Hifiman Edition XS Launched

[pk4425]

Yes, I actually love the loose fit of the Edition XS. They are very comfortable. So many headphones are too tight and hurt my jaw. I'm not sure why a strong clamp is favored, but it doesn't work for me (again, maybe I'm just big-headed).

Another big-domed mofo here giving a thumbs' up to the fit of the Edition XS.

The looser fit is refreshing as hell compared to the cobra death grip on my skull from my Dan Clark Audio Aeon Closed 2, which many call the most comfortable headphones on the market. The A2C's are the most uncomfortable of my three primary cans, far tighter than my Edition XS and tighter than my HD 6XX.

Still, I can see why those with small or normal-sized heads consider the XS to be flopsy-mopsy.

 

[Mr Trev]

Another big-domed mofo here giving a thumbs' up to the fit of the Edition XS.

The looser fit is refreshing as hell compared to the cobra death grip on my skull from my Dan Clark Audio Aeon Closed 2, which many call the most comfortable headphones on the market. The A2C's are the most uncomfortable of my three primary cans, far tighter than my Edition XS and tighter than my HD 6XX.

Still, I can see why those with small or normal-sized heads consider the XS to be flopsy-mopsy.

See, I'm the total opposite. I love the fit of my A2C. When I got my 58x, it actually made me appreciate a firm grip on my head, so much so that I tighted up my 400i a click or 2.
I also wasn't expecting the XS to be that much bigger than the A2C either. My first time with the big cup HFMs, and damn those earcups are huuge… almost more than a simple small-headed lad can handle

 

[Kentajalli]

See, I'm the total opposite. I love the fit of my A2C. When I got my 58x, it actually made me appreciate a firm grip on my head, so much so that I tighted up my 400i a click or 2.
I also wasn't expecting the XS to be that much bigger than the A2C either. My first time with the big cup HFMs, and damn those earcups are huuge… almost more than a simple small-headed lad can handle

DCA headphones are very comfortable .
The headband design and functionality is very good.
Hifiman in comparison is too clumsily put together.
But I love my EDXS, and flogged my DCA headphones.

 

[KaiFi]

I actually really liked the DCA clamp, it was pretty comfortable for me (just didn’t like the sound lol). That, the NightOwl and the Edition XS are the most comfortable I’ve felt.

The worst have been the Sundara, Celestee, and HD 660S, all of which dig into my jaw after a while and it felt like a relief to take them off.

 

[IXOYE]

Another big-domed mofo here giving a thumbs' up to the fit of the Edition XS.

The looser fit is refreshing as hell compared to the cobra death grip on my skull from my Dan Clark Audio Aeon Closed 2, which many call the most comfortable headphones on the market. The A2C's are the most uncomfortable of my three primary cans, far tighter than my Edition XS and tighter than my HD 6XX.

Still, I can see why those with small or normal-sized heads consider the XS to be flopsy-mopsy.

I prefer a looser clamp force also, comfort are very important to me, does the ear tips touch the drivers on XS? I hate that, I'm thinking of buying this headphone, right now it's between this and the new Ananda Stealth, but since Ananda seems to have stronger clamping force and no swivel function at all, I guess it's more uncomfortable than XS, is there anyone who have tried both and can share experience about their comfort.

 

[Shared]

I prefer a looser clamp force also, comfort are very important to me, does the ear tips touch the drivers on XS? I hate that, I'm thinking of buying this headphone, right now it's between this and the new Ananda Stealth, but since Ananda seems to have stronger clamping force and no swivel function at all, I guess it's more uncomfortable than XS, is there anyone who have tried both and can share experience about their comfort.

The XS is loose at least in my head, also my ears don't touch anything at all while wearing these.

 

[yeboyi]

I prefer a looser clamp force also, comfort are very important to me, does the ear tips touch the drivers on XS? I hate that, I'm thinking of buying this headphone, right now it's between this and the new Ananda Stealth, but since Ananda seems to have stronger clamping force and no swivel function at all, I guess it's more uncomfortable than XS, is there anyone who have tried both and can share experience about their comfort.

No ear touching. Yes XS is way more comfortable for me. That Sundara/Ananda headband is extremely clampy. Also it doesn't swivel so it sits on your head in a stiff way. XS just rest on your head gently which makes it kinda more premium listen. Wearing Ananda was more of a decision when you wanna listen music because of it's inconvenience. It's a commitment. With XS i just wear it or take it off. More smooth and convenient experience. Ananda is still a comfortable headphone though. Sundara was something else, one of the worst.
Edit: If you move around while listening music, Ananda is more secure and make you feel less annoyed because of that. If you are just sitting in front of your desktop pc then XS is secure enough and pleasant.

 

[IXOYE]

Thanks for answers, I have decided to go for the XS

 

[baunauf]

My right side has failed, it's not the cable.
Emailed HFM customer support, it is a month old and return window closed yesterday on Amazon, go figure.

 

[pk4425]

DCA headphones are very comfortable .
The headband design and functionality is very good.
Hifiman in comparison is too clumsily put together.
But I love my EDXS, and flogged my DCA headphones.

The headband design of the DCA's are one of the two reasons why my A2C's with Noire pads have aggravated my pretty severe tinnitus.

The Nitinol headband will not bend; it always returns to shape. And its design presses the cups inward toward each other more than any can I own. I just need to look at my three headphones hanging on their respective, identical stands to see this. There is a visible gap between the pads with my Edition XS and HD 6XX for nearly the entire length of the pad, touching only at the very bottom with the Edition XS and not touching at all with the HD 6XX. Meanwhile, the entire length of the pad smooshes into each other with my DCA's when hanging from the stand, due to the tension of the headband.

Combine that with the very soft foam -- too soft, IMO -- of the stock DCA pads, and you get a VERY tight seal on my big dome. Great for bass response; not great for tinnitus, especially in a closed-back with a planar driver. I feel the pressure in my ear canals, and my ears ring like a field of 1,000 crickets after using them instead of the usual 100 crickets.

 

[pk4425]

I prefer a looser clamp force also, comfort are very important to me, does the ear tips touch the drivers on XS? I hate that, I'm thinking of buying this headphone, right now it's between this and the new Ananda Stealth, but since Ananda seems to have stronger clamping force and no swivel function at all, I guess it's more uncomfortable than XS, is there anyone who have tried both and can share experience about their comfort.

My right ear has weird pinnae that protrudes slightly more than any other part of my ear. It lightly brushes the driver on the XS but not enough to cause pain. My left ear is free and clear with no contact, and I have moderately large ears.

The XS cups are HUGE and fairly deep.

 

[sr1432]

My right side has failed, it's not the cable.
Emailed HFM customer support, it is a month old and return window closed yesterday on Amazon, go figure.

Good thing there is a 1-year warranty.

 

[bagwell359]

My right side has failed, it's not the cable.
Emailed HFM customer support, it is a month old and return window closed yesterday on Amazon, go figure.

That's bogus

 

[IXOYE]

Which amplifiers are recommended for XS that make them full justice for around $ 500? I've been looking at Topping D50s + A50s, is that a good choice?

 

[Shared]

Which amplifiers are recommended for XS that make them full justice for around $ 500? I've been looking at Topping D50s + A50s, is that a good choice?

I currently use my edxs w the ex5 and it can power it fine, also have the mt 604 to add that tube warmth, and it plays very well w certain genres of music.