The new Edifier STAX SPIRIT S3 Headphones have launched with some impressive qualities and claim to deliver an “Audiophile-Grade Audio Experience”.
Yet, with a price tag putting them in direct competition with Sony & Bose, the S3’s will need to be exceptional!
In this article:
Edifier STAX SPIRIT S3 Headphones
STAX SPIRIT is a new range from Edifier, and the S3 headphones will be the launch product in what promises to be a series of high-end headphones targeting Audiophiles.
This range, it appears, has been years in the making, with Edifier acquiring STAX Ltd, a company focused on and renowned for Hi-Res audio, some ten years ago.
And while I wouldn’t doubt the audio quality of any Edifier product, having reviewed and tested many already, the $399 price tag and lack of ANC could be a hard stop for travellers.
Edifier STAX SPIRIT S3// Features
So, with a premium price and a lack of modes such as ANC and Ambient, will the STAX SPIRIT S3 headphones have enough for travellers?
After all, Active Noise Cancelling technology has been one of the biggest draws for audio on the go.
Thanks to the lack of modes, there’s more power, with Edifier quoting 80 hours of playback performance from a single charge, which is impressive. More so is the fast charge capability on the SPIRIT S3, as they can give 11 hours of playback from a 10 min charge.
Wearing the STAX SPIRIT S3 headphones for a prolonged period of time won’t be an issue either. The frame is made from carbon fibre materials, the headband is wrapped in lambskin leather, and the earcups are swappable between leather or a breathable mesh option.
There’s a single microphone for voice calls or using voice assistants and multi-point connection to enable the STAX SPIRIT S3’s to connect with two devices simultaneously.
Each earcup folds into the headband, and Edifier ships the STAX SPIRIT S3 headphones with a travel case.
Edifier STAX SPIRIT S3// Audio
The feature that sets the STAX SPIRIT S3 apart from other headphones, is the driver units.
Most headphones today have dynamic drivers, but Edifier has opted to use Advanced Planar Magnetic Drivers, which, Edifier says, ” gives a cleaner sound, greater resolution, and better imaging”.
To further improve this audio experience, Edifier suggests using a smartphone compatible with Qualcomm® Snapdragon Sound™, which will not be many of us based on the current list of supported smartphones.
Alternatively, the 3.5mm wired connection delivers the same experience, just not wirelessly!
The all-new Edifier EqualMass™ diaphragm technology combines trusted and iconic components, including the Audeze® Fluxor™ magnetic structure, Uniforce™ diaphragm, and Fazor™ phase management, accurately reproduce the original sound.
Edifier
There are physical buttons on the earcups of the S3 headphones, and additional controls can be found on the Edifier Connect app, which I covered in some detail during the NeoBuds Pro review.
Edifier STAX SPIRIT S3// Specifications
| Dimensions | 208 x 110 x 255mm |
| Weight | 329g |
| Colour Options | Black |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2 USB-C 3.5mm |
| Driver | 89 x 70mm Planar Magnetic Driver |
| Codecs | aptX aptX HD aptX Adaptive SBC |
| Playback | Up to 80 hours |
| Charge Time | 2 hours |
| Quick Charge | 10 mins = 11 hours |
| Battery | 1,500mAh |
| Microphones | 1 |
| In the box | STAX SPIRIT S3 headphones Travel case USB-A to USB-C cable 3.5mm cable 3.5mm adapter 2x Earcups Manuals |
| Website | edifier.com |
Edifier STAX SPIRIT S3// Pricing
The Edifier STAX SPIRIT S3 wireless headphones are $399 at edifier.com.
