HiFiMan Edition XV Planar Headphone

HiFiMan Tunes a Warmer, More Relaxed Planar Sound

The HiFiMan Edition XV is an open-back planar magnetic headphone that HiFiMan deliberately tuned for a warmer, smoother sound than the brand's often brighter house signature, succeeding the Edition XS with a genuinely different character.

A second-generation NEO Supernano Diaphragm, roughly 60% thinner than the one in the Edition XS, sits behind rare-earth-free magnets engineered to match traditional magnet performance without the usual environmental cost involved.

At 12 ohms and 92dB sensitivity, the Edition XV is genuinely easy to drive from nearly any source at all, though reviewers consistently note it scales up rather nicely with better amplification behind it.

Where the Warmer Tuning Earns Its Keep

A Thinner Diaphragm, Tuned for Musicality Over Edge

Less mass on the diaphragm means the driver responds faster to musical transients, but HiFiMan aimed this generation at a fuller, more relaxed treble rather than the sharper edge of earlier models.

The redesigned magnet structure achieves sensitivity that's fully comparable to traditional rare-earth magnets, a genuinely sustainable approach that doesn't compromise the planar performance HiFiMan has built its entire reputation on.

A Lighter Headband, Built for All-Day Wear

The Gen 2 composite headband is 20 to 30 grams lighter than the Edition XS headband, with rotatable hinges that let the earcups conform to different head shapes rather than one fixed fit.

Large oval earcups provide genuinely ample room around the ears, and a suspension strap distributes weight much more evenly than the XS's older single-band design ever really managed to do.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Griffin Silver at Headphones.com called the Edition XV the most competitive option for listeners who prefer a warm-neutral sound, praising its natural timbre and well-rounded tonal balance.

Headfonia's Yagiz found it "one of the rare headphones that nails a warm signature without turning things into a mushy mess," praising its excellent imaging and separation.

Major HiFi compared its openness to HiFiMan's own pricier Arya and HE1000 models, describing the highs as clean and clear without entering fatiguing territory.

Who Is the Edition XV Best For?

• You've found other planar headphones too bright for all-day listening: HiFiMan deliberately tuned the XV warmer and smoother than its predecessor
• You love a warm, musical dynamic-driver sound and want a planar upgrade: reviewers repeatedly compared it to headphones like the Sennheiser HD 650
• You're building a home listening setup with a desktop amp or DAC/amp: the XV rewards better source gear according to every reviewer
• You enjoy long jazz, classical, or vocal sessions: the relaxed treble keeps fatigue from building over hours
• You want HiFiMan's more musical tuning — the Edition XV is the easy-listening planar

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Dual 3.5mm connectors at each earcup accept the included 3-meter cable, which terminates in a 3.5mm plug with a 6.35mm adapter for full-size headphone amplifiers.

Because the earcup connectors are standard 3.5mm, an aftermarket balanced cable (4-pin XLR or 4.4mm Pentaconn) drops in easily if your amplifier supports one.

Pairs Well With

What finishes the system around an Edition XV:

• Headphone amplifiers — clean current delivery matters more than raw voltage for this driver
• Digital-to-analog converters — a clean digital source feeding your amp matters as much as the amp itself
• Headphone cables — a balanced upgrade cable is a simple drop-in with the standard 3.5mm connectors
• Headphone stands — a proper resting spot between listening sessions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a headphone amplifier for the Edition XV?

Not strictly. At 12 ohms and 92dB sensitivity, it produces sound from a phone or laptop, though reviewers consistently note it improves noticeably with a dedicated amplifier.

How is this different from the Edition XS?

The XS is brighter, leaner, and more analytical with more treble energy; the XV is warmer, smoother, and more relaxed, with a redesigned headband reviewers found more comfortable.

What does open-back mean for everyday use?

Sound leaks freely in both directions — people nearby hear your music, and outside noise comes in. Reserve these for quiet home listening, not a commute.

Can I use a balanced cable with the Edition XV?

Yes. The standard 3.5mm earcup connectors accept aftermarket cables terminated in 4-pin XLR or 4.4mm Pentaconn for a balanced connection.

Is the Edition XV good for genres beyond jazz and classical?

Yes, it handles rock and pop with authority too, though listeners who want aggressive bass slam or bright, sizzling treble for electronic music may prefer a different tuning entirely.

Does it include a carrying case?

It doesn't. The box includes the headphone, the stock cable, a 6.35mm adapter, and a foam stand — a case is sold separately if you need one for travel.

See It in Action

The Headphone Show presents HIFIMAN's Edition XV is TRULY Impressive.

The Headphone Show presents HiFiMan Unveiled! - Edition XV, Ananda Unveiled, and HE1000 Unveiled First Impressions at SIAS 2025.

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