When it comes to planar magnetic headphones, Hifiman is one of the most recognized brands in the industry. The Hifiman Edition XS, launched in 2021 as the third generation of the Edition X-series, is among their most popular offerings. It is the most affordable model in Hifiman’s oval “egg-shaped” lineup, which began with the HE1000. Featuring a dual-sided magnet driver with aerodynamically designed “stealth magnets” and the ultra-thin “Neo Super-Nano Diaphragm,” the Edition XS delivers high-performance audio. While its list price is $499, the Hifiman Edition XS has recently been available for as low as $269.
FiiO may be a newcomer to the world of over-ear headphones, having entered the market in 2023, but they have already delivered several noteworthy models, including the standout closed-back FT1. In late 2024, FiiO introduced the $199 FT1 PRO, their second full-size planar magnetic headphone. While the FT1 PRO shares a similar build and design to the acclaimed dynamic driver closed-back FT1, it stands apart in two key aspects: it features a planar magnetic driver and adopts an open-back design.
FIIO FT1 PRO SPECIFICATIONS
- Driver: Planar magnetic
- Impedance: 20 ohms
- Sensitivity: 95 dB/mW @ 1 kHz
- Headphone cable connector: dual 3.5 mm TRS
- Weight: 375 grams / 9.4 oz
- Detachable cables with 3.5mm connectors on headphones
Current price and availability:
- Amazon: FiiO FT1 PRO
- AliExpress: FiiO FT1 PRO
HIFIMAN EDITION XS SPECIFICATIONS
- Open back circumaural type
- Planar Magnetic Drivers with Stealth magnets and NEO Supernano Diaphragm
- Dual-sided magnet driver
- Impedance: 18Ω
- Frequency response range: 8Hz-50kHz
- Sensitivity: 92 dB
- Weight: 405 grams
- Detachable cable with 3.5 mm TRS connectors on headphones
- Included cable: 1.5m single-ended 3.5mm with 6.35mm adapter
Current price and availability:
- Amazon: Edition XS
BUILD AND COMFORT
The FT1 PRO has significantly better build quality than the Edition XS. Its headband feels sturdier, offers greater adjustability to fit a wider range of head sizes, and the yokes provide more swivel action. The entire headband and yoke assembly on the FT1 PRO not only looks and feels more robust but also appears to be more reliable and noticeably easier to repair than that of the Edition XS.
The cup housings on the FiiO FT1 PRO also appear to be of higher quality than those of the Edition XS. The ear pads are better made, and a notable advantage is that the FiiO supports standard lip-attachment circular pads, making replacements and customization easier. In contrast, the XS uses Hifiman’s proprietary egg-shaped pads, which are unique to their lineup. While there are plenty of third-party options available for the XS in various price ranges, the FiiO’s compatibility with standard pads is a large plus.
In terms of comfort, I personally prefer the FiiO FT1 PRO. The XS is almost too large for my head, and I find its egg-shaped cups slightly oversized. The FiiO, on the other hand, offers more adjustability in every direction, making it easier to achieve a comfortable fit. As for the headband, both models work well with the shape of my head, but it’s not uncommon to add a third-party strap for additional comfort on either headphone.
LISTENING COMPARISONS
I’ve found the FT1 PRO to not be a perfect match with all amplifiers, and my usual Topping A90 occasionally made it sound slightly shouty. It is just a very small tendency, and most amps didn’t do this, though. The XS didn’t have this problem, but generally I find it tends to sound better with warmer sounding amps. Anyway, I primarily used the Rebel Amp and the Monolith THX 887 AAA amps for this comparison (both normally neutral to slightly warm sounding). The RME ADI-2 DAC FS was used as a source. Both the XS and the FT1 PRO had the original pads.
Georgia Lee by Tom Waits
The XS offers immense detail and an exceptionally large soundstage, encompassing impressive height, width, and depth. Switching to the FT1 Pro, the soundstage becomes smaller with less precise imaging. The background feels less clean, and the overall presentation lacks the expansive feel of the XS.
However, the FT1 Pro compensates with a richer, more substantial sound. Vocals are noticeably fuller and thicker, delivering a sense of weight and presence, though not necessarily warmer—just more robust.
Graceful Touch by Tord Gustavsen
This delicate piano trio piece feels remarkably spacious with the XS. It has an exceptional imaging too. While the FT1 Pro can’t match the XS in raw imaging precision, it brings the piano more forward, creating a closer, more intimate listening experience.
Midnight City by M83
This electronic pop-rock crossover sounds excellent on the FT1 Pro, with tight, well-defined bass. The XS also delivers impressive bass, but its comparative strengths lie in its cleaner, more detailed overall presentation. That said, the XS might come across as slightly too clinical for some, depending on personal preference. The FT1 Pro offers a more forgiving sound, allowing me to play louder listening with less fatigue.
Bullet In The Head by Rage Against The Machine
The XS impresses with its technically superior performance, delivering a sound that feels distinctly more hi-fi. It’s a more refined listening experience than what the FT1 PRO has to offer.
Sunrise by Norah Jones / Eye of the Day by Marta del Grandi
On these two female vocals-dominated tracks, the XS and FT1 Pro sound quite similar, with vocals equally present and forward on both headphones. However, the XS distinguishes itself with a more spacious and cleaner presentation.
Jambi by Tool
On this track, the XS and FT1 Pro sound radically dissimilar. While their tonality isn’t drastically different, the XS excels with a significantly better soundstage, separation, and overall precision. The FT1 Pro feels flatter and more smeared, lacking the XS’s clarity and definition.
Almost Like The Blues by Leonard Cohen
On this track, the two headphones sound more similar. The FT1 Pro delivers a thicker, fuller sound, while the XS again stands out with greater detail, a more expansive soundstage, and superior imaging.
Mahler’s Symphony No 2 III by Paavo Järvi
Again, the tonal balance is pretty similar, but the FT1 PRO is thicker, the XS cleaner.
Young Vivaldi RV 820 Allegro Adagio by Modo Antiquo
Even though the XS is cleaner and clearly more technically capable, the FT1 Pro has an enjoyable, bolder quality. Its rather intimate presentation can feel more engaging with some music.
WRAPPING IT UP
Sound Signature
In terms of tonal balance, the Hifiman XS and the FiiO FT1 PRO are both very neutral and do not have any obvious colourations.
Treble
While the FT1 PRO is good, the XS is significantly cleaner. They’re relatively equal in terms of treble weight.
Midrange
The FT1 PRO often gives the impression of a thicker midrange compared to the XS. However, this is not due to an actual elevation in the frequency response but rather a result of its technical limitations.
Bass
Both have excellent bass quality and are neutral and well balanced in terms of quantity.
Soundstage and Imaging
The XS boasts one of the largest soundstages available, regardless of price, with significantly greater height and depth compared to the FT1 PRO. When it comes to imaging capabilities, there is no contest—the XS delivers pinpoint accuracy, superior instrument separation, and a noticeably blacker background. While the FT1 PRO performs well on its own, it becomes clear in direct comparison that it falls short of the XS’s exceptional technical performance.
Detail, Dynamics, and Timbre
In terms of detail retrieval, the FT1 PRO performs well, but the XS is significantly better. It also offers greater dynamic contrast. However, the FT1 PRO can allow for higher listening volumes without fatigue, and might provide a more “massive” experience.
Tonally, the two are quite similar, though the FT1 PRO leans towards a thicker, fuller sound, whereas the XS has a cleaner and slightly thinner presentation. The FT1 PRO is more forgiving and feels a bit bold and robust, while the XS excels in precision and refinement.
CONCLUSION
The Hifiman XS and FiiO FT1 PRO share a similar tuning but differ significantly in technical performance. In areas such as detail retrieval, dynamics, soundstage, and imaging, the XS is superior. It previously cost more than twice the price of the FT1 PRO, and even though it’s been priced much lower recently, the XS still delivers a listening experience well with the original $499 price.
That said, the FT1 PRO is still a thoroughly enjoyable headphone in its own right. Some listeners might even prefer its bolder and more upfront presentation, despite it being less revealing than the XS. On its own, the FT1 PRO still delivers impressive detail, a pleasant soundstage, and solid imaging. However, when directly compared, the XS highlights the areas where the FT1 PRO falls short. For its price, the FT1 PRO is excellent, but as mentioned, the more expensive XS represents a noticeable step up in key aspects.
When it comes to design and build quality, the roles are reversed. The XS feels somewhat cheap and has a few potential weak points in its construction. On the other hand, the FT1 PRO feels more robust and well-built. Comfort is subjective, but I personally find the FT1 PRO more comfortable for extended use. While durability is always tricky to predict, I’d place my bets on the FT1 PRO outlasting the XS over time.
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