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HiFiMan Edition XS — Planar magnetic
HiFiMan

HiFiMan Edition XS

Planar magnetic

88
/ 100
From $499
VS
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro — Open-back
Beyerdynamic

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro

Open-back

88
/ 100
From $599
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, HiFiMan Edition XS lands at 88 and Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro at 88. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick HiFiMan Edition XS if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal

Pick Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Tie

Tuning, detail, and staging

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Noise cancelling

Tie

ANC strength for commute and travel

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Comfort

Tie

Long-session wearability

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

HiFiMan Edition XS

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

HiFiMan Edition XS more score per dollar ($499 vs $599).

HiFiMan Edition XS 88
vs
88 Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro

Score breakdown

HiFiMan Edition XS
88
anc 0
sound 88
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro
88
anc 0
sound 88
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

HiFiMan Edition XS versus Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro — full spec comparison
Spec HiFiMan Edition XS Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro
Type
Planar magnetic
Open-back

HiFiMan Edition XS

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

FAQ: HiFiMan Edition XS vs Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro

Which is better, HiFiMan Edition XS or Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro? +

Both score 88 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is HiFiMan Edition XS worth the price? +

At $499, HiFiMan Edition XS delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in battery.

Is Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro worth the price? +

At $599, Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in battery.

Does HiFiMan Edition XS or Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is the better value, HiFiMan Edition XS or Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro? +

HiFiMan Edition XS — more score per dollar ($499 vs $599). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.