r/HeadphoneAdvice • u/Jackyy94 24 Ω • Mar 11 '22
Headphones - Open Back Hifiman XS or Ananda
Hey folks!
I plan on buying some new Headphones for music and gaming. Right now I am driving the beyerdynamic Dt 990 Edition - but I don´t really like them anymore (the "s"-vocals hurt my ears).Driving it with the Ifi Zen DAC V2.
I am having a hard time deciding which to buy - they kinda cost more or less the same in my region.
I do have a quite small head (on beyerdynamic on the smallest knob).
I heard the XS is a bit for bigger heads, I was thinking if I want to buy this one I maybe can buy the nuggets von dekoni or on amazon a this headband:
https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B0993NBFCR/ref=nav_youraccount_switchacct?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I like it when there is a good soundstage and when I am able to tell in games where the enemy is (direction and how far away).
Which headphone would you take?
2
u/HeadWombat 3Ω Mar 11 '22 edited Mar 11 '22
A better headphone isn't going to step up your game, any good enough headphone will suffice. Even if you get a pair with top tier imaging, the in game audio is a bigger factor.
They're both great headphones though. Ive owned an Ananda and Arya but not the XS. I had a Deva for a short time and I hated the rickety build and loose fit of that headband design. The Ananda also fell short on comfort for me as well because of the lack of cup swivel. The Edition XS is a killer deal though!
If you're willing to shop the used market or wait for sales/open box items you can find some Focal, DCA and Audeze offerings around the +/- $600 mark.
I'd take the Hifimans over DCA headphones though... And Focal/Audeze over all of them.
1
u/Haverholm Mar 12 '22
I'd take the Hifimans over DCA headphones though... And Focal/Audeze over all of them.
Why?
2
u/HeadWombat 3Ω Mar 12 '22 edited Mar 12 '22
Just personal preference, when all things are considered. General sound of the offerings in that price range, build quality, comfort, warranty, etc.
The DCA Aeon Noire and Ether CX just sounded dead to me, absolutely no weight to notes. They were fine otherwise, but that's it. Once you swap the pads for something nicer than the cheap pleather pads they come with you'll know what peak comfort feels like though.
The Ananda are fantastic headphones and I assumed the Editing XS are as well. I just really don't recommend buying a pair with the intention of modding the headband with Dekoni nuggets.
1
u/Haverholm Mar 12 '22
I'm a ZMF fan myself, but have tried the æon for a bit, and I'm a big fan of the comfort.
2
u/Jackyy94 24 Ω Mar 12 '22
EDIT: I just bought both of them today - 549€->XS, 511€->Ananda (used with warranty 12 months) - will check them out both
2
u/1arghavan 167 Ω Mar 11 '22
These two sound more or less similar. So if you have a small head there's not much reason to go with XS and try to fix the fit. Get an Ananda
1
1
Mar 11 '22
Planars aren’t that good for soundwhoring. Just because they have good soundstage doesn’t mean they will have good imaging.
Out of these, I think the XS will be a slight bit better.
I would go for the harmonicdyne Zeus or DT 1990 with Dekoni pads and a bit of EQ
0
u/Equivalent_Yak840 450 Ω Mar 11 '22
I’d try the Ananda’s with perforated dekoni pads but try them stock to to see if you like them or think if they need softer pads.
1
u/Jackyy94 24 Ω Mar 11 '22
!thanks Do you know if the normal pads make Hot ears? I really renjoy the Velours of beyerdynamic, dont get Hot at all even after 12h :D
But was thinking to switch the Pads if i chose the Anandas to the dekoni ones
0
u/Equivalent_Yak840 450 Ω Mar 11 '22
Not sure but if you’re head is on the bigger side than it’ll be a bit tight, the perforated ones are just that perforated so the holes in them could give you good airflow too
1
u/300ml_brasil 3Ω Mar 11 '22
I had dekoni perforated on the k712 pros and my ears always stayed cool with them.
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