Edifier Stax Spirit S5 Wireless Planar Magnetic Headphones Review

Ditching the Wires Without Ditching the Fidelity: Edifier Stax Spirit S5 Review

For years, the audiophile community has viewed wireless audio with a healthy dose of skepticism. The convenience was undeniable, but the compromises in fidelity were a bridge too far for discerning ears. Edifier, a brand known for punching well above its weight, aims to shatter that perception with the Stax Spirit S5. By invoking the legendary “Stax” name and packing in planar magnetic drivers with cutting-edge wireless tech, they’re not just making a headphone; they’re making a statement. This is a direct challenge to the notion that high-fidelity listening has to be a tethered experience.

Performance: The Planar Advantage, Unleashed

Let’s cut to the chase: the S5 sounds phenomenal for a wireless headphone. The heart of its audio prowess lies in the planar magnetic drivers. Unlike conventional dynamic drivers, they deliver a sound that is breathtakingly fast, articulate, and low in distortion. The bass is a perfect example of this. It’s tight, textured, and deeply extended, but it never bleeds into the midrange or becomes boomy. You hear the precise pluck of a bass guitar string, not a vague, muddy thud.

This clarity extends beautifully into the midrange, where vocals and instruments are rendered with stunning separation and a natural timbre. The S5 truly shines in complex instrumental tracks, allowing you to pick out individual layers with ease. The treble is airy and detailed, unearthing subtle nuances in recordings that are often lost on lesser headphones. However, this commitment to detail can occasionally verge on analytical brightness, which may be fatiguing for those sensitive to high frequencies during very long listening sessions. Paired with a source that supports Snapdragon Sound and aptX Lossless, the S5 delivers a wireless experience that comes tantalizingly close to wired, high-resolution audio.

Design, Build, and Comfort

Unboxing the S5 immediately conveys a sense of purpose. The design is a tasteful blend of modern industrial aesthetics and premium materials. The yokes are crafted from lightweight yet rigid carbon fiber, and the plush earpads are wrapped in genuine lambskin leather. It’s a headphone that feels substantial and well-engineered, with smooth articulation and a reassuring lack of creaks or rattles. The clamping force is well-judged, providing a secure fit without creating undue pressure, and the large, spacious earcups accommodate most ears comfortably for hours. The only significant drawback in its physical design is the lack of a folding mechanism. While a sturdy carrying case is included, the S5’s rigid, full-size frame makes it a less-than-ideal companion for frequent travel.

Features: Focused Fidelity Over All-in-One Functionality

Edifier made a very deliberate choice with the S5’s feature set: it’s all about the sound. The headline feature is its class-leading wireless connectivity, supporting Bluetooth 5.2 with a full suite of high-resolution codecs. For a critical listener, this is far more valuable than a list of secondary gimmicks. However, this laser focus comes with a significant omission: there is absolutely no Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). This decision firmly plants the S5 in the category of a “destination headphone”—perfect for dedicated listening at home or in a quiet office, but wholly unsuitable for noisy commutes or air travel. While multipoint connectivity is a welcome inclusion, the onboard microphone is merely adequate for quick calls, falling short of the clarity found on business-focused headsets.

The Verdict: A Purist’s Wireless Dream

The Edifier Stax Spirit S5 is not trying to be the headphone for everyone. It doesn’t compete with the ANC-toting travel kings from Sony or Bose. Instead, it carves out a brilliant niche for the at-home audiophile who craves the freedom of wireless without sacrificing the detail and precision of planar magnetic sound. It’s for the listener who prioritizes instrument separation over ambient noise suppression and codec quality over smart features. If you’ve been waiting for a wireless headphone that truly respects the music, the Stax Spirit S5 is an exceptional and highly compelling choice that delivers on its ambitious promise.

Where to Buy:

Check it out on Amazon