HiFiMAN Edition XV review: the new pinnacle of the Edition series - From son-video

HiFiMAN has established itself as one of the undisputed masters of the planar magnetic transducer, pushing the boundaries of this technology generation after generation. By harnessing the extreme finesse of these diaphragms and the symmetry of the magnetic field, as well as by optimizing the circuits, the brand has managed to combine transient speed, minimal distortion and unrivaled spectral extension. Long focused on the very top end of the market, HiFiMAN has gradually applied this expertise to more accessible models, notably through the Edition series launched in 2015.

This heritage is the basis for the new HiFiMAN Edition XV headphones, an open-back model positioned above the current HiFiMAN Edition XV. Its goal: to transpose part of the Susvara’s DNA into a more accessible format that can be used with reasonably powerful electronics. Equipped with Stealth Magnets and a new-generation ultra-thin diaphragm, the Edition XV promises to be full of innovations. Do these headphones offer the perfect balance between musicality and technicality?

Presentation

Concept and design

The HiFiMAN Edition XV headphones are in keeping with the manufacturer’s aesthetic traditions. It is a very large model combining simple materials and functional elegance. The imposing metal headband, large oval-shaped open-back ear cups and thick ear pads provide comfort and support. The finish features a subtle combination of matte black and brushed metal, avoiding the showy looks adopted by some competing brands. The overall appearance is elegant thanks to the more prominent use of metal and a more refined silhouette. This is a notable improvement over the HiFiMAN Edition XS, which was often criticized for the excessive use of plastic in its design. Furthermore, all parts are now screwed together rather than glued, suggesting greater durability.

The headband adopts the Gen 2 dual system that is now a signature of HiFiMAN’s latest-generation headphones. It features an outer steel frame to ensure rigidity, while an inner leatherette strap distributes pressure evenly over the head. The result is immediate comfort, without excessive pressure points or localized discomfort. The HiFiMAN Edition XV’s weight of 452g is average for a pair of planar headphones. Admittedly, they don’t completely disappear completely when worn, but the fact that their weight is evenly distribed means that they can be used for a long time without excessive fatigue. The perforated design of the headband also stops your head from getting too warm.

Finally, the wide earcups can now swivel for a perfect fit. Very large, they surround the ears down to the jawline without causing discomfort. They feature thick hybrid ear pads combining velvet on the contact surface and faux leather on the sides, offering a soft and pleasant feel.

To keep weight down, the headphones’ steel structure is combined with composite shells. The latter feature a honeycomb grid, revealing the large planar transducers. This choice confirms the headphones’ exclusively sedentary vocation. Like all open-back models, they offer no isolation from the outside environment, and let sound filter through. So it’s impossible to use them on the move or in a shared office. However, the reproduction gains in amplitude and spaciousness.

New planar transducers

The HiFiMAN Edition XV headphones feature the latest generation of planar transducers, directly inspired by the brand’s flagship models. At their heart is the proprietary Neo Supernano Diaphragm Gen 2 technology, an extremely thin diaphragm that is now over 40% lighter than that used in models such as the HiFiMAN Edition XS. This reduction minimizes inertia and increases responsiveness tenfold, resulting in improved dynamics, better transient management, more forthright attacks and finer micro-details.

This diaphragm is set in motion by a magnetic field generated by a series of symmetrically arranged magnets. Here, HiFiMAN exploits its Stealth Magnet technology, designed to channel the magnetic flux to reduce interference and diffraction. The result: even lower distortion and greater transparency. This architecture favors an extended frequency response from 8Hz to 50kHz, with exemplary linearity from low to very high frequencies.

3.5mm mini-jack cable

With a sensitivity of 92 dB and an impedance of just 12 Ω, the HiFiMAN Edition XV headphones are remarkably efficient for a planar model. Where most competitors require powerful amplifiers capable of delivering substantial current, this model is relatively easy to power. A simple desktop headphone amplifier, a DAP or even a portable USB DAC can bring them to life, but naturally, their full potential is revealed with more ambitious electronics.

To simplify pairing, HiFiMAN supplies a detachable cable in 3.5mm mini-jack format, accompanied by a 6.35mm adapter. This standard connectivity means the headphones can be connected to both a sedentary headphone amplifier and a portable source. However, we regret the absence of a balanced cable, which would have made it possible to take full advantage of the balanced outputs of portable music players and high-end amplifiers, and thus push the precision and airiness of the reproduction even further. While HiFiMAN doesn’t offer an optional alternative, it’s still possible to turn to third-party manufacturers such as Meze.

Key specifications

• Type: open-back
• Coupling: over-ear
• Self-adjusting headband
• Planar magnetic transducers
• Frequency response: 8Hz to 50kHz
• Sensitivity: 92 dB
• Impedance: 12 ohms
• Detachable 3.5mm mini-jack Y-cable
• Weight: 452g

Listening conditions

We tested the HiFiMAN Edition XV headphones with the FiiO M23 DAP, as well as with the Cayin RU9 portable tube headphone amplifier and the FiiO KA11 portable USB DAC. We listened to locally stored 24-bit/192kHz files, as well as Hi-Res music streamed from Qobuz.

Expert advice: as with most planar headphones, a break-in period is essential to unleash the full potential of the HiFiMAN Edition XV. After a few hours of listening, we noticed a clear evolution in the sound reproduction: the bass became more articulate and firm, with a better foundation, while the overall reproduction was more lively and dynamic. 

Listening impressions

The HiFiMAN Edition XV headphones feature the brand’s distinctive sound signature, with a smooth, warm reproduction. Everything was perfectly balanced, with excellent chemistry between the frequency ranges and exemplary linearity. The midrange was well defined, giving voices a carnal presence, remarkable articulation and accurate harmonics. On acoustic recordings by Norah Jones and Diana Krall, every inflection, every breath seemed palpable. The planar membrane excelled at reproducing micro-variations, giving an impression of proximity to the artist. Vocals were suave, carnal and natural.

High notes were clear-cut without ever being aggressive. Cymbals sparkled with delicacy, extended by a natural, airy decay, without the slightest metallic harshness. Even on demanding recordings like ZZ Top’s La Grange, rich in saturated guitars and sustained percussion, the Edition XV maintained a smooth, perfectly legible reproduction. High frequencies flowed with great agility, without ever overpowering the rest of the spectrum. The headphones’ exemplary transparency allowed even the smallest details to be picked out in the mix. The guitar’s natural reverberations and micro-variations were clearly perceptible. The bass was full-bodied, but never intrusive. It provided a solid foundation without weighing down the message or masking the other registers. Each bass drum hit was dry and precise, while the low notes of a double bass retained all their texture and resonance.

The soundstage offered by HiFiMAN Edition XV headphones was wide and airy, with precisely positioned instruments. Although there was a slight lack of depth compared to some high-end headphones such as the Susvara, the horizontal spatialization of the Edition XV spread out effectively, providing an impression of fullness and letting the music breathe. On live recordings such as the Eagles’ acoustic version of Hotel California, the disposition of the musicians was so palpable that we really felt like we were at the concert. The rhythm guitar stood out clearly to the left, the vocals settled naturally in the center, while the applause spread realistically throughout the soundstage.

HiFiMAN Edition XV vs Meze 105 AER

In contrast to the Meze 105 AER, the HiFiMAN Edition XV take a rather different approach. The Meze headphones impress with their luxurious design and warm sound, with a dense, organic midrange that particularly flatters vocals and acoustic instruments. In comparison, the HiFiMAN Edition XV rely on superior transparency and a wider soundstage, with firmer, more percussive bass. Where the Meze 105 AER favor immediate emotion and long-term listening pleasure, the Edition XV are aimed more at listeners seeking precision and the ultimate in spaciousness.

Who are these headphones designed for?

The HiFiMAN Edition XV aren’t necessarily the best choice for those looking for lightweight, discreet, compact headphones that are totally inconspicuous when worn. With their imposing size and open-back design, they’re clearly aimed at sedentary use. But for music lovers who are not put off by this format, they provide an exceptional listening experience: rare transparency, firm, full bass, a sumptuous midrange and an airy soundstage that rivals listening through speakers. These are headphones designed for enjoying music to the full, in the calm of a living room or dedicated space, far from the constraints of mobility.

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