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Hifiman Edition XS

No, I had them and didn't keep them.

It's just that your kind of passive aggressive take with useless "no offense" added was kind of funny.

I mean are you truly, honestly, confused why some people like things you don't? If you are, then I can't help. If not, then your message was basically "there is something wrong with you if you like this headphone", right?

huh?

are you trying to find a fight where there is none?
zero passive aggressiveness.
rememeber text takes inflection out and isn’t the best source of communication.
so as such we shouldn’t make assumptions on what someone is conveying, unless it’s blatantly obvious from specific words.

I honestly didn’t want to offend anyone because sometimes people attach their personalities to the choices they make.
for example someone may buy a certain car, ( which was their choice of course) and if someone says they don’t like that car, it might make that person get defensive because they think their choices are questioned as poor choices.
where that might not be the case at all.

no I’m confused when something is so highly regarded from most people. And I don’t like it at all.
that could well be that I am the odd one out.
but you decided to get annoyed and be aggressive aggressive.

don’t know what to say.
I tried

peace
 
For the life of me. I don’t know why people like these headphones so much.
no offense.
I just found them lacking body and punch.
And for the life in me, I see nothing useful in your post!
some like them, some don't, so what.
There could be numerous reasons why you don't like them. The subjective descriptions you used as reasons, are personal to you. I had one, and I liked them.
Were they perfect? NO, but for the money, to this day, I can not think of a better headphone.
I personally never thought much of the Sennheiser famous HD600's nor the 650 or the 660, yet they are highly regarded, so what?
 
For the life of me. I don’t know why people like these headphones so much.
no offense.
I just found them lacking body and punch.

cheers
This tends to be a characteristic of bright planars with huge soundstage, there's something of a tradeoff between all that air/treble/huge soundstage and body/punch.

Dynamic driver headphones with similar characteristics (like the HD800S) can have this too, it is totally lacking in body and punch (to an even greater degree) but many like it for its qualities. Planars tend to have very good bass extension but tend towards being less punchy (there are exceptions like the LCD-X, or to a lesser degree Hifiman's own HE6SE). While something like Focal Clear or Utopia is much more punchy and physical but you lose the soundstage.

I have never heard a headphone that had both cavernous HD800/Hifiman egg soundstage, but also class-leading body and punch. The newer Hifimans like the HE1000 Stealth come closest, and I suspect also the likes of the Arya Organic/Ananda Nano that have that little bass shelf baked in, although I haven't heard them.

Edition XS is a marvel for (checks current price) $379, or under $300 on sale. I don't think there's anything that comes close... except maybe another Hifiman.
 
This tends to be a characteristic of bright planars with huge soundstage, there's something of a tradeoff between all that air/treble/huge soundstage and body/punch.

Dynamic driver headphones with similar characteristics (like the HD800S) can have this too, it is totally lacking in body and punch (to an even greater degree) but many like it for its qualities. Planars tend to have very good bass extension but tend towards being less punchy (there are exceptions like the LCD-X, or to a lesser degree Hifiman's own HE6SE). While something like Focal Clear or Utopia is much more punchy and physical but you lose the soundstage.

I have never heard a headphone that had both cavernous HD800/Hifiman egg soundstage, but also class-leading body and punch. The newer Hifimans like the HE1000 Stealth come closest, and I suspect also the likes of the Arya Organic/Ananda Nano that have that little bass shelf baked in, although I haven't heard them.

Edition XS is a marvel for (checks current price) $379, or under $300 on sale. I don't think there's anything that comes close... except maybe another Hifiman.

THATS exactly it man .
thanks

i am not experienced with headphones ,since I am way more a speaker listener.
So I don’t know what headphones do what. But I can see how planar technology as in speakers leans more towards a more spacious sound but lacks in punch and body.

and yes I guess why people,love the XS so much is it’s enveloping soundstage. Because it did have a super impressive soundstage.
And the air and treble as you mentioned. Although the treble seemed a bit ‘ zingy’ for lack of better words.

anyway, thanks so much . That was exactly it.

cheers
 
This tends to be a characteristic of bright planars with huge soundstage, there's something of a tradeoff between all that air/treble/huge soundstage and body/punch.

Dynamic driver headphones with similar characteristics (like the HD800S) can have this too, it is totally lacking in body and punch (to an even greater degree) but many like it for its qualities. Planars tend to have very good bass extension but tend towards being less punchy (there are exceptions like the LCD-X, or to a lesser degree Hifiman's own HE6SE). While something like Focal Clear or Utopia is much more punchy and physical but you lose the soundstage.

I have never heard a headphone that had both cavernous HD800/Hifiman egg soundstage, but also class-leading body and punch. The newer Hifimans like the HE1000 Stealth come closest, and I suspect also the likes of the Arya Organic/Ananda Nano that have that little bass shelf baked in, although I haven't heard them.

Edition XS is a marvel for (checks current price) $379, or under $300 on sale. I don't think there's anything that comes close... except maybe another Hifiman.

are there planar headphones which have more body and punch like dynamic drivers?

thanks!
 
are there planar headphones which have more body and punch like dynamic drivers?

thanks!
Yes, Audeze LCD-X would be a good example. It's tuned very badly (really needs EQ) but it has body and punch that rivals the best dynamics. It is better than many, it has a lot more "body and punch" than the HD800S for example. HD800S is much better tuned and has more detail and much larger soundstage.
 
are there planar headphones which have more body and punch like dynamic drivers?

thanks!
@Blorg is spot on about the LCD-X, both about the bass and the need for EQ. Another Audeze that has solid punch and slam and doesn't need as much EQ is the LCD-2C. But that can doesn't have the treble extension of the LCD-X.
 
Hi guys - my first post here. I am the guy measured the Edition XS on unheardlab. Glad to see these getting the attention that IMHO they deserve. I've been a fan of the Ananda&HEKV2 so when these were released I was really interested. But back then they were only sold in China. I finally decided to ship a pair in and I am happy that I did.

For those interested in pad rolling, I have also measured the XS with the Dekoni elite velour arya pads, and a number of third-party pads I bought from taobao. Attached are the measurements.

View attachment 192105

View attachment 192106
Its been a long time, but did you ever manage to find any aftermarket pads that are closer to the originals? Or is the XS doomed to the same fate as it predecessor the original HE1000, where once the pads wear out, they're basically defunct?
 
Its been a long time, but did you ever manage to find any aftermarket pads that are closer to the originals? Or is the XS doomed to the same fate as it predecessor the original HE1000, where once the pads wear out, they're basically defunct?

I've measured the Dekoni pads, and their fenestrated sheepskin versions seems to come closest to the stock pads. You might want to check out my measurements for the HE1000 Stealth/Arya Organic where I've tested a broader range of pads. That should give you a rough idea given the stock pads are the same.


graph - 2024-07-26T123149.859.png
graph - 2024-07-26T124851.570.png



Also, there are plenty of imitation stock pads available on platforms like Ali, ebay, and amazon. I did come across a pair for ~$20 AUD that closely matched the originals. However consistency was an issue. A second purchase from the same seller yielded pads with different foam that didn't match the stock sound. If you're going this route, it might be wise to ask the vendor about the type of foam used - if it's low-density instead of memory foam - to make sure it's what you're looking for.

1721961847404.png
 
I've measured the Dekoni pads, and their fenestrated sheepskin versions seems to come closest to the stock pads. You might want to check out my measurements for the HE1000 Stealth/Arya Organic where I've tested a broader range of pads. That should give you a rough idea given the stock pads are the same.


View attachment 383084View attachment 383085


Also, there are plenty of imitation stock pads available on platforms like Ali, ebay, and amazon. I did come across a pair for ~$20 AUD that closely matched the originals. However consistency was an issue. A second purchase from the same seller yielded pads with different foam that didn't match the stock sound. If you're going this route, it might be wise to ask the vendor about the type of foam used - if it's low-density instead of memory foam - to make sure it's what you're looking for.

View attachment 383083
Much appreciated - now I just need to figure out an aftermarket headband that will fit, which is actually comfortable, and I’ll be golden!
 
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At the Hifiman store are different headbands and some other spare parts available
Hifiman Accessories
Neat! Didn't know they actually sold those - any idea if they're all compatible/interchangable? Because I can't tell, but the XS appears to be mounted at a slight angle, and might not just be a half circle - but its hard to tell with the eggshape.

Edit: Nevermind, they're only available to the US/Canada, so I can't even buy them.
 
It’s been a long time, but did you ever manage to find any aftermarket pads that are closer to the originals? Or is the XS doomed to the same fate as it predecessor the original HE1000, where once the pads wear out, they're basically defunct?
I own Dekoni Elite Hybrids, which I vastly prefer over the velour option. I bought them with the promise that they would tame the brightness and kick up the sub bass on my HE1000se and HE1000 Stealths, and these promises were borne out to a subtle extent for both, without altering the native sound to any appreciable degree. I’ve kept them on despite the stock pads being perfectly fine. You can also order new pads from Hifiman to replace the originals once they poop out, you just have to contact customer service via email.
 
Lucky for me just bought HEXS much cheaper than Sundara at my local audio Shop, even the staff are quite surprised with the price change in their system.
 
Lucky for me just bought HEXS much cheaper than Sundara at my local audio Shop, even the staff are quite surprised with the price change in their system.
I'd noticed that there's an offer on at Amazon UK for various Hifiman headphones

Edition XS £265.30
HE400se £69.30
Deva-Pro £139.30

Edited the Deva to Deva-Pro
 
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Canadian amazon as well as other retailers (ex; elfc) $420. Tempting! When I was on the market a couple of years back, actually last year, Feb 24, 2023 it was $700cdn.

Don't think I'll get a pair now, I'd have jumped on the offer last year, but I rarely use headphones anymore... Still like half tempted of getting a new toy.
 
I'd noticed that there's an offer on at Amazon UK for various Hifiman headphones

Edition XS £265.30
HE400se £69.30
Deva-Pro £139.30

Edited the Deva to Deva-Pro
I've got enough headphones, and I might give planar one more go at this relatively low cost price point, I'm talking about that HE400se. Amir gave it a great review, and low distortion too:

Plus it needs very little EQ correction seeing following Oratory profile, in terms of we're talking nice smooth broad corrections, not sharp corrections:

Plus also it's almost completely fixable using Graphic EQ which could make it useful when used with my SoundblasterX G6 DAC that has Graphic EQ correction, Oratory's Graphic EQ almost totally fixes it:

I had theories that planars are flawed with the really small "fine grass" high Q & small variations, but I think at this price point I want to try this headphone (£69 !). It'll be interesting to see how it goes with this headphone.
 
I've got enough headphones, and I might give planar one more go at this relatively low cost price point, I'm talking about that HE400se. Amir gave it a great review, and low distortion too:

Plus it needs very little EQ correction seeing following Oratory profile, in terms of we're talking nice smooth broad corrections, not sharp corrections:

Plus also it's almost completely fixable using Graphic EQ which could make it useful when used with my SoundblasterX G6 DAC that has Graphic EQ correction, Oratory's Graphic EQ almost totally fixes it:

I had theories that planars are flawed with the really small "fine grass" high Q & small variations, but I think at this price point I want to try this headphone (£69 !). It'll be interesting to see how it goes with this headphone.
Not sure how much there is between the 4xx and the 400se to make that a sound buy.
 
I've got enough headphones, and I might give planar one more go at this relatively low cost price point, I'm talking about that HE400se. Amir gave it a great review, and low distortion too:

Plus it needs very little EQ correction seeing following Oratory profile, in terms of we're talking nice smooth broad corrections, not sharp corrections:

Plus also it's almost completely fixable using Graphic EQ which could make it useful when used with my SoundblasterX G6 DAC that has Graphic EQ correction, Oratory's Graphic EQ almost totally fixes it:

I had theories that planars are flawed with the really small "fine grass" high Q & small variations, but I think at this price point I want to try this headphone (£69 !). It'll be interesting to see how it goes with this headphone.
Damnit, I couldn't resist at that price, absolutely no need for any more headphones whatsoever! :D
 
Not sure how much there is between the 4xx and the 400se to make that a sound buy.
Yeah, I get that, but I think I did ruin my HE4XX a little by loosening the headband, went too far the other way. I understand that it's the same kind of topology with the circular Hifiman earcups too. HE400se is a lot easier to fix with EQ though in terms of really smooth broad EQ brushstrokes, more so than the HE4XX, and along with the HE400se being completely fixable through Graphic EQ too - so it's quite unique with it's really broad EQ brushstrokes vs a lot of other headphones. Could be a positive soundwise that it needs only broad EQ brushstrokes, and useful to use with Graphic EQ of my DAC for general stuff & gaming. It's true I have New Version HD560s that sounds good at stock that covers off that need currently, but it's not following Harman like HE400se with Graphic EQ. It's at a price that makes it a fun purchase for a bit of tinkering/measuring/EQ'ing/& one more data point for a planar headphone (& one that is uniquely fixable through broad brush stroke EQ). Maybe it'll be fantastic, or maybe just useful, or maybe it'll just be a fun experiment & another data point.
 
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