The best music headphones of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed

Edifier Stax Spirit S3 tech specs: Form factor: Over-ear | Weight: 11.6 oz (329 g) | Battery life: 60+ hours | Frequency response: 20Hz – 40kHz | Bluetooth: Yes (5.2) | Wired option(s): 3.5mm headphone jack | Noise cancellation: No | Driver type: 70 x 89mm planar magnetic

The Edifier Stax Spirit S3 are the company’s closed-back take on planar magnetic headphones. Planar magnetic headphones use different metals and methods of sound transmission than the dynamic drivers you commonly find in consumer headphones.

These headphones deliver a smooth, clear, and highly enjoyable listening experience, adding dimension and detail to any song you listen to, wired or wireless, thanks to the planar magnetic drivers. 

The Stax Spirit S3 headphones support hi-res audio with a 24-bit/96 kHz sample rate and also support a host of high-quality AptX Bluetooth codecs. With both of these audio features, you can access high-quality audio at all times.

Compared to headphones with large dynamic drivers, the Stax Spirit S3 delivers a smoother sound that’s accurate with very little harmonic distortion, even at louder volumes. Because these are closed-back planar magnetic headphones, the soundstage is not as open, airy, or spacious as open-back planar magnetic headphones.

If you’re looking to get your feet wet in the hi-res audio pool, the Stax Spirit S3 are a great place to start.

Review: Edifier Stax Spirit S3