HIFIMAN Edition XS Full-Size Over-Ear Open-Back Planar Magnetic Hi-Fi Headphones with Stealth Magnets Design, Adjustable Headband, Detachable Cable for Audiophiles, Home, Studio-Black

I'll preface this review by saying this is the first set of mid-high end headphones. Previous to this I primarily used Sennheiser HD599 SE which was a taste of what a high quality headphone is like. I got hooked and after doing a lot of research and sampling of other headphones where I could, I landed on these HiFiMan headphones. I'm driving them from a Focusrite Scarlett Solo and Schitt Magni Heresy amp.I can't compare these to previous offerings from HiFiMan so I can't comment on the "stealth magnet" technology. I can comment on the raw sound quality, sound stage and build quality.Pros:- Very detailed sound. I've heard things in music and other media I've never heard before.- Sound stage is the most open that I've ever heard in a headphone.- The sound is not "colored" too much. To my ear it's a bit V shaped but stays relatively close to reference.- I've never heard bass delivered with such clarity and "slam" before these. Very fun to listen to all different kinds of electronic music.Cons:- Build quality could be better. They don't feel like they will break too easily but I also don't feel like I can just throw them down.- The headband is a bit uncomfortable when wearing over a long period of time (>2 hrs).- Clamping pressure is very low, to the point where they do like to slide around a bit too much.- The cable is not very good.It's pretty clear what HiFiMan has done here. They aimed to deliver one of the best sounding headphones at this price point and hit it by cheaping out a bit on the materials that don't matter quite as much. The result is a headphone that maybe isn't the most comfortable to wear for a long time and makes you feel like you need to be gentle with them, but once you start listening to your favorite music, that no longer matters. Sound is crisp all throughout the frequency range with no signs of distortion even at uncomfortable listening levels. The highs are well controlled and not too sparkly, mids are a bit clinical but well balanced and lows are simply amazing. Oh that bass. It's just perfect the way it is but if you like a bit more these take to EQ very well.Sound stage is unlike anything I've heard. Very open although my ears aren't good enough to place instruments even with Sennheiser's HD800 series so take that as you will. There's no feeling of being closed in with these.If I could change one thing about these headphones, I would probably make the midrange a bit warmer. Other than that, I would hesitate to say they are perfect only because my sample size is just too small. I haven't heard everything in this class of headphone so maybe there's some show stopper out there that blows everything else away that I haven't heard. However I absolutely would recommend these to anyone interested in headphones with planar drivers. The price is certainly justified.Remember to give these headphones a bit of break in time. When I first plugged them in I was turned off as the highs were too present and shrill at times. That went away over time and they sound fantastic now.

The sound is really good. The only thing I find annoying is that it's rather large on the ears and the head area can be uncomfortable sometimes. It's better if they use some form of headbands like some of their other models. They should be more consistent in their design.

I will cut to the chase. Fantastic detail, soundstage and resolution for the price. Maybe the best. However there are a few concerns that need to be addressed. I run these with eq, but stock tuning is well done.Firstly, these headphones are huge. I require an aftermarket headphone headband to position my ears in the centre of the cup. This also helps comfort issues as well.Secondly, these require amplification. Testing desktop and mobile setups, I have concluded 4Vs and around 220mw is the sweet spot. They do get loud enough off 2vs but I do feel for headroom especially if you run preamp to avoid clipping 4Vs is worth it. Quedlix 5k (in balanced) can drive the edition xs easily. Tube amps do not sound good on this headphone.Build quality is an achilles heel for hifiman. No complaints so far but will update if they do fail and the subsequent warranty claims.All in all, at this price ($449 AUD) it is a no brainer buy. End game for most users.

Qualidade sonora incrível! Para audiófilos com a melhor relação custo/ benefício.

Excelente sonido, alimentado por una buena fuente sin duda son de lo mejor en el rango de precio