Best Headphone Under $500? Probably - Hifiman Edition XS Review

High Res Music Streaming for FREE!!!!

Test Track Playlist:
Satanic Panic Playlist:
Leg Warmers Playlist

If you click on this link and sign up for a free trial I will receive a small referral fee.

If you use any of my links to purchase products I will receive a small commission on the sale of that item. Won’t cost you any more to purchase with the link.

Recommended Speaker List

Around $100 (These prices will fluctuate between $75 - $150)
Pioneer AJ First Gen - Laid Back

Around $200

Around $400

Around $500

Around $600
Polk Reserve R100 - Neutral

Recommended Amp List

Under $100

Around $130

Around $250

Around $400

Recommended DACs

Subs

[steveowens]

It's good to see that your primary sponsor has renewed their faith in your channel. I was surprised to discover that I have been an unwitting long-term beta tester for their new cable management system - non-resonant and oh so non-conductive.

[Nathan-mjcy]

Just finished listening to Qobuz hi res version of RATM debut album on my Edition XS and Topping DX3 Pro+ and i still have goosebumps. I literally couldn’t stop listening until the album played through. $700 US for performance like that. Incredible. What a great time to be an audiophile! Great advice Randy, keep on keeping it real.

[atzeotze]

I bought the Hifiman Sundara. A brilliant headphone. I am now a happy camper.

[HonkeyKongLive]

I'm sold based on this. Using Metallica and Zepp as a reference helped enormously. Far too many reviewers bring out all these "headphone test" songs that I don't think many people ever listen to casually, so hearing the impression based on actual music is awesome. And you're right about burn in. Planars absolutely do not need it.

[AndyBHome]

I really like that Sith audio makes affordable stuff like the cable management nano-tape for entry level users like me. I feel that the carbon impregnated flex isolation strip really improves the speed and control of the lower mid and upper punch regions. My only problem is that I can't afford the measurement or segmentation tools for properly delineating the cable management material. I'm saving up to get that kit, but in the mean time I'm using my phone and a kitchen knife to create the cable management segments. I'm pretty sure I'm losing resolution because of that.

Thanks Sith Audio.

[spda]

Finally Sith Audio is doing the right thing and continuing to support the channel 👍

[alanschmitt]

At first I was mad that I heard about the XS literally days after buying Sundara, but then I saw the headband. Big single piece bands like that one (no matter how cushy) give my poor noggin' a big old pain.

Suspension headbands ftw!

[dasninjastix]

Dekoni Nuggets work wonders for those types of HiFiMan headbands. I have them on the Deva Pro and if you have a bigger head you can put Nuggets over the L and R indicators to alleviate any pressure spot on the top.

[therealphilosopherpete]

Solid review! I think you are the first American reviewer to review the Hifiman Edition XS.

[Nordraw]

Just got a pair of these. So far they are great, thanks for the heads up

[kennethoransky]

Of course, now they bring out the XS. Right after I just bought the Sundara. Story of my life.

[MatteoCeccarini]

I got mine about three weeks ago and I think they are great! On the forums there has been a discussion about whether they need an absurd amount of power or not. I drive them both from an iPhone and from the L50 and I find them equally enjoyable. It would be great to have someone trying them on different amps!

[ginom]

I spent a lot of money on a pair of headphones once and felt guilty at the time. That was back in the 90's. But I still have, and enjoy, my HD-600's so it was money well spent!!!

[gandralf]

Thank you, man. Your work is fantastic. I just got this headphone and I really like it. My next step is to try to mess around with the EQ. Maybe to add some punch to upper middle range and reduce slightly something at the treble.

[LoneBeastYT]

First time on this channel and I take it that you have been sponsored by an electrical tape?

Immediately subscribed

[gregbartosik]

Thanks for the fantastic review, based on it I bought my edition XS and never looked back. They are fantastic.

[shawnpwatsons]

150hrs break-in is what they recommend. I love my Edition XX and never understood the criticisms. The XS is better yet and I can hardly imagine better than XX already. Even my XX smoked the Sundara in my mind.

[Jakems]

I currently own Sundaras and had Anandas. The Ananda was like the Sundara but THICC bass and a much wider soundstage but less impact overall. The sundara likes to image most things into the center and a bit close to the face, and then have left and right off at a 45. I'm thinking I'll get the Edition xs and get enough of the Ananda out of them but without the price tag. The Ananda's wider stage with greater depth and razer thin center image versus the blob of the Sundara was wonderful. The reason I returned them was because one of the cups was grinding on the frame above where it was held it to the headband, I immediately lost faith in the build.

[everyman]

Love the headphone stuff. Just started getting into them since I can listen when the kids go to bed and I absolutely love it. Loving the Sundaras, but you know how the chase goes.

[danrussell]

Thanks for the headphone content. Anyone wanting for an affordable planar would definitely have the XS on the short list. In the same way, someone looking to buy would be asking themselves how it compares with the Sundara; so, the shootout is right on target. I liked the video.