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Massdrop x HIFIMAN Edition XX Headphones
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Massdrop x HIFIMAN Edition XX Headphones
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Product Description
For those seeking a first-rate pair of planar magnetics, “XX” marks the spot. Our fourth collaboration with HIFIMAN, the Edition XX is a full-size, open-back headphone with the same basic shape and structure as its more expensive siblings: the HE1000, Edition X V2, and Ananda Read More
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keyboard_arrow_downmattris
1266
Keyboard Club Member
Nov 1, 2018
To owners of the HIFIMAN HE-4XX: The 4XX has massive potential. My advice is to hold off buying the Edition XX, as you can substantially improve the 4XX. These are the steps that I performed (UPDATED):
- Exchange the 4XX's stock pads with much more comfortable Razer Gel Pads (Amazon item B07ZHJ4WCT), which also increase the ear-space area for improved comfort and significantly larger sound-stage. (To use any aftermarket pads, you will need to acquire the official HIFIMan Velour or Pleather pads and use their removable pad-attachment rings.)
- Purchase a good DAC and powerful headphone amplifier - preferably one that has a balanced-out... or can output about 1W into 32 Ohms. Planar magnetic headphones also require significantly more current (Volts).
- To run the headphones balanced (for increased power and channel separation), you will have to purchase a compatible balanced cable. Make sure the cable has the right connectors: The latest units have 3.5mm connectors, but the original run had 2.5mm earcup connectors.
- EQ can be added using a program called Equalizer APO. EQ-ing is not necessary, but sub-bass can be extended by lowering other frequencies. Load my profile (below) only if you are using an amplifier, as you will need the power
(Edited)
lok777
50
Jan 21, 2020
mattrisI think my edition XX sounds better than my aivas. It is kind of weird that you are giving buying advice and listening comparisons on two things you not only do not own, but have not even heard. This post is total worthlessness from someone who has not even used the things he is giving "advice" about.............. It is kind of funny hearing all the glowing reviews about the sendy aivas by people who have heard........... zeos review but not the headphones themselves lol.
(Edited)
mattris
1266
Keyboard Club Member
Jan 21, 2020
lok777In my original post, I was "giving buying advice and listening comparisons" on things that I do own: The HIFIMAN HE-4XX, Brainwavz XL Earpads, and FiiO Q1 mkII. I have since performed additional pad swaps and listened to the headphones with more-powerful amplifiers... in both instances, with impressive results.
I have no doubt that the Edition XX sounds great. I was simply advising 4XX owners to try these mods - or upgrade their amp - before purchasing the XX.
If you have not heard the 4XX with these mods, it's really your post that is "total worthlessness".
CEE_TEE
3480
Oct 29, 2018
The Massdrop x HIFIMAN Edition XX Headphones will be our fifth collaboration with HIFIMAN and the most advanced. The lineage of these headphones should be apparent to fans of HIFIMAN as they use the same ear cup shape as the flagship headphones HE-1000 and Edition X. Never one to rest, Dr. Fang Bian has continued to iterate on planar magnetic drivers for years now, pushing the boundaries of magnets and membranes. The new drivers have a thickness of only 1 or 2 microns resulting in improved clarity and resolution.
What’s 1-2 micron thickness? Below is a 6 micron carbon strand set against a 100 micron human hair:
Drivers New Neo Super Nano Driver (NsD) with a thickness of only 1 or 2 microns resulting in improved clarity and resolution. This is an 80% thinner diaphragm compared to previous designs. For example a human hair is around 50 microns thick. New symmetric magnet structure is more efficient to manufacture. Easy to Drive Uniquely low impedance of 20 ohms which allows the headphones to be driven without a dedicated amp. Get excellent sound from a laptop or portable listening device. Better Cable New cable with more robust all metal connectors to the cup and an all-metal high quality plug. Proven Comfort Uses the same headband as the HE4XX. Same ear pads as Edition X V2: hybrid with fabric and synthetic leather. Value HIFIMAN flagship drivers at a more accessible price point. Sound As you can see in the comparison graph, Edition XX tuning follows in the footsteps of the HIFIMAN Edition X V2. What makes the sound special is the balanced and extended tonality (bass/mids/treble/air) PLUS resolution of the room details and space between sounds. Solid Black Line = Massdrop x HIFIMAN Edition XX
Dashed blue line = HIFIMAN Edition X V2
Dotted red line = HIFIMAN Edition X
Drivers New Neo Super Nano Driver (NsD) with a thickness of only 1 or 2 microns resulting in improved clarity and resolution. This is an 80% thinner diaphragm compared to previous designs. For example a human hair is around 50 microns thick. New symmetric magnet structure is more efficient to manufacture. Easy to Drive Uniquely low impedance of 20 ohms which allows the headphones to be driven without a dedicated amp. Get excellent sound from a laptop or portable listening device. Better Cable New cable with more robust all metal connectors to the cup and an all-metal high quality plug. Proven Comfort Uses the same headband as the HE4XX. Same ear pads as Edition X V2: hybrid with fabric and synthetic leather. Value HIFIMAN flagship drivers at a more accessible price point. Sound As you can see in the comparison graph, Edition XX tuning follows in the footsteps of the HIFIMAN Edition X V2. What makes the sound special is the balanced and extended tonality (bass/mids/treble/air) PLUS resolution of the room details and space between sounds. Solid Black Line = Massdrop x HIFIMAN Edition XX
Dashed blue line = HIFIMAN Edition X V2
Dotted red line = HIFIMAN Edition X
shoaibexpert
85
May 24, 2019
CEE_TEEHow do the symmetrical drivers (old versions) compare to the new asymmetrical magnes? You said these are FLAGSHIP HIFIMAN DRIVERS. Can you plz clarify which Flagship HiFiMan products do these match to and what can we expect more than the likes of say the Ananda or Aryas? Thanks
pslayer1
274
Nov 1, 2018
Tempting drop but will pass. Not passing due to value or product quality, it just isn't the next step up in my audio game. With my setup (MacBook Pro > Tidal > VMV D1 (balanced) > Liquid Carbon (balanced) > LCD-2c) the only way I figure getting to that next plateau of sound is to go flagship Focal (Utopia) or STAX (L700) or like product. Right now I'm very content with the 2c's.
Tigerman
412
Nov 6, 2018
Yeah it's so easy to go too far in support of your own views, and get personal, eh. Most people believe what they do for good reasons. But the internet is such a polarising environment. I hope we can find a solution to that before it kills us all.
Evshrug
3772
Community
Nov 7, 2018
TigermanHonestly, I think it will get better as more active users age. The majority of internet culture was formed by people in their teens and twenties... and its fair to assume younger age groups will generally always have more free time to spend on online social activities, but more and more of us will grow up and consider consequences of our actions.
It’s not a perfect plan, but I’ve seen a lot of Halo/CoD players grow out of trash talking and griefing. And gaining age and experience is inevitable. So... hopefully it will eventually moderate itself, to some small but widespread degree?
ericleckey
103
Nov 4, 2018
Last night I pulled the trigger on the Edition XX and am getting psyched. I have both the 6xx and 4xx. I really like the 6xx and I expected them to be my preferred headphone, but usually it's the 4xx that I reach for when in the mood to listen to music. The 6xx are great phones, they sound great, their build - fit and finish excellent, but I find after a while, I tire and am reminded I am wearing headphones, and I reach for the 4xx. For me the 4xx sound are the next level; though the difference is slightly more than subtle in that regard. The the biggest difference is it's "air", it's openness, and I forget I have them on and and just enjoy. With that in mind, my preference seems to be for the Hifiman Planar sound and so I am greatly anticipating these headphones. For those who have experience with the Edition X V2 any recommendation on an amp to pair it or what direction to go in that regard. I have read in some reviews, like for the DarkVoice, not to pair planars with them or a tube amp. Anyone have insight on this topic willing to share? Thanks.
Volly
328
Nov 24, 2018
This should be interesting, all your points are exactly what I'll be purposing the Pi for!
Very cool!
Boost
7
Nov 24, 2018
VollyFYI you should check the site http://www.modmypi.com
I was able to select the Iqaudio dac+pro, with the pi3 b+, the required case and power supply all for around $100. Now I feel like getting one. I do think the su-8 has a slight edge but the pi setup would be way more sleek. And the possibility of a upgraded power supply might even improve things further.
MadLustEnvy
298
Apr 9, 2019
Hi guys, I'm Mad Lust Envy on head-fi (just google Mad Lust Envy), and I have a big gaming headphone guide. I have recently reviewed the XX, and I'll go ahead and post it here as well. This is a direct paste so there may be formatting errors.
While my guide is aimed for gamers, my reviews are done in standard form unless stated otherwise (like when I use a surround dsp). For all intents and purposes, my opinions on the headphone are based on how they mainly sound in typical audiophile fashion. Music, and other media in a standard dac to amp method in pure, unprocessed stereo.
----------
----------
Massdrop x HiFiMAN Edition XX
Disclaimer: A special thanks to Massdrop for sending these out for reviewing purposes. As always, whether products are sent to me or not, I do my best in being 100% honest with my views and opinions. If I don't like a product, I will refuse to write a review of it, as I like to focus on products that people would like or at the very least are interested in. Thankfully, I rarely get questionable products, so the process of reviewing has been largely painless in that regard. In short, it's been quite a few years where I've made the decision to post only reviews about products I look at positively. The only bias I have is to my readers and making sure they know about the good stuff. On to the review!
Review posted first here. It has been an incredibly long time since I have last heard a product from HiFiMAN that wasn't my dearly beloved HE-400, the criminally underrated HE-4, or the RE0 iem from a very long time ago. Suffice to say, my experiences with HiFiMAN have been largely positive, though vastly outdated. You would think that in the many years since those releases, HiFiMAN would've been working on updating and improving their planarmagnetic technology. You'd be correct, as they have built up a strong lineage with highly regarded headphones like the HE-500, HE-560, Edition X, and many other popular models. The Edition XX (this point forward, I'll simply be calling it the XX ) marks one of a few ventures where HiFiMAN and Massdrop have joined forces to release special models under the Massdrop umbrella. A team-up with the intention to release a higher fidelity sound at a lower price point. The XX shares a similar driver and cup design as the Edition X and HE-1000 headphones, with the older style headband designs of the past used in models like the HE-4, HE-400, HE-6, HE-500. Personally, I would've liked the XX to have used the newer style headbands, considering they have already used it on some of their other Massdrop variants. That, and because I have never experienced the newer headband designs. That being said, I never had any real issues with the original headband design. If it was good enough for highly regarded headphones like the HE-6, it's good enough for the Edition XX, though visually, the older headband paired with the new cup design looks a bit different in terms of design language. That being said, the most important thing for any headphone is the drivers, which the XX absolutely nails. Build Quality: As some of you have most likely noticed from the previous section, the XX shares most traits of its build with the Edition X, HE-1000, and other HFM headphones of that higher caliber, with the headband design of the older models. Let's start there. Headband:
Final Impressions: Sonically speaking, I can't find much fault here. It isn't perfect, and the balanced, slightly laid back sound will not best the more specialized headphones in terms of basshead uses, detail orientation, midrange-centric duties, etc. The price of having a broad spectrum of things well usually means it won't be the best in any one thing, but it also allows the XX to be more appealing to a larger crowd. Those who want a headphone that does well in most areas overall. If detail retrieval and clinical analysis is the most important aspect to you, there are better options, at lesser cost. However, the total amount of strengths the XX has in most aspects of sound far outweigh the negative traits. The more time I spend with the XX, the more I fall in love with its inherent characteristics. The Edition XX is one of those headphones that make me feel like they're the only one I'd ever need at home. Massdrop and HiFiMAN have given us a truly spectacular headphone overall. ---------- ----------
Disclaimer: A special thanks to Massdrop for sending these out for reviewing purposes. As always, whether products are sent to me or not, I do my best in being 100% honest with my views and opinions. If I don't like a product, I will refuse to write a review of it, as I like to focus on products that people would like or at the very least are interested in. Thankfully, I rarely get questionable products, so the process of reviewing has been largely painless in that regard. In short, it's been quite a few years where I've made the decision to post only reviews about products I look at positively. The only bias I have is to my readers and making sure they know about the good stuff. On to the review!
Review posted first here. It has been an incredibly long time since I have last heard a product from HiFiMAN that wasn't my dearly beloved HE-400, the criminally underrated HE-4, or the RE0 iem from a very long time ago. Suffice to say, my experiences with HiFiMAN have been largely positive, though vastly outdated. You would think that in the many years since those releases, HiFiMAN would've been working on updating and improving their planarmagnetic technology. You'd be correct, as they have built up a strong lineage with highly regarded headphones like the HE-500, HE-560, Edition X, and many other popular models. The Edition XX (this point forward, I'll simply be calling it the XX ) marks one of a few ventures where HiFiMAN and Massdrop have joined forces to release special models under the Massdrop umbrella. A team-up with the intention to release a higher fidelity sound at a lower price point. The XX shares a similar driver and cup design as the Edition X and HE-1000 headphones, with the older style headband designs of the past used in models like the HE-4, HE-400, HE-6, HE-500. Personally, I would've liked the XX to have used the newer style headbands, considering they have already used it on some of their other Massdrop variants. That, and because I have never experienced the newer headband designs. That being said, I never had any real issues with the original headband design. If it was good enough for highly regarded headphones like the HE-6, it's good enough for the Edition XX, though visually, the older headband paired with the new cup design looks a bit different in terms of design language. That being said, the most important thing for any headphone is the drivers, which the XX absolutely nails. Build Quality: As some of you have most likely noticed from the previous section, the XX shares most traits of its build with the Edition X, HE-1000, and other HFM headphones of that higher caliber, with the headband design of the older models. Let's start there. Headband:
- Soundstage height and depth
- Tonal balance/sound signature
- Bass in all regards from texture, speed, and quantity
- Non-fatiguing even with good treble extension
- Comfort
- That planarmagnetic 'magic'
- Imaging/object definition could be sharper
- 7-9khz valley
- Slightly distant vocals
- Size extension hard to adjust
Final Impressions: Sonically speaking, I can't find much fault here. It isn't perfect, and the balanced, slightly laid back sound will not best the more specialized headphones in terms of basshead uses, detail orientation, midrange-centric duties, etc. The price of having a broad spectrum of things well usually means it won't be the best in any one thing, but it also allows the XX to be more appealing to a larger crowd. Those who want a headphone that does well in most areas overall. If detail retrieval and clinical analysis is the most important aspect to you, there are better options, at lesser cost. However, the total amount of strengths the XX has in most aspects of sound far outweigh the negative traits. The more time I spend with the XX, the more I fall in love with its inherent characteristics. The Edition XX is one of those headphones that make me feel like they're the only one I'd ever need at home. Massdrop and HiFiMAN have given us a truly spectacular headphone overall. ---------- ----------
(Edited)
Phoneheadfan
May 21, 2019
MadLustEnvyPhenomenal write up! I cannot believe you went to that depth. I’m Hifiearspeakers on Head-Fi and have always appreciated your posts! Keep up the good work!
Waynerey
100
May 23, 2019
MadLustEnvyA great review. I agree with you about the soundstaging and imaging of these phones. Of all things, I have never experienced sound as presented by the Edition XXs It is almost holographic, the sound sometimes seems to go just behind my ears, almost to the back of my head. Sometimes it seems that the sound is emanating from within the center of my brain, more like I was participating in the act of creation. The sound just rises up into the ether and surrounds me. It is uncanny. At first hearing I found it a bit off putting, now I revel in this presentation. I just really love these phones. Your review is very detailed and informative. A great contribution to the thread.
Pakalini
26
Dec 10, 2019
Oluv just mentioned in his YouTube channel comment section 1 week ago that he owns a pair of EDITION XX and it is not worth having as Elex is a better option in his opinion. Now me not buying this anymore, unless a marginaly bigger discount happens :/:/ 😂😂😂 $350 is my best bet.
(Edited)
Muscle_Cow
928
Jan 8, 2020
I recently upgraded to a Balanced DAC (Topping D70) and run it through my THX 789 and it is wonderful.
I would be equally excited to get them both!!
Long term goal for my amp would be to get to iFi Audio Pro iCAN - That way I can have a badass solid state and tubes in one... at least that's what I am thinking long term for now, but by the time I am ready for that move I might change my mind :>
https://www.headphones.com/collections/desktop-amps-dacs/products/ifi-audio-pro-ican
lok777
50
Jan 9, 2020
Muscle_CowI was really not sure about the difference the THX amp/Dac would make but I am very happy with it, the bass is very noticeable, and everything sounds, just, better in every way- after just a day with it anyways. That thing is sweet, it would be nice to have both in one esp. if you have a wide variety of headphones.
ProfessorPat
380
Oct 30, 2018
So Massdrop is picking up all of those crappy old headbands left over after Hifiman decided they sucked and changed it twice to fix it? Why else would we not get the band that all of the new models get?
The diaphragms are 1 or 2 microns thick? You’re not sure? What is that mess about? Are we not using a uniform size from driver to driver?
And impedance has absolutely nothing to do with efficiency. Why pretend that it does? Are you trying to cover for Hifiman consistently being one of the least efficient brands out there?
Not so much an issue as an annoyance, but I see Hifiman is still using 3 pole plugs for a 2 pole connection... are they cheaper? Sennheiser doesn’t waste a stereo plug on a driver connection. Even Monoprice doesn’t do that. What’s with the weird cables? Trying to scare people into only buying HFM cables?
Maybe they’re great, but this is a bad first impression for these, adding to my bad impression of Hifiman from last time around.
I think Audeze is still my next step in the planar world at this point...
Squee
183
Oct 30, 2018
That's all totally valid, and I think probably easier to digest as constructive criticism. I do know that the HEX in particular is efficient enough to run well off mobile devices, and if this continues in that line, I'd expect the claim to be atleast semi-accurate, though actual sensitivity numbers, like you mentioned (in either measurement) would go a long way in helping readers determine if it fits their needs. I've also used cables from my EMU Teaks to run the HE4xx and HE400i with no problem, just to add on to your concern with cables. However, with the move to 3.5mm from 2.5mm, I don't know if that assumption would/should carry over.
ProfessorPat
380
Oct 30, 2018
SqueeI can’t think of any logical way to run a third wire short of a shield and there’s no way to connect the other end on a TRS plug without dumping it on your ground wire, and a floating shield wouldn’t accomplish much when running to the ungrounded end of things. It’s highly likely it’s still an unused ring terminal on a 3.5mm plug.
Would be nice to confirm, but it’s pretty highly likely that it’s the same setup.
khaja-724612
201
Nov 3, 2018
It's time for Massdrop Audeze LCD XX. I am wondering why not a single product from Audeze so far in Massdrop?
Pakalini
26
Nov 27, 2019
350sold only. These doesn't sell well. I wonder why? Waiting for discount, been 1 year lol.
(Edited)
Davestef
239
Dec 4, 2019
PakaliniIt’s no hd8xx like the hd6xx is a hd650 clone. So people know what they’re getting.
Megazine
544
Mar 12, 2019
Review #2 by Metal579: Metal579 just uploaded his review for the Massdrop Hifiman Edition XX. Massdrop sent him a review unit directly, and he states that they are from the final production model. Here are some takeaways:
https://youtu.be/qLjzU52NPLE
- They are not worth their price at $599 (overpriced in terms of performance)
- Deeper bass extension than 4XX
- Very low satisfying bass
- They are not on par with the Edition X V2
- Has a slight grainy sound for the price
- Soundstage is very large
- Soundstage seem to be coming vertically as well as from left and right
- Mixed recommendation
- Hi’s slightly forward
- Uppermids more aggressive than the LCD-2C
- Not a large step forward over the 4XX
https://youtu.be/qLjzU52NPLE
Megazine
544
Jul 6, 2019
I find them to be warm, slightly dark. I love that the highs aren't too bright compared to my other cans like TX-00. Sound stage isn't super large but what's really cool about them is that they add hight to the sound--weird right?! I feel they make my music more immersive, maybe it's artificial but so enjoyable. Bass extension is excellent.
ShawnP.Watson
155
Jul 7, 2019
MegazineI was listening to the XX last night for several hours and it occurred to me that I'd simply forgotten I was wearing headphones. I was so completely involved that the Edition XX headphones disappeared. And I was considering then how relaxing a listen the XX was and how it sort of reminded me of the HD6XX when I first got to know them--only a lot better. Yes, the XX is ever so slightly dark and warm. I listen through my iFi Micro iDSD Black Label and when I hit the 3D+ switch, the sound stage increases of course, and a little sparkle in the treble comes through....and it's just PERFECT! It's exactly how I felt about the HD6XX. I really think anyone who likes the HD650 but is looking for an across-the-board upgrade should consider Edition XX. I concur with your comments Megazine about "slightly dark and warm".
(Edited)
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