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What You Need to Know
A New Direction for HiFiMAN
If you’ve been curious about planar magnetic headphones but worried about harsh treble or listening fatigue, the HiFiMAN Edition XV was made for you. Planar magnetic headphones use an ultra-thin membrane suspended between magnets instead of a traditional cone-and-coil driver. The result is typically faster, more detailed sound with lower distortion—but some planar models, including past HiFiMAN headphones, have been known for a bright, energetic treble that not everyone enjoys for long periods.
The Edition XV changes that. HiFiMAN deliberately tuned this headphone with a warmer, smoother, more relaxed sound signature. It’s the successor to the popular Edition XS, but rather than simply refining the same recipe, HiFiMAN took a different path altogether. The treble is gentler and less fatiguing, the midrange is fuller and more musical, and the bass carries satisfying weight without losing control. According to reviewer Griffin Silver at Headphones.com, the Edition XV represents a significant departure that makes it one of the most compelling options.
What Makes the Edition XV Special
At the heart of the Edition XV is HiFiMAN’s second-generation NEO Supernano Diaphragm—an incredibly thin membrane that’s about 60% thinner than the one used in the Edition XS. A thinner diaphragm means less mass for the magnets to move, which translates to quicker response times and finer detail in your music. You may notice subtle textures in a singer’s voice or the gentle decay of a piano note that thicker drivers tend to gloss over.
The magnets themselves have been redesigned using rare-earth-free permanent magnetic materials. HiFiMAN engineered an optimized structure that achieves sensitivity comparable to traditional rare-earth magnets while being more environmentally sustainable. It’s a forward-thinking approach that doesn’t compromise performance.
Comfort gets an upgrade too. The Gen 2 composite headband is 20–30 grams lighter than the Edition XS headband and features rotatable hinges that help the headphone conform to different head shapes. The large oval earcups provide plenty of room around your ears, and the suspension strap distributes weight more evenly than the XS’s single-band design.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Griffin Silver (@Listener), Headphones.com (October 2025): Silver was deeply impressed by the Edition XV’s treble refinement, noting that the headphone’s smoother presentation unseated the Audeze MM-500 as his go-to relaxed planar. He praised its natural timbre and well-rounded tonal balance, calling it the most competitive option under $400 for listeners who prefer a warm-neutral sound. He went so far as to say the Edition XV may be more fitting for the title many gave the MM-500 as the planar equivalent of the Sennheiser HD 650.
Andrew Williams, Trusted Reviews (November 2025): Williams described the Edition XV as smoother and more lush-sounding than most other HiFiMAN headphones. He noted that the headphone takes the series into calmer territory with a fuller, more relaxed presentation, while maintaining the technical quality the brand is known for. He found it comfortable enough for all-day wear.
Yagiz, Headfonia (October 2025): The Headfonia review highlighted the Edition XV’s warm tone and fuller note weight, calling it one of the rare headphones that nails a warm signature without turning things into a mushy mess. The reviewer noted that imaging is excellent with good separation, and praised HiFiMAN for listening to community feedback about treble brightness. He did note that listeners who prefer a brighter, more analytical presentation may find the XV too laid-back.
Major HiFi (September 2025): This review praised the Edition XV’s spacious soundstage, comparing its openness to HiFiMAN’s higher-priced Arya and HE1000 models. The highs were described as clean and clear without entering fatiguing territory, and the bass was characterized as full-bodied with good control. The reviewer called it one of the best new headphone options of 2025 at this price point.
Sai, Unheard Lab (August 2025): This measurement-focused review noted the Edition XV sounds smooth, liquid, and full-bodied—a notable departure from the typical HiFiMAN house sound. Sai observed that the bass is slightly elevated with a meaty, satisfying character, and the midrange carries more body and warmth than previous models. He pointed out that the tuning brings the XV closer in character to the classic Edition X V2 than the Edition XS it officially replaces.
Who Is the Edition XV Best For?
You’ve been curious about planar magnetic headphones but found some models too bright or fatiguing for comfortable all-day listening.
You love the warm, musical sound of headphones like the Sennheiser HD 650 and want to explore what a planar magnetic driver can add to that kind of presentation.
You’re building a home listening setup with a desktop headphone amplifier or a quality DAC/amp combo and want a headphone that rewards better source gear.
You enjoy long listening sessions—jazz, classical, acoustic, vocals—and want a headphone that stays comfortable and engaging for hours without fatigue.
You want the spacious, open soundstage that HiFiMAN’s large planar drivers are known for, with a smoother tonal balance than the brand’s more analytical models.
How It Connects to Your System
The Edition XV uses dual 3.5mm connectors at each earcup—the same type of plug you’ll find on most everyday audio devices. This means the included cable is easy to replace or upgrade, and you’re not locked into any proprietary system. HiFiMAN includes a 3-meter cable terminated with a 3.5mm plug, along with a 6.35mm (1/4”) adapter so you can plug into full-size headphone amplifiers.
With an impedance of 12 ohms and sensitivity of 92 dB, the Edition XV is relatively easy to drive compared to some planar headphones. You can get decent volume out of a quality USB-C dongle DAC/amp in a pinch. However, reviewers consistently note that the headphone scales up with better amplification—a clean desktop headphone amp with solid current delivery (1–2 Vrms or more) will bring out the best dynamics and bass control. If you need help choosing the right amp, give us a call.
Keep in mind, this is an open-back headphone. That means sound passes freely through the earcups in both directions. This design creates a wider, more natural soundstage—but it also means the people around you will hear what you’re listening to, and outside noise will reach your ears. The Edition XV is designed for quiet home listening, not commuting or shared office spaces.
What’s in the Box
• HiFiMAN Edition XV headphones
• Detachable 3.5mm TRS cable (3 meters, dual 3.5mm to 3.5mm right-angle)
• 6.35mm (1/4”) adapter
• Foam headphone stand/shipping insert
• User manual and warranty card
Pairs Well With
Building your system? Here are some great companions for the Edition XV.
• Headphone Amplifiers — The Edition XV sounds good from a quality dongle DAC, but it really opens up with a dedicated desktop headphone amp. Browse our Headphone Amplifiers to find the right match.
• DACs (Digital-to-Analog Converters) — Pair the Edition XV with a quality DAC to get the most out of your digital music files and streaming services. Check out our DACs.
• Replacement and Upgrade Cables — The Edition XV uses standard dual 3.5mm connectors, so aftermarket cables are easy to find. If you want a balanced cable (4-pin XLR or 4.4mm Pentaconn) to take advantage of a balanced amplifier, browse our Headphone Cables & Accessories.
Features & Specifications
Sound Quality & Driver Technology
NEO Supernano Diaphragm Gen 2 — The Edition XV’s driver uses a second-generation ultra-thin diaphragm that’s approximately 60% thinner than the first generation used in the Edition XS. Less mass means the driver starts and stops faster, which translates to quicker, more accurate reproduction of musical details—from the snap of a snare drum to the subtle breath of a vocalist.
Rare-Earth-Free Enhanced Magnets — HiFiMAN engineered a new magnet structure using rare-earth-free permanent magnetic materials that achieves sensitivity comparable to traditional rare-earth designs. The result is clean transients and low distortion with a more sustainable manufacturing approach.
Wide Frequency Response (8 Hz – 50 kHz) — The Edition XV reaches deep into sub-bass territory and extends well beyond the range of human hearing, ensuring you get the full picture of every recording with nothing cut short.
Comfort & Design
Gen 2 Composite Headband — The updated headband is 20–30 grams lighter than the Edition XS design and features rotatable hinges that help the headphone adapt to different head shapes. A suspension strap distributes weight more evenly across the top of your head.
Large Oval Open-Back Earcups — The oversized oval earcups fully surround your ears, providing room and comfort even during extended listening sessions. The open-back design with its distinctive honeycomb grille allows the drivers to breathe, contributing to a spacious, natural soundstage.
Lightweight for a Planar (452 g) — While planar magnetic headphones tend to weigh more than conventional dynamic-driver models, the Edition XV keeps things manageable at 452 grams thanks to its composite-and-metal construction.
Connectivity
Standard 3.5mm Connectors — The Edition XV uses dual 3.5mm TRS connectors at the earcups—the same type you’ll find on most everyday audio devices. No proprietary plugs here. The included cable is fully detachable and easy to replace or upgrade.
Included Cable & Adapter — Ships with a 3-meter cable (dual 3.5mm to right-angle 3.5mm) and a 6.35mm (1/4”) adapter, so you can connect to portable devices and full-size headphone amps right out of the box.
Quick-Reference Specifications
| Driver Type | Planar Magnetic (Open-Back) |
| Diaphragm | NEO Supernano Diaphragm Gen 2 |
| Magnet System | Enhanced rare-earth-free permanent magnets |
| Frequency Response | 8 Hz – 50,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 12 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 92 dB |
| Connector | Dual 3.5mm TRS (detachable) |
| Cable | 3 m, dual 3.5mm to right-angle 3.5mm (6.35mm adapter included) |
| Weight | 452 g (15.9 oz), excluding cable |
| Earcup Style | Over-ear, open-back, oval |
| Headband | Gen 2 composite with suspension strap and rotatable hinges |
| Finish | Silver |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a planar magnetic headphone, and why does it matter?
Unlike conventional headphones that use a small coil attached to a cone (called a dynamic driver), planar magnetic headphones suspend an ultra-thin membrane between arrays of magnets. The entire surface of the diaphragm is driven at once, which typically results in faster response, lower distortion, and more accurate reproduction of complex musical passages. If you’re used to dynamic-driver headphones like the Sennheiser HD 600 series, a planar magnetic can feel like a meaningful step up in clarity and detail.
What does “open-back” mean, and is it right for me?
Open-back headphones have earcups that allow air and sound to pass through freely. The benefit is a wider, more natural-sounding presentation—music feels less like it’s trapped inside your head and more like it’s happening around you. The trade-off is that sound leaks in both directions: people nearby will hear your music, and outside noise will reach your ears. Open-back headphones are ideal for quiet home listening environments. They’re not suitable for commuting, office use, or anywhere you need noise isolation.
Do I need a headphone amplifier to drive the Edition XV?
The Edition XV has a low impedance (12 ohms) and moderate sensitivity (92 dB), so it can produce sound from many sources including phones and laptops. However, reviewers consistently note that the headphone improves noticeably with a dedicated headphone amplifier that provides clean power with solid current delivery. A quality desktop amp or DAC/amp combo in the $100–$300 range will let you hear what the Edition XV is truly capable of. If you need guidance, give us a call at 800-942-0220 and we’ll help you find the right match.
How does the Edition XV compare to the Edition XS?
The Edition XS and Edition XV take different approaches to sound. The XS has a brighter, leaner, more analytical presentation with more treble energy and a wider sense of horizontal space. The Edition XV is warmer, smoother, and more relaxed, with fuller bass and a more musical midrange. Reviewers note that the XV is less fatiguing for long listening sessions. The XV also features an improved headband design that addresses the XS’s comfort issues. If you prioritize detail retrieval and treble sparkle, the XS may be your pick. If you prefer warmth, musicality, and fatigue-free listening, the XV is the way to go.
How comfortable is the Edition XV for long listening sessions?
Most reviewers found the Edition XV comfortable for extended wear. The Gen 2 composite headband with its suspension strap distributes weight better than the Edition XS’s single-band design, and the large oval earcups provide generous room around the ears. At 452 grams, it’s average weight for a full-size planar magnetic headphone. Some reviewers with larger heads noted the headband strap could be slightly longer, and a few mentioned the clamp force is a bit firmer than HiFiMAN’s higher-end models. Overall, comfort is a clear improvement over the Edition XS.
Can I replace the cable?
Yes. The Edition XV uses standard dual 3.5mm TRS connectors at the earcups—no proprietary plugs. The included cable is fully detachable, and aftermarket replacement and upgrade cables are widely available. If you want to use a balanced headphone amplifier, you can purchase a cable with a 4-pin XLR or 4.4mm Pentaconn termination.
What else do I need to complete my setup?
At minimum, you’ll need a source (phone, computer, or music streamer) and something to drive the headphones. While the Edition XV can run from a phone or laptop headphone jack, you’ll get noticeably better results with a dedicated DAC and headphone amplifier—or an all-in-one DAC/amp combo. A quality USB DAC/amp in the $100–$300 range is a great starting point. If you’re not sure where to begin, call us at 800-942-0220. We love helping people build their first headphone setup.
Is the Edition XV good for all genres of music?
Reviewers found the Edition XV to be a versatile all-rounder that works well across genres, though its warm, smooth character makes it especially well-suited for jazz, classical, acoustic, vocal, and ambient music. It handles rock and pop with authority too, though listeners who crave aggressive bass slam or bright, sizzling treble energy for electronic music may prefer a different tuning. The Edition XV is about musical enjoyment and long-session comfort rather than in-your-face excitement.
How does the Edition XV compare to the Sennheiser HD 650?
This is a comparison several reviewers drew. Both headphones share a warm-neutral character that prioritizes musicality and listening comfort. The HD 650 uses a traditional dynamic driver, while the Edition XV uses a planar magnetic driver—which generally offers faster transient response, deeper bass extension, and lower distortion. The Edition XV also has a wider, more open soundstage. Griffin Silver at Headphones.com suggested the Edition XV may be the planar magnetic alternative that HD 650 fans have been waiting for. Both are excellent headphones—if you love the HD 650’s character but want to explore what planar magnetic technology brings to the table, the Edition XV is a natural next step.
Does Audio Advisor offer a return policy on headphones?
Yes. The Edition XV is covered by our standard 60-day money-back guarantee. Take your time to listen, enjoy, and make sure it’s right for you. If it’s not the perfect fit, return it within 60 days for a full refund. Call 800-942-0220 for details.
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