Bought Hifiman Edition XS and not really impressed

Submitted by GhoZsK t3_zyo8te in headphones

I recently bought the Hifiman Edition XS. These are my first Mid/High end headphones and have been driving it with the Fiio K3. I'm not really impressed with the sound and doesn't feel too much better than my M50x. Yes, it has a wider soundstage and it's more detailed but it doesn't feel like a $150 to $500 upgrade (Or what I thought will be). So, i been thinking it's the amp. I live in a country with no many options, so i been watching the SMSL SU/SH-6 Stack, DO/HO-100 Stack, Fiio K7 pro, IFI Zen DAC v2 and Some Aiyima. I didn't consider the Topping dx3 pro. Schiit and JDL are not options due to shipping. Or just buy an amp and use k3 as Dac for now. I can't test these amps in my town, so i'll be buying blind.

Or maybe the K3 is enough? the volume level it's fine to me. Probably my ears are not trained?.

Edit: I like the XS. I think is better than m50x in everything, but i was not amazed, like some reviews and comments made it look. As i said in a comment, i guess i have to high expectations. This are my 3rd pair of headphones (m50x, wh-xm4, XS), and i have a mid-fi stereo speaker system (onkyo cs265). I didn't have the opportunity to hear other than that yet. I think I'll keeping them for the comfort, Now i tried the XS, the m50x feels like a board squishing my ears. and if i have the opportunity, try some amps.

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tomatillo_ t1_j27ba6s wrote

Sounds to me like youve found the point where you dont see the value in spending more money in this hobby

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CogSci2022 t1_j26zfwl wrote

K3 is enough. putting around ~200mW at 16Ohms and... https://imgur.com/a/6KVQGmk

I think it' is just a sad truth about Hifi audio. The difference is noticeable but not significant enough to be considered mind-blowing by mainstream people.

I always tell my non-audiophile friends to just pick the the entry level gear+ dongle and leave. Never come back to this community.

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GhoZsK OP t1_j270lw5 wrote

Yeah. Last months i been thinking on it. Had have the m50x for about 3 years. One year later bught the k3 and not the big deal. Almost 2 years with the wh-1000xm4. This year i felt bored of the m50x and started finding them a little sibilant in comparison, so i decide to upgrade.

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Lelouch25 t1_j275a6x wrote

If the headphone upgrade in sound isn’t enough, then buying further would be worse.

You have enough mW to drive the headphone already. You could try a discrete amp like Schiit Asgard 3. It should widen the sound stage a bit and provide warmer/thicker sound.

Not sure if you’d think spending another $300 is worth it though. 😂

I’d suggest give it a few days. When you’ve adjusted your M50X for so long.

If anything, I think you’d rather like V shape planar. Same clarity and separation but with emphasis on bass. M1060C/1070C should do the trick for much cheaper.

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MichaelEmouse t1_j27vhb5 wrote

I also have an XM4 and wanted to upgrade. I found that even my XM4 was improved by the Fiio K7. I got the Hifiman Arya Stealth headphones and it sounds great, according to me, an audiophile and a non-audiophile wgo tried it, especially with FLAC 24 bit 48kHz files. If you can try them for free/easy return, it might be worth checking out.

Do you find that the K3 improves sound when paired with your XM4?

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GhoZsK OP t1_j28tr5a wrote

Compared to bluetooth? Definitely. I feel like the sound is less muddy and more detailed.

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rnzlsn t1_j27z6ae wrote

Yep. For most people, audiophile headphones and gear are not worth it. You have to be into the hobby and gear to see value in it.

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BigLorry t1_j273cml wrote

Honestly, of all the subjective aspects of this hobby, value might perhaps be the most subjective.

And it’s certainly possible that you’ve gone beyond your threshold value-wise, which is honestly completely understandable.

Nothing wrong with it, if you were happy with what you had and don’t think the upgrade is worth it, then hey, move on and put those funds towards another hobby for sure.

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hyperburststrike t1_j27bgek wrote

Maybe you need some time to get used to its sound, if you still don't like it just sell it. I used to think HD600 was bad after owning DT1990 pro, after I've tried out more headphones that I realised how good HD600 is.

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baneand t1_j280zpw wrote

It is normal, I had similar feeling for each headphone I bought after I owned BD 1990 pro. It seemed like I was giving 1-2-3K USD for 1-2% of difference in sound. And I am happy that made me stop spend more. Discussions here and on head-fi are dangerous, or maybe the word is toxic. It makes the brain think it is normal to have 50 headphones worth of 50k hanged on the wall.

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blargh4 t1_j27cm8d wrote

I would set expectations from a new amp low if it's not money you're comfortable spending. There are probably cheaper ways of getting your placebo effect fix (like trying the balanced output, if you're not using it already).

Ultimately every single headphone discussed here is just a headphone. It doesn't sound like good speakers in a room, it doesn't sound like you're in a concert hall, it's a pair of little drivers strapped to your head, and past a certain point of quality, nothing is going to blow your mind, you're just getting different flavors of... headphones. If you're not interested in optimizing various fairly minor differences, just buy something cheap/good, EQ it to your taste, and move on with life.

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TheFrator t1_j27gpr0 wrote

> Ultimately every single headphone discussed here is just a headphone. It doesn’t sound like good speakers in a room, it doesn’t sound like you’re in a concert hall, it’s a pair of little drivers strapped to your head

Obviously since we’re in r/Headphones , I’m a little biased towards personal audio. Headphones will never be able to render a soundstage or the chest feel of speakers in a room. But I’ll argue that for pure audio quality (at least what that means to me) and when equally priced, headphones trump speakers. I’m speaking from my experience with LCD-5s and my pair of Philharmonic BMR Towers speakers.

And good luck trying to make a stereo sound like a concert hall. That’s an exercise in futility and will burn a massive hole in your pocket. You’re better off accepting that a pair of speakers is just a pair of speakers. It’s in a room that is a fraction of the size of an actual concert hall and has 2 point sources of sound (assuming 2.0 setup) instead of dozens points of sound that a symphony has.

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blargh4 t1_j27l683 wrote

Well, I certainly wouldn’t have an expensive headphone rig if I didn’t like headphones, but ultimately different folks have differenent degrees of giving-a-shit about headphone sound quality. At some point the average person is just going to reach a point where they’re not going to be 2x more impressed for 2x the money invested money invested. Maybe for OP the AT50X is that point, or he needs to listen longer and attune his ears to the XS. Maybe he doesn’t like Hifiman. I would try a new headphone before a new amp, anyway.

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TheFrator t1_j295g5w wrote

100% and I agree with you on new headphones before rolling source equipment. Some people care about audio to an OCD level and others couldn't be bothered.

I was discussing how headphone and speaker presentation are very different with pros and cons of each. The difference between them is much more than over-ears and IEMs. But the good thing is the choice is not binary!

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TheFrator t1_j26ymj4 wrote

How long have you had the Edition XS?

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GhoZsK OP t1_j26zjme wrote

Like a week. I almost only use them.

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TheFrator t1_j270kq4 wrote

I mean you've tried them for yourself and given plenty of time for them. Not everything that's more expensive will be better for your subjective preference. I had the M50X for 7 years and loved it until I lost it.

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OnePunchedMan t1_j28tjx9 wrote

Some people exaggerate how much better expensive headphones are beyond the $200/$300 price point. I think the problem isn't the XS. Your perception of their quality is maybe more realistic than some hyperbolic online reviews. I used to own the XS but returned it for comfort issues. It sounded great! But like any headphone I've ever worn, a basic home theater system will blow them out of the water, so it's good to have that in your mind when shopping for new headphones in the future. Check your expectations.

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Jmo04 t1_j283ndx wrote

I’ll put my cents in here. I had one couple but returned both because of qc issues but that’s besides the point. Powering them off a fiio e10k was not enough (bass started to distort at higher volumes) and my smsl c200 made them sound much better imo. However I did really like to eq them. Try out the oritory1990 preset eq I think is what it’s called or just add a bass shelf but I think the preset is really good. Trust me, these headphones can literally please anyone if EQ’d

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IIINikolaiIII t1_j2876p7 wrote

I got the XS for myself during black friday and absolutely love them. They fit my head perfectly too though i was worried they would be too big. I had sundaras before these and there is a pretty big difference in sound quality with the XS.

People like different things and if you don't like the XS then just return it and get something else. That is completely fine. Try to find something you like and stick with it. There are plenty of headphones for every taste out there.

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Desertshark42 t1_j26zwjd wrote

I have the XS, and the only reason I don’t like it, is the headband. Once I get the Ananda, I’m selling mine. But the XS sounds amazing to me. I have 6 pairs of cans and that stands out, biggest being the imaging and detail retrieval, and also bass extension at bass and sub bass levels. I run mine into an SMSL SU8s/SH9 and a Schiit Magni/Modi. Honestly I feel it hits harder on my Schiit Stack. If you can, I’d try For that. Also. Do you do any EQ? Like software or analog tone control? I only ask as that may be the culprit as well. IMO, the XS doesn’t even need to be EQd it sounds so good

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GhoZsK OP t1_j2710zo wrote

Sadly I can't try a dac/amp. There is no availability near me. And I'm not into EQ. I heard the XS are fine without EQ, it's one of the reasons why i bought them.

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VisceralVoyage420 t1_j28hblk wrote

Why aren't you into EQ? There isn't a headphone out there that doesn't benefit from it. I love my XS, especially with a bit of EQ.

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GhoZsK OP t1_j29l6tu wrote

i'm not into EQ because i used to randomly move and adjust some frequencies when i was like 16-17 yo and shitty Headphones. sometimes sounded better, sometimes i messed up. i'll try it more seriously when i have time. but i can't promise anything

edit: Most of the time sounded worst tbh. I thought it sounded better cause bass goes brrrr

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PeetTreedish t1_j27nz12 wrote

I find its more fun to find cool old headphones on Ebay etc. Bought several pair of well built 50 year old headphones. Old Pioneers are fun. Working or not. New speakers can be bought cheap and installed.

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hurtyewh t1_j27vlfh wrote

A) might not just be your thing, B) the jump might be so big you need time to understand the differences (like jumping from MoonDrop waifus to appreciating the masterpieces of impressionist art), C) the M50x's are laser sharp in the treble and have overdone porridge bass so your ears might be fucked like mine were after using them for a few years that something balanced sounded boring (HD650 for me) and it will take time to readjust, but the M50x's will likely sound horrific afterwards.

The amp is likely fine. An iBasso DC05 or Apple dongle is. I recommend EQ (Oratory1990 preset) to bring the bass up a bit. They're really damn nice headphones for most people. The big soundstage also makes them more diffuse sounding in the bass especially which is a bit less gripping and more ethereal than you're likely used to.

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mitch-99 t1_j2871oe wrote

Unfortunately in this hobby the only way to know if you’ll truly like a headphone is to buy it and listen to it. You can get a gist of it from people but everyone hears things different and has different perspectives on things. Ultimately you have to decide to take the plunge or not.

It seems you’ve just figured that out. Thats one thing that sucks about this hobby because not everyone can do that and it can be severely disappointing if it happens. If you bought them from somewhere you can return them then id give it until just before the return period if you still dont like them then refund them.

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Orangutan_Ulti t1_j27ofhn wrote

I can't speak about M50x as I have never heard them, but with my Edition XS I found that they sound best on mid-gain at 9-10 o' clock on the volume dial on my Topping A30 pro in balanced mode.

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YourMother0HP t1_j28emq2 wrote

You don't like them, and that's perfectly fine. Try the sundaras

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DangerousWolf8743 t1_j28lpoy wrote

Amp won't make any significant difference (Since the problem seems to be the sound signature). You can either give it some time or eq.

If you know what is bothering you then eq won't be difficult. It will take lot of time the first time. But after that you can use your eq preset without any bother.

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JustAu69 t1_j291a3w wrote

When you stop listening to them as headphones and start listening like they are speakers or like you are actually there, close your eyes and the magic will come

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Designer-Edge-5394 t1_j29mz9c wrote

I haven't tried the Edition XS, but people seem to be like them and rank them as a good performer for the price range.

Coming from Focals and Sennheisers, I had the same feeling as yours about Arya Stealths. Keep in mind that they use a different driver technology and obviously have a different sound signature. Also, in your case, you're more used to the closed-back sound of m50x and wh-xm4. I don't think changing your amp will help much. Just give them some more time so that both your headphones and your ears/brain burn in and get used to the sound signature 😉.

Again, not suggesting to change your amp, but if you would like to try them on something else, give ifi DAC/Amps a try because they're less sharp as compared to the FiiOs and you may get a fuller sound from the XSs.

Happy listening anyways 🙂

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therealbrookthecook t1_j277jsn wrote

You need to drive them balanced and not single ended~ as well as try another amp~

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GhoZsK OP t1_j27db0v wrote

Yes. I thought could be a problem so i also ordered a balanced cable. I been using only the 2.5mm Output at 50-80%. I think i have to get used to them. have had the m50x for long time. Probably i was expecting something similar when i went from shitty stereo school/home desktop speakers to a mid-end equipment. or $15 in-ears to m50x. but most noticeable difference was i can't enjoy that cheap equipment as i used to do hahaha.

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csch1992 t1_j28m2b1 wrote

You need to adjust i think. I got the sundara after 4 year with my 1770 and different is there. Not huge but it might also depent on what you are listening too.

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Spirited-Foot t1_j29vccq wrote

Check your ears for wAx good sir. XS are best under $500

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hyde0000 t1_j2amwqb wrote

This will be unpopular opinion at Reddit since everyone here think loud enough is loud enough.

But from my experience driving Mad Dog, I own Dragonfly Red (dongle), O2/SDAC, Violectric V200. Mad Dog sounded the best on O2/SDAC in my opinion.

People might argue it's all in your head because you anticipate more cost = better. Well V200 cost the most and it's not the best pairing in my opinion.

People might argue well maybe you like this DAC/amp more so you think it sound better, well my favourite dac/amp is Dragonfly Red for a longgggggggg time and it sounded absolutely TERRIBLE with Mad Dog. Same experience with LCD-2C where Dragonfly Red is just terrible. But on most Denon/Fostex headphone I just LOVE the Dragonfly Red.

So I would actually say K3 is most likely not enough to power it properly similar to Dragonfly Red since both are USB powered. Maybe try a FiiO K7 which is currently one of the better price per performance dac/amp.

Again I based this on my listening experience with no guarantee your experience will be the same, but this is my best guess.

EDIT: Oh and try all the gain setting, quite often low gain at the same volume actually doesn't sound the same at high gain same volume. In theory it should be the same but in actuality it doesn't.

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Lonxxki t1_j27l9tt wrote

K3 is not enough to bring edition xs alive planars are power hungry I suggest you go for fiio k7

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msee t1_j2dgru9 wrote

I have both the headphones you mentioned. The Hifimans are significantly better than the at m50x. However, you have to have decent quality audio files, source, interconnects, amplifier and solid support to allow the Hifimans to shine. Once you give them a good signal I’m sure you will hear a clear difference. Contrary to popular opinion you don’t need extra special hearing, you just need to pay attention to the quality of the entire reproduction chain.

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Kenzo6969 t1_j287d7c wrote

Needs better amp unfortunately. Even with the much recommended cheap Topping stuff they sound really quite shit to my ears.

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Desertshark42 t1_j26za74 wrote

Try a different amp/DAC trust me

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BigLorry t1_j2730x3 wrote

Someone else has already shown his amp is more than enough to drive them.

If he’a blatantly unimpressed by them when properly driven, it’s almost certain something as minuscule as a different amp or dac is not going to change that. The slightest of changes maybe sure, but it certainly won’t be night and day, as it seems it would need to be for OP to find it worth it.

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Desertshark42 t1_j273whl wrote

Yea well didn’t see someone mention anything when I posted my comment. And it’s not unheard of that some people will hear different things with different amps and DACs. There could be an issue with his current setup. Maybe the amp/DAC he used was fried, maybe the headphones themselves were used and have a QC issue. OP didn’t specify whether it was new or used. I stand by my comment, try another amp/DAC bud. If it’s still sounding like shit, well then at least you tried other possible solutions before giving up rather then to just exchange a sub $500 headphone.

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GhoZsK OP t1_j2782vw wrote

The K3 is fine. No noticeable noise floor or weird noises at 60-80% on balanced output. Bass boost is clear. I bought the XS new for like $400. (I said $500 as reference price). Maybe i just had high expectations due the reviews and comments, But it's definetly better than m50x, like... everything. bass extension, mids, highs, soundstage, comfort. the sibilance and bright is gone compared with what i feel on m50x. But i think was just that. too high expectation.

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Exact3 t1_j27lmtj wrote

This is the problem with this hobby; it's extremely subjective.

Some people can't tell a difference between a $100 pair and a $1000 pair and some can tell the differences between different amps.

If they're not worth it to you, returning them or selling them would be my advice.

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Desertshark42 t1_j2747qt wrote

Also. Never said his amp wasn’t enough to drive, lol. Options my man. I’d exhaust all possible options before giving up. Or do just that

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Joulle t1_j281ga2 wrote

This amp shit is just foolish waste of money. If he doesn't like them, he doesn't.

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