Update: This popular deal is available again.
HIFIMAN Local Store via AliExpress has
Refurb: HIFIMAN Edition XS Over-Ear Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones on sale for $104.90 - $20 off when you apply promo code
USDEAL020 at checkout = $84.90 ->
now $82.58.
Shipping is free (ships from within the United States).
- Note: Price may fluctuate slightly with currency exchange rates. You must be signed into your AliExpress account and have your address added to add items to your cart and place an order. You may have to manually type in the promo code to apply it at checkout. For expedited customer service, please email [email protected].
Thanks to Deal Editor
iconian for sharing this deal.
About this product:
- Open-back planar magnetic headphones with Stealth Magnet technology
- NEO supernano diaphragm supports fast response and detailed sound
- Ergonomic headband and large earcups support extended listening
- 8Hz-50kHz response with 18-ohm impedance and 92dB sensitivity
- Refurbished by HIFIMAN with standard warranty and 30-day returns
Expired promo code:
Top Comments
Community Reviews
The HIFIMAN Edition XS is an open-back planar headphone that stands out for a huge soundstage, strong detail, and bass that can punch well above its price. It sounds excellent with a decent DAC and amp, but it can still play from weaker sources, especially with EQ. The main tradeoff is fit, since the cups are very large and the clamping force is light, so a comfort strap or careful head size matters. A few refurb units arrived with packaging gaps or audio defects, so testing it across the full range is wise. It is a compelling value if the fit works for you.
The Edition XS can deliver punchy sub-bass and outstanding detail even when used without an amp.
The headphones can sound fuller when paired with a DAC dongle or a warm-leaning neutral DAC/amp setup.
The open-back planar design can produce a very wide soundstage that works well for story and single-player immersion.
Refurb units can arrive in like-new or brand-new looking condition while still sounding great for the price.
A comfort strap such as the Capra strap can improve fit by adding clamping force for many head sizes.
The Edition XS can slip off a normal-sized head because it has light clamping force and no strong grip.
Refurb shipments can arrive without the foam headphone stand or retail box, and some units can have loose earcups or hinge squeaks.
Some refurb units can show audio defects such as a right-speaker rattle at around 20Hz or a driver that stops working after about an hour.
The stock pads can feel too itchy, which can make comfort worse during longer listening sessions.
Common Questions (5)
AI-generated summary based on comments from the community. Updated ago
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121 Comments
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Maybe to help answer some general questions.
Is it worth it, despite QC complaints about the brand?
YES, 100% YES. It would be impossible to find a better headphone at this price, period. This headphone was well worth it when it was $500 and still punched above its price tag.
Is this better than the Sundara?
YES, it has a wider soundstage and more bass, quite a bit more fun to listen to. If you do not like a wider stage and want something a bit more intimate, the Sundara is fine, seeing as you can get those cheap these days as well.
Do I need a amp for these. Yes and No. Depends on your motherboards built in solution and the PC's DAC might not be worth amping also.
For example: My recent MSI PRO X670-P motherboards Realtek Chip just can't handle the XS. I can get a listenable volume but its very clear the headphone is not getting enough current with everything sounding kind of subdued. 100% volume.
Now with a Apple Dongle, despite being 100% of the volume, this is right at where I like to listen with the headphone that is around the 70-75dB range. The Apple Dongle sounds way better, the headphone sounds fuller and not as muted across the board which clearly my PC is not able to provide enough current to the headphone. If you want lots more headroom, just about anything more powerful than a Apple Dongle will get you there
Regarding synergies, I'd recommend a dac/amp that is not too analytical or bright, for fear of the treble on the XS being a bit too bright for some or the entire presentation being too lean. The XS likes warm leaning neutral gear. XS sounds like a dream if you have any R2R dacs or multibit stuff. For a real treat, try boosting the bass on the XS.... the XS knows how to party and you will LOVE it.
I'd say my only complaint is with the massive soundstage mids are a TAD recessed. But then again...I found the HD600's to have even MORE recessed mids.
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wish these had a longer cable though
wish these had a longer cable though
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