The HiFiMAN Edition XV arrives as a fresh addition to the brand’s acclaimed lineup of planar magnetic headphones. These headphones come as an upgrade to the Edition XS, which is one of HiFiMAN’s most inexpensive headphones on the market. The new Edition XV goes for $399, still putting it at the cheaper side of most open-back planar headphones. Let’s take a closer look at the HiFiMAN Edition XV, examining its overall presentation and performance to see how it stands out in today’s competitive headphone market.
What You Get
- Edition XV planar headphones
- Detachable 3.5mm cable with quarter-inch adapter
Look & Feel
While structurally, the Edition XV resembles the Edition XS and other oval-shaped HiFiMAN headphones, it features key refinements that keep its design fresh. The HE600 releases alongside the XV, introducing this new headband style and grille pattern to help modernize HiFiMAN’s classic design. The yokes and headband make up a solid composite frame that feels as sturdy as ever. If you’ve worn the Edition XS, Ananda, or Arya, then the Edition XV should feel familiar. It’s a weightless fit that allows your ears to have a ton of room. They don’t pinch down very hard, but still offer security and steadiness.
Design
The HiFiMAN Edition XV uses a planar magnetic driver with a Neo Supernano Gen 2 diaphragm. This diaphragm is 60% thinner than its prior generation. They have a low impedance but a low sensitivity, so they’ll need a good amp to drive them with. You can use a budget DAC/Amp like the Fiio K11 or even an iFi Go Blu Air to get the Edition XV to a comfortable output.
Soundstage
If you’re looking for the same level of openness that HiFiMAN headphones are known for, the Edition XV won’t disappoint. It has the same level of airiness and dimension as the Arya or HE1000, displaying sounds with proper distance and origin. With that said, spatial imaging is not very precise. It’s one of those soundstages where the instruments float around in unspecified areas aside from the extreme left and right channels. I don’t mind this for a headphone in this price range, though, as the imaging is still very immersive. It communicates a large surface area of sound that separates well. The layers of sound are very holographic, and your head is always placed right in the middle of it all. Spacey ambient tracks offer a vast expanse of spaciousness, while jazz selections provide a lively stereo environment that showcases a broad scale.
Low End
The Edition XV doesn’t have the most invigorating bass resposne, but the tone is still thumpy and full. There’s a good balance with a timbre that leans neutral, but the frequencies lift the sound enough to bring a gratifying presence to the sound signature. Drum and bass tracks and jungle beats might not hit as hard, but notes still have punch to them, whether they be physical or electronic. There’s no softness in the bass, but transients are definitely more relaxed. The Edition XV still maintains good control in its bass, though, being able to convey tight grooves and impacts that happen to feel a little flat.
Mids
Parts of the midrange feature a ton of weight and give instruments a clear shape in the mix, but it’s a very selective resposne. The Edition XV seems to prioritize the low mids and parts of the middle frequencies while smoothing out the upper-mids. As a result, you get a good amount of warmth and drive from instruments, but I don’t think it’s a tone that resolves all that well. You get a base level of clarity, but I sensed a slight fog from some performances that didn’t always offer the best definition. It lacks crispness, but the body of the sound is still there. There’s an accent underneath the notes, but it feels like there’s a barrier that keeps the midrange from breaking out into a lusher tone.
Highs
The high frequencies are where the Edition XV features the most flavor. Even though other HiFiMAN models offer most sizzle and brilliance in the highs, the Edition XV excels in cleanness and concise clarity. It’s the most resolving part of the sound signature without entering fatiguing territory. You get less coloration, but the tone feels natural and fulfilling, giving it the most detailed resposne of this sound signature. The upper-highs roll off, but the transition is smooth, resulting in a tonal balance that is just as pleasant as sparkle.
Summary
The HiFiMAN Edition XV strikes a balance between familiarity and innovation, offering listeners a headphone that stays true to the brand’s identity while delivering subtle refinements in both design and performance. Its spacious soundstage and clear treble response make it an engaging option for those who value openness and detail, while its midrange and bass lean toward a more reserved character. When paired with a capable DAC/Amp, the Edition XV shines as a versatile headphone for ambient, jazz, and other spacious genres. For audiophiles looking for a well-rounded planar headphone at an approachable price point, the HiFiMAN Edition XV makes a strong case as one of the best new options in 2025.
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The HiFiMAN Edition XV is available at Audio46.
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