
HiFiMAN Edition Xv vs HiFiMAN Jade II: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the HiFiMAN Jade II comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 85. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Specifications
| Spec | HiFiMAN Edition Xv | HiFiMAN Jade II |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $399 | $690 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 85 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2025 | 2019 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | planar | Electrostatic |
| Driver size | 80 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 8Hz-50kHz | 7Hz-90kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bass-rolled neutral |
| Impedance | 12 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 92 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| Controls | none | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 452 g | 365 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| Balanced connection | Yes | - |
What reviewers said
HiFiMAN Edition Xv
The HiFiMAN Edition Xv is an open-back planar headphone that leans toward a warm, smooth sound with gentle treble and lush bass/mids, making it easy to listen to for extended sessions. It offers spacious, immersive staging and pairs well with modest gear, though its midrange can feel veiled or overly warm and its accessories and ergonomics don't match the sonic quality.
- Pro:Warm, forgiving tuning that's easy on the ears
- Pro:Spacious, immersive soundstage
- Pro:Comfortable for long listening despite weight
- Con:Midrange can sound veiled or less defined
- Con:Headband stiffness can affect fit
- Con:Build and accessories feel less premium than price suggests
HiFiMAN Jade II
The HiFiMAN Jade II is an over-ear electrostatic headphone that delivers a precise, airy sound with a lean bass response and excellent technical performance. Its ultra-wide frequency range and lightweight build make it a compelling option for listeners who prioritize clarity and detail over bass weight, though it requires a dedicated amplifier setup.
- Pro:Exceptional clarity and detail retrieval
- Pro:Very lightweight for an electrostatic model
- Pro:Wide, airy soundstage with fast transients
- Con:Bass is noticeably rolled off, lacking impact
- Con:Requires a specialized electrostatic amp, adding cost
- Con:Fit and comfort may vary due to thin earpads
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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