Intro:
Hifiman has been known for a characteristic tuning that can be divisive at times. Treble‑sensitive listeners often find some of the brand’s planar headphones a bit bright. This has been especially true for parts of the “Stealth” model era, where certain models carried extra upper‑treble energy.
When the Edition XS launched in 2021, I was excited by the value it offered, and it went on to become one of the brand’s most talked-about models. Now we have the new Edition XV, officially positioned as its successor. It features an updated headband with improved ergonomics and a sleeker aesthetic. Hifiman also claims the diaphragm is “60% thinner” than that of the XS and that the magnets have been revised to use “rare-earth-free materials”.
But does the Edition XV really follow the XS in sound? Let’s dive in.
For those who want to jump right into detailed measurements, check out the final section of this article.
Disclaimer: This unit was purchased for testing and review purposes.
Specs & Comfort
Price: $399 USD / $749 AUD
Driver size: 130*95 mm (frame); 80*50 mm (effective)
Driver type: Planar Magnetic
Sensitivity: 92 dB/mW @1kHz
Impedance: 13 Ω at 1kHz
Connector: dual 3.5 mm TRS
Weight: 453 grams (excl. cable)
Clamping force: medium
Comfort: 6.5/10 (slightly weighty; tiny bit clampy)
As shown in the last photo, the new headband now has cup swivel. The range is somewhat limited though (around 10 to 15 degrees) but it still improves fit and comfort compared to previous designs.
Measurement & Sound
For more comparisons, visit my squiglink database.
Tonal balance:
Overall, the Edition XV sounds smooth, liquid, and full-bodied — probably not what I would call the typical Hifiman sound signature. My first impression was simply that, wow, this is unusually smooth, almost reminiscent of a Meze planar or even a Sennheiser, particularly in the treble balance.
Bass
The Edition XV’s bass is flat and linear in the planar tradition, but slightly elevated as a whole. It leans toward the thick, meaty side rather than the leaner, tighter character found in many other Hifiman models. In that way, it reminds me somewhat of Audeze’s approach, though not quite as dense or tactile.
Compared to models like the Ananda Stealth or Arya Organic, which exemplify tight, punchy bass, the XV takes a different path. The bass has a slightly looser, more relaxed quality, though it still reaches effortlessly down to 20 Hz. In terms of quantity, it delivers a satisfying, robust foundation that supports the rest of the spectrum. Fundamentals feel rich and full-bodied, giving music extra note weight without sounding bloated.
Midrange
The mids on the Edition XV are smooth yet remaining articulate. Looking at the relationship between midrange fundamentals and harmonics, the XV reverses the style found in many earlier Hifiman planars. Here, the midrange fundamentals are slightly elevated while harmonics are gently toned down — both shifts are modest (around 1.5-2 dB), but together they create a noticeably fuller, more polished presentation compared to its predecessor, the Edition XS.
As a result, vocals and instruments carry more body and warmth. Listeners who found older Hifiman tunings too “analytical” may find this easier on the ear. That said, the classic “Hifiman dip” in the 1-2 kHz region is still present, which pushes vocals and some midrange instruments a bit further back in the mix. A milder dip could bring more liveliness and presence, but even so, the XV still handles vocal-centric genres like country and pop with ease and enjoyment.
Treble
The Edition XV continues the smooth, almost lush tuning into the treble. Gone is the spicy, sometimes edgy treble of earlier models like the Edition XS or Arya Organic. Instead, the XV delivers a top end that almost reminds me of the Sennheiser HD6X0 series, with its very linear, refined rise and a gentle, natural roll-off beyond about 5 kHz.
This is immediately visible in measurements, but also clear in listening. Cymbals sound clean and well-shaped without splashing into excessive brightness. There’s no hint of harsh vocal sibilance, and upper treble energy is carefully controlled — more in line with something like the FiiO FT1 Pro than traditional Hifiman planars. As a result, the XV trades some of the brand’s trademark air and brilliance for a softer, more forgiving presentation.
While this tuning broadens its appeal to listeners who prefer an easygoing treble, it may leave some long-time Hifiman fans wanting more treble detail and sparkle. This is a classic example of the trade-off between tonal balance and perceived technical performance — in many cases, what listeners interpret as “resolution” is the product of targeted treble energy rather than a true increase in driver capability.
As a whole, this is why I find it odd that Hifiman markets the XV as a successor to the Edition XS — the two follow very different tuning directions. In fact, the XV is much closer in character to the Edition X V2, a headphone often remembered as the smooth, mellow outlier of the egg-shaped family and one that developed a loyal following for exactly that reason. Interestingly, my measurement align closely with Hangout Audio’s measurements of the Edition X V2 (both on the GRAS 43AG platform, coupler differences aside). So in many ways, the XV feels less like an XS sequel and more like a modern update of that Edition X V2 sound.
Other qualities:
- Soundstage
The Edition XV’s soundstage is competent but not especially expansive. It doesn’t have quite the same sense of width or openness that some of the egg-shaped Hifiman models are known for. That said, it avoids sounding closed-in or claustrophobic, maintaining a generally natural spatial impression when the music calls for it.
Imaging is a touch softer and more diffuse than I’ve heard from other models in this family as well. Instead of sharply etched positional cues, the XV leans toward a more blended, though cohesive presentation. This works well for relaxed listening but sacrifices a bit of the pinpoint accuracy that some listeners seek for gaming or complex orchestral work.
Where the XV works well is in depth projection. Layering between front-to-back elements is handled naturally, with a convincing sense of distance and separation between instruments. While not a stage-width champion, it offers a comfortable and immersive space that works well across most genres.
- Clarity
Clarity on the Edition XV is good for its price bracket, though it doesn’t quite push into the higher tiers among planars. Its tonal balance is generally linear across the spectrum, so you don’t feel like any frequency range is missing.
That said, in this case the upper-midrange dip has a noticeable impact on perceived resolution. Because that 1-2 kHz region is slightly recessed and the midrange fundamentals are fuller, the presentation is smoother but also less revealing. Micro-details in vocals or the fine texture of strings don’t stand out quite as much as they do on a more forward-tuned headphones. It’s often a trade-off between tonal balance and what’s perceived as technical performance — much of which is shaped by frequency-response quirks and, to a lesser extent, measurable factors like THD and driver matching.
In practice, I would rank the XV’s clarity significantly higher than the Sennheiser HD6XX, slightly above the FiiO FT1 Pro, but behind the Ananda Stealth. It strikes a nice balance between detail and fatigue-free listening, but it’s not chasing pure analytical performance.
- Dynamics
Dynamics on the Edition XV are decent, but not class-leading. In terms of microdynamics — small-scale shifts and nuances in quieter passages — it outperforms most dynamic-driver headphones in its price range. Subtle changes in vocal expression, the decay of piano notes, or the gentle rise of a cymbal swell are rendered with a sense of gradation rather than feeling flat. Compared to other planars, however, it’s not as finely shaded as models like the Moondrop Para 2 or the Ananda Stealth. In very busy passages, the presentation can blur slightly, with finer details losing some definition.
On the other hand, macrodynamics — slam, impact, and large-scale swings — are satisfying. The XV has no signs of compression even when pushed to high levels around 100 dB, which speaks to the driver’s excursion capabilities. When the music calls for big bass drops or dramatic hits, it delivers with authority and weight.
Conclusion and value:
At $399 USD/ $749 AUD, the Hifiman Edition XV offers a sound that is both easy to enjoy and largely balanced straight out of the box. Its tonal profile stands apart from much of Hifiman’s recent lineup, harking back to the smoother, fuller presentation of the Edition X V2 rather than following the brighter, more analytical path of the Edition XS. For listners who have found past Hifiman models a bit too sharp in the treble or lean in the mids, the XV will likely be a welcome change.
Does the new XV edge out the XS? Not necessarily. The Edition XS remains relevant, and even highly competitive, thanks to its different tuning and its current aggressive price of around $239 USD.
I’m glad to see Hifiman broadening its tuning range. The XV’s sound profile could appeal to a wider audience, especially those coming from dynamic headphones who want to explore planars without the fatigue that sometimes comes with extra treble energy. The updated headband, with its added cup swivel, improves comfort and fit, and the new silver finish gives it a modern, more premium look compared to the XS.
In short, the Edition XV is not a direct sonic successor to the Edition XS, but a different flavour within the egg-shaped family — one that blends smoothness, warmth, and enough technical ability to stay competitive in its class. It’s a reminder that technical performance isn’t always about chasing every last detail — sometimes the right tonal balance delivers a more enjoyable listening experience.
If there are specific comparisons with other headphones you would like to see, let me know in the comments.
PROS:
+ Smooth, fatigue-free tuning across the spectrum
+ Full-bodied bass with linear extension
+ Decent depth and layering
+ Comfortable updated headband with swivel cups
CONS:
– Less sparkle than typical Hifiman tuning
– Soundstage width only average
– Slightly recessed upper mids affect clarity
– Imaging less precise than some competitors
Value Grade:
Earpads and EQ
A quick heads-up on the earpads: the Edition XV, like other recent egg-shaped models since the Unveiled series, uses redesigned plastic mounting clips on the back. This means pads from older Hifiman models won’t fit. At the time of writing, there are no aftermarket options available, though hopefully that will change soon.
In terms of EQ, this headphone requires little adjustments to sound well-balanced. That said, there’s still room for fine-tuning.
The main direction here would be to give the treble a slight lift for clarity, while tightening the bass response and adding a bit more punch.
My EQ setting for this headphone (adjust first and last filters to taste):
Preamp: -4.0 dB
Filter 1: ON PK Fc 30 Hz Gain 4.0 dB Q 0.500
Filter 2: ON PK Fc 170 Hz Gain -2.5 dB Q 2.000
Filter 3: ON PK Fc 400 Hz Gain -1.0 dB Q 2.500
Filter 4: ON PK Fc 700 Hz Gain -1.5 dB Q 1.500
Filter 5: ON PK Fc 1700 Hz Gain 3.0 dB Q 1.600
Filter 6: ON PK Fc 16500 Hz Gain 3.0 dB Q 1.000
If your goal is to EQ the response to match the Harman Target, consider the AutoEQ function provided by Squiglink as a convenient starting point. I personally recommend customising the filters to better suit your own hearing, especially in the treble. While the AutoEQ provides a useful baseline, individual adjustments can often significantly improve your listening experience.
If you’re new to EQ, I’d recommend checking out this video by Resolve from The Headphone Show — it’s a really solid intro and walks through the basics in a clear, no-nonsense way. Great place to start!
MEASUREMENTS
Frequency Response:
The response is obtained by an average of 5-6 positional variations. The FR shown on the graph is unsmoothed.
Positional Variation:
This graph illustrates how headphone placement on the head affects perceived tonal balance: with the ear positioned at the front (blue), centre (purple), and back (red) of the headphone. The FRs shown on the graph are 1/48 octave smoothed.
Leakage Tolerance:
This graph demonstrates how leakages to the front volume can result in FR change: blue (good seal), purple (thin arm glasses), red (thick arm glasses). The FR shown on the graph is 1/12 octave smoothed.
Comment: Like most open-back planars, this headphone can show a slight bass boost when the seal is compromised. This is partly due to its large driver size and relatively low diaphragm tension.
Linearity and Dynamic Compression:
Linearity and dynamic compression testing plots the headphone’s frequency response at two input levels to show how it reproduces signals as loudness changes. Any divergence between the high-level and low-level curves points to where the transducer’s dynamic range begins to compress or distort. Here, the measurements are superimposed to allow direct comparison.
Comment: This is excellent result. There’re no signs of compression at high SPLs.
Impulse Response:
The impulse response test measures the initial response, overshoot, and decay of a transducer upon receiving a signal. An initial upshoot indicates a normal polarity, vice versa.
HpTF Variations:
Headphone Transfer Function (HpTF) describes how sound is shaped by headphone design and ear anatomy before reaching the eardrum. Different measurement rigs (with varying pinnae designs) introduce unique reponses/resonances and potential deviations from actual human perception. Understanding HpTF helps translate measured data into real-world listening experiences.
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD% 2nd-9th) & Excess Group Delay (94 dB):
These measurements are conducted in quiet, normal room conditions (as opposed to an anechoic chamber), meaning there may be some influence from ambient room and external noise. These results should be considered a preliminary assessment of performance, primarily for identifying major issues, and do not reflect the best-case performance scenario.
Comment: 94dB distortion levels are slightly higher than ideal in 1.5kHz to 6kHz range are slightly higher than ideal. However, they should remain largely inaudible under normal listening conditions.
Channel Matching:
Channel matching graphs are intended for quality control checks and do not relate to the perceived sound profile. A specialised configuration is used in this test to capture differences between channels, mitigating interference from positioning on the rig and the asymmetry in the GRAS pinnae design, a legacy of KEMAR. The left (blue) and right (red) channels are measured using a flat plate coupler with an IEC60318-4 ear simulator.
Comment: Channel matching on this particular unit is good, which may contribute to imaging precision and the clarity of spatial cues. The slight “wobble” in the mids is likely due to modal response of large planar drivers, which can vary between measurements or under different conditions.
Electric Phase & Impedance:
The above graph shows the measured impedance (green) and electric phase (grey), measured under free-air condition (minimal front volume coupling).
Comment: This headphone’s impedance curve is typical of a planar headphone – flat and low.
END OF THE ARTICLE
Disclaimer: This review is independent and was not sponsored or endorsed by any company or affiliated entity. All headphones reviewed are purchased for review unless otherwise stated. Any links or product references are provided for informational purposes only and are not associated with any financial compensation or affiliate arrangement.
Would you recommend XV as an upgrade to Beyerdynamics 770 Pro (80ohm), used with Fiio K5 Pro ESS. I am looking for something to replace my Beyers and I want to try open-back this time around, I am just a little confused as what headphones to choose, mainly I listed to some EDM, Hip-Hop so I am worried about bass extension on open-back headphones, especially planars from what I can see on the graphs for different models. Thanks for any advice.
Hi there. They are certainly very different from your Beyers, being an open-back planar. If the XV fits your typical use case, I think they would work quite well for the genres you mentioned.
As for your concern about bass extension: Hifiman planars generally have very good, linear sub-bass extension, so that won’t be an issue. If you find the quantity isn’t as ample as the closed-back Beyers, you could easily boost it up with some EQ.
Listener also gave this quite high praise, and my preferences are similar to his so I’m very intrigued! I was wondering just how much you sacrifice in terms of the subjective stuff like soundstage and imaging going from the Arya Unveiled to the XV. I really liked the Arya U, but I found it too on the tad too bright. Not that it was comfortable, but just something I wouldn’t really reach for unless I wanted to ‘wow’ myself with that sense of space, separation, imaging and all that.
I’m expecting the XV will clearly lag behind in terms of all that stuff, but the question is to what extent. Aside from the mids (that 1-2kHz dip may be a bit much given the overall tonality of the XV), everything else seems to be exactly what I’m looking for. The price difference is another huge factor.
Would you care to provide your thoughts? If it’s possible to EQ the Arya unveiled to sound more like the XV, that makes things a bit tricky. But then the question arises, would you even want to if achieving that EQ’d sound was to completely change the default sound for the worse?
Yeah I thought he’d love this one haha.
To me, while it is often tricky to quantify how much of a difference it is, the differences are meaningful, but not as big as the price difference would suggest. The Arya Unveiled is clearly wider and airier, while the Edition XV is more intimate, but still above average in its price category. Since you found the Arya Unveiled too bright, the XV will be a much easier daily driver due to its warmer tone.
I would suggest tinkering with EQ first since you already have the Arya Unveiled, which is an excellent, highly capable headphone that responds well to EQ. In other words, you can easily EQ it to sound very close to the warmer tonal balance of the XV. In most cases, if done right, EQ tends to improve the sound for the better.
For example, try this on your Arya Unveiled (for XV-style tuning):
Preamp: 0.0 dB
Filter 1: ON PK Fc 4800 Hz Gain -3.5 dB Q 2.600
Filter 2: ON PK Fc 8000 Hz Gain -2.0 dB Q 3.000
Filter 3: ON PK Fc 10500 Hz Gain -3.0 dB Q 4.000
And if you want a full EQ profile from bass to upper treble (adjust the first and last filters to taste):
Preamp: -5.0 dB
Filter 1: ON PK Fc 30 Hz Gain 5.0 dB Q 0.500
Filter 2: ON PK Fc 220 Hz Gain -1.0 dB Q 1.500
Filter 3: ON PK Fc 4000 Hz Gain 1.0 dB Q 0.500
Filter 4: ON PK Fc 4800 Hz Gain -3.5 dB Q 2.600
Filter 5: ON PK Fc 8000 Hz Gain -2.0 dB Q 3.000
Filter 6: ON PK Fc 10500 Hz Gain -3.0 dB Q 4.000
Filter 7: ON PK Fc 15500 Hz Gain 3.0 dB Q 2.000
Awesome thank you! Yeah, I find these presets help quite a bit. Especially the cut at the 4-6kHz region and at the 8kHz mark. Also surprised by how much you can crank the bass on this to give that sense of bloom and warmth. Having said that, I’m still eager to try the Edition XV one day just to get for its sound and given the hype it has received.
Edit: also because I’m curious to decide for myself just how far apart the Edition XV is compared to the Arya Unveiled. Because while I do enjoy a lot of aspects of the Arya Unveiled, I must admit the price is something that irks be in retrospect (especially given how much Hifiman drops the price). I’ve tried enough kilobuck headphones to get a good enough idea of what to expect (so I don’t feel this urge to “find out what is beyond”) and also of my personal tastes. And I still think Arya Unveiled is a Hifiman headphone I can finally enjoy, but it still has some minor problematic elements (like that pesky lower treble). I’m kind of in that phase where I don’t mind sacrificing “technicalities” (within reason) as long as the tonality is what I want – and the Edition XV seems to offer that at a much more palatable price (at least one that I think is within the range that most consumers would want to go to).
But that’s enough of my ramblings.
Glad those presets helped! Yeah, definitely give the XV a shot if you get the chance. It is almost never possible to EQ one headphone to sound exactly like another.
P.S. Totally understand your point about the price and value. The XV is definitely appealing at a much more palatable price, especially when the tonality seems to align so well with what you want. If you do not mind sacrificing some of the perceived qualities, perhaps also try some dynamic cans like the Focal Clear series?
Funny you mentioned that because I did own the original Clear a while back but sold it due to the god awful materials Focals used on it. The microfibres degraded crazy fast and I had to use different ear pads and a headband cover which just made the headphone uncomfortable to wear and it was already worn to a point where the headband would creak a ton. I like the sound, but not worth keeping. IMO, comfort and practicality is king alongside sound. In any case, I’ll give the XV a listen and see how it goes!
Yeah the Clear pads degrade pretty easily it’s a real shame. Though there seem to be more aftermarket options popping up nowadays that get really close to the original sound signature, which is a good thing. Enjoy your demo!
Okay, so I tried the XV… and bought them. My observations were exactly the same as yours. There is indeed a notable difference in terms of that sense of ‘spaciousness’ and clarity. But as I mentioned, I’m now at a stage where I would rather a headphone have better tuning than better technicalities, if it means that having the latter results in compromises to the former. And the Arya Unveiled is kind of like that… thought still MUCH better than the previous Hifiman models. Even after EQ, I still prefer the XV’s sound.
In an ideal world, I would have been probably kept both headphones since I think Arya Unveiled is still awesome for certain genres of music, but in this economy (and Hifiman’s price slashing tactics, which is pretty pro-consumer don’t get me wrong), anything above at or above $2k AU better be a miracle headphone for me to consider at this point (lol). Closest thing to that would be the heddphone D1 (at least from the reviews it has gotten), but even that feels a tad pricey (though I understand its due to the amount of R&D involved). Speaking of which, think you’ll do a review on that soon?
In any case, thank you again for your reviews and your comments. Really appreciate the work you do!
Hey, thanks for the kind words. I am very happy to hear you enjoy the XVs!
Indeed, the XV is just so well-tuned overall. Yeah in many ways there’s still a gap when comparing it to the Aryas, but that doesn’t mean the same thing for everyone. Listener’s reviews are excellent, and he mentioned the XVs gave him the largest soundstage almost out of all the Hifiman models. Things like that really goes to show how subjective the experience can be and how different headphones interact with our hearing.
So you’re Aussie too? I’m defintely excited about the Heddphone D1, but it looks like we do not have anywhere with them in stock for demo yet. Hopefully soon, though.
Hello. I have been using HD 600 as my first proper headphones for last years and been really happy with them. But I wanted something else , especially with more lively bass. And I am thinking about these headphones (would be my first planar ones too!) My question is . Would you recommend it if i mostly use with my sony experia 10 VI phone? I have separate DAC/AMP at home and with it HD600 sound amazing and i know they are hard to drive. But i am more than satisfied with my phone power using HD 600. Will I basically not gonna utilize XVs fully without amp? Should i look for something else? Anything you can recommend within similar price range? Thanks for the review!
Hey, thanks for the kind words. I don’t have experience with your phone model, so I can’t give a totally definite comment.
That said, you should still be able to get decent volume out of the Sony. The Edition XV isn’t particularly hard to drive. They are already among the easier planars out there, so I don’t think there’s much point in chasing the last bit of efficiency. If you wanted something meaningfully more efficient, it would be something like the Audeze MM-100 Pro.
If you want a sound similar to your HD 600s, but with planar tactility and that livelier bass, the XVs are indeed a good choice. Otherwise, the Edition XS is also a great option. It costs less and gives you a more different, V-shaped presentation, which would be a nice complement to the HD 600.
Thanks! Honestly it was between this and Sony mdr mv1, both priced similarly around £350 . Wanted something different from hd600s but not overly bright like the usual hifiman signature (according to reviews). Took the plunge and ordered it. Going to try tomorrow. Thanks again for responding
Ah, I see. Coincidentally, I actually just got a pair of the Sony MV1 myself. I would say you made a good choice, as the XVs give you a more different flavour and that planar tech factor compared to your HD600. Hope you enjoy them!
and thanks so much for the review!
Hey there. So you mean the Edition XV sounds more muffled compared to the Ghost right? I haven’t heard the Ghost, so I can’t really comment on that comparison unfortunately.
But yes, the XV like a lot of Hifiman models, has a scoop around the 1kHz to 2kHz area. This tends to push the midrange back into the mix a little and softens that sense of bite and attack. I’m guessing that’s where you’re noticing it, especially with things like electric guitars and snare drums.
Yeah, thanks for your answer! I think so too 🤝
Hi, I bought them the other day instead of my Thie Audio – Ghost (I bought them a year ago). My DAC is a Topping DX1, so I want to buy a Topping DX 5 II (this year or next) which was also released in the summer. Overall, it’s better and more enjoyable by all parameters, but I noticed that rock genres (electronic guitars) seems to sound slightly muffled. Is it because of a lack of upper midrange frequencies? P.S. I’m at the beginning of my audiophile journey 🙂
I currently have the Sundaras but they won´t make it much longer. Also i always missed some punch in the bass. My only other comparison is the Moondrop X Crinacle dusk. I guess i will never reach the bass of an iem with an open back headphone, but maybe you can tell me how the XV compare to the Sundaras and maybe even how close they can get to the dusk (or Harman OE 2018 Target) with EQ.
Also: How does soundstage and imaging compare to the Sundaras for music and gaming?
Yeah, hitting that pure bass quantity is pretty tough with open-back headphones, though you might get better overall ‘slam’ because of the driver size and the bass effect they have. But honestly, after EQing, the planar over-ears can actually do better than you think. You can basically EQ them to sound like anything since they don’t really have a hard limit like bass clipping or distortion issues.
Compared to the Sundara, the XV is more flavorful. It has a warmer, fuller sound and more immersive staging. It might not have the bass tightness of the Sundara. Imaging is about a tie: the XV feels bigger/more holographic, but the Sundara is more precise.
Hi sai,
I’m looking for an open back, great resolution, great sound stage, with a slight bass emphasis, less than 500$, headphones. Could you please recommend me a headphone with these characteristics.
Thanks!
Hey! There are definitely a few options, but it depends a bit on what you mean by ‘great’ and if there are specific things you want to avoid. The open-back and bass-emphasis combo is actually kinda tricky and narrows the field a good bit.
The first ones that pop into my head are the Focal Elex or a used Focal Clear. The staging might be a little mid-tier, but everything else is excellent.
Then there are the planars: the Audeze LCD-2 Classic (you’ll probably need to EQ for the bass) and the Hifiman Edition XS/XV (also likely needs EQ). Planars in this range often need a little EQ boost for the bass, but they give you awesome resolution and staging. The Arya Stealth is also a great option if you can catch that on sale or for a good used price.
The Audio-Technica R70x is another one, though it usually sits at the lower end of performance compared to those other options, but it is cheaper.
Great review! I have a question: what headphone stand is used in the picture? I would love to get one! Thanks
I actually get asked about that a lot lol. It’s from Silverstone but it’s discontinued, unfortunately. There’s a similar one from Woo Audio though and I think that one’s still available.
Hey there, I love the review! It’s extremely detailed and helpful.
I have a problem though: I’m very undecided between the Meze 105 Aer and the Hifiman Edition XV.
From what I understand the 105s seem to have a strong and comfortable design, plus a lush and balanced sound. But I do think that they might lack the detail and precision of the XV. I don’t know how they compare in terms of soundstage and imaging but I expect the Hifimans to be a bit better.
I listen to many genres (prog, alt and post rock, dream pop, trip-hop, post punk, IDM, metal… to name a few) just so you can get an idea.
Wich one do you think can provide the best experience under most aspects? Thanks for your time.
Thanks for the kind words about the review! I’d really like to help but I haven’t actually heard the 105s yet. I probably should, since they’re quite popular.
Given the genres you listen to I think the Edition XV would be a good fit. But I can’t comment on how they stack up against the 105. If I get a chance to listen to them, I’ll report back.
Thanks!
Impressive review and comparison, thanks a lot from all of us. I’m curious if you’ve ever had or heard the Meze 109pro? I’m curious how the XV would compare against it. I have the Meze 109 Pro as well as the XS and I find both of them sometimes a bit hot in the treble and EQ treble is very tricky (even if your EQ for the XS helped immensely). I love the soundstage and precision of the XS which to me is better than my Meze and makes the Meze bloated and closed-in comparaison. The Meze’s qualities are comfort, timber and bass quantity even if I find the mid bass a bit too present for certain genres. With the XV I’m looking at that happy middle ground and the picture you paint of it might just be that (less precise, more laid back but still planar so still more precise than many dynamic HPs with speed for clean bass). What do you think?
For reference I went HD598 (first audiophile HP) then HD58x (muddy bass for me) then HD6xx (great timber/mids but enough bass/treble to live up to the hype) then Hifiman Sundara (timber too metallic and comfort was off) then Focal Elex (loved it, sold it after getting Meze 109pro as too similar) then Meze 109 (comfy, punchy, meaty but zingy, makes music come alive but info is lost sometimes) then Aune AR5000 (great soundstage but same qualities as Meze with Meze being technically better) and finally Hifiman XS (big surprise, best sound yet for me apart from hot treble). Sorry for the long post and thanks again.
Thanks for the kind words! I haven’t tried the 109 Pro, though some local stores near me stock them and I might give them a go. From your chain of headphones and impressions, I think your read on the XV is pretty much on point. It’s a calmer, fuller balance than the XS without going muddy, while still having most of that planar speed and clarity. Given that you found the 6XX mids spot on and the Sundara sharp/metallic (very useful references), the XV should land in that middle ground pretty well for you.
Im in the market for a new headphone. Iv had the Hifiman he400i (a little too thin sounding for me) I have the 58X which I really like but lacks airiness and details but very enjoyable to listen too. I also love my koss kph40s very comfortable and overall very good headphone for the price. Iv been eyeing the new releases by hifiman i was originally looking at the XS but now im looing at the XV and annada unvieled.
Basically I want an upgrade over what I have with more detail and air but im worried of going abit too far and getting fatigued and not enjoying my new headphone.
Iv heard the unvieled series lean more warm than the standard versions so IM wondering if i should go for the Annanda unvieled or the XV or maybe another headphone alltogether? Budget i would like to probably stay under $700. I should also mention they will be dual purpose gaming and music.
Thank you
Hey there. Given what you’ve liked and disliked so far, the Edition XV looks like a really safe step up. It’s more detailed and airy than the HD58X but still keeps a smoother, warmer balance than most Hifimans, so it shouldn’t get fatiguing. I haven’t tested the Ananda Unveiled yet so can’t comment directly, but under $700 there are plenty of solid options. Do you have any specific preferences around sound or build that matter most to you?
Hi there, in your cons you mentioned “Imaging less precise than some competitors” and I’d love to know what headphones you’re refering to so I could check it out. Imaging seems pretty important to me.
Thank you !
Hey, that’s mainly in comparison to models like the Arya Stealth, Para 2, or HE6se. It’s not that the imaging is bad. It still presents a convincing, holographic feel, but the edges can feel a bit fuzzier by comparison. That said, depending on the genre, that softer presentation can sometimes work in its favour.
I’m asking because I’m aiming at at 300-800 headphone as a first hi-fi buy and I’ve been disappointed by a lot of cans I tried.
I have a hard time finding pair of cans with neutral leaning slightly bright sound with clarity and separation at this price. Was almost sold on the Arya (XS lacked separation on busy tracks imo) but they gave me a severe and lasting tinnitus after fews sessions so they’re off.
That’s why I’ve been eyeing on the XV, the Hifiman usual signature sound is too bright for my ear canals so this one could be the right one, that or the Para 2.
Anyway thank you very much for your precise reviews and your sympathy towards the community it’s always a pleasure to read the comments down here.
Thanks for the kind words, glad to help! Given what you’re after, the Edition XV should still sound clear and spacious while having a warmer, smoother balance than usual Hifimans, so less risk of treble fatigue. To get a similar tone in the Hifiman eggshaped lineup you’d need to step up to the Arya Unveiled.
The Para 2 is also a solid option in your price range, though it’s a bit brighter and airier than the XV. If the Arya gave you trouble, the XV is probably the safer bet.
Hey, I’m back. So I received the Edition XV and it sounds exactly like your review mentionned. Quite pleasingly surprised since I’m usually more leaning toward a brighter and clearer tune but this one absolutely did the trick.
Issue is after a mere hour of listening at 60-65 db, the tinnitus buzzing came around. Seems like I need to blacklist planars altogether. Never had this issue before trying them.
So I’m on the hunt again. I’m eyeing the AR5000, would you say it matches the XV in a way ? Note that I tried the HD600 and I find it unpleasant. In your AR5000 review you mentioned that the HD6 series could feel like lacking air or excitement to some people, and I absolutely am on of them.
On the other hand, you qualify the AR5000 clarity as mediocre compared to planars. But is it fine compared to other dynamic drivers in your opinion ?
If you have any other dynamic driven headphones that could please me in your opinion, feel free to list some of them if you don’t mind. Maybe 490 pro, I don’t know.
Once again, thanks for your inputs on this matter, your call for the XV was perfect for me, too bad my ears are among the few allergics to planars.
Hey! Glad the XV hit the right notes for you tonally, though a shame the tinnitus kicked in. Since the XV already has less treble energy than most Hifimans, I’d agree it’s probably best to avoid planars for now.
The AR5000 could be a solid direction: it carries some of that XV-like smoothness but with the timbre of a dynamic driver. Clarity won’t match planars, but among dynamics it’s still perfectly respectable.
For other options, the HD490 Pro is decent but a bit overpriced if you just want a fun listen. Given you like a brighter, airier sound than the HD6 series, you’d probably end up using the mixing pads anyway in which case the HD505/550 get you there for less.
Focal Clear or Elex are strong picks if you want impact and liveliness without harsh treble. Also worth a look is the EMU Teak: punchy bass, good clarity, though it can lean bright for some. Those are usually my go-to dynamic recs in this price range for keeping things engaging without going overboard.
Hi, how would this headphone compare to the HD6XX in terms of tuning and technicalities? and which one would you recommend for someone coming from a hifiman HE400SE? I was initially thinking of getting an edition XS as an overall upgrade but after trying the 6XX I ended up liking the tuning more and was thinking of upgrading to that instead for its smoother and warmer tuning but does the XV provide something like the best of both worlds in terms of tuning and technical performance? thanks
Hey there. The Edition XV is a clear step up from the 6XX in staging, clarity, dynamics, and bass extension. Its tuning leans closer to the 6XX than most planars: fuller, smoother vocals with a touch of colour, while still keeping great clarity. Since you’re coming from the HE400SE and like the 6XX’s tonality, the XV makes a strong middle ground: 6XX-like tuning with big planar technical performance.
Fantastic review! Which current Hifiman would you say has the strongest bass quantity and impact? From what I’ve read, it might be the Isvarna?
Thanks. I haven’t had the chance to try the Isvarna yet, but based on impressions and graphs it could be the one.