HiFiMAN Edition X V1 vs HiFiMAN Edition X V2: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the HiFiMAN Edition X V2 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 82. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: HiFiMAN Edition X V2 - Great overall at around $1299.

Over-Ear

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

HiFiMAN Edition X V2 leads on 2 of 4 measures.

HiFiMAN Edition X V1
HiFiMAN Edition X V2

HearWiki score

Sound

8.5

Value

6.5

Price (USD)

$1,800

$1,300

Specifications

Edition X V1Edition X V2

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $1,800; $1,300
HearWiki score: 78; 82
Released: 2016; 2016
Availability: Discontinued; Discontinued
Driver: 131.2 mm planar magnetic; 80 mm planar magnetic
Driver type: planar; planar
Driver size: 131.2 mm; 80 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: 8 Hz - 50 kHz; 8 Hz - 50 kHz
Sound signature: -; neutral
Impedance: 25 Ω; 25 Ω
Sensitivity: 103 dB/mW; -
Active noise cancelling: No; -
Weight: 399 g; 399 g
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
Balanced connection: Yes; Yes

Specification comparison of HiFiMAN Edition X V1 vs HiFiMAN Edition X V2
Spec	HiFiMAN Edition X V1	HiFiMAN Edition X V2
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$1,800	$1,300
HearWiki score	78 / 100 Great	82 / 100 Great
Released	2016	2016
Audio
Driver	131.2 mm planar magnetic	80 mm planar magnetic
Driver type	planar	planar
Driver size	131.2 mm	80 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	8 Hz - 50 kHz	8 Hz - 50 kHz
Sound signature	-	neutral
Impedance	25 Ω	25 Ω
Sensitivity	103 dB/mW	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	-
Design
Weight	399 g	399 g
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
Balanced connection	Yes	Yes

What reviewers said

HiFiMAN Edition X V1

The HiFiMAN Edition X V1 is a premium open-back planar magnetic headphone designed for serious home listening, offering a spacious and balanced sound with a slight warmth. Its low 25-ohm impedance makes it easy to drive from portable sources, while its comfortable build and included accessories add to its appeal, though its design is not suited for noisy or on-the-go environments. The headphone delivers a refined, smooth tonal character that suits critical listening sessions in quiet spaces.

Pro:Easy to drive from portable devices
Pro:Spacious and balanced soundstage
Pro:Comfortable for extended listening

Con:Strong sound leakage
Con:Poor isolation for noisy environments
Con:Large and bulky for travel

HiFiMAN Edition X V2

These open-back planar headphones deliver a clean, balanced sound with excellent detail retrieval and a wide soundstage. Their lightweight build and comfortable fit make them suitable for long listening sessions, while the low impedance allows them to be driven easily by portable sources. The tuning is neutral-leaning, offering accurate reproduction across the frequency range without excessive coloration.

Pro:Accurate, neutral tuning with clear treble
Pro:Excellent detail and instrument separation
Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear

Con:Expensive price point
Con:Bass extension could be more impactful for some
Con:Open-back design leaks sound and lacks isolation

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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