Disclosure: I’d like to thank HIFIMAN for providing me with the Edition XV for this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and HIFIMAN had no say or input on the contents of this review.

The HIFIMAN Edition XV is a new open-back planar magnetic headphone in HIFIMAN’s lineup, positioned as an evolution of their Edition XS. Priced at $399 USD, it aims to blend high-end planar performance with a listener-friendly tuning. After spending some time with the Edition XV, I found it offers a distinct sonic flavor compared to other HIFIMAN models, one that emphasizes smoothness and warmth while retaining enough technical prowess to satisfy most listeners. It’s clear HIFIMAN set out to address some past feedback (such as comfort and treble tuning) and create a headphone that’s enjoyable for long listening sessions.

The Edition XV occupies a strategic middle ground in HIFIMAN’s extensive lineup, sitting above the budget Sundara ($299) and directly succeeding the Edition XS (now discounted to ~$209). It remains well below the Arya ($1,299+), HE1000 ($2,999), and flagship Susvara ($5,999). What distinguishes the XV isn’t technical superiority over its siblings but rather its deliberate tuning philosophy, as this is HIFIMAN’s first mainstream attempt at capturing the “warm neutral” market segment previously owned by Sennheiser’s HD 6X0 series.

In this review, I’ll share my personal impressions of the Edition XV’s design, comfort, and sound quality (bass, midrange, treble, imaging, etc.). Well, let’s get into it.

• HIFIMAN Editon XV
• 1.5 meter rubber-sleeved cable, with dual 3.5mm connections and a 3.5mm termination
• 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter
• Foam headphone stand

HIFIMAN has historically faced criticism for build quality inconsistencies, but the Edition XV attempts to address these concerns. The construction features a predominantly metal chassis with a steel headband frame, metal yokes, and all-metal ear cups with composite elements for weight reduction. All of the components are screwed together rather than glued, which helps the headphone to feel much more stable, with very little jiggle or unnecessary movement.

The build feels solid in the hand as the cups and back grilles are made of metal (with an intricate honeycomb perforation), giving a sense of durability and quality beyond what the price might suggest. The open-back grille pattern is unique in HIFIMAN’s lineup: it’s denser at the edges and more open in the center for airflow, and notably, there’s no protective cloth behind it. This likely helps the sound breathe, though it does mean the drivers are a bit exposed to dust or the elements.

Comfort-wise, HIFIMAN made significant improvements. The Edition XV uses the company’s latest composite headband (Gen 2) design, which integrates a suspended head strap under a metal spring steel frame. In practice, I found this headband very comfortable for extended wear as the suspension strap distributes the weight of the headphones fairly evenly. The way in which the headband is fixed to each side of the headphones may cause problems for those with large heads, as the wider the headphones go, the less vertical room you have to work with. Not an issue I experienced personally, but I could see it being a dealbreaker for some.

Clamping force is moderate-to-firm, and it initially felt snug, but that extra clamp actually helped achieve a good seal and secure fit without being painful. The Edition XV hugs my head fairly naturally and doesn’t move around much, if at all, if I turn my head or get up and walk across the room. The hinges also have enough of a rotation to let the large earcups conform to my head shape quite easily.

The ear pads are HIFIMAN’s hybrid “Ultrapad” cushions: thick memory foam with a velour surface where they touch the skin and a pleather (leatherette) surround. These pads are very roomy, and I can fit my entire ear inside with space to spare, which avoids any pinching on the earlobes. The pad opening is asymmetrical (wider at the top) to help angle the drivers. The pads feel soft and breathable, and even during an hour or more of wear, I didn’t get overly hot ears. They attach via a new 6-point clip system (shared with the Ananda Nano/“Unveiled”), and are interchangeable with those pads. The only minor downside is that HIFIMAN’s pad mounting systems tend to change between models, but at least the included pads are comfortable, and I had no issues with them flaking or compressing during my usage.

The HIFIMAN Edition XV comes with dual 3.5 mm socket connectors on the ear cups that are angled outwards to help keep the cable away from resting on your body (I’m not sure if that was the intention, but it’s something I noticed). The included cable is a 1.5 meter rubber-sleeved cable that terminates in a 3.5 mm plug, with a 6.35 mm (1/4″) adapter in the box. The cable, while looking rather unremarkable, is honestly great to use. It’s simple, doesn’t tangle easily, and is somewhat soft given that it’s rubber.

Lastly, something that I’m very appreciative of is that HIFIMAN was able to use the foam insert in the packaging for the Edition XV as a makeshift headphone stand. It certainly doesn’t look very fancy, but it also doesn’t look terrible either. There’s even a layer of plastic on the bottom to keep it flat. Given that the entire package is fairly barebones, the inclusion of something like this is genuinely a nice touch.

The most important aspect of any headphone is the sound, and the Edition XV has a personality of its own. In broad strokes, HIFIMAN has given the XV a warmer, more forgiving tuning than many of their other models. It maintains the planar magnetic strengths, namely a fast transient response and low distortion, but it doesn’t come across as an analytical or cold studio headphone. Instead, it’s a smooth, musical headphone with a touch of richness. I tested the Edition XV with a variety of music (classic rock, jazz, orchestral, electronic) and a range of sources (see the notes above for all those details). Let’s break it down by category.

Efficiency & Sensitivity

On paper, the HIFIMAN Edition XV is rated at 12 Ω impedance and ~92 dB sensitivity. In practical terms, that impedance is very low for a full-size headphone, and the sensitivity is about average for a planar. This means the Edition XV can reach usable listening volumes from even modest sources. For example, I could drive it decently with my smartphone + dongle DAC (iFi GO Link MAX) and even my laptop’s headphone jack, but it definitely scales with more power and better sources. It also pairs wonderfully well with DAPs like the iBasso DX180 and FiiO M21.

When I plugged it into my FiiO K13 R2R, I immediately heard improvements in bass control and overall dynamics. Music sounded punchier and more authoritative, especially in complex bass-heavy tracks, indicating that the XV benefits from strong current drive (common for low-impedance planars). HIFIMAN’s use of an enhanced magnet structure is supposed to achieve “parity-level sensitivity” compared to previous rare-earth (neodymium) magnet designs, and indeed, the Edition XV is easier to drive than some older planars like the HE-500 or even the Sundara. However, 92 dB is still not what I’d call highly efficient, so don’t expect to get the best out of it from a weak output.

For optimal results, a dedicated amp or a high-quality dongle DAC is recommended. A source that can provide about 1–2 Vrms into 12 Ω with a good current reserve is ideal. In non-audiophile language: you don’t need a monster amp (this isn’t a Susvara), but something like a decent desktop DAC/Amp or mid-tier portable DAC/Amp will let the Edition XV sing quite nicely.

Bass

If you’re familiar with HIFIMAN’s older headphones, you might recall that many were relatively light in the bass region (at least in quantity). The Edition XV marks a shift, as its bass response is more present and weighty than what I expected. From the first listen, I was struck by the satisfying low-end. This is not a basshead headphone per se, but it finally feels like HIFIMAN has given the low frequencies some love and authority. Bass extension is excellent, and music with deep sub-bass (like electronic or movie soundtracks) has genuine rumble. There’s ample physicality to the sub-bass when the track calls for it. More importantly, the bass quality is high. Tracks like Angel by Massive Attack, and deadmau5’s Avaritia really exemplify this.

The Edition XV’s lows are clean and controlled rather than boomy. Even with the slightly elevated bass tuning, the notes stay tight enough to avoid bleeding into the midrange. Fast kick drums and rapid basslines are rendered with good definition and no smearing. I’d describe the bass character as mostly flat/neutral with a gentle lift in the mid-bass that adds warmth. The Edition XV’s bass makes rock and pop music more engaging and gives electronic music a solid foundation, all while keeping a planar-like control.

In orchestral and acoustic genres, the bass presence lends cellos and bass drums a natural weight without exaggeration. The detail in the bass is also notable. Texture in things like an upright bass or a synthesizer’s sub oscillation comes through clearly. It’s not the absolute tightest bass I’ve heard, but it strikes a great balance. HIFIMAN tuned the low end such that you likely won’t feel the need to EQ this headphone for more bass, a stark contrast to older models, where listeners often added a bass shelf. Personally, I find the stock bass quantity pretty spot-on as it’s accurate to the recording. If a song has big bass, the XV delivers big bass. If the song is bass-light, the XV isn’t going to invent it out of nowhere. For listeners coming from the Sennheiser HD6XX/HD650, the Edition XV’s low-end will be a revelation as it digs significantly deeper (the HD650 rolls off in the sub-bass) and has much more linear extension. Yet, it doesn’t fall into the trap of sounding bloated or slow. Wonderfully done here, especially for the price.

Midrange

The midrange of the Edition XV continues the trend of smoothness and musicality. HIFIMAN has delivered a midrange that I’d describe as natural, a touch warm, and very easy on the ears. Vocals in particular are a joy on the Edition XV. Male vocals have a bit of extra richness and weight, giving baritones and lower registers a warm, emotive quality. There’s a slight warmth that makes voices sound full-bodied, yet not muffled. Meanwhile, female vocals come through clearly and with a pleasant sweetness, though they’re presented not quite as forward as male vocals. Importantly, the midrange is well-balanced in the overall mix: it’s not aggressively forward nor is it recessed. Instruments like acoustic guitars, pianos, and saxophones sound natural and with the correct timbre, and there’s a sense of body to them that makes them feel “real”. I suspect the thinner diaphragm is helping with low distortion here, as I didn’t detect the slight plasticky coloration that some planar headphones can impart in the midrange.

One thing I noted is that the Edition XV’s mids are smoother than many previous HIFIMAN models. For instance, the Sundara has a crisper, brighter upper midrange, which could make vocals and brass pop, but at times could introduce a bit of grain or sibilance. The Edition XV, by contrast, sounds more forgiving. Even poor recordings or harsh vocals didn’t annoy me as much on this headphone. It’s as if HIFIMAN consciously relaxed the midrange/treble transition, resulting in a less fatiguing listen. Yet, I never felt like I was missing detail; the detail is there, just presented in an unforced way. Listening to busy mixes, I could still pick out layered backing vocals or subtle reverb tails, but the Edition XV doesn’t spotlight these things unnaturally, it keeps the midrange cohesive.

Fans of the Sennheiser HD 650’s famously smooth midrange would feel right at home here. In fact, the Edition XV seems to channel some of that HD 650 DNA, but with the added resolution of a planar driver. There are no obvious hollows or peaks that draw attention in the midrange, it’s just pleasantly balanced, making it easy to listen to a wide range of genres without midrange coloration issues. Whether I threw vocal-centric jazz or mid-heavy rock at the Edition XV, it handled them with musical ease. The Edition XV’s midrange is tuned for enjoyment more than analysis, and honestly, I appreciate that.

Treble

Treble is often a point of contention with HIFIMAN headphones, as many of their models have a bright tilt or noticeable treble peaks that can be fatiguing. The Edition XV, however, takes a different approach. The treble is smooth, relaxed, and non-fatiguing. In fact, the first thing I noticed was that the upper frequencies are dialed back compared to other HIFIMAN headphones. There’s a noticeable reduction in treble presence around the typical hot spots. Peaks in the 8–10 kHz region (which can cause sizzle or harshness) are gentler on the Edition XV, and the result is a treble that is very easy on the ears. High-hats, cymbals, and violins have a slightly warmer, thicker tone rather than a brilliant, razor-sharp edge. This means the headphone is far less fatiguing than its predecessors, and that I can listen for hours without feeling treble overload or the need to wince at sharp transients. HIFIMAN effectively answered the complaints of users who found headphones like the Sundara too “spicy” in the highs. As someone who is somewhat treble-sensitive, I really welcome this tuning choice.

That’s not to say the treble is absent, the Edition XV still extends quite well. I can sense some air and shimmer, but they are just not exaggerated. In listening, the upper harmonics of instruments are present, giving a sense of openness and detail, but without stealing the spotlight. For example, on well-recorded jazz tracks, the ride cymbal and brushes are audibly detailed, but they stay in a supporting role rather than jumping out aggressively. This treble tuning also contributes to the Edition XV’s overall tonal balance being on the warmer/smoother side. A possible downside: those who enjoy a brighter, highly airy sound might find the Edition XV too polite and lacking perceived detail. I did occasionally wish for just a hair more treble extension to get that last bit of “air” and brilliance, especially on atmospheric recordings. However, I think this was a conscious trade-off by HIFIMAN: sacrifice a bit of treble sparkle to ensure nothing offensive crops up. And in that, they succeeded. I encountered no sibilance, no harsh peaks, no metallic sheen that I often associate with problematic treble tuning. The treble is gentle yet sufficiently detailed, as I could still hear subtle details like the trailing decay of a triangle or the breath of a flute in the higher registers, but these details never stabbed out. It’s a very fatigue-free listening experience. In short, the Edition XV’s treble is tuned for long-term listening comfort. It’s a bit of a dark headphone by HIFIMAN standards, and while you give up a little air and shimmer, you get a treble that you can truly relax into. For many, especially those who found previous models too bright, this will be a welcome change.

Technical Performance

With the overall tuning being warmer and more relaxed, you might wonder how the Edition XV fares in technical aspects like detail, imaging, and soundstage. In my experience, the XV is solidly competent, though not class-leading, in technical performance, which is in line with its mid-fi price point and tuning goals. Let’s start with the soundstage.

The HIFIMAN Edition XV presents an open, but somewhat intimate stage. Unlike many other HIFIMAN headphones, which are known for a very wide stereo image, the Edition XV’s soundstage does not stretch super far outside your head. Instead, it paints a scene that is a bit closer and moreenveloping, closer to a medium-sized room than that of a concert hall. I’d say the width is average for an open-back planar, as you get a decent sense of left-right separation, just not the “out-of-head” expansiveness. Interestingly, while the width is modest, the depth of the soundstage is quite good. I could perceive layers in the music, with some instruments sounding nearer and some farther away, creating a 3D-like feeling in front of me. This depth might be aided by the slightly laid-back treble (which often increases depth perception). Listening to live recordings, I enjoyed how the Edition XV conveyed the sense of space in the venue, even if it wasn’t the widest portrayal.

Imaging on the Edition XV is a strong point. Planar magnetic drivers tend to have excellent stereo imaging due to their fast response and low distortion, and the XV is no exception. Instruments and vocals have well-defined positions in the soundstage. During busy tracks, I had little trouble pinpointing where each sound was coming from. For example, in classical orchestras, I could roughly discern sections (violins to the left, cellos to the right, etc.), and in complex rock mixes, each guitar, drum hit, and vocal occupied its own space. Listen to the beginning section of the Dire Straits’ Money for Nothing (where the drums start to come in), and you’ll hear what I mean.

Separation is also very good. The headphone’s ability to keep different elements distinct is evident, likely helped by that large driver and planar speed. Even though the overall presentation is a bit intimate, I never got the sense of congestion or sounds blurring together. One track I often use to test imaging is Pink Floyd’s “Money” (with its myriad of cash register sounds panning around). The Edition XV rendered the panning effects smoothly, and each sound was distinct in its movement. So while the stage isn’t massive, the imaging accuracy within that space is excellent.

Regarding detail retrieval and resolution, the Edition XV opts for a balanced approach. It definitely resolves the fine details in music better than more budget headphones, as you can hear the subtle textures in vocals, the grain of a bow on a violin string, the reverb tails in a recording, etc. However, because of its warmer tuning and slightly relaxed treble, it doesn’t shove those details in your face. Coming from a brighter headphone, one might initially think the Edition XV is less detailed, but listen closely, and you realize the detail is there, just presented more organically.

Dynamics (the sense of punch and soft-to-loud contrast) are decent on the Edition XV. Macrodynamics (big swings in volume, like an orchestra crescendo or a drop in electronic music) come across with satisfying impact, especially if provided enough power. The bass and mid-bass presence help in giving a sense of slam when called for.

Microdynamics (the subtle progressions in loudness and touch of instruments) is a bit more subdued, likely due to the smoother tuning, so you might not pick up on the tiniest volume inflections as readily as on a more analytical headphone. Again, this is in line with the Edition XV’s philosophy of being an enjoyable listen rather than a critical one.

The HIFIMAN Edition XV is a welcome addition to the audiophile headphone scene, especially for those who crave a smooth, non-fatiguing planar headphone at a reasonable price. In my personal journey with it, the XV impressed me with how it deviates from HIFIMAN’s usual signature just enough to offer a fresh experience. Its notable strengths include a rich bass response, natural and engaging midrange, and a treble that you can listen to all day. The excellent comfort and build quality means you can physically wear it for long sessions, and the tuning means you can sonically enjoy it for long sessions. A perfect combination for an all-day headphone.

To get this type of sound profile, sacrifices had to be made. The Edition XV doesn’t have the crystalline treble detail or vast airy soundstage that some competitors (or even its HIFIMAN siblings) offer. Detail-oriented listeners who live for dissecting recordings will find it a bit too relaxed in its presentation. In this price range, there are alternatives that go in different sonic directions. For example, the Sennheiser HD 660S2/HD 650 for a more mid-centric dynamic driver approach, or the HIFIMAN Ananda (or Ananda Nano) if you prefer a brighter, more analytical planar. The Edition XV slots in as the option for those who say, “I want a planar with great sound, but I don’t want to risk ear fatigue or discomfort.”

In an audiophile world often obsessed with extremes, the Edition XV is a refreshingly well-rounded offering. It delivers what I’d call a mature sound, one that favors musicality and long-term satisfaction over immediate flash. Add to that its solid build and comfort, it stands out as one of the best mid-fi open-back headphones you can get for the money. For me, the time spent with the HIFIMAN Edition XV has been nothing but enjoyable. It’s a headphone that allows me to get lost in the music.

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