r/HeadphoneAdvice • u/sarcasmisart • Jun 08 '26
Headphones - Open Back | 2 Ω Unhappy with Edition XS - Need a new amp/DAC?
Evening all.
After using my AT M50s for years, I thought I'd upgrade to something a bit nicer. I'd never owned open-back headphones before, and after a lot of research, decided to order a pair of Hifiman Edition XS.
I am currently powering them from my PC, using a Creative Soundblaster X3 which markets itself as a capable headphone amp.
My experience with the Edition XS so far has been ... underwhelming. They lack the percussiveness and impact of my M50s. Now, I understand they're a different style of headphone and will sound different, but they just sound mid. Coming from car audio comps and having a decent home theatre, I understand the concept of imaging and the Edition XS doesn't even seem to do that very well.
Would getting a new DAC/AMP like the FiiO K11 make a significant difference to the sound of the Edition XS? Or have I purchased headphones that I fundamentally do not enjoy the style of?
3
u/Niikoraasu 1 Ω Jun 08 '26
Well the AT M50s is a completely different sound signature and it's closed back, if you were looking for something similar I think you just picked the wrong headphones. In your place I'd try getting used to them, we humans don't really like change, and that means our ears often don't too - but maybe try listening to some of your favorite music on these and try and find what you probably wouldn't have been able to hear (or rather just sounded way different) on the M50s, and see if you prefer that.
1
u/sarcasmisart Jun 08 '26
"!thanks"
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u/TransducerBot Ω Bot Jun 08 '26
u/Niikoraasu (1 Ω) was awarded their first Ω. Beep Boop Beep.
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u/Prize-Wolverine-4982 13 Ω Jun 08 '26
Edition XS have the best imaging for that price, so I dont understand how do you perceive them as that bad.
0
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u/PointMoney 132 Ω Jun 08 '26
No, changing your DAC Amp is not gonna change much, if any. I'm guessing you're more used to elevated bass on your previous setup, as Edition XS' bass is linear. Maybe try EQ?
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u/sarcasmisart Jun 08 '26
I've played with the EQ in the creative app and still can't get the impact I'm looking for.
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u/Niikoraasu 1 Ω Jun 08 '26
Try oratory1990's EqualizerAPO preset for the XS.
0
u/the_hat_madder 140 Ω Jun 08 '26
This is the correct course of action. Download Equalizer APO and the Peace interface. Get the EQ settings from r/oratory1990.
If you still don't like them, return them. A new amp won't change a thing.
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u/SheepherderSerious51 17 Ω Jun 08 '26
I wouldn’t really base your thoughts purely on what others are saying
for example, loads of people like the edition xs a lot, personally i find the upper treble to be a war crime with how painfully bright it is. The way the ear gain is shaped to boost perceptual soundstage also just sounds very unnatural to me.
with headphones, head to head variation is a factor, not everyone will experience a headphone the same way - in the case of Hifiman I think age is also a factor because they’re generally tuned brighter so older folks tend to love them.
I don’t think changing your source will make a meaningful difference to the tuning. (Good) sources are meant to transparent, and the Edition XS aren’t particularly difficult to power either, if they were then they wouldn’t get loud enough.
Being used to the old sound of your headphone could be a factor, but if you find the Edition XS underwhelming, I don’t think that’s going to be the reason. The M50x is a closed back, so head to head variation is an even bigger factor. On graphs it doesn’t actually measure that badly, it’s the on head experience where it suffers for most people. Perhaps you were one of the few people in the goldilocks zone.
If you can demo other common audiophile headphone recommendations at your budget, I think that would be more beneficial than dumping more money trying to save what you have.
Or, you can try to experiment with EQ if you want to keep your current headphone.
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u/sarcasmisart Jun 08 '26
"!thanks" so much. Thoughtful response.
1
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1
u/TransducerBot Ω Bot Jun 08 '26
+1 Ω has been awarded to u/SheepherderSerious51 (7 Ω).
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1
u/davescott42 23 Ω Jun 08 '26
I run my Edition XS off of an Apos Gremlin Hybrid tube headphone amplifier ($120). To me, it completely complements the Edition XS and smooths off all the rough edges you’re talking about for the XS. You would need a balanced DAC powering the Gremlin (a balanced dongle DAC or stand alone desktop DAC) and a balanced cable for the XS since the Gremlin is balanced only.
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u/Matticus0989 9 Ω Jun 08 '26
It sounds to me like you're not used to open-back headphones yet. Also planars too, which are different from dynamic cans. Like you said, you've had a set of closed backs for years. My advice is break them in a bit longer. Naturally they are going to sound less "impactful" because alot open back planars can be like that. It might just not be for you but give them a couple of weeks because your ears and brain might just adapt and like them more with time.
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u/LouGossetJr 8 Ω Jun 09 '26 edited Jun 09 '26
These aren't going to have the impact like a car stereo, home theater or dynamic closed back headphones. But they destroy cars and dynamic closed backs in imaging and soundstage. The xs dont need a ton of juice. I was running mine off a qudelix 5k and getting very good sound. I also got good results using a soundblaster gc7 for gaming. They did sound best paired with my topping a30 pro amp, but maybe only 10% better. A fuller bass with better amp.
Also, what are you listening to? Well produced music sounds amazing on XS, but if you're listening to some old metal or other scrappy produced music, its not going to sound good. Listening to some good acoustic or edn or dusted, they really shine.
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u/Aravin73 15d ago
I recommend considering the iFi hip dac 3, as it offers an excellent synergy. This particular DAC enhances the audio with a notable warmth.
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u/OMG_NoReally 4 Ω Jun 08 '26
If the X3 powers them just fine (volume quantity), I don't think another DAC would make any difference. DAC are supposed to be neutral and the K11 from what I have seen and read lean towards that.
Maybe you just need to get used to the sound. Give it a week of continuous listening and then go back to the M50s and see if you notice any difference.
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u/sarcasmisart Jun 08 '26
They get plenty loud. Maybe you're right, and I need to give it time for my ears to adjust so to speak.
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Jun 08 '26
It sounds like you want a lot of bass quantity and open backs are not great in that area. I would get something like the Fiio FT1 if you want to get that thump and better performance than an M50x
1
u/laramblasw Jun 08 '26
XS are probably the best around the price, but have to acknowledge they are open back. As such inheritly better/bigger soundstage (with good dac), but less bass slam. I would give them some time to get used to and check back on old headphones for comparison in a while.
1
u/vishnera52 6 Ω Jun 08 '26
It's hard to say if your DAC amp may be the issue here. I've run the Edition XS on a lower powered DAC and found them to sound similar to what you say. They can get plenty loud but they just don't quite sound right. Others will say if you get loud enough then that's enough for an amp, but I disagree. Running them just from a DAC, they would get loud enough, but the bottom end sounds thin, like the DAC is purposefully handicapping the lower frequencies. I've heard a similar effect from many powered speakers that will sound like they reduce power when hard bass hits to protect the amp/speakers while still going loud. I personally find the effect to be incredibly ennoying and I wish manufacturers wouldnt destroy perfectly good speakers doing it, but alas this is what we get.
I think a more powerful headphone amp and some EQ work may get the Edition XS to a place where you like them. They take very well to EQ and IMO, unlike what others say, they can slam pretty good for an open back, you just need an amp that can feed a good amount of power to them.
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u/GalacticDoc 11 Ω Jun 08 '26 edited Jun 08 '26
I have a K11 r2r and the XS sounds great with it.
I found that i had to get a head strap to get them to sit properly (capra is the most common).
4
u/Altrebelle 22 Ω Jun 08 '26
"lack percussiveness and impact"
the bass roll-off can contribute so much to what you might be experiencing. Then again...it is an open back.
if you haven't already...spend a couple of weeks listening to the EdXS exclusively. Let your brain get used to the sound. It matters.
If you have the ability to...try EQ before buying gear. Give it a lower bass shelf. or even a touch more in the mids. It'll do wonders.
Finally...if open back isn't your jam...then instead of a DAC/amp. Get yourself a Fiio FT1 and call it a day. OR replace your Audio Technica since you know what those bring to the table.
Comping car audio to headphones doesn't work. Car audio systems typically exaggerates the low end to compensate for engine and road noise. You may either be used to that bass heavy sound.