Edifier STAX Spirit S5 Wireless Planar Magnetic Headphones, Snapdragon Sound, aptX Adaptive, Hi-Res Audio (LDAC LHDC), Bluetooth 5.4, Dual-Mic CVC Tech, 80H Playback & Fast Charging for Audiophiles

These sound excellent for wireless headphones. Lightweight, portable, good build quality.In the app I set the headphones to use the dynamic option and disabled the other options by making the button press for Voice Assistant instead of mode change. I prefer the cooling ear pads, but they still get kind of warm in summer weather.The sound is highly detailed and clear, neutral, neither cold or warm. Soundstage is quite good for closed-back headphones. Good low frequency and high frequency extension.On my Windows 11 laptop, I like to use Alternative A2DP software for LDAC support for general listening. When I want to game and get very low latency, I use my Creative BT-W5 USB-C Bluetooth transmitter, which allows for AptX Adaptive Low Latency codec. In the Creative app, I can easily switch it to High Quality mode for high-res audio listening, and back to Low Latency mode for gaming.Drawbacks: The headband can be a bit loose, but not so bad for my head. I would prefer if the cups rotated forward so the earpads touch the table when placed down, but instead it rotated towards you so the outside earcups touch the table. Multipoint connection can be a bit finicky connected to the Creative BT-W5 device+Windows laptop and to my Samsung Note 10 Plus phone, but not too big a problem. And of course, there is a lack of ANC, so it makes sense to have some ANC earphones or headphones for airplane use and other extra-loud places.Conclusion: the Edifier Stax Spirit S5 is a pair of excellent sound quality portable wireless headphones with a few disadvantages. If you prioritize sound quality and comfort in wireless headphones, I think these headphones may be the best on the market in 2024.

These Stax Spirit S5 sound exceptional! Before buying them, I had read lots of reviews online and in Reddit forums and everybody attested to their amazing sound! Initially was using the Sennheiser momentum 2.0 over ears and after receiving the S5 and comparing the two, the difference is quite obviously an upgrade over the Sennheiser momentum 2.0! The S5 offers more clarity, details and a deep punchy well controlled bass ( the bass is almost similar to that of the Sennheiser M2, which is surprising to me considering most people say the S5 lack bass)Note: However, the above is when I use the S5 wired with the USB-C cable connected to my laptop! I found the sound to be low even on maximum volume when using it on my iPhone via Bluetooth connection! Using the 3.5 mm cable connected to my laptop is even worse coz the sound is annoyingly low! However, once I connected the S5 to my laptop using the USB-C cable, the volume increased to impressive levels and the sound just became clearer and lively! If you listen to well recorded audio, these S5 will richly reward you with enjoyable audiophile quality sound! If you have the $500 to spare, don’t hesitate to get these amazing planar magnetic headphones!

I purchased both of these headphones to test side by side:Edifier STAX Spirit S5 Wireless Planar Magnetic Headphones – Snapdragon Sound, aptX Adaptive, Hi-Res Audio (LDAC, LHDC), Bluetooth 5.4, Dual-Mic cVc Tech, 80H Playback, and Fast Charging for AudiophilesBose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth 5.3 Headphones – Wireless Headphones with Spatial Audio, Deep Bass, Over-Ear Active Noise Cancelling, Built-in Mic, and Up to 24 Hours of PlaytimeThe Edifier STAX Spirit S5 sounds exceptional to me. I haven’t listened to the $1,300 Sennheiser HD 800s—which, as I understand, require a separate amp—but I have tried several other headphones under $500. Compared to those, the Edifier offers a much more open and engaging sound, placing it in a class of its own. There’s something about the sound of planar magnetic drivers that makes the Bose and other traditional headphones sound muffled and dull by comparison. The Edifier's sound is far more immersive for music, especially with LDAC (Lossless Digital Audio Codec for Bluetooth) source material, which the Bose doesn’t support.When I first put on the Edifier headphones, they weren’t as comfortable as the Bose. The Edifier is heavier, and the headband isn’t as comfortable. However, the Edifier didn't feel uncomfortable even after wearing them for a couple of hours. The Edifier app isn’t as polished as Bose’s, but both apps are functional. While Bose offers market-leading noise cancellation, the Edifier lacks active noise cancellation, however, its passive seal is effective. In my rec room—with a treadmill, a couple of noisy fans running, and landscapers mowing the lawn outside—I found the seal sufficient to block noise below the level of a distraction.Ultimately, I didn’t keep the Edifier headphones because they didn’t get loud enough with my Bluetooth devices, especially my phone and TV. In the noisy environment described above, I had to set them at full volume, which was only marginally loud enough. The Edifier might work perfectly for you if you listen in quieter environments. I’d still recommend trying the Edifier just to experience its sound. The Bose doesn’t sound bad—just disappointing in comparison.Since I now primarily listen to books, podcasts, and TV—and only rarely to music—the Bose headphones are a better fit for me. I’d also mention that the Bose has an "immersion" mode, though I find it gimmicky and don’t use it. If you’re commuting, the Bose’s noise cancellation would be more practical for airplanes, airports, subways, buses, and similar environments. Both headphones can also be used in wired mode, though I didn’t test that function. 4.5 Stars

I've owned these for several weeks and have only needed to charge them 3 times. Sound quality is better than any headphones I've used yet. Charges quickly and has a corded option. Connects fast to multiple devices with pairing button. Worth the money to me.