Over-Ear
HiFiMAN Edition Xs
82Great
$209
Full review dataHiFiMAN Edition Xs vs Nectar Hive: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Nectar Hive comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 85. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Nectar Hive - Outstanding overall at around $197.
Over-Ear
Nectar Hive
85Outstanding
$197
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
HiFiMAN Edition Xs
Sound8.5
Value8.0
Nectar Hive
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | HiFiMAN Edition Xs | Nectar Hive |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $209 | $197 |
| HearWiki score | 82 / 100 · Great | 85 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2022 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | planar | Electrostatic |
| Driver size | 80 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 2 | - |
| Frequency response | 8Hz-50kHz | 20Hz-7kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 18 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 92 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| Controls | none | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 405 g | 370 g |
| Foldable | No | - |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | - |
| Balanced connection | Yes | - |
What reviewers said
HiFiMAN Edition Xs
The HiFiMAN Edition XS is a budget-friendly planar magnetic headphone that delivers impressive soundstage width, strong detail retrieval, and solid bass response for the price. It's best enjoyed in a stationary setting, as its open-back design leaks sound and the fit can be inconsistent, while its bright treble may not appeal to all listeners.
- Pro:Excellent value for planar performance
- Pro:Wide, open soundstage with good imaging
- Pro:Strong detail and fast transient response
- Con:Comfort can vary due to headband design
- Con:Bright upper treble may cause fatigue
- Con:Significant sound leakage; not portable-friendly
Nectar Hive
The Nectar Hive is a wired electrostatic over-ear headphone priced around $600, weighing just 370 grams. It delivers a bright neutral sound signature with a frequency response spanning 20Hz to 7kHz, offering a detailed and airy presentation that leans toward analytical clarity. This model earns high marks for its tonal balance and technical performance, making it a strong contender in its price bracket for listeners who prefer a crisp, revealing sound.
- Pro:Excellent tonal accuracy and neutrality
- Pro:Impressive technical detail retrieval
- Pro:Featherweight design for comfort
- Con:Bright tilt may be fatiguing for some
- Con:Limited bass impact due to electrostatic nature
- Con:Requires dedicated amplifier for proper use
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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