade, but a huge savings.

 

[Pippin76]

I sold my just-purchased Sundara and havnt regretted it one bit

 

[JoshG1217]

I'm embarrassed to admit I've been using Spotify after Tidal didn't blow my mind. Downloaded Qobuz cuz I've heard good things, God damn it. There's another subscription I'm paying for. It's like I went from muddy, no detail to perfect clarity and details. I feel like I'm not even listening to the XS anymore because everything is so clear all of the sudden. Even my bad music sounds amazing.

Also have a bifrost 2 incoming!

That said. Anyone know of a good EQ app for Android? Unfortunately Qobuz doesn't work with Wavelet

Does Qboz sound better than Tidal? I'm selling my Ananda bur I didn't feel like it was really an upgrade from Ananda. Slightly different. I actually preferred Sundara treble over Ananda, but the Sundara lacked sub bass and slam compared to Ananda. Xs feels more mid centric with a smaller stage compared to Ananda. Ananda may have alighted better bass and more treble, but XS has a hint more mid detail. I think one could go either way. Using Ifi xdsd sig on Turbo though and it sounds darn good.

 

[Xerosnake90]

Does Qboz sound better than Tidal? I'm selling my Ananda bur I didn't feel like it was really an upgrade from Ananda. Slightly different. I actually preferred Sundara treble over Ananda, but the Sundara lacked sub bass and slam compared to Ananda. Xs feels more mid centric with a smaller stage compared to Ananda. Ananda may have alighted better bass and more treble, but XS has a hint more mid detail. I think one could go either way. Using Ifi xdsd sig on Turbo though and it sounds darn good.

I was not impressed by Tidal, granted I had a bit weaker chain at the time but I couldn't hear a difference between it and spotify. However after trying Qobuz today and comparing it with Spotify it's quite clear that a good source is just as important as good equipment.

I find that the XS has better bass and mids than the Ananda while the Ananda has better technical abilities. They both shine in different genres and make good all arounders

 

[Odinphile]

Why is no one talking about the Topping DX 3 Pro+ DAC+AMP for these ? Surely better than the K5 Pro ... is it because ASR measurements say they go into protection for low loads @ peak output ? Any experience?

 

[SirIppo]

Went back to my t1 2nd gens for the day. Its making me miss my edition xs. The t1 feels more closed and intimate compared to the xs. T1 is 100% better fitting and more comfortable though. Pretty sure I'm gonna be going planar for now, unless i can get the 800s.

 

[Joong]

Are we all selling our Arya to grab Edition XS?

Vocals on XS is not as good as Arya.
When I watch movie, I don't put on XS for that reason.

 

[Joong]

Went back to my t1 2nd gens for the day. Its making me miss my edition xs. The t1 feels more closed and intimate compared to the xs. T1 is 100% better fitting and more comfortable though. Pretty sure I'm gonna be going planar for now, unless i can get the 800s.

Forget HD800 or s, which can be compared to Dt1990, that is better than HD800/s for tonal balance and timbre.

 

[Odinphile]

Just some updates after clocking 26 hours with these from a below average source but at plenty volume -

1) These are bright indeed...

2) there is some sibilance but I am attributing this to source

3)There is a lower mid scoop for sure

4) do take the comments from head fi user pokrog with 5 tablespoons of salt... .he/she make it sound like these are the end of the world headphones and it's not ...it's flavoured

 

[cel4145]

Why is no one talking about the Topping DX 3 Pro+ DAC+AMP for these ? Surely better than the K5 Pro ... is it because ASR measurements say they go into protection for low loads @ peak output ? Any experience?

At 92db/mw into 18 ohms, they need approximately 1V to reach 110db. The DX3 Pro + can generate over 2V into 16 ohm before going into protection.

So unless someone is planning on boosting the bass a lot and listening very loud, the DX3 Pro+ will be fine.

 

[Xerosnake90]

Just some updates after clocking 26 hours with these from a below average source but at plenty volume -

1) These are bright indeed...

2) there is some sibilance but I am attributing this to source

3)There is a lower mid scoop for sure

4) do take the comments from head fi user pokrog with 5 tablespoons of salt... .he/she make it sound like these are the end of the world headphones and it's not ...it's flavoured

They're not nearly as bright as Ananda or pre stealth Arya. Mids aren't as thin as Ananda either, bass is better as well.

What's wrong with flavor? A lot of people enjoy that, and Pokrog was a good reason why I bought them as well. I went from Ananda to XS due to comfort and overall I don't regret it

 

[JoshG1217]

To each their own. I know some are purists and want completely flat everything. If that's your thing, then great. I find it boring as hell. I want to enjoy my music, so I EQ it to my tastes. Ultimately, who cares? I have zero interest in audiophile fundamentalism.

 

[cycloverid]

Just some updates after clocking 26 hours with these from a below average source but at plenty volume -

1) These are bright indeed...

2) there is some sibilance but I am attributing this to source

3)There is a lower mid scoop for sure

4) do take the comments from head fi user pokrog with 5 tablespoons of salt... .he/she make it sound like these are the end of the world headphones and it's not ...it's flavoured

These definitely share the Ananda/Arya sound signature very closely now (the old Edition X was more tamed in the treble). Anyone saying these aren't bright must simply be used to / prefer bright signatures. This is totally fine, but should be mentioned for anyone else in here. I personally always EQ my headphones, so this isn't a problem - but could definitely be an issue if you don't. They are above Harman by as much as a few db, so many will find them slightly bright.

I think you mean upper mid/lower treble scoop. Basically all Hifiman headphones are recessed at 1-3khz more or less, which can just be said to be the Hifiman house sound at this point (some people say this adds more percieved depth to the stage). I don't really mind it, but it can easily be tuned with EQ if preferred.

If you aren't using EQ, the 2020 Sundara has the closest to Harman tuning other than the old Edition X in the Hifiman line (at around this price point) - it is superb in this regard. For me, the Edition XS are excellent headphones with a bit of EQ - really liking them. They represent an equivalent value as the Sundara imo, which is basically unheard of at this price point.