Our audio expert has reviewed what may be EDIFIER’s most ambitious headphones yet. Read his thoughts below.
EDIFIER is a brand that has been impressing me for months. Alongside Anker (the company behind Soundcore), they have made me reconsider my view of their products. I made this clear in my review of the Soundcore Boom 2. Regarding Anker, I’ve previously said that the amazing EDIFIER W820NB is an excellent choice for budget-friendly over-ear headphones.
However, the EDIFIER Stax Spirit S5 that we are reviewing today is an entirely different animal. I’ll explain myself before diving into the details without spoiling anything. Last year, I reviewed the previous generation, the EDIFIER Stax Spirit S3, analyzing them as if they were just another pair of headphones for everyday use. This perspective was a mistake on my part.
I will elaborate on my reasons later, but I must say that I now grasp the concept of the Stax Spirit S5. This time, my testing approach has completely shifted, and I have discovered a product of even more impressive quality than I initially anticipated.
+ Pros
- Planar drivers, flat response
- Exquisite sound
- Designed with audiophiles in mind
- Extensive app control
- Very comfortable despite their size
- Excellent battery life
– Cons
- Not primarily designed for daily urban use.
- Only passive noise cancellation
100Over 100
EDIFIER Stax Spirit S5 Price and Where to Buy
The EDIFIER Stax Spirit S5 can be purchased from distributors such as Amazon and the official distributor of the brand in our country.
Zococity (official EDIFIER distributor in Spain) | Buy EDIFIER Stax Spirit S5 (€499.99)
Technical Specifications
| Specs | |
|---|---|
Design
The EDIFIER Stax Spirit S5 inside its carrying case | Image: Sergio Agudo
If the Stax Spirit S3 already seemed like a love letter to high-end audio, the truth is that these Stax Spirit S5 confidently present themselves, suggesting that they are so elegant that you should wear them with a suit. While there is still plastic, the addition of what resembles metal in the headband gives them a completely different feel.
Like the previous model, we encounter a neat carrying case with a simple, understated design featuring “Stax Spirit” in gold lettering. Even this detail indicates that we are facing a unit that proudly declares its “premium” status.
Diving into the design of the headphones, we again find foldable ear pads that significantly assist with ear adjustment. They are incredibly ergonomic, ensuring comfort for extended wear. Additionally, they are completely mobile and foldable, which greatly facilitates the storage of these large headphones.
Detail of the carrying case | Image: Sergio Agudo
Another improvement in the Stax Spirit S5 is that now, when I take them off, the rotation of the ear cups no longer exposes the drivers nor does it leave the headphones resting on the skin, but rather on the clothing. The materials used no longer produce unwanted noise during listening, and the mesh pads help maintain “cool” ears.
These pads require installation, but EDIFIER has included instructions for this in the box. The headphones come with replacement ear pads made of genuine sheepskin, which also provide good passive noise cancellation.
Sound Quality
Detail of the planar driver | Image: Sergio Agudo
This is where I can finally say that I have grasped the concept of these headphones. Earlier, I mentioned that I approached the analysis of the EDIFIER Stax Spirit S3 as if they were just any headphones for everyday use, and that was a significant miscalculation. I not only reiterate this but will now explain in detail why.
Many of you who are reading this may not recall that many years ago, high-fidelity music systems were commonplace in homes. These setups often included headphones of the same caliber for a complete listening experience. The concept behind the Stax Spirit S5 (as well as its predecessor) is to bring back the audiophile audience, but with a modern twist. Today’s sensibilities are different from those of 30 or 40 years ago, which means that wireless capability is a necessity.
This is what initially deterred me from these headphones, and that’s why I treated them differently, likely out of habit and professional conditioning. They incorporate planar magnetic drivers again, but in this model, they are significantly refined. The listening experience is simply exquisite; I cannot find any faults.
Headphones with their accessories | Image: Sergio Agudo
What we have here is the closest Bluetooth headphones can achieve to flat response. You can say it louder, but not clearer. We can appreciate in full any genre thrown at them; these headphones handle it all: instrumental piano, classical, jazz, metal, punk rock, hardcore techno… I’ve tested them with my diverse musical preferences, and they excelled across the board.
Additionally, they can be connected via cable to any device with a jack connector (3.5 mm as standard, but with an adapter, they can connect to a 5.25 mm one). This means that we can use the EDIFIER Stax Spirit S5 to listen to CDs or vinyl on a classic audio system. They can even be connected to a PC via a jack to enjoy music through lossless services like Tidal and make the most of the quality these services provide. Keep in mind that music played over Bluetooth is always compressed due to the inherent limitations of wireless bandwidth; using a cable mitigates this issue.
I was also pleasantly surprised by how well they performed with my Nintendo Switch. Experiencing your games through the EDIFIER Stax Spirit S5 is completely different from using other TWS earphones.
Software and Controls
With these headphones, we bid farewell to EDIFIER Connect in favor of a completely new app: EDIFIER ConneX. I must say, while I found the previous app redundant, this one feels much more engaging when interacting with our headphones.
The first significant change is that the manufacturer’s attempts to upsell additional items are gone. I disliked this aspect of EDIFIER Connect, finding the advertising unnecessary, and I’m glad they removed it.
The sound adjustment based on the type of pads we are using still exists, but there’s another crucial feature to note: we can now fully customize the equalization. While there are still presets, we can delve into a 4-band graphic EQ where (and here is where the sound engineer in me got excited) you can select the frequency range for each band and even manipulate the Q factor.
So, what is the Q factor? Think of the equalizer as a line with four points, each representing one of the EQ bands in the app. When we adjust the decibels of each, a curve is created. The Q factor represents how wide or narrow that curve is, affecting broader or narrower sections of the auditory spectrum based on the factor used.
While it’s not a parametric EQ like what you’d find in a DAW, it’s the first time I’ve seen a Bluetooth headset with such comprehensive equalization options. I am genuinely impressed.
Battery and Charging
Detail of the charging connector, the jack connector, and the control buttons | Image: Sergio Agudo
Just like their predecessors, these headphones have incredible battery life. Since I began testing them, they have not needed a recharge, and I suspect I’ve exceeded the promised 80 hours of playback (which is impressive by itself).
As I’ve highlighted throughout this review, everything about the Stax Spirit S5 is exceptional. Their battery life is no exception. The goal is to charge them, listen, and then forget about plugging in for an extended time. This objective has certainly been achieved.
Best Alternatives to Edifier Stax Spirit S5
First, I recommend the Teufel Real Blue Pro for its performance and because it’s in the same price range. I had the opportunity to review them, and they are more oriented towards everyday urban use. They lack planar drivers, but they deliver excellent sound quality and breathtaking ANC.
Secondly, I must mention the Sony WH-1000XM5, which are undoubtedly still the most appealing over-ear Bluetooth headphones available today. They feature Active Noise Cancellation and Sony’s proprietary LDAC system.
Conclusion
These headphones are not for everyone. Allow me to clarify. They are exceptional, they are amazing, they are the best I have experienced in my ears so far this year, and they have satisfied all the quirks of my discerning ears. Their customization capabilities reach heights I did not expect from a product of this kind. It is precisely for this reason that, although I recommend them wholeheartedly, I firmly believe that not everyone will appreciate everything they have to offer.
If you have the budget and ears as discerning as mine, don’t hesitate to take the plunge. However, if you are merely seeking headphones for basic music listening, you may want to consider simpler options. I don’t want to sound elitist, but these headphones genuinely possess exceptional qualities.
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Our audio expert has reviewed what may be EDIFIER’s most ambitious headphones yet. Read his thoughts below.
EDIFIER is a brand that has been surprising me for months. Their innovation in the audio space, alongside brands like Anker, has begun to redirect my perception of their product line. This sentiment was echoed in my earlier review of the Soundcore Boom 2 by Anker, which impressed me not only with its sound but also with its price point. In the case of EDIFIER, I have already recommended the W820NB as a fantastic budget over-ear headphone option.
However, the EDIFIER Stax Spirit S5 that we are evaluating today represents a significant leap forward in audio quality. Reviewing the previous generation model, the Stax Spirit S3, led me to view it merely as a casual listening device. I realize now that I underestimated its capabilities. This review reflects a greater understanding of what these headphones are designed for, and I can say unequivocally that they exceed expectations.
+ Pros
- Planar drivers for a flat response
- Exquisite sound quality
- Audiophile-focused design
- Extensive app controls
- Comfortable fit despite size
- Impressive battery life
– Cons
- Not ideal for urban daily use
- Only passive noise cancellation
100 Over 100
EDIFIER Stax Spirit S5 Price and Where to Buy
You can purchase the EDIFIER Stax Spirit S5 at major retailers such as Amazon and the official distributor in your region.
Zococity (Official EDIFIER Distributor in Spain) | Buy EDIFIER Stax Spirit S5 (€499.99)
Technical Specifications
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 347 g |
| Drivers | 70 x 89 mm planar magnetic audio drivers |
| Battery | Up to 80 hours of playback |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.4, USB Type C |
| Others | Compatible with EDIFIER Connex app, various high-resolution audio codecs, Hi-Res Audio Certification, Frequency response: 10Hz-40kHz |
Design
The Stax Spirit S5 builds on the elegant foundation laid by its predecessor, offering a visually stunning design. They exude sophistication, making them suitable for formal occasions. The materials have been upgraded, introducing a metallic finish to the headband that enhances both durability and aesthetics.
They come with a sleek carrying case that mirrors the headphones’ upscale appeal. The luxurious feel of the case, marked with “Stax Spirit” in gold, hints at the premium experience within.
The foldable design allows for easy storage and transport, while the ergonomic ear pads ensure exceptional comfort during extended listening sessions. EDIFIER has improved on previous model flaws: the angle of the ear cups no longer exposes the drivers when removed, providing a more practical user experience.
The Stax Spirit S5 offers replaceable ear pads made of genuine sheepskin, enhancing passive noise cancellation while maintaining comfort.
Sound Quality
Understanding the true potential of the Stax Spirit S5 requires a shift in perspective. These headphones aren’t just casual listening devices—they are a homage to high-fidelity audio. They leverage planar magnetic drivers that deliver an astonishingly accurate sound profile.
The Stax Spirit S5 offers an unparalleled experience across various genres—classical, jazz, metal, and electronic music alike. When connected via cable to devices like vinyl players or PCs, the sound quality is particularly exceptional. Through Bluetooth, while there will be some compression due to wireless standards, the sheer audio fidelity remains impressive.
On platforms such as Tidal, the Stax Spirit S5 shines, allowing audiophiles to relish true high-resolution audio like never before. Moreover, these headphones excel while gaming on systems such as the Nintendo Switch, transforming the gaming experience significantly.
Software and Controls
The transition from the previous EDIFIER Connect app to the newly designed EDIFIER ConneX app introduces enhanced functionality. The new app allows users to interact seamlessly with their headphones without unnecessary promotions cluttering the experience.
Among its new features, users can adjust sound settings based on the installed ear pads and enjoy personalized equalizations. It offers a 4-band graphic EQ, allowing audiophiles to fine-tune their listening experience more precisely than before.
Battery and Charging
Battery life is another area where the Stax Spirit S5 excels. With a staggering capability of up to 80 hours of playback, most users will find it easy to go multiple days without a recharge. The overwhelming autonomy of these headphones is a significant selling point, perfect for extended use without interruption.
Best Alternatives to Edifier Stax Spirit S5
For those considering alternatives, the Teufel Real Blue Pro is recommended for its well-rounded performance in a similar price range, while lacking planar drivers, it boasts impressive sound quality with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).
Another strong contender is the Sony WH-1000XM5, renowned for its industry-leading ANC technology and proprietary LDAC system, making them another top choice for premium wireless headphones.
Final Verdict
The EDIFIER Stax Spirit S5 headphones are a top-tier choice for audiophiles. They cater to a niche of users who appreciate high-quality sound and customization features that might be lost on the average consumer. If you have the budget and an ear attuned to detail, investing in the Stax Spirit S5 could prove to be one of the best audio decisions you make this year.
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This device has been independently analyzed thanks to a transfer by the brand. Some links in this article may be affiliate links, allowing Andro4all to earn a commission on purchases.
