You should still proceed to pick them up.

Not sure what happened to the pair that you were listening to but the AKG K371 is beautifully tuned with a good bass shelf to boot. I feel the pair you listened to was altered in some way as typically it's such a pleasant headphone for all genres and it makes no sense what happened to you. The only real complaint from most people is that the band is very fragile. I listen to mine often and I just can't believe how much I like them for what you pay especially because I do have a more expensive critical listening headphone. I keep coming back to my K371.

Better to just get another pair of Edition XS. You can't beat them. It's not worth buying anything else. Otherwise contact Hifiman and see if you can send them there for repair.

Enjoy! Now that's a nice way to spend some time!

It's a fantastic little amp.

You are going to notice a nice step up in sound quality and clarity. Probably a bit less bass but not by much especially if you drive the K371 with a strong source. AKG K371 is an excellent headphone and very comfortable too. Make sure to handle it with care though as they have been known to snap if not handled properly.

It really is a great combo. The ifi Hip Dac is so versatile. I have powering my full size cans as well as my iems. Such a great piece of tech. The Olinas sound fantastic - truly impressed by them. Hands down best iem I've heard for the money.

Will do. Once I receive I will be sure to respond back with my thoughts on it vs Olina.

Nice. Get yourself a Lightening Camera adapter and the iFi Hip Dac will have the rest. The Hip Dac is well worth the investment.

Qudelix 5K really is a great little product. Highly recommend.

I haven't tried Hexa yet but I will agree that the Olina are tuned beautifully. They are just such a satisfying listen and at that price point it's bordering on sublime.

It's an incredible piece of tech to be honest. The power, the flavor, and portability make it a great choice in my opinion. One of the best pieces of tech I've bought.

In my opinion, Yes! The comfort is key to making a pleasant experience and these are extremely comfortable. Sound wise, incredible for the price. My dabbling in iems is over with these.

I do have the Hexa coming but I don't know how it will be as these just "hit the right notes" for me.

I will for sure. I gotta say though for my listening tastes, the Olina have nailed it. I still really like my Katos, FH3 and KZ but the Olina just sounds so sweet and it is definitely the most comfortable.

Thanks. Will do if Aliexpress gets around to shipping them lol.

I have to admit the whole iem thing intrigues me. Yesterday, I read a few posts on a couple of forums where someone was asking advice on what reasonably priced iem to buy. I read these posts intently as I'm starting to develop a fascination with them despite having a real love for over ear headphones.

Long story short, many sub $100 iems were mentioned and some people even responded saying others should go right to an endgame iem at higher price point. One person however went on about how much they love their Olina for both sound and comfort and that caught my eye because iems I find can be very uncomfortable despite having a decent and/or good sound.

I ordered the Olina. It came in today and that user was bang on. They are extremely comfortable and they sound incredible. I'm absolutely stunned at how good they are. So comfortable, such incredible sound. It makes me question my over-ear collection and how much I've spent on that when a $110 iem can sound this good on all levels. So very impressed.

Ps. I ordered Hexa but I'll probably just sell them upon arrival as these Olina SE absolutely hit the right notes for me.

Nice setup!

Agree again. I would say the Sundara is the king of bang for the buck. HD6XX a close second.

Totally agree. This is like the ultimate collection of headphones to strive for.

I’m really intrigued by the 800s. How wide would you say the soundstage is? Anything else cheaper that comes close? Do they compliment an Arya nicely?

Great write up and very informative.

The Hip Dac is one phenomenal piece of kit. It takes my iems to new levels. Just an amazing piece of technology.

Of course Hifiman is awesome. Enjoy!

Excellent write up. I am so pained right now in trying to decide between Arya V2 and V3. I read info like this post and become more undecided. I was all set on getting V3s but there seems to be segment of listeners that swear by the V2s. So conflicted and don’t know what to do ☹️

Exchange for another Sundara. It’s too good of a headphone to pass up on.