Hifiman Edition XV Headphones
Category: Headphones
A Familiar Sound, Modernized
Edition XV pushes the Edition X line forward with a thinner second-gen diaphragm, a lighter headband with rotating hinges, and user-friendly 3.5mm connectors. The goal: keep the speed and clarity fans expect, make it easier to wear for hours, and keep amplification requirements reasonable.
Hifiman Edition XV Review from The Audio Files
For a deep dive into how the Edition XV compares to past HIFIMAN releases, reviewer Griffin Silver (@Listener) shares his take in The Audio Files (also video review below.
His review, “HIFIMAN Edition XV Review: Brilliance in Darkness,” explores the headphone’s tuning changes, design refinements, and where it fits among other mid-fi favorites like the Edition XS and Sennheiser HD 650.
Read the full review
What’s New (And Why It Matters)
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Enhanced magnet design (rare-earth-free): Precision-shaped permanent magnets target lower distortion and cleaner transients without relying on rare-earth materials. The claim is parity-level sensitivity vs. neo magnets, with better sustainability.
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NEO Supernano Diaphragm Gen.2: About 60% thinner than first-gen. Less mass → quicker start/stop behavior → more microdetail and snap.
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Composite headband, Gen.2: Weight trimmed ~20–30 g with rotatable hinges to improve fit across head shapes.
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3.5 mm cup connectors: Angled, user-replaceable cable that plays nicely with common aftermarket options.
How It Should Sound
Edition XV aims for the wide, open presentation that made the series popular, with faster transients from the thinner film and a bit more comfort for long sessions. On paper, 12 Ω / 92 dB suggests it’s friendlier to modern desktop amps and capable dongles, but you’ll still get the best control and dynamics from a clean desktop source.
Power guidance (plain English)
Edition XV is rated 12 Ω / 92 dB. It will play from many sources, but it scales with a proper desktop amp. Aim for sources capable of ≥1–2 Vrms with solid current delivery for full dynamics and bass control. A compact USB-C dongle DAC/amp works in a pinch; a clean desktop stack is better.
If you want to drill down on power requirements, check out Headphones.com's Power Calculator here
Which HIFIMAN fits your setup?
Quick differences that impact power needs, comfort, and presentation.
| Feature | Edition XV | Edition XS | Ananda |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Open-back planar | Open-back planar | Open-back planar |
| Frequency Response (claimed) | 8 Hz – 50 kHz | 8 Hz – 50 kHz | 8 Hz – 55 kHz |
| Impedance | 12 Ω | 18 Ω | ~27 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 92 dB | ~92 dB | ~103 dB |
| Weight | 452 g | ~405 g | ~399 g |
| Diaphragm | NEO Supernano Gen. 2 (≈60% thinner) | NEO Supernano (Gen. 1) | Ultra-thin planar film |
| Headband | Composite Gen. 2, rotatable hinges | Suspension headband | Suspension headband |
| Cup Connectors | Dual 3.5 mm (angled) | Dual 3.5 mm | Dual 3.5 mm |
| Power / Pairing Tips | Scales with desktop amps; target ≥1–2 Vrms with good current. | Similar drive to XV; desktop amp recommended for headroom. | Easier to drive than XV/XS; still improves with clean desktop power. |
| Who it suits | Detail-first listeners who want snap and dynamics with modern comfort. | Budget planar fans seeking wide stage and strong value. | Those wanting a more efficient HIFIMAN with an airy, open presentation. |
Hifiman Edition XV Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Open-back, planar magnetic |
| Frequency Response | 8 Hz – 50 kHz |
| Impedance | 12 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 92 dB |
| Weight | 452 g (approx.) |
| Diaphragm | NEO Supernano Diaphragm Gen. 2 (≈60% thinner vs Gen. 1) |
| Magnet Design | Newly engineered magnet structure (see product copy for details) |
| Headband | Composite, Gen. 2, rotatable hinges (20–30 g lighter vs prior) |
| Ear Pads | Memory foam pads (velour + pleather wrap) |
| Cup Connectors | Dual 3.5 mm (angled) |
| Cable | Detachable 3.5 mm cable (user-replaceable) |
What’s in the Box
- HIFIMAN Edition XV Planar Magnetic Headphones
- Detachable dual 3.5 mm headphone cable
- 6.35 mm (1/4") adapter
- User manual & warranty card
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