The Hifiman Edition XV is a planar magnetic, full-size headphone from HiFiMan, launched in August 2025. It typically costs 399 USD.
The Edition XV is the fourth generation of the Edition X series. First came the Edition X (2015), then the Edition X V2 (2016), then the Edition XS (2022), and now the Edition XV (2025). They are all marketed as easy to drive, cost-effective large planars, all with the characteristic oval, egg-shaped cups that Hifiman uses on many of their models.
HIFIMAN EDITION XV SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: full-size open-back
- Driver: planar magnetic, dual sided magnets, 2. gen. neo supernano diaphragm
- Impedance: 12 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 92 dB/mW
- Frequency response: 8Hz-50kHz
- Cable: Detachable 1.5 mm
- Cable connectors: dual 3.5 mm
- Cable termination: 3.5 mm with 6.35 mm adapter.
- Headband: strap design
- Pads: hybrid
- Weight: 452g
Current price and availability:
- Amazon: Hifiman XV
- AliExpress: Hifiman XV
BUILD AND DESIGN
NEW PAD SYSTEM (6 CLIPS)
The pad materials are typical Hifiman: pleather on the outer ring for acoustic sealing, fenestrated pleather on the inner ring, and breathable fabric mesh on the surface that touches your face.
Although they look very similar to older models, Hifiman altered the plastic mounting clips on the egg shaped cups, starting with the Unveiled series and the Edition XV. Traditional aftermarket “egg shaped pads” do not fit. The new pads use 6 clips instead of 9, and the clips are closer to the inner ring than before.
There aren’t many 3rd party options, but ZMF have adapted to the new 6 clip system (link)
Another new thing is that the stock Edition XV ear pads have a metal mesh, which replaces the thin fabric dust layer that protects the drivers. Also be aware that the new pads are more difficult to detach, and you might want to seek advice on how to do so without damaging the pads.
HEADBAND
The headband features an arc-and-strap design and includes nice swivel action. It’s a very nice upgrade from the XS. This headband is the latest generation headband from Hifiman, called Gen.2, and is used on several models, including the HE600, Ananda Unveiled, and the HE6 Remastered.
The new headband is certainly better than the toy-like headband of the XS and other headphones from the same generation, but some might still think the original Edition X and X V2 headband were better. The Gen.2 headbands are still quite good, though. They do the job and are more compact and sturdy.
The headband works well for me, but I can see potential problems for larger heads. When I pull the cups apart, the headband strap limits how far I can pull them from each other, and it’s not made to accommodate heads that are significantly larger than my own. I do not consider myself as having a very large head.
A simple solution to this would be if Hifiman could offer longer straps for larger heads, and they have offered different lengths of straps before. You might ask Hifiman’s customer service about solutions if this becomes an issue.
The swivel action is much better than the XS-type headband and the previous Ananda-type headband, but still not very radical. It’s enough for me, though, I typically need some swivel for a good fit. The swivel action is similar to that of the large Focal headphones (e.g. Clear MG).
GRILLS
The Edition XV, like the HE600, offers a real grille with excellent protection and deviates from the new “Unveiled philosophy.”
Hifiman made a drastic move with the “Unveiled Series,” where much of the point was to give the drivers as much free air as possible at the cost of protection. For the sake of sound, this might be the optimal way to do it, but this design philosophy can also be a big drawback if you use your headphones in an environment where protection is needed, or if you’re generally a bit clumsy by nature. Anyway, with the XV, you can feel safe.
The previous generation, the Edition XS, has dust fabric and wider, parallel classic “stealth” grilles. As far as I can tell, the XV doesn’t have the thin fabric protection layer, but instead a cleverly designed hexagon metal mesh with better protection than the old stealth grilles.
CABLE
The supplied cable is a simple 1.5 m cable with a 3.5 mm termination and, of course, a Y-split and dual 3.5 mm connectors for the headphone. I appreciate that Hifiman doesn’t make the headphones more expensive by supplying a huge cable package. If you need a different cable, you can just buy one; compatible cables are readily available.
COMFORT
For comfort, I certainly appreciate the new headband with its strap. It’s much better than the XS. The swivel action is sufficient, although still not as good as on the HE1000-type headbands.
All in all, the comfort is good. The ear cups feel just like those on all other egg-shaped Hifiman headphones.
LISTENING IMPRESSIONS
Associated equipment:
- Amplifier: Topping A90
- DAC: RME ADI-2 DAC FS
In the Mountains by Espen Eriksen
Powerful yet detailed bass, gentle but articulate piano, punchy percussion.
The Saint by Berke Özcan
The saxophone has a very nice, rich, and full-sounding timbre.
Re-Melt by Tord Gustavsen Trio
Warm bass, snappy percussion, the piano is articulate yet nicely gentle.
Teardrop by Massive Attack
The soundstage is large, the percussion is tight and snappy. Bass carries good detail, presence is nice, not too much and not too lean. Vocals are articulate but not overly crisp.
Eye of The Day by Marta del Grandi
The soundstage is large. The bass is powerful but not overpowering, vocals are articulate and balanced, with a nice little dose of warmth. They’re textured but not dry.
The Hidden Camera by Photek
The bass is well behaved, not overly powerful but present enough. The percussion, which often can become a bit dry and sharp with many other headphones, is just right with the XV. Soundstage size is good.
Spontaneous Compositorius by Thomas Agergard
The saxophone has a nice, full-bodied warmth while still sounding textured and detailed. The bright percussion is clean but bright enough to tickle my ears, more so than many other headphones. It is not overly bright, but it is certainly not dark. The bass is well balanced in presence and of good quality.
Sujet Tabou by Renaudin and
This percussion and acoustic guitar duo is rendered in a very dynamic but also quite smooth manner. The percussion is snappy. The tonal balance is very pleasant.
It Could Be Sweet by Portishead
Powerful, rich but not overly boosted bass. Gentle, warmish yet textured vocals without sibilance. Spacious.
Jambi by Tool
Time for some metal. The guitars are nicely textured and smooth at the same time. The bass drums aren’t very intimidating; the bass is a bit light, which prevents this from sounding as thunderous as it can. It’s good, but this track sounds better with a nice bass shelf. Vocals are clear without sibilance.
Bored by Deftones
More metal. It sounds well balanced, guitars are both smooth and crisp. Vocals are also smooth but still feels clear.
Almost Like The Blues by Leonard Cohen
The vocals are wonderful. Rich and textured, nicely crisp but slightly warm without sounding bloated.
Alt e bra by Building Instrument
The bright, bell-like percussion is very clean in a smooth way. Great imaging.
II Allegro – de la Guerre – Destinées by Sophie de Bardonnèche
Very nice string timbre. Nicely balanced, natural, and rich in detail and nuance.
Summer 3 Vivaldi Recomposed by Max Richter
This track can often sound a bit muffled, not so with the XV. Instruments are clearly articulated and well separated, and the final balance is very good and natural.
WRAPPING IT UP
Sound Signature
The Edition XV is fairly neutral, slightly warm. The bass is well present but not boosted, the mid-range doesn’t feel recessed but is a tad polite. The treble is clean and bright but not excessive.
Treble
The XV has a very clean and nicely articulated treble. It can be bright and slightly sharp, but in a smooth way. Sibilance wasn’t an issue on my standard sibilance test tracks.
Midrange
The mid-range is slightly warm but also nicely textured in a smooth way. It’s not overly upfront nor does it feel recessed. I find it well balanced, albeit in a polite way.
Bass
The Edition XV has a very linear-sounding, high-quality bass, typical of good planar magnetic headphones.
Soundstage and Imaging
The soundstage is large, but since the XV is tuned warmer than many of Hifiman’s other oval-shaped headphones, it might sound a bit smaller than the most expansive sounding options. Imaging is very good.
Detail, Dynamics, and Timbre
I think the general detail level is very good for the price point.
Dynamics are good but not class leading.
The timbre is generally very natural, and I never find the XV sounding “off”.
COMPARISONS
Associated equipment:
- Amplifier: Topping A90
- DAC: RME ADI-2 DAC FS
HIFIMAN Edition XS vs XV
The Edition XS is the direct predecessor to the XV. They share a similar design and specifications, but the XV has an upgraded driver, different grilles, and a new headband.
Sonically, the main difference is the tuning: the XS is brighter, while the XV is darker, smoother, and more laid-back. They are quite similar in technical performance (detail, soundstage, imaging, and dynamics), but not identical. For instance, the XS soundstage feels larger due to the brighter tuning, while I find the XV to sound slightly more refined.
I prefer the XV overall, mainly for its darker tuning, slightly greater refinement, and new headband.
You can read my full comparison here:
Edition XV vs XS Comparison Review
- AliExpress: Edition XS
- Amazon: Edition XS
HIFIMAN ANANDA UNVEILED vs Edition XV
The Ananda Unveiled and Edition XV have a lot in common. They have the same headband, the same cup shape and pads, and even the same diaphragm material. They do not, however, sound the same. The XV is darker and more laid-back. The Ananda Unveiled is brighter and more upfront, and often carries a bit more detail.
You can read my full comparison here:
Ananda Unveiled vs XV Comparison Review
- Amazon: Ananda Unveiled
- AliExpress: Ananda Unveiled
AUDEZE MM-100 vs Edition XV
The Audeze MM-100 is targeting professionals, and at the time of writing, is priced identically to the XV.
When it comes to sound, the XV is airier, brighter, and more spacious, with a leaner midrange, better sub-bass extension, and a larger soundstage. The MM-100 is warmer and more upfront, with fuller mids, more focused imaging, and a more intimate presentation. Detail level is similar.
You can read my full comparison here:
HIFIMAN XV vs AUDEZE MM-100 Comparison Review
- Amazon: Audeze MM-100
HIFIMAN HE600 vs Edition XV
The HE600 and XV were launched at the same time in 2025, and they have a lot in common: the same headband, diaphragm, and grill design. They do, however, operate in two different price classes, with the HE600 being twice as expensive.
When it comes to sound, the HE600 generally sounds more intimate, slightly warmer, and more refined. The XV has a larger soundstage with leaner, darker mids and a brighter, more diffuse treble. Personally, while I like both, I prefer the HE600 most of the time.
You can read my full comparison here:
Hifiman HE600 vs Edition XV Comparison Review
CONCLUSION
The Hifiman Edition XV takes the Edition X series in a new direction with its darker, more laid-back sound signature, while maintaining a very solid level of overall sound quality.
The new headband is a welcome improvement over the XS. The darker tuning may prove more divisive. Personally, I appreciate the XV both sonically and in terms of comfort, and find it to be a nice upgrade from the XS.
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- Amazon: Hifiman XV
- AliExpress: Hifiman XV
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