Edifier STAX SPIRIT S3
The Edifier STAX SPIRIT S3 brings planar-magnetic clarity to wireless listening, pairing natural detail, open vocals and focused spatial imaging with an 80-hour battery. hi-fi+ highlights its lively balance and remarkably similar wired and wireless performance, while SoundStage Solo praises its lifelike sense of space. It is a formidable portable audiophile headphone for listeners who put sound first.
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Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
88/100
Comfort Fit
85/100
Build Quality
80/100
Features Usability
88/100
Value for Money
91/100
Pros
Exceptionally detailed, clear and naturally spacious sound for a closed-back wireless headphone.
Focused imaging and open, believable vocal presentation create an engaging audiophile-grade listen.
Excellent 80-hour battery life, comfortable pads and strong Bluetooth codec support suit extended portable use.
Cons
No active noise cancellation, limiting its appeal for frequent noisy travel.
Bass is controlled but lacks some low-end impact and slam versus the best dynamic-driver alternatives.
Earcups can feel cramped for larger ears, and the fit may be tight over long sessions.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 88/100
Reviewers find the S3 unusually accomplished for a wireless headphone, combining a generally balanced, natural presentation with strong clarity and spaciousness. Its main tonal compromises are limited low-bass punch, occasional upper-range brightness, and sound that changes meaningfully with the selected pad and EQ mode.
Bass
86/100
Bass is widely described as tight, controlled, natural and clearly defined, with convincing acoustic-bass and cello tone. Several reviewers wanted more low-end impact, drive and sub-bass extension, while the leather pads can sound overly boomy before switching to the fabric set.
Midrange
86/100
The preferred Classic mode is praised for an open, clear midrange and believable, accurate vocals that avoid congestion. However, reviewers note a slightly scooped or lean lower midrange, while Hi-Fi mode can recess voices and an upper-mid lift can make some vocals sound a little uneven.
Treble
87/100
Treble is often clean, realistic and airy, revealing cymbal and percussion subtleties without needing an artificially boosted top end. The Stax mode and some settings can sound brighter or more aggressive, although reviewers generally found harshness avoidable at sensible volumes.
Resolution Detail
91/100
Detail retrieval is a standout: reviewers repeatedly praise the S3's clarity, texture, speed and ability to expose small musical nuances. This resolution is generally described as natural rather than treble-enhanced, though one reviewer found detail less satisfying in the Hi-Fi setting than in Classic mode.
Soundstage Imaging
90/100
Reviews describe stable center imaging, focused placement and an unusually open, lifelike sense of space for a closed wireless design. One review found the stage narrow on some recordings and the fabric pads somewhat more intimate, but others heard convincing width, depth and even above-the-head cues.
Dynamics
87/100
The S3 is consistently characterized as lively, dynamic and exciting, with drum fills and large orchestral moments carrying convincing scale. Its punch is tempered by the same low-end limitation noted elsewhere: it lacks some of the energy and slam of the best dynamic-driver rivals.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Comfort Fit
85/100
Multiple reviewers find the relatively light headset, relaxed clamp and supplied leather and fabric pads comfortable for long sessions. The earcups are nevertheless cramped for larger ears, with one reviewer suggesting they can fit more like on-ears and another noting a small long-wear discomfort.
Build Quality
80/100
The review evidence on construction is limited. One reviewer reports mostly plastic construction and occasional creaking from the headband or ear-piece area, while another speaks positively of the overall fit and finish.
Features Usability
88/100
Bluetooth pairing is described as quick and reliable, codec support is strong, and reviewers found the wired and wireless performance unusually close. Two pad sets and long battery life add practical flexibility, although there is no active noise cancellation or user-adjustable EQ.
Value for Money
91/100
At roughly $399-$400, reviewers repeatedly consider the S3 highly competitive against major Sony, Bose and Sennheiser alternatives. It is called affordable for its performance and said to come close to top audiophile headphones, though buyers who need noise cancellation may find competing travel models more suitable.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
Forum Mentions
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Specifications
- Battery
- Charging Port: USB-C (Type-C) Input: 5V ⎓ 1.5A Charging Time: Around 1.5hrs
- General Features
- Frequency Response: 20Hz~40KHz
- Specification
- Bluetooth: V5.2 Bluetooth Protocol: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP Playtime: Around 80hrs Audio Codecs: Qualcomm® aptX™ Adaptive,Qualcomm® aptX™ HD,Qualcomm® aptX™,SBC Driver: 89mm*70mm Planar Magnetic Driver Sound Pressure Level: 94 ± 3 dB(A) Net Weight: Around 329g Dimension (L x W x H mm): 208 x 110 x 255 mm
Manufacturer's Description — Edifier
STAX SPIRIT S3
Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
Color: Black
- Around 80 hours for music play and a short 10-minute charge giving 11 hours playtime.
- Industry-leading Planar Magnetic Driver bringing Hi-Res certified audio with cleaner sound, greater resolution, better imaging, as same as true professional recording powered by proprietary audio system.
- Most advanced Micro processing system, making telephone communication like face-to-face communication.
- Enable a variety of advanced functionality-preset EQs selection, control setting, cushion setting, etc.
- The lightest weighted over-ear planer headphones for all day use, and an additional set cooling-mesh ear-cushion for on-the-go or travelling use.
The Pursuit for the Real Sound Revives the Legendary
STAX SPIRIT embodies the spirit of craftsmanship of STAX to produce state-of-the-art Audio products.
S3 is the first in a series of high-end headphones under the STAX SPIRIT product line of Edifier.
An Audiophile-Grade Audio Experience
Get next-level high-fidelity audio perfect for every music audiophile, both passionate and professional.
Ultra Low Distortion Planar Magnetic Drivers
Compared to traditional dynamic driver headphones in the market, the STAX SPIRIT S3 comes with advanced planar magnetic drivers that lower audio distortions and wider dynamic responses.
EqualMass™ Diaphragm Technology Engineered for Extreme Accuracy
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.
Uniforce™ Diaphragm 0.5% Imperceptible Distortion
The Uniforce™ technology is designed to achieve and deliver uniform driving force to produce unparalleled acoustic details and accuracy with the distortion to imperceptible 0.5%.
Higher Definition & Wider Frequency Response
The Audeze Fluxor™ magnetic structure technology and customized neodymium magnet produce double the flux density of traditional magnets and provides unparalleled efficiency.
Fazor™ Phase Management How It's Meant to Sound
With Fazor™, sound waves generated by planar magnetic diaphragms pass through magnetic structures without disturbance, preserving timing details in the recorded signal. This ultimately results in cleaner sound, greater resolution, and better imaging.
Hi-Res Audio and Qualcomm® Snapdragon Sound™
Combination of Snapdragon Sound™ audio technology with planar magnetic headphones for ultimate listening expericence.
* Please use devices that support Snapdragon Sound™ to achieve a high-quality wireless audio experience.
Qualcomm® aptX™ Voice Crystal Clear Call Guaranteed
The Qualcomm® aptX™ Voice audio technology largely improves the signal-to-noise ratio, delivering 32 kHz voice call quality.
Multi-Point Connectivity
The STAX SPIRIT S3 can be paired with two different Bluetooth devices effortlessly switching between music, gaming or phone calls.
Explore with Edifier Connect App Classic STAX EQ and More
Get access to the classic STAX sound effect and low-latency game modes through Edifier Connect App. More EQ options, modes, and extensive functions are available via the App.
80 Hours of Ultra-Long Playback
Get 11 hours playback time with only a quick 10-minute charge. Your ultimate travel buddy!
Replaceable Earpads All-Day Comfort Guaranteed
The STAX SPIRIT S3 comes with replaceable lambskin leather earpads and cool-mesh breathable earpads for comfortable long listening sessions.
Connect Any Way You Want
In addition to the Bluetooth 5.2 connection, the STAX SPIRIT S3 also comes with an Aux-in cable and a 3.5mm to 6.35 adaptor for wired connection.
STAX
In 2012, Edifier took full ownership of STAX Ltd., a company with a history of more than 80 years and a persistent pursuit of Hi-Fi and Hi-Res audio reproduction. It has always focused on electrostatic technology and has almost become synonymous with electrostatic headphones.
Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Edifier STAX SPIRIT S3
- Abt Electronics — online and in-store — Glenview, Illinois, United States (website)
- Alta Fedelta — online and in-store — Lombardia, Italy (website)
- Audio Evolution — online and in-store — Volla, Campania, Italy (website)
- Audio Factory — online — Spain (website)
- Audio Magic - EU — online and in-store — Wola, Województwo mazowieckie, Poland (website)
- AV.com — online and in-store — Bacup, England, United Kingdom (website)
- B&H Photo — online and in-store — New York, New York, United States (website)
- Double Point — online and in-store — Hillegom, South Holland, Netherlands (website)
- Edifier USA — in-store — Fort Worth, Texas, United States (website)
- Elusive Disc — online and in-store — Anderson, Indiana, United States (website)
and 12 more verified dealers