Наушники — HiFiMAN Edition XV

The Edition XV is an open planar magnetic model worn over the ear, made by HIFIMAN, priced at USD 399 and positioned as a successor within the Edition line that previously included the Edition XS. It is offered in silver and in black, and it comes with a one-year limited manufacturer warranty.

Key specs that matter

HIFIMAN lists a frequency response of 8 Hz to 50 kHz, an impedance of 12 ohm and a sensitivity of 92 dB, with a weight of 452 g. The detachable, user-changeable cable connects to the earcups through 3.5 mm sockets of the type found on most common audio devices, and it ends in a 3.5 mm plug with a 6.3 mm adapter included. The foam insert in the box is shaped so it can double as a stand for the headphone.

Engineering and use context

HIFIMAN fits a second generation NEO Supernano Diaphragm here, which the maker says is only 60 percent as thick as the first generation diaphragm used in the Edition XS, and the conductive plating on the diaphragm has also been revised. The magnet assembly follows the Stealth Magnet principle, shaped to channel magnetic flux so that it causes less interference and diffraction for the sound wave passing through. Instead of rare-earth magnets, the Edition XV uses rare-earth-free permanent magnetic materials in an optimised structure, which HIFIMAN says reaches a sensitivity comparable to drivers built with rare-earth magnets. The headband is a second generation dual-strap self-adjusting design with rotatable hinges, and it is about 20 to 30 g lighter than the single headband it replaces. The earcups are egg-shaped with a modest lateral swivel, the outer grille moves from a hexagonal to a circular pattern, and the headband and arms carry a satin metal finish. The earpads combine black pleather with fabric and are highly compressible. Being open at the back, the headphone lets sound escape and does not isolate from surrounding noise.

Pairing

The low impedance means the Edition XV can be run from many portable players and laptop outputs, although a desktop amplifier with good current delivery gives more headroom, since low-impedance planar drivers draw current rather than voltage. The standard earcup sockets allow a switch to a balanced aftermarket cable for amplifiers with balanced outputs.

Alternatives

The HIFIMAN ARYA UNVEILED is a pricier open planar headphone rated at 27 ohm and 94 dB, with a nanometer-thickness diaphragm and removable back veils.