Is the HiFiMAN Edition X V1 worth the upgrade from the HiFiMAN Edition X V2?
Verdict
Downgrade
The HiFiMAN Edition X V1 actually scores 4.0 points below the HiFiMAN Edition X V2, so on aggregate review consensus this is a step backwards. None of the shared sub-scores move by more than half a point, so the two behave very similarly on the things reviewers measure. On paper: driver size 80 mm to 131.2 mm. Worth checking: active noise cancelling goes No to No. And it costs $500 more for a lower score, which is hard to justify on the data alone. Only worth it if a specific feature above matters more to you than overall quality does.
What actually changes
Sub-scores both products have, on the same 0-10 scale. Bars extend right for a gain, left for a loss.
- Sound8.58.5
- Value6.56.5
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | Edition X V2 | Edition X V1 | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active noise cancelling | No | No | |
| Driver size | 80 mm | 131.2 mm | |
| Driver | 80 mm planar magnetic | 131.2 mm planar magnetic |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "Edition X V2 to Edition X V1". The other direction is a separate question with a different answer. Scores blend published review verdicts across over-ear and shift as new reviews land, so a marginal call today may not be one next quarter.