Over-Ear
HiFiMAN Edition X V1
78Great
$1799
Full review dataHiFiMAN Edition X V1 vs STAX SR-009D: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the STAX SR-009D comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: STAX SR-009D - Outstanding overall at around $2640.
Over-Ear
STAX SR-009D
88Outstanding
$2640
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
HiFiMAN Edition X V1
Sound8.5
Value6.5
STAX SR-009D
Sound9.5
Value5.5
Specifications
| Spec | HiFiMAN Edition X V1 | STAX SR-009D |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1799 | $2640 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2016 | 2024 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | planar | push-pull electrostatic circular sound element |
| Driver size | 131.15 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 8Hz-50kHz | 5Hz-42kHz |
| Impedance | 25 Ω | 145000 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | - | none |
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Battery | ||
| Wireless charging | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| ANC type | - | none |
| Transparency mode | - | No |
| Companion app | - | No |
| Custom EQ | - | No |
| Wear detection | - | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 399 g | 594 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | - | No |
| Balanced connection | 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
STAX SR-009D
The STAX SR-009D is a premium electrostatic over-ear headphone that pushes the boundaries of high-fidelity audio with an exceptionally wide frequency response and transparent, detailed sound. Its open-back design and push-pull driver technology deliver a refined, airy presentation, but it demands a dedicated amplifier and a significant investment. This is a statement piece for audiophiles seeking the utmost in technical performance, not a casual listening device.
- Pro:Exceptional clarity and detail retrieval
- Pro:Very wide frequency range (5Hz-42kHz)
- Pro:Premium build quality with detachable cable
- Con:Requires specialized electrostatic amplifier
- Con:Very high price point
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound and offers no 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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