Cracking deal at that price tbh, they're a very enjoyable and capable entry level planar and not particularly hard to run.
I tested them on a decade old Aune T1, which was an entry level DAC/AMP back in the day, they sounded fantastic.
Headphones died, new one needed
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Cracking deal at that price tbh, they're a very enjoyable and capable entry level planar and not particularly hard to run.
I tested them on a decade old Aune T1, which was an entry level DAC/AMP back in the day, they sounded fantastic.
It's not the DAC, it's the headphone amplifier. I had a google around and there's a few people that had good things to say about the X4 + Sundara combo, but some headphones need more power than others to shine or even run at all. It's arguable that a more powerful amplifier would make them sound better, but that doesn't mean they'll sound bad with your kit either.
Apologies for the double post.
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If I've run the numbers from the spec sheets correctly then it should be more than enough for them at levels that will give you tinnitus.
The dac is fine, the amplifier(both are in the x4) based on the spec sheet should also provide enough power for them. I'm just saying should and probably as I've not personally tried it myself.
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It's not always a volume thing either with power delivery, it can get complicated to the point people can over obsess over it however, it's one of the reasons I took a step back from the "audiophile" community.
I do think they'll be fine with that setup however, and they're fantastic headphones.
Should be fantastic for gaming too if using emulated surround via the X4.
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Caporegime
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The HiFiman Edition XS is £181.34 at the moment from China ! There is a £20 discount for everything over £159 so the final price is £161!
Caporegime
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I really wish you hadn't told me that.
I have it in my basket....going to order it this weekend lol
Oh, it's £193 after tax.
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That's still a good £100-130 less than they retail for in the UK.
I've used a lot of headphones over the years, a decent planar magnetic offers accuracy, soundstage, and depth that more traditional types of headphones don't come close to in my opinion. That's not to say all planars are good, or that other options are bad, but I've been a firm planar guy for my daily drivers for a decade now and I'll never go back outside of fun/nostalgia periods with music.
Everyone has different tastes, and we all hear a little differently, but it's a solid choice regardless.
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Caporegime
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I can't keep up with where everything sits in the Hifiman range, they're above the Sundara?
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They are, but some reason, in the last 6 months they have seen a big price drop. I watched a few reviews with them stating they are $500 in the reviews (3 years old).
So it's not less than £200...bargain. I also bought a replacement 4.4mm balanced cable to go with it so I can use it with my DAC. Total comes to £210.
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I think it's about £260 this side of the world, so about 20% cheaper.
I tend to buy from the rainforest or one or two other sites for returns purposes, going to have to look into that.
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Generally I do, but saving £70 is saving £70....
The good thing is you can pay after delivery on some items, this is one of them. I also use my credit card so have protection there.
Generally though, I stick to things like cables, adaptors, cheap phone cases. All under £10 stuff. But recently I have bought an OLED monitor and a DAC from there, both turned up fine. You just got to pick the right seller and hoping it isn't a scam. There is an Subreddit for it where people post scam stores/sellers.
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Those ones are the non-stealth magnets version. May or may not make a big difference, however most of the online reviews and impressions are usually of the ones with stealth magnets.