This is a great review! I totally agree with everything. I own XS for over 2 months and I love them. I had Sundara for 2 weeks just to test it so I can compare XS to Sundara. Sundara is impressive at it's price but I was lacking base (I mainly listen to prog rock music). Sundara also was trying to put details to my face a bit too much. I was comparing it to my upgraded Beyerdynamic T1v1 and Sundara didn't have more detail but put more emphasis on it. I love XS because they don't lack anything. They are build well enough to be durable and comfortable. They also have this airy sound. Every instrument has it's place and the distance. I didn't have this feeling in Sundara. I didn't hear better headphones in this price range.
Edition XS totally surpassed my expectations in every metric. It's much less a competitor to others in its own price range and much more an Ananda/Arya variant. It has features from the entire range implemented. It redefined what a $500 headphone should strive to be and along with Sundara filled a huge gap in the market. I think it's very aggressively priced and could easily be the same price as Ananda and still be a good buy. For budget audiophiles it's good enough to be endgame with the right amp. It has a smooth, dynamic, fun sound signature that's just the right distance away from flat. Very universal. Hifiman have done a great job with this one!
This was a very long review but the intricate descriptions of sound and comparisons you presented compared to other headphones make it very worth it. it really creates an ‘image’ in my head to what these could sound like and the quirks in the process that make the XS sound better adjusting them on your head.
Excellent review as always. I own the Sundara and Arya V2. Also tried the V3. I find your sound impressions match mine very closely but I do prefer the V2 over the Stealth. I've not heard the Edition XS yet but at $500 I'd say the best headphone I've heard is the T60 Argon. Given they are not as mass produced as the Hifimans, they seem to get overlooked. But they sound fantastic, especially with the latest pad upgrades. I'd be interested to hear your take on those and your comparisons
@@theheadphoneexperience-wil2250 Question. I have two dac amp dongles that are highly rated. The apogee groove and the clarus coda, could you tell me if these are sufficient to use with the hifiman edition xs?
I have Ananda but now i want these ty so much lol! I dont use EQ... (more laid back). Damn you are the best reviewer today. Thanks for your take on these and keep it up!
Hi I use these with the Chord Mojo 2 and tweak the EQ to my tastes and find it to be a great combo. Great clarity and soundstage and surprisingly comfortable. One of my work colleagues has a dragonfly and DT770 pros and after listening to mine wants to go out and buy the same set up.
I'm kind of glad they went with cheaper materials on things like this and the Ananda. The headphones are so large that if they went with solid materials those things would probably weigh 800 grams 😅
@@parassahai I wouldn’t know how to answer because this is the only dac I’ve used the headphones with so I cant compare to something else. Im new to the hi res audio, but they sound amazing. You wont be disappointed if you purchase.
I'm actually looking at the exact setup that you have. After 5 months, how would you rate your time with them? This will also be my first entry into the "hifi" world.
@@thaddeusyost9331 I only listen to them about 1-3 times a month, but its definitely a different experience. Hands down the best way to listen to music but you have to be in your room or desk to use because it is hard to carry the dac around with the cables. Im looking to selling my setup. The headphones are like new, dac like new, also got the balanced cable and usb to lighting for iphone use.
Thank you for the suggestion to wear it lower, I had it at the smallest setting and thought how it can be since I have kind of a firm enough head lol now the sound stage is definitely different this way thumbs up!
I also have the Deva Pro which I finally decided on after your review, it’s got more mid bass than the Sundara, some more sub and isa more fun listen although I still keep going to my Sundaras quite regularly. These sound as if they have more sub bass extension again and probably detail.
I've had the XS for about a week. I'm finding them uncomfortable on my head. Thinking about moving to the Ananda (similar price at the moment), but damn...you're selling me on the Arya Stealth. Great review.
@@theheadphoneexperience-wil2250 Thanks for the reply! I think it's two things that are getting to me. The headband (my head is a bit too small). And the somewhat harsh seam on the earcups between the 2 fabrics.
Nice review. I own a Sundara and would like to add an Arya but the price is killing me. The Ananda I could get one for $529. Is it a better choice over the XS at $499? Thanks!
I hate to admit this, but I have not yet heard any of the 6 series Sennheiser headphones. I review what is loaned to me for review, and so far none have come my way.
Your video is very long and I will watch it later but I know you have the same amp/dac as me so I'm just wondering, how did it sound on the Benchmark Dac1? Does it sound good? can it drive the edition xs?
Which version of Sundara are you refering to: is it 2022 with asymetric pads or the previous one? I have Sundara and Xs for tests and have different findings only in bass department. For me they are comparable there.
I like my Edition XS better than my HE1000SE. I have both and would not sell either one. The Edition XS just hits all the right points for me for almost any listening. Bass is rich and detailed. Mids a recessed slightly, and that's exactly how I like it. The highs are detailed and not overbearing. I can listen to the Edition XS all day. Dare I say I even like the headband better on the Edition XS. Its comfortable for my head and less fumbly. The HE1000SE are superb anytime you need reminding that its possible to pull even more detail out of your music. Its just another level of superb because the Edition XS for me is all I need. I just happen to have the bump up in resolving ability from my HE1000SE. They have another level of realism. But the treble can bother me after a while; its a tad more prominent. Bass might be slightly more resolving on the HE1000SE. The Edition XS is sooo close. And again, I like the sound better for much longer listening. There's also a pair of HE400SE (over there) that are awesome for staying on my head a little better with more clamp. They actually introduced the headband style to me as something I might want to try on the Edition XS. HE400SE crushes almost anything that doesn't cost much more until you get the Edition XS. I have the Custom Cans grill mod that they show extends the sub base of the HE400SE. I don't see my grabbing them over the Edition XS, modded or not, but I'll see. There's a Sennheiser 660s2 sitting right there. I adored that sound for causal listening until I got the HE400SE. Adding the Edition XS into the mix means the 660s2 has been neglected. The only thing they might do better, sometimes, is the 660s2 has some kick on drums and some bass guitar that I like better. Otherwise, no. Edition XS for my go-to head phone. (Let's see. . . playing on a Fiio K7 amp variety at present. Works for me.) ???? I have a Sundara close back too. That goes with me when playing on a Hibby R6 DAP because it'll drive it. The closed back helps with nothing unintended happening to the fragile drivers on the go. The Sundara close back is awesome and great for reminding yourself that its possible to have something sounds just a little different. If you've played music live in a church, say, there are more reflections there. I appreciate that I'm listening to something different. It does not matter to me that it is the "best" or not. I do not have a Susvara so why should I care if its the "best" if I like it. And if I want to spend money on headphones, instead of a down payment on a car, I'll go electrostatic. Just loving my Edition XS. Good luck trying to beat their bang for many more bucks.
I used to EQ it to tame at 3k and 7k. However, after switching from the stock cable to a Mogami based cable, the peaks, and the dips just disappeared. It seems to me that the published frequency response with the peaks and a dip were the result of the stock cable. Then I tried a cable based on the Gotham GHC-4/1 and the bass got even more controlled and the midrange and the highs more neutral. For my taste, this is the best match for the XS. The bottom line is that this headphone is not slightly bright as the reviews indicates, and the Frequency respond also suggest, unless the stock cable is used. Otherwise, it's neutral.
Thanks from INDIA. ifi zen dac v2 + ifi zen can + edition xs vs ifi zen dac v2 + Ananda ?? edition xs with dedicated Amp Vs Ananda without dedicated amp? which is better option?
Question. I have two highly rated small dac amp dongles, The apogee groove and the clarus coda. Could anyone tell me if these are sufficient to use with the hifiman edition xs??
@@LorenzoFrausto Thank you! By the way? I have both the edition xs AND the new Ananda stealth magnet version. They are both outstanding! The Ananda sounds better, but they both are fantastic
@@LorenzoFrausto Sp far, I'm giving it the edge. I've only been listening for a couple days, but it looks like from my ears, the new ananda stealth magnet wins. But the edition xs is also real real great as well.
you should improve your microphone quality and balance. your voice is very ear piercing... buy some normal mic , even Blue for 60$ will be day and night better...
This is a great review! I totally agree with everything. I own XS for over 2 months and I love them. I had Sundara for 2 weeks just to test it so I can compare XS to Sundara. Sundara is impressive at it's price but I was lacking base (I mainly listen to prog rock music). Sundara also was trying to put details to my face a bit too much. I was comparing it to my upgraded Beyerdynamic T1v1 and Sundara didn't have more detail but put more emphasis on it. I love XS because they don't lack anything. They are build well enough to be durable and comfortable. They also have this airy sound. Every instrument has it's place and the distance. I didn't have this feeling in Sundara. I didn't hear better headphones in this price range.
Edition XS totally surpassed my expectations in every metric. It's much less a competitor to others in its own price range and much more an Ananda/Arya variant. It has features from the entire range implemented. It redefined what a $500 headphone should strive to be and along with Sundara filled a huge gap in the market. I think it's very aggressively priced and could easily be the same price as Ananda and still be a good buy. For budget audiophiles it's good enough to be endgame with the right amp. It has a smooth, dynamic, fun sound signature that's just the right distance away from flat. Very universal. Hifiman have done a great job with this one!
Timestamp 10:34 for sound impressions
thank you for your detailed review, I just picked up the XS yesterday and your tip on headphone cup positioning was very helpful!
This was a very long review but the intricate descriptions of sound and comparisons you presented compared to other headphones make it very worth it. it really creates an ‘image’ in my head to what these could sound like and the quirks in the process that make the XS sound better adjusting them on your head.
I just got these a few days ago. Awesome in everyway.
Excellent review as always.
I own the Sundara and Arya V2. Also tried the V3. I find your sound impressions match mine very closely but I do prefer the V2 over the Stealth.
I've not heard the Edition XS yet but at $500 I'd say the best headphone I've heard is the T60 Argon.
Given they are not as mass produced as the Hifimans, they seem to get overlooked. But they sound fantastic, especially with the latest pad upgrades. I'd be interested to hear your take on those and your comparisons
I haven't heard the T60 Argon. Hopefully I will someday?
@@theheadphoneexperience-wil2250
Question.
I have two dac amp dongles that are highly rated.
The apogee groove and the clarus coda, could you tell me if these are sufficient to use with the hifiman edition xs?
I have Ananda but now i want these ty so much lol! I dont use EQ... (more laid back). Damn you are the best reviewer today. Thanks for your take on these and keep it up!
Thanks for the detailed review!
Hi I use these with the Chord Mojo 2 and tweak the EQ to my tastes and find it to be a great combo.
Great clarity and soundstage and surprisingly comfortable.
One of my work colleagues has a dragonfly and DT770 pros and after listening to mine wants to go out and buy the same set up.
Hi, I am planning to buy mojo 2 and xs. Does mojo 2 have enough power to run xs?
I'm kind of glad they went with cheaper materials on things like this and the Ananda. The headphones are so large that if they went with solid materials those things would probably weigh 800 grams 😅
There is He 1000, it's weight is about 440g.
Literally just ordered the ifi hip dac 2 and the edition xs 3 days ago and this video comes out 😃
I have the same DAC. Kindly let me know if it does justice to listening to XS, because it has lesser impedance than Sundaras
@@parassahai I wouldn’t know how to answer because this is the only dac I’ve used the headphones with so I cant compare to something else. Im new to the hi res audio, but they sound amazing. You wont be disappointed if you purchase.
@@parassahai have this combo as well and they sound great 👍🏽
I'm actually looking at the exact setup that you have. After 5 months, how would you rate your time with them? This will also be my first entry into the "hifi" world.
@@thaddeusyost9331 I only listen to them about 1-3 times a month, but its definitely a different experience. Hands down the best way to listen to music but you have to be in your room or desk to use because it is hard to carry the dac around with the cables. Im looking to selling my setup. The headphones are like new, dac like new, also got the balanced cable and usb to lighting for iphone use.
Thank you for the suggestion to wear it lower, I had it at the smallest setting and thought how it can be since I have kind of a firm enough head lol now the sound stage is definitely different this way thumbs up!
How was your experience using these on the ifi hip dac? Did it do them justice?
Yes, it was a very good combo in my opinion.
Have this combo as well and they sound great 👍🏽
I also have the Deva Pro which I finally decided on after your review, it’s got more mid bass than the Sundara, some more sub and isa more fun listen although I still keep going to my Sundaras quite regularly. These sound as if they have more sub bass extension again and probably detail.
Correct
I've had the XS for about a week. I'm finding them uncomfortable on my head. Thinking about moving to the Ananda (similar price at the moment), but damn...you're selling me on the Arya Stealth. Great review.
All the egg shaped Hifiman headphone are going to feel similar on your head. I need to take a 10 minute break once per hour with all of them.
@@theheadphoneexperience-wil2250 Thanks for the reply! I think it's two things that are getting to me. The headband (my head is a bit too small). And the somewhat harsh seam on the earcups between the 2 fabrics.
What bothers me with all the egg shaped Hifiman headphones is the earcup riding down on my jaw. It aggravates my TMJ. @@backyardwindow
@@backyardwindow
If you still have the XS... try using some Dekoni Nuggets. They are little pads that help with comfort on this type headband
Hi Sir, that was a good detailed review, I would like to know what cables are those white ones used to listen to the Edition-XS. Thank you
Meze 4.4mm silver plated cables. About $129.00 if I remember correctly.
@@theheadphoneexperience-wil2250 Thank you sir.
Nice review. I own a Sundara and would like to add an Arya but the price is killing me. The Ananda I could get one for $529. Is it a better choice over the XS at $499? Thanks!
Sorry, but I have never heard the Ananda.
I have the 2020 Sundara, is there any specific case where if I had this I would keep the Sundara apart from hording
The Sundara is still a great headphone. The mids are a little more forward, and may sound better with some music. I would keep them.
@@theheadphoneexperience-wil2250 Thanks to be honest I don’t think I can part with them as my first planar and something I often reach for
Just EQ the XS and sell the Sundara
How does it compare to HD600 in terms of classical music?
I hate to admit this, but I have not yet heard any of the 6 series Sennheiser headphones. I review what is loaned to me for review, and so far none have come my way.
Could you make a little comparison between Sundara or Dt 1990? Thanks?
Can Preamp Plus drive them, or not enough of current?
I think the "Preamp Plus" comes up a little short on power. The Power-amp Plus does an excellent job of driving the Edition-XS.
Thank you William!
Are they really one of the best under 500usd? Do you think they're better than sennheisers 6 series and sundara?
I haven't heard the Sennheisers but yes, I think they are better than the Sundara in most ways.
Does it perfectly suit with Astell&Kern SR25 MKII?
Your video is very long and I will watch it later but I know you have the same amp/dac as me so I'm just wondering, how did it sound on the Benchmark Dac1? Does it sound good? can it drive the edition xs?
Yes, the Benchmark DAC1 should do just fine with the Edition-XS. I used it for years with the HE-500, HE-560, and Sundara.
@@theheadphoneexperience-wil2250 Thank you for the reply
Is this a less expensive Ananda?
Some people actually prefer the Edition XS to the Ananda. I personally like the Ananda better.
Which version of Sundara are you refering to: is it 2022 with asymetric pads or the previous one? I have Sundara and Xs for tests and have different findings only in bass department. For me they are comparable there.
Sorry if I didn't mention that I have 2019 Sundara's.
I like my Edition XS better than my HE1000SE. I have both and would not sell either one. The Edition XS just hits all the right points for me for almost any listening. Bass is rich and detailed. Mids a recessed slightly, and that's exactly how I like it. The highs are detailed and not overbearing. I can listen to the Edition XS all day. Dare I say I even like the headband better on the Edition XS. Its comfortable for my head and less fumbly. The HE1000SE are superb anytime you need reminding that its possible to pull even more detail out of your music. Its just another level of superb because the Edition XS for me is all I need. I just happen to have the bump up in resolving ability from my HE1000SE. They have another level of realism. But the treble can bother me after a while; its a tad more prominent. Bass might be slightly more resolving on the HE1000SE. The Edition XS is sooo close. And again, I like the sound better for much longer listening. There's also a pair of HE400SE (over there) that are awesome for staying on my head a little better with more clamp. They actually introduced the headband style to me as something I might want to try on the Edition XS. HE400SE crushes almost anything that doesn't cost much more until you get the Edition XS. I have the Custom Cans grill mod that they show extends the sub base of the HE400SE. I don't see my grabbing them over the Edition XS, modded or not, but I'll see. There's a Sennheiser 660s2 sitting right there. I adored that sound for causal listening until I got the HE400SE. Adding the Edition XS into the mix means the 660s2 has been neglected. The only thing they might do better, sometimes, is the 660s2 has some kick on drums and some bass guitar that I like better. Otherwise, no. Edition XS for my go-to head phone. (Let's see. . . playing on a Fiio K7 amp variety at present. Works for me.) ???? I have a Sundara close back too. That goes with me when playing on a Hibby R6 DAP because it'll drive it. The closed back helps with nothing unintended happening to the fragile drivers on the go. The Sundara close back is awesome and great for reminding yourself that its possible to have something sounds just a little different. If you've played music live in a church, say, there are more reflections there. I appreciate that I'm listening to something different. It does not matter to me that it is the "best" or not. I do not have a Susvara so why should I care if its the "best" if I like it. And if I want to spend money on headphones, instead of a down payment on a car, I'll go electrostatic. Just loving my Edition XS. Good luck trying to beat their bang for many more bucks.
I used to EQ it to tame at 3k and 7k. However, after switching from the stock cable to a Mogami based cable, the peaks, and the dips just disappeared. It seems to me that the published frequency response with the peaks and a dip were the result of the stock cable. Then I tried a cable based on the Gotham GHC-4/1 and the bass got even more controlled and the midrange and the highs more neutral. For my taste, this is the best match for the XS. The bottom line is that this headphone is not slightly bright as the reviews indicates, and the Frequency respond also suggest, unless the stock cable is used. Otherwise, it's neutral.
Lol magical cable believers 😂
@@shaolin95 no, it's not magic. Just obvious.
@@shaolin95 yea lol cable make V shape sound headphone into neutral 🤷♂🤷♂
Thanks from INDIA.
ifi zen dac v2 + ifi zen can + edition xs vs
ifi zen dac v2 + Ananda ??
edition xs with dedicated Amp Vs Ananda without dedicated amp?
which is better option?
Question.
I have two highly rated small dac amp dongles,
The apogee groove and the clarus coda. Could anyone tell me if these are sufficient to use with the hifiman edition xs??
Should be. It’s not hard to drive. They do become a little more lively the more juice you feed them. Hope this helps.
@@LorenzoFrausto
Thank you!
By the way?
I have both the edition xs AND the new Ananda stealth magnet version.
They are both outstanding!
The Ananda sounds better, but they both are fantastic
@@bradhuskers So you're saying I should get an Ananda? lol
@@LorenzoFrausto
Sp far, I'm giving it the edge.
I've only been listening for a couple days, but it looks like from my ears, the new ananda stealth magnet wins.
But the edition xs is also real real great as well.
I returned Sundara because vocals are so distant, sounds like mic is too far away, so no idea what you are talking about !!!!
Yes, I still don't know if I should keep em. Amazing detail but at the same time vocals are too thin and the sound can be sterile and lifeless
He said the female vocals on the XS are better than the sundara.
Male and female, solve this and they are perfect
you should improve your microphone quality and balance. your voice is very ear piercing... buy some normal mic , even Blue for 60$ will be day and night better...
Best 500$ headphone...It seems Hifiman sent the same script to hundreds of YT reviewers..
Or maybe it's just a really good headphone for the money?
@@theheadphoneexperience-wil2250 Maybe. But not in this case. Change the script at least. And what is that auduo, man? Recorded with Nokia 3310?