HiFiMAN is best known for their planar magnetic headphones, like their flagship HE1000. Last year they released the HE400s, a full-sized planar headphone that comes with a price tag of only $299 making it the cheapest planar headphone from the company. Now, the HiFiMAN Edition S is the new cheapest headphone from the company, but it’s not based on planar technology. Instead, the Edition S uses 50mm dynamic driver with a sensitivity rating of 97dB and impedance of 32 ohms. The most interesting part about this new headphone is that you can use it either as an open or closed-back headphone. More details from the official news below.
HiFiMAN Edition S Headphone Announced
HiFiMAN, a leading designer/manufacturer of high performance headphones and portable audio products, announced their first on-ear headphone, Edition S, for music lovers on the go. The new affordably priced, dynamic on-ear model features a removable logo cap on the ear cup, instantly transforming Edition S into your choice of open or closed back.
Headphone experts have long recognized the sonic benefits of an open back design while closed back headphones are often a necessity when traveling or listening in close quarters such as an airplane. HiFiMAN gives you the best of both worlds with an on-ear headphone that can go from one mode to simply by adding (or removing) the logo cap on the ear cup. Engineers have cleverly optimized the performance in each mode to make this not only possible but also quick and easy.
Performance
At the heart of the Edition S is a 50mm dynamic driver designed for full range frequency response with exceptional detail and imaging. With a sensitivity rating of 97dB and impedance of 32 ohms, the HiFiMAN on-ear headphone can be driven by most portable audio devices such as smartphones and iPods. Completing the connection, Edition S is fitted with a high performance Oxygen Free Copper cable that is 1.2 m long and terminated in a 3.5mm mini jack.
Comfort and Convenience
Edition S folds in a compact shape for easy carrying and comes supplied with a travel case. Weighing in at only 8 ½ ounces (340 grams), S can be worn comfortably for hours on end thanks to its light weight and padded headband. The ear cups and pads generally follow the shape of the human ear offering further comfort to the listener. A 6.35mm (1/4”) phone jack adapter is supplied allowing the owner to plug Edition S into portable or HiFi equipment.
According to HiFiMAN Founder and President, Dr. Fang Bian, “HiFiMAN has offered many popular full-size headphones and in-ear phones and have head requests for years for an on-ear model. Knowing that most on-ear models will be used in public situations such as an airplane, train or office, I knew I had to provide a closed back solution. However performance-minded listeners prefer open back for better sound. So with edition S, I am excited to offer a simple way that listeners can have both.”
HiFiMAN Eition S Key Features
- Open/Closed Back design by virtue of removable logo caps on ear cups.
- 50mm dynamic driver delivers best in class sonic performance
- 97 dB sensitivity allows Edition S to be driven by virtually any portable audio device including smartphones, iPods etc.
- Asymmetrical Ear Cups- form follows function as these ear cups are designed to contour to the shape of the human ear.
- Comfort- light weight combined with padded headband provides hours of listening pleasure no matter where you are
- High Performance cable – Oxygen Free Copper (OFC)
Price and Availability
The new HiFiMAN Edition S headphone is supplied with a travel case and will be shipping in February 2016 with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $249 USD. That’s $50 cheaper than the HE400s.
