The HIFIMAN Edition XS open-back planar magnetic headphones are currently listed at a sale price of $209, compared with a regular price of $499. Developed as an upgrade to the Edition X, the model combines the company’s NEO Supernano Diaphragm with its Stealth Magnet Technology in a 405-gram over-ear design.

An open-back planar successor to the Edition X

The Edition XS builds on HIFIMAN’s earlier Edition X with revisions to the planar magnetic driver system. Its open-back construction is intended to let sound waves move through the earcups rather than remain enclosed, while the large planar diaphragm provides the radiating surface.

HIFIMAN specifies a frequency response of 8 Hz to 50,000 Hz, an impedance of 18 ohms and a sensitivity of 92 dB. Those figures place the Edition XS within the company’s range of full-size headphones intended for use with dedicated desktop or portable headphone equipment, although amplifier requirements will depend on the user’s system and preferred listening level.

HIFIMAN Edition XS open-back planar magnetic headphones in black — The HIFIMAN Edition XS combines an open-back planar driver with a NEO Supernano Diaphragm and Stealth Magnet Technology.

NEO Supernano Diaphragm reduces moving mass

Central to the Edition XS is HIFIMAN’s NEO Supernano Diaphragm. The membrane is specified at less than two micrometers thick and is said to be 75% thinner than the original version. Reducing diaphragm thickness also lowers the mass that must move in response to the audio signal.

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The company says this low-mass construction enables faster response and supports detailed reproduction with reduced distortion. As with other planar magnetic headphones, the diaphragm is driven across its surface rather than from a conventional voice coil attached to a cone or dome. HIFIMAN also associates the updated driver with a wide, natural presentation, although no independent listening assessment is included here.

Stealth Magnets manage airflow around the driver

The driver assembly also incorporates HIFIMAN’s Stealth Magnet Technology. Instead of using magnet structures with conventional edges facing the moving air, the Edition XS employs specially shaped magnets designed to allow sound waves to pass with less obstruction.

According to HIFIMAN, this geometry reduces wave diffraction and turbulence around the magnets, helping to limit interference and distortion. The design is described as acoustically transparent, reflecting the goal of making the magnetic structure less disruptive to the acoustic output of the diaphragm.

Headband design, cable options and pricing

The Edition XS weighs 14.28 ounces, or 405 grams. Its ergonomic headband has a black matte exterior and memory foam on the inner surface. HIFIMAN describes the structure as lightweight and designed to maintain a comfortable fit during extended use.

A 3.5 mm cable is included with the headphones. The standard Edition XS package is currently listed as available at $209, reduced from its stated regular price of $499.

Several packages add a 1.5-meter balanced cable for $259. Buyers can select red or black cable finishes with XLR, 4.4 mm or 2.5 mm termination. These packages provide a choice of balanced connector formats for compatible headphone amplifiers and portable audio equipment.

At its current $209 listing, the Edition XS offers HIFIMAN’s open-back planar architecture, ultra-thin diaphragm and shaped magnet system in a full-size headphone weighing 405 grams. The standard package and balanced-cable bundles are listed as available, with the latter priced at $259.

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