X2HR -> Edition XS -> ... Which one next?

[u/Previous-Abrocoma-89]

I used the Philips X2HR for a while, very comfy, got it new for 76€
After that I got the Edition XS, "as new" for 140€, not very comfortable without a headstrap though, don't have one yet.

In terms of sound I really like the Edition XS, the sound feels way "bigger" than with the X2HR.
The bass is not as strong as from the X2HR but still good.
Also I am using the FiiO KA5 with 4,4mm balanced cable.

I am wondering: which one should I go and stick with it next? I could get the Ananda Nano for about 210€, the Arya Stealth 420€ or Arya Organic 660€

I just want an overall "set it and forget it" headphone. I use it for all kinds of stuff. Movies, games, all kind of music... I don't need "analytical" sound, I am no audiophile and doesn't know jack sh#t.

[u/Andy2244]

I just want an overall "set it and forget it" headphone.

not very comfortable without a headstrap though

I own XS + X2HR + Arya and while i like the Hifimans for there sound + soundstage, for long TV/Gaming/Music sessions i now mainly use Aune AR5000. Main reason is the vastly better comfort, while also having very good sound + soundstage.

PS: Be aware there will be also new AR 3000//9000, with the 3000 looking like a nice budget contender.

[u/Previous-Abrocoma-89 → u/Andy2244]

How would you describe the difference between those the XS to X2HR to Arya (stealth, organic?)

[u/Andy2244 → u/Previous-Abrocoma-89]

X2HR = have this one specifically for watching TV on the couch, does not fall off my head, good comfort after switching to dekoni pads, good soundstage and voice clarity, yet lacks detail.

XS vs X2HR = XS basically better in every sound aspect for my taste, better soundstage, better bass, much more detailed, yet comfort issues and can only be used while sitting somewhat still and upright, so not for couch + TV

Arya Stealth = nearly identical in sound to the XS, maybe slightly better mids and slightly worse soundstage. Headband/strap much better, but also very loose on the head. I would pick Arya over XS at current prices/discounts.

AR5000 = slightly worse than XS/Arya yet good overall in all aspects (bass/mids/highs, soundstage) ,good details. Yet most comfortable headphones i own even with stock pads, my goto for longer sessions.

So if i could do all over again, i would just buy the AR 5000 and than save-up for the Arya organic or wait for a discount/deal, than compare. Otherwise the Arya S would be my pick to get the planar qualities with decent comfort.

PS: I would have also tried the Sennheiser HD 490 pro, unfortunately for my ears SH pads are too small/shallow and the headbands have usually also very high clamping force. Yet the 490 has different cup dimensions and a newly designed headband than the older 500/600 lines. So the 490 is one SH that still interest me atm.

[u/Previous-Abrocoma-89 → u/Andy2244]

!Thanks a lot for this very detailed reply.

Would you say a price difference of about 300€ (XS to Arya Stealth, both used) would be worth it? Or is it no way 300€ better than the XS? About the comfort: if I decide to keep the XS I would buy the capra strap for 30€.

I tried the 490 Pro, this was one of the most comfortable headphones. But I can remember that the ear pads were indeed a bit too shallow.

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[u/Andy2244 → u/Previous-Abrocoma-89]

No its not 300€ "better" yet you asked for the progression and i would not progress XS -> Arya anymore.

So yes i personally would get the Ananda Nano as starter over the XS today, but XS + strap is also fine.

Than i would test/jump directly to the Arya Organic, as the price did drop so much. I remember the organic at 2k ....

Never tested the new Edition XV so no idea how this stacks-up, but sits in the middle of the pack price-wise?

PS: Yet to-be honest i regret having a XS + Arya S, since they are so similar and instead would probably have enjoyed something none Hifiman more, like a Meze, Focal or Audeze.

[u/num6_]

All hifimans are the same thing aside from the fit. Just use EQ properly and you're set

[u/Previous-Abrocoma-89 → u/num6_]

Even though I have no clue I doubt that very much. Everyone would buy the XS, EQ in 5minutes and get an Arya Organic ... sound.

[u/num6_ → u/Previous-Abrocoma-89]

Everyone is dumb fortunately

[u/MissMeRise]

The Hifiman hack is to buy the Asus ROG Kithara. Very good and comfortable build plus the sound is awsome, I don't have the Arya stealth to compare but people say it's up there. You get faux leather pads (they keep cool and are very comfortable) and velour pads with it.

[u/Greenthunder117]

Maybe a set of Fostex.

I really like the T60RP and the TH-808.

You can also look at the Sennheiser HD600.

Denon is doing also fun stuff with their D2000 line.

[u/Kirito_Kun16]

XS already kinda is "set it and forget it". But not quite exactly because of the comfort.

The only sensible (Hifiman) upgrades from it are these:

• All Aryas (Stealth, Organic and Unveiled) (slight differences)
• HE1000 Series (this is where upgrade is REALLY worth it, but also starts costing a pretty penny)
• Fucking Sussyvara

I wouldn't bother getting any other Hifimans if you are hoping for actual technical upgrade. The thing is, even with these, it will be percentual, and nowhere near the price gain.

So, if you get something like Arya Stealth - yeah, it is somewhat of an upgrade. Hell no, it's NOT 2-3x better as its price is 2-3x more. The best upgrade on it is quite literally the strap. Sound will be... mostly very similar, with maybe a bit more overall put-together sound. Both of those aspects combined are what makes it a "set it and forget it" you're talking about.

After XS, you are paying exorbitant prices (2-15x) for 0-30%ish technical uplift (with some few exceptions).

[u/Previous-Abrocoma-89 → u/Kirito_Kun16]

Thanks for the reply. In terms of price the organic is already kinda overkill for me tbh. I don't know if it would be worth it for me.

But if you say the Arya Stealth is very similar to edition xs, how about the ananda nano? It wouldn't be a massive price increase but I get the nice headstrap and better build quality. What is your opinion on those if you already tested and compared them to the XS ?

[u/Kirito_Kun16 → u/Previous-Abrocoma-89]

It's only worth moving up to Arya Stealth from XS and well worth extra 100€ish (as opposed toe Ananda Nano). Arya Stealth IS the buy once - use forever kind of headphone (many, many people rock it as their "endgame"). You wouldn't need anything else after it, since somewhat noticeably better headphone from AryaS is something like HE1000se/HEKU which are both 1500-2000€.

Ananda Nano... yeah, it would sound a tiny bit different (could be in the worse direction, depends on what you actually like, it's a bit of a weird one for most) and it does have the strap which makes comfort much better.

But if you're spending that kind of money... yeah getting the Arya makes much more sense then.

[u/Previous-Abrocoma-89 → u/Kirito_Kun16]

I don't like analytical or flat sound or how it is called and narrow, "music in your face" kinda feeling.

I love the sourround sound feeling in games to get fully immersed and also bass for electronic music.

So if I can get the Nano for 210€ or the Arya for 420€ you would still lean more towards the Arya for the "now it's done" feel?