Home Headphone Guides 10 HIFIMAN Headphones Ranked Worst To First

10 HIFIMAN Headphones Ranked Worst To First

Which of HIFIMAN's many revisions are worth a purchase today?

by Stuart Charles Black

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Before we get into this article on The Best HiFiMan Headphones, grab a snack, sit back and relax because…

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Today we’ll be covering all HIFIMAN headphones that I’ve personally had experience with dating back to 2017 and ranking them in order from worst to best.

Worst doesn’t necessarily denote a negative connotation; it simply means you should probably consider them last whereas the higher-ranked headphones should be looked at first.

This post will also be updated and act as sort of a central hub for all future HIFIMAN products that I demo.

By the end of this article,

you’ll know exactly which products are most worth a purchase based on hundreds of hours of listening with dozens of different amp/dac setups.

Sound good?

Cool. Let’s dive in.


#10

HIFIMAN HE-4XX

Price: Check Amazon! | Check Drop! | Check eBay! | Official Review: Here!

HIFIMAN HE4XX

The 4XX was lent to me around 2019 and unfortunately, it’s the worst on this list – mostly due to build issues around the hinge/bale structure area.

In fact,

the right side was stuck and I couldn’t even adjust it to fit my head (move it up and down). Since it wasn’t mine, I decided to leave it alone completely for fear of breaking it.

The problem with the 4XX is the combination of materials chosen – namely metal and plastic which is one of the worst ideas imaginable.

Who would have thought?

Another issue people had was the screws coming loose and out, which again, goes back to the lack of foresight when coming up with the design.

They actually sound good for the most part, but you’ll notice the peaky treble issue is apparent here – perhaps even more than other models in the line.

It’s sibilant, biting, and very essy.

The other elements of the sound signature – bass and mid-range – are in line with the typical HIFIMAN house sound.

Bass has some impact but does roll off a bit, and the mid-range still takes a gradual dip after 1kHz.

All in all, not recommended unless you’re into returning headphones.


#9

HIFIMAN Edition X

Price: Check Amazon! | Check eBay!

HIFIMAN Ananda vs. Arya vs. Edition X vs. Edition XS

The original Edition X sounded good if a bit on the dull side.

It lacked a certain energy and slam, and the overall signature could have used a bit of refinement.

The other issue was the price.

If you can believe it, HIFIMAN was charging around $1200 for these in 2016-2017, and even then I thought it was too much.

Fortunately for you and me, prices for headphones have come down considerably since then and I know for a fact part of the reason is due to an oversupply.

Put another way,

there are so many new companies nowadays coming out with new headphones and the market for them is beyond oversaturated.

I think HIFIMAN realizes that they can’t get away with it anymore.

More on that in a bit.


#8

HIFIMAN HE400S

Price: Check Amazon! | Check eBay! | Official Review: Here!

HiFiMAN HE4XX vs. 400i vs. 400S vs. Sundara

Please understand – this is NOT a bad headphone. It’s just a bit outdated.

The 400S was actually one of my favorite sound signatures from the line, but again, the build kind of held this one back a little.

It felt very cheap and flimsy, and the paint chipped rather easily as well.

My friend Luke let me borrow these on a few occasions and I really fell in love with the light, feathery, immensely detailed, and pleasant sound.

Even so,

they could sound grainy at times and there was some pretty significant bass roll-off (to the tune of 20dB on Tyll’s graph) below around 70Hz.

HIFIMAN would fix this in later models, so I’m not entirely sure a 400S is worth it nowadays especially when you consider that, again, prices have come down quite a bit.

Not only that,

but they don’t even appear anywhere on HIFIMAN’s website anymore.


#7

HIFIMAN HE400i

Price: Check Amazon! | Check eBay! | Official Review: Here!

The Best HIFIMAN Headphones

These are similar to the 400S and you can still buy them on HIFIMAN’s website at around $449.

Would I pay that price nowadays?

Absolutely not, but I will say that the 400i was my very first experience with the planar sound and it’s a moment I’ll never forget.

I tell this story often here on the site, but the first time I really had my eyes opened to upper-echelon sound was with the 400i paired with Bryston’s BHA-1 Headphone Amplifier.

I was at Audio Advice demoing a mix CD with FLAC/Lossless files, and Led Zeppelin’s “Over the Hills and Far Away” came on.

“I’ve heard this song a thousand times so what could possibly be different here?”

Those were my thoughts as the iconic opening guitar lick played familiarly in my ears.

As the build-up began, I noticed details emerging from everywhere that I had never heard before in my life.

Small stuff. Subtle nuance. Guitar plucks. Fretboard sounds. Breathy noises.

You know, things that you never really hear with crappy headsets.

Everything sounded so incredibly natural. For the first time in probably 14-15 years, I was so excited for the drums to come in that I could hardly stand it.

The anticipation was almost too much.

“The suspense is terrible! I hope it’ll last.” -Willy Wonka

One thing I cannot stress enough is how different Robert Plant’s voice sounded. It was so crystal clear that it was almost like I had never actually heard him sing before.

The song itself took on an unfamiliar quality as if it was the first time I had actually sat down and listened to it.

This is a common phenomenon with regard to audiophile headphones.

It’s why people end up going deep down the rabbit hole while blowing all of their hard-earned money and whoring street corners to make ends meet.

When the drums and bass finally came in, I was in pure ecstasy. It’s a moment that hasn’t really been replicated since.

Every hit was so natural and smooth, but it still had this incredible sense of impact and weight that’s hard to describe.

The articulation of the kick drum itself was so realistic that it almost made me want to cry tears of joy.

It’s so hard to put into words.

The original 400i

It felt like the members of the band were so in tune with one another. Like they were soulmates.

Like they understood each other on a level that few artists ever achieve.

It has been said that John Bonham was the heart and soul of Led Zeppelin.

After he died, I read somewhere that the other band members refused to go on without him.

In listening to these headphones, I finally realized why.

The intricacies of his drumming were truly spectacular, but it took something like a 400i, a good amp, and good source files to finally reveal that.

There’s a reason why old headphones continue to stand the test of time even despite new ones flooding the market daily.

The 400i is a prime example.

Like the 400S, it’s incredibly detailed and smooth but improves upon the issue of grain that we discussed earlier.

This time around,

the sound is a bit warmer and less brash.

It’s not really trying to impress you but ends up doing just that because it’s a bit more laid back and thus more enjoyable over a longer listening period.

 

Like the 400S, there are some things to keep in mind:

Build

The build of the headphone is a bit better than the 400S (370g vs. 346), but the newer models have been known to break down due to a headband issue with the yokes.

The model pictured earlier is one of the older ones. It’s been demoed hundreds (if not thousands of times) and still functions beautifully. I’ve been demoing it on and off since 2017 with no issues.

Pads

Like the 400S, the pads sometimes slide down onto the tops of your ear lobes causing discomfort. Comfort is still good overall though, and very similar to the 400S.

Sound

The sound this time around is ever so slightly warmer but still retains that amazing sense of detail present in the 400S. There isn’t a hint of grain here.


#6

HIFIMAN Sundara

Price: Check Apos Audio! | Check Amazon! | Check eBay! | Official Review: Here!

HIFIMAN Sundara Review

What I like about HiFiMan as a company is that they seem to use community feedback to their advantage, by improving the product line and responding well to criticism.

The Sundara was a giant leap forward when it came out in 2017-2018, which showed they took our concerns into account.

I remember being extremely impressed holding it for the first time in my hands.

It was built better and felt more substantial than its predecessors.

It was an instant level-up.

The design was more utilitarian and streamlined, while still retaining a sense of beauty and elegance.

You’ll really know where your money went when you finally get your paws on it.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll feel overjoyed at the way it feels and looks (to the point of treating it like a hamburger).

In fact, the term Sundara in Sanksrit actually means beautiful.

It’s a wonderful design all around but also improved on the shortcomings of its older brothers.

What does it do better?

Yokes

The headband yoke pieces are now made of anodized aluminum and feel much more rugged. It’s the piece pictured below with the logo and “HIFIMAN” text.

Headband

The headband itself is rounded this time. Before it looked like some weird Alien design or a kind of deformed rectangle.

Headband adjustment

The headband adjustment itself is more streamlined and thinner, but stronger. It feels amazing to the touch and the matte black is a welcome change as well.

The entire unit contrasted against the 400i feels and looks extremely professional.

HIFIMAN Sundara Review

HIFIMAN Sundara ReviewHIFIMAN Sundara ReviewTermination

The termination into each of the ear cups is now 3.5mm vs. the coax of the 400i.

Headband Pad

The thin headband pad seems to be made of a different material. It feels better to the touch, but at the end of the day, the difference is marginal in the grand scheme of things.

Grilles

The grilles on the Sundara are now a stronger lattice design vs. the older honeycomb configuration on the 400i and 400S.

Cups

Also of note is that the Sundara’s cups cannot fold flat this time around like the 400i and 400S. I’m not entirely sure how I feel one way or the other.

I’m a bit indifferent about it, but it should be mentioned.

The weight of the Sundara is about the same, coming in at 2g heavier than the 400i (372g vs. 370).

The Best HIFIMAN Headphones

Out with the old.

The Best HIFIMAN Headphones

In with the new.

The Best HIFIMAN Headphones

The other side.

Aside from that, the sound feels more refined at the expense of being a bit too warm for my tastes.

In other words,

the treble bite is gone but the headphones almost feel too relaxed and laid back – in effect lulling you to sleep similar to the HD650 effect.

Comfort is about the same as the others. We’ve got the same protein leather/velour combo, and they feel great on your head with just enough clamp pressure to remain stable.

Like the others, there are some things to keep in mind with the Sundara as well:

  1. The focus pads will wear out over time but are replaceable.
  2. The headphone still has a tendency to slide down a bit, touching the tops of your ear lobes and causing some minor discomfort.

A guy I frequently chat with on Facebook didn’t seem to have that issue, so your mileage may vary.

I did find the Sundara overall to be a bit better in the comfort department, but the difference is slight.

The Best HIFIMAN Headphones

Peter gives his endorsement.

Video Shootout

This video only pertains to the original 400 series but is still useful for comparison.


#5

HIFIMAN Arya

Price: Check Amazon! | Check Apos! | Official Review: Here!

HIFIMAN Ananda vs. Arya vs. Edition XS

There’s nothing inherently wrong with the Arya, other than it’s way overpriced thus why it’s #5 vs. say #1 or #2.

If the Edition X was too much at around $1200, the Arya is laughable at $1600.

Even $1200 is a no no.

In other words,

there’s nothing about these that’s any better than an Ananda or Edition XS and certainly nothing that warrants a roughly $700-$1000 price jump.

If HIFIMAN has taught us anything over the years, it’s that they experiment with pricing A LOT.

In fact,

for whatever reason, they still sell a lot of their older models at the original inflated prices and typically don’t discontinue anything unless it falls into the category of extreme dinosaur status.

The Arya also hearkens back to the design of the original Edition X, and it could be a good or bad thing depending on who you ask.

The cups rotate around completely and the headphones are more flexible and malleable than both the Sundara/Ananda design as well as the newer Edition XS/DEVA/400se design.

That is to say that HIFIMAN basically has 3 different designs that have alternated throughout the years:

  1. Edition X/Edition X V2/400S/400i – Fully rotating and folding cups (up and down) Ostrich headband, dual 3.5mm terminations into each earcup. Old design.
  2. Ananda/Sundara – No cup rotation but the cups can fold up and down, rounded headband, dual 3.5mm terminations into each earcup. Design revision #1, 2017-2018.
  3. Arya – Fully rotating cups, Ostrich headband, dual 3.5mm terminations into each earcup. Old design again.
  4. Edition XS/DEVA/DEVA Pro/400SE/2020 Revision 400i – Slight rotation in and out, rounded Dummy Thicc headband, dual 3.5mm terminations into each earcup, DUMMY THICC. Design revision #2, 2020 – present.

HIFIMAN Ananda vs. Arya vs. Edition XS

Sound-wise,

we’re getting an incredibly neutral, unforgiving signature that really does work well with good source material, but again, it’s overpriced.

One of the main differences between these and something in the mid-fi line (400 series) is the bass doesn’t roll off nearly as much (only about 5dB vs. 10+ on the others).

The Arya, like the Edition XS and Ananda, also tends to be more open sounding, with slightly better resolution, decay, and instrument timbre.

Mid-range fidelity is about the same, with a gradual decline after 1kHz and coming back up at 2-3.

Still,

because of what we just talked about with regard to openness and the like, you won’t notice this slight dropoff nearly as much as you will with the 400se and other 400 series models.

Treble is handled well, with less bite and sibilance than the original models, and a more refined, even-sounding headphone.


#4

HIFIMAN DEVA

Price: Check Amazon! | Official Review: Here!

HIFIMAN DEVA Review

The DEVA is a bit higher on this list due to value alone.

In fact,

I still recommend it in certain instances because of how much you’re getting:

  1. You can use it wirelessly with a phone, using either the Bluemini or something like a FiiO BTR5.
  2. You can also use it wired with your phone, with something like a DragonFly Red or hip-dac.
  3. You can use it wired on your desktop, with the supplied Amp/DAC, or with a separate Amp/DAC of your choosing.
  4. They aren’t too hard to drive but do happen to be fairly inefficient, meaning they require quite a bit of power from an amp to reach an acceptable listening level. Either a FiiO K5 Pro or Zen is my preferred desktop homie.
  5. Because the cable is detachable, you can use it as a gaming headphone with something like the Boom Pro and a Creative G6 on your console. You can also use an attachable Mod Mic if you want.
  6. It has a built-in microphone for calls.

Simply put, the DEVA is still a solid choice for a lot of people and is priced pretty fairly all things considered.

I will caution you that the treble does suffer from that bite similar to a 4XX, but I actually EQ’d it down a bit since HIFIMAN headphones typically respond very well to equalization.


#3

HIFIMAN HE400se

Price: Check Amazon! | Check Apos Audio! | Official Review: Here!

HIFIMAN HE400se Review

There are a couple of reasons why the 400se is higher on the list than the DEVA:

  1. The treble bite/sibilance issue has been fixed.
  2. The headphones are dirt cheap.

In fact,

the 400se is just about the best overall value in Mid-Fi.

I go back and forth a bit on this, but it’s unbearably tough to recommend anything else when you can get the experience I described with the original 400i for a measly $100 nowadays.

That’s right, you heard me correctly.

The 400i is essentially the same sound at around $349 more than the 400se.

See what I mean about HIFIMAN experimenting with prices?

Some folks will inevitably take exception with the bass roll-off, as again, there’s about a 10dB slide downward after around 100Hz.

Still, these are excellent-sounding headphones and pretty much destroy anything in the $100 range.


#2

HIFIMAN Ananda

Price: Check Apos Audio! | Check Amazon! | Official Review: Here!

HIFIMAN Ananda vs. Edition X

There aren’t too many instances where a significantly more expensive headphone is a true upgrade from a cheaper one, but this is a rare exception.

The Ananda continues the fantastic build of the Sundara, but the cups are shaped a bit differently and it’s a bit heavier at 399g.

It doesn’t feel heavy though!

This design takes the Alien look of the 400i and amplifies it tremendously.

Some people are going to despise the look of this Super Mutant Behemoth, but it really is beautiful in person. Was that an oxymoron? Maybe.

Noo more games … time to die!!Super Mutant

The cups actually kind of mimic the shape of your ears and are bigger, thus providing a lot more room for them to breathe.

This also creates a better Soundstage experience.

HIFIMAN Ananda vs. Arya vs. Edition XS

Everything sounds more open this time around. There’s more air, more space, more width, and more depth.

As far as sound goes, it’s a true upgrade from the Sundara.

The Sundara has good spacing and instrument separation, but the Ananda’s is great.

Minus the Bears’ “Pachuca Sunrise” sounded better than I ever remember.

This is a song that I’ve heard many times over the years, but the tone and resolution coming through the Ananda were breathtaking, to say the least.

The bass here is exceptional, and one of the headphones’ best qualities.

It’s fairly flat, doesn’t roll off much at all, and provides a ton of impact and slam without feeling bloated or cheap.

I find this type of sound to be nearly perfect; Everything sits in the mix as it should, and I’m not finding any one thing overpowering the other.

The only caveat here is the Treble.

99% of the time it’s going to sound great. I love it. But there are instances in which it comes across as kind of bright and perhaps slightly hot.

It’s a very minor nitpick, but should be pointed out.

HIFIMAN Ananda vs. Arya vs. Edition XS

Aside from that, there are some things to keep in mind about the Ananda:

  1. The piece that connects to the ear cup is shaped a bit differently than the Sundara, but both are made of the same material.
  2. I was having some issues with the wire terminations going into each of the ear cups. The sound was cutting out intermittently, but Audio Advice has since fixed the issue. It seemed to be only happening with one particular model inside the store.

To recap, just think of the sound of the Ananda like Winterfresh Gum or Lipton Brisk Iced Tea. I know it’s abstract but work with me.

You’re going to feel this crisp, brisk sense of detail in yo ear canals, but it’s not really cold in a negative way if that makes sense. It’s refreshing asf!

It’s a bit more sterile and clinical sounding than the Sundara, but it’s not a chore to listen to.

It just feels right, man. It feels good.


#1

HIFIMAN Edition XS

Price: Check Amazon! | Check Apos! | Official Review: Here!

HIFIMAN Ananda vs. Arya vs. Edition XS

Coming full circle has never felt better, from a price standpoint as well as the overall sound.

Here we have a perfectly priced step up from mid-fi without the essiness/bite/sibilance found in the Ananda.

If you’re reading this, the Edition XS is a rather easy purchase as an upgrade from the lower-tiered models, but it’s also a better value than the Ananda.

Not only is it more affordable than an Ananda, but comfort is actually a bit better because it doesn’t clamp quite as hard.

The Ananda is a great headphone and it is very comfortable, but its rigidity should still be mentioned.

It’s only when you put an XS on your head does the discrepancy make sense.

The XS is slightly less intrusive and also houses the updated build found in the DEVA, DEVA Pro, and 400se.

All in all, the XS in my mind is a result of a years-long maturation process from HIFIMAN, and they should be applauded immensely for it.

Maturation process? What do you mean by that?

What I mean is that as alluded to earlier, it seems HIFIMAN has learned its lesson with regard to pricing.

Never before has it been easier to upgrade from Mid-Fi without burning a hole in your pocket.

You may remember that the Ananda’s original asking price was around $1000.

It’s since come down to around $700.

The Edition XS is $499 and a fantastic overall value. If you’re looking for that step-up, I wouldn’t think twice.

Learn More:

 

With that, what about amplification? Will you need something to power all of these puppies?

JDS ATOM HEVI ReviewFiiO BTR3K vs. BTR5Hidizs S9 Pro Review

Amplification

  • HE-4XX – 35 Ohm, 93dB, inefficient but still not very hard to drive.
  • Edition X – 25 Ohm, 103dB, not very hard to drive, can be used with a mobile phone.
  • 400S – 22 Ohm, 98dB, not very hard to drive, can be used with a mobile phone.
  • 400i – 35 Ohm, 93dB, inefficient but still not very hard to drive. 
  • Sundara – 37 Ohm, 94dB, inefficient but still not very hard to drive.
  • Arya – 32 Ohm, 94dB, harder to drive than the Ananda and Edition X. Will take a smidgen more juice but don’t freak out about it.
  • DEVA – 18 Ohm, 93.5dB, inefficient but still not very hard to drive.
  • 400se – 25 Ohm, 91dB, inefficient but still not very hard to drive.
  • Ananda – 27 Ohm, 103dB, not very hard to drive, can be used with a mobile phone.
  • Edition XS – 18 Ohm, 92dB, Similar to the Arya.

If you’re unfamiliar with these terms, don’t fret! It’s really simple.

  1. Impedance is a measure of resistance. The higher the number, the more it will resist any power being fed into it. What is Headphone Impedance?
  2. Sensitivity is a measure of efficiency. A higher number means it’s more efficient at using the power that it receives. Generally, anything around 99-100dB and over is pretty efficient. What is Sensitivity in Headphones? The lower the number, the less efficient.

What do I recommend?

For your desktop, the ATOM is perfectly fine for all of these. Plenty of power, clean and neutral, sounds great.

If you’re mobile, I like the FiiO BTR5 or Hidizs S9 Pro.

DON’T OVER THINK IT!!

Well, that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve enjoyed this article on The Best HiFiMan Headphones.

Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Please let me know down below or Contact me!!

What do you think of this list? Agree? Disagree? Would you shake up the order? I would love to hear from you. Just keep it civil, alright mate? Until next time…

All the best and God bless,

 

 

-Stu

[Xtr@Ba$eHitZ]

Can’t decide which headphones to purchase? Interested in a complete buyers guide outlining over 40 of the best options on the market? Click on over to the best audiophile headphones to learn more!!

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6 comments

Gary September 27, 2019 - 1:13 am

Fantastic comparison Stu.

I’ve been taking an interest in planars.

Watched your sundara video too lol. Big juicy hamburger?!

I read they’ve essentially a V signature. Is that about right?

I also read other reviews that reckon the Sundara are ace but i think I’d be disappointed if i had a V sound :\ Having said that, i don’t own headphones with that profile (only hd599 and hd58x). I might love them.

However, i use the peace EQ on my windows PC and caught myself boosting the mids a bit on my hd58x. The annoying thing is that I’ve got about 10 different EQs and all of them seem to have some merit lol. I tend to dial down the treble a touch with the hd58x, up the bass a bit (because they have more bass ‘reach’ than my hd599 and i’d like to appreciate the subbass a bit) and can’t quite decide whether i want a little more in the mid range. Mid range seems to sound ‘richer’ to me but then, as with any EQ, you can potentially lose presence of other frequencies by boosting others. Then i’ll just completely confuse myself by switching to WASAPI or ASIO and like that too!!!!!

Anyway, I thought the Sundara are quite expensive – £310 in the UK. Do you think they’re worth it?

As you compared them to the HD600, who would you rate them in comparison to HD6xx (which i ‘think’ you rated higher than the HD600)?

Would you be able to describe their (sundara) imaging quality? I game 🙂

Finally, i had a quick google of ananda vs the sundara and people seemed to rate the ananda. having said that it’s about £950 O_o

Cheers,

Gazza

Reply
Stuart Charles Black September 29, 2019 - 12:33 pm

Hey man thanks much for the love!!

Haha yeap the Sundara was so beautiful I really actually wanted to eat it, no lie.

Where did you read that? Seriously let me know. That’s not even remotely true, lmao. Freakin’ disinformation agents like Alex Jones running amuck in the audiophile world. Sheesh.

Before I go off on a rant, let me collect myself. *Deep breath*

Okay. Lol. No it’s got a fairly flat bass with a small amount of roll off, but I much prefer it over something like a 600’s bass.

The mid-range is close to perfection, but will roll off gradually after about 1k going into the treble, which is crisp but definitely on the darker side. I’d wager juuust a bit north of neutral.

This is what makes the Sundara an all around perfect recommendation for an up and coming audiophile. It’s just a near perfect signature and does everything right. That middy roll off will bother some people, and does frustrate me on occasion, but it’s such a minor nit pick on an otherwise phenomenal sounding can. You’ll sometimes still get this sense that it lacks a certain energy, and that’s certainly true in some instances.

Still..

I think the Sundara successfully reconciled the grainy ISH 400S and sometimes too gooey Aunt Jemima 400i, delivering a quintessential audiophile experience (with a sick build to boot!)

In comparison to the 6XX, that’s tough. The Sundara is still going to sound more mellow vs. the crisper sound of the Senn’s. I still think the 6XX is a perfect audiophile headphone. There’s nothing about it that I don’t like. It hits all the right marks.

Imaging on the Sundara is very good. It def doesn’t have as wide a Soundstage as something like an Ananda, but it images very well and sounds rather open. I may look to other options for Gaming, although it will technically work. For instance I was very surprised at how well the 650 did for movies and gaming in contrast to the boxed in sounding 600. I wasn’t really expecting that but I do think the 650’s staging is slightly better.

Yeah the Ananda takes everything good about the Sundara and just amplifies it. This is why I’ve said many times I do feel it is a rare true upgrade from something in the mid-fi category. Anything over $500-700 gets dicey in a hurry but I think it represents a $1000 headphone to a Tee.

It’s the perfect all arounder actually. I would feel comfortable using it for literally anything: from mixing a track down, to gaming or watching Netflix, and it works for any genre as well. Truly a great headphone. Lots of air and a great sense of your atmosphere and space. Effortless Timbre and Resolution, perfect bass response, perfect amount of sparkle up top (although I’ve always thought it a hare too forward (easily EQ’d down 2-3dB at 9-10k).

Hope that helps! Let’s keep this going..

-Stu

Reply
Gary October 17, 2019 - 10:57 pm

hey Stu

Just watched a glowing review from your metal571 bro – the audeze LCD-1

I think metal is normally errr well not scathing but says it how it is. The LCD-1 sounds brilliant though.

made me wonder if it’s a better option than the sundara. Sounds like the LCD has a relatively narrow soundstage (for a planar) but apart from that everything else is v. good.

Metal said “insanely good treble”!

$400 though.

Maybe if you ask nicely you might be able to test 🙂

Take care,

Gaz

Reply
Stuart Charles Black October 23, 2019 - 5:33 pm

Watching his review now! I will let you know what I think. Hopefully Audio Advice has one of these on hand that I can demo. How have you been?

Reply
Timon December 28, 2022 - 1:56 pm

Hey Stu,
thanks for the list. I’m thinking of getting myself something nice and the Hifiman Edition XS seem like a nice option for a planar that isn’t audeze-expensive, which might be just the thing to complement my K702. From what I’ve read my guess is they sound like if a Sundara and an Ananda had a wonderful baby. Would you say that is the case? Source would be a Liquid Spark Amp out of an E10K until I actually notice any audible improvement from any other DAC, lol.

Reply
Stuart Charles Black December 29, 2022 - 4:26 pm

Hey Timon,

Thank you for the kind words! Haha. What a great analogy. May have to steal that as it really does describe the sound pretty perfectly. It’s not overly warm like a Sundara, but also isn’t overly bright. That’s not to say the Ananda is overly bright, but it’s leaning toward that direction. I still love how crisp and snappy it is, but yeah, the XS kind of strikes that nice balance between the 2.

Re: K702. I’m listening to one right now! It’s my daily driver pretty much in addition to the XS. I’ve always loved how dead neutral and honest the 702 is – placing just the right amount of emphasis on the mid-range and treble without going overboard. It does a fantastic job of revealing sub-par recordings and really commending very good ones. So much so that at times I have a hard time getting through a song due to how bad it sounds.

In any event, the XS is highly recommended as a nice complement or step up from the K702. It will provide a bit better timbre and overall resolution in addition to having that nice open, airy sound that you’re accustomed to in the 702 – perhaps even more so due to the drivers but also the cups. Everything is given just a bit more room to breathe. You’ll start to notice some crazy stuff in music. I’m going back to edit the article, but I will share with you something in particular that really jumped out at me and of which I wrote down.

In “Metallic Monks” from the Fallout 1 & 2 Soundtrack I heard this weird Robot Demon-sounding voice in the background that I had never noticed before. You can also hear some subtle voices/talking. Starts at around 11:00. This is what you can expect. You’ll start to hear all sorts of strange sounds and artifacts that really jump out at you in the most subtle way possible. You’re probably well aware of this with the 702, but the sentiment is slightly amplified in a headphone like the XS and really make you want to do a flip.

Haha, anyways.. I kind of went off on a tangent. Keep me posted with everything and hope I helped!

-Stu

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