Review of HiFiMAN Edition XS – Compared to Ananda and HE1000 V2 [updated measurement]

Edition XS – see measurements here, extra comparisons with HE6SE V2 and GL2000; measurement of third-party pads

TL;DR: open and airy but well-balanced tuning leaning ever-so-slightly to the bright side, with the typical Hifiman dip at around 1-3khz making mid-range instruments less forward or aggressive. Great layering and separation. Good all-rounder for different music genres. Exellent bass extension is a major highlight for the price range of around US$500.

Pros: balanced tonality; decently capable technically; comfy; price-performance;
Cons: lack of wow factor; ever-so-slighly bright; low sensitivity; aesthetics;

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Comparing to the Ananda

Toanlity:

Very similar overall. Differences are subtle in the mids and highs, but more apparently in the bass. Extension is exellent on the XS, as is bass punch and presence. As such the XS got more body to the sound, whereas the Ananda is softer and more airy. Some people call the Ananda overly ethereal, but I guess it’s just the tuning choice. That said I enjoy vocals on the XS more and instruments especially new-age type of music more on the Ananda.

Technicalities (hardcore objectivists – feel free to skip):

These are close performers. Soundstage on the XS may be a tad smaller than the Ananda, but the XS is just as expansive and open which is the hallmark of the Hifiman egg-shaped planar series. Punch and slam I feel is harder on the XS, but this can be due to more bass. As such the Ananda can also seemingly sound clearer. Layering and instrument separation are on par, which is not unexpected given the two share the same diaphragm and most of the structure. Overall I would say there is no significant differences here.

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Comparing to the HE1000 V2

Technicalitiess are all behind not much surprise there. The Edition XS is no slouch – it nails layering, separation and ‘resolution’ especially considering the price. The biggest difference is spatial qualities: with huge soundstage and solid imaging the HE1000 V2 is still a league above. I am not saying the XS is terrible, in fact imaging is decently clear and solid on the XS, but just not as realistic as the HEK. In terms of tuning the XS holds its ground very well though: the HEK is more energetic and forward, while the XS is smoother and mellower. I would say the XS is the ‘well-tempered’ version of HEK. Although XS’s bass goes deep there is still a audible difference between the sense of punch and impact comparing to the HEK. As for highs the XS also does not have the glistening qualities of HEK most obvious in reproducing cymbal strikes. The good thing about that is the overall tonality of the XS is a lot more easy-going than the HEK. Vocals are mellower, whereas some poorly mastered tracks can sound harsh with the upper treble elevation on the HEK. Such is the double-edged sword of the HEK tuning: you get fascinating engaging instrument playback while vocals can sound occasionally too bright. Aside from HEK’s elevation between 6-8khz, the upper treble difference can be hard to see from a glimpse, but if you look closely, the difference between the XS and the HEK at around 10-11khz is about 4-5db, which is a lot and defnitely audible. Not all instruments token these frequencies and much less for vocals, but sometimes they are amplified and mastered so.

see full measurements here

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Endnote:

I can comfortably say that the XS has the most pleasant tuning out of the egg-shaped hifimans. These are all-rounders for any music genres: pop, rock, jazz, classical, you name it. If I had to nitpick it’s probably EDM/punk/rap that these do not pair so happily with (go for Focals instead). With balanced tuning and decent technicalities the XS is a solid performer, and IMO well worth the asking price at around US$500.