Is the HiFiMAN Edition X V2 worth the upgrade from the Sony WH-1000XM6?
Verdict
Downgrade
The HiFiMAN Edition X V2 actually scores 6.0 points below the Sony WH-1000XM6, so on aggregate review consensus this is a step backwards. The gains are concentrated in sound (8.0 to 8.5). You do give up ground on value (7.5 to 6.5). On paper: driver size 30 mm to 80 mm. Worth checking: active noise cancelling goes Yes to No and weight goes 254 g to 399 g. And it costs $899 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.
- Sound8.08.5
- Value7.56.5
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | WH-1000XM6 | Edition X V2 | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | No | |
| Weight | 254 g | 399 g | |
| Driver size | 30 mm | 80 mm | |
| Driver | 30 mm dynamic | 80 mm planar magnetic | |
| Frequency response | 4 Hz - 40 kHz | 8 Hz - 50 kHz |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "WH-1000XM6 to Edition X V2". 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.