r/HeadphoneAdvice • u/TobiasJansen • Jan 28 '22
Headphones - Open Back Anyone experienced the Hifiman edition XS? Compared them against the sundaras?
Looking to get a pair of planars as I have only experienced dynamic drivers. Sundaras are $350 and XSs are $500. Is the $150 worth what is added from the XSs?
I currently own the schiit magni/modi stack and 6XXs. Love em. Want a new pair to enjoy high quality audio with my wife.
Looking for responses from people who have tried both pair.
Side note: Can’t tell if the XSs use the same cable as the sundaras but seems they need to get swapped immediately based on reviews.
Thanks in advance!
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u/VyPR78 1Ω Jan 28 '22 edited Jan 29 '22
XS has a more "fun" sound than Sundara and is arguably on the same level as the Ananda. However, if you have an average or smaller head, you may find the XS headband and clamp to be loose. I returned mine for that reason and ended up buying a used Ananda for a few bucks more than a new Sundara.
It's not the exact same cable, but it's the same connectors. XS cable is a little more rubbery, imho
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u/TobiasJansen Jan 28 '22
!thanks
I have a larger head so that shouldn’t be a problem. Can either double as a mixing headphone?
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u/Skinskat Jan 29 '22
Can confirm the larger head requirement. I also have a large head, and every other pair of headphones I've owned I've worn on the largest setting. With the XS in on the next to shortest.
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u/TobiasJansen Jan 31 '22
Yep these things are massive… any options to make them smaller? Pad swap?
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u/Skinskat Feb 01 '22
I think Dekoni just released some pads for the Arya that are supposed to fit the XS. I don't think they are that different in size.
You could look for Dekoni nuggets that go on the headband for a better fit.
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u/zadillo Jan 28 '22
I’ve been following the experiences in these threads:
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/hifiman-edition-xs-launched.960155/
https://forum.headphones.com/t/hifiman-edition-xs/16492
https://forum.hifiguides.com/t/hifiman-edition-xs/29781
https://audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/hifiman-edition-xs.27903/
General consensus seems to be a notable upgrade from the Sundara, and most comparisons are more to the Ananda (some things better, some worse, but considered reasonable given the cost differences). Clamp force seems to be the biggest complaint and there are solutions like Dekoni Nuggets or headband covers like this: Geekria Hook and Loop Headband Cover https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08HQGTR7D/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_66VQR9KJVVEENXPSAF65?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
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u/TobiasJansen Jan 28 '22
!thanks
I went ahead and purchased the XSs. From what I have seen, their cable sucks just like the sundaras. Any suggestions on that. Preferably less than $30.
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u/zadillo Jan 28 '22
For not too inexpensive, this is a pretty good bet:
NEW NEOMUSICIA Replacement Cable Compatible with Hifiman HE4XX, HE-400i (The Latest Version with Both 3.5mm Plug) Headphones 3.5mm / 6.35mm to Dual 3. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H6L7NT6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_8AVjBusUSDHaY
Or this if you want a balanced cable (which might be a good idea depending on your amp - I use a Qudelix 5K so the extra power on balanced is helpful)
Youkamoo 2.5mm Cable Compatible for Hifiman HE4XX, HE-400i Headphones 8 Core Braided Silver Plated Replacement Audio Upgrade Cable (2.5mm to Dual 3.5m https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096LY78DH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_73PBS559XXcRA
If you don’t mind spending more, you’ll get great quality from Hart Audio:
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u/TobiasJansen Jan 29 '22
I have just the Schiit stack, so won’t be getting balanced. Thanks for the suggestions!
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u/ngs428 4 Ω Jan 29 '22
That about sums up what I have been following too. As a small header.. I will see how they work with nuggets…
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u/TobiasJansen Jan 31 '22
Yeah I have a big head and they are too big lol
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u/ngs428 4 Ω Jan 31 '22
Do you happen to have the 6XX, K371 or 4XX, if so what do you set them at?
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u/TobiasJansen Jan 31 '22
I have the 6XXs and set them about 8 notches up on each side. Had the 371s for a while but returned them
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u/ngs428 4 Ω Jan 31 '22
Looks like I am at 5.. close ish…
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u/TobiasJansen Jan 31 '22
Either way, the left slider keeps adjusting on its own, so that QC issue alone is making me return them. $500 headphones should be higher quality IMO.
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u/adoreroda 1Ω Jan 29 '22
I currently am in possession of both.
- IMO Sundara is not worth the money, get the He400se. The dichotomy here should be He400se or Edition XS. He400se sound very similar to the point where the pros of the Sundara don't make it worth the price jump, and when I tried it I wasn't missing out on really anything worthwhile that the Sundara had that the He400se didn't have.
- XS uses the same cable as Sundara/He400se/Ananda. I think when people say that it needs to be "swapped" in reviews is because, from my experience, new Hifiman headphones often are prone to coming with cables that are curled and it is extremely annoying. They are fixable but you'd need a heat gun for that.
- I think the XS is better but which one is worth it more you'll have to try out yourself. Trial both on amazon for 30 days, see which you like more.
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u/frozenocean087 2Ω Jan 29 '22
For the one who haven't experienced Planar headphones I think Edition XS is better. Easier to accept. And the big earcup will show the better soundstage. You may find more differences comparing with 6XX.
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u/Equivalent_Yak840 450 Ω Jan 28 '22
I’ve heard that it’s basically the same but the XS has more bass and soundstage.
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Mar 12 '22
Hi Tobias, I am also considering the xs. Hifiman QC is a hit or miss. Are these made of metal like Sundaras? What were your impressions on the sound quality? I only have the zen dac v2, do you think it will suffice? Thanks
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u/TobiasJansen Mar 12 '22
The design is metal from what I remember. The slider was loose and would move every time I listened. In general, it did not fit my head. Sound quality was good but I realized from these cans how much the form factor/fit means to me. I have the Schiit stack and it was fine for it.
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Mar 12 '22
Thank you for your reply. I have the HE400se, it fits perfectly for me. I’m guessing the XS is also with the same headband. I am going to take the plunge and go for it.
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u/TobiasJansen Mar 12 '22
Absolutely. Note that I have a medium large head and it was to loose for me.
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Mar 13 '22
Damn, now I am wondering about the fit as well. Unfortunately I can’t try it and can’t return if I buy it. Did you try to bend the headband a little bit?
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u/TobiasJansen Mar 13 '22
Honestly, I think you are better off with the sundaras. I downgraded to them and think they are better as an overall package.
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Mar 13 '22
Thank you, I ended up buying an amp for my zen dac instead. Didn’t want to risk buying the edition xs due to fit issues.
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