Edifier STAX Spirit S3
Wireless planar magnetic headphones with excellent technical implementation and measurement performance, though reliability issues and competitive pricing limit overall value
Overview
The Edifier STAX Spirit S3 represents a mature wireless planar-magnetic implementation. It uses 89×70 mm planar drivers with EqualMass™ diaphragm technology and Snapdragon Sound–enabled Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint. Rated battery life is 80 h; weight is 329 g; rated response is 20 Hz–40 kHz.
Scientific Validity
\[\Large \text{0.7}\]Independent measurements (GRAS 43AG/RA0402 with KB5000/KB5001; Audiomatica Clio 12 QC) show very low distortion, typical closed-back isolation, ~215 ms Bluetooth latency (aptX path, MEE Connect), and ~6.6 kΩ effective impedance in powered-analog mode; ~28 ms internal-DSP latency is present even wired. A left/right level mismatch was observed on the measured unit. Battery testing elsewhere reported 93 h 2 m. Manufacturer literature cites Uniforce™ diaphragm distortion around 0.5%.
Technology Level
\[\Large \text{0.8}\]EqualMass™ integrates licensed Audeze technologies (Fluxor™, Fazor™, Uniforce™). Wireless stack: Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive/aptX HD/aptX/SBC under Snapdragon Sound; aptX Voice supports 32 kHz call quality. Pad options with in-app pad compensation and a low-latency “gaming mode” indicate an engineering-first design among wireless planars.
Cost-Performance
\[\Large \text{0.8}\]At 379.99 USD, S3 competes with Audeze Maxwell at 299–329 USD (official; min 299 USD). Maxwell offers equal-or-greater capability: 90 mm planar drivers, >80 h battery, Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio/LC3plus/LDAC, and high-resolution up to 24-bit/96 kHz over its wireless/USB paths. With comparable or superior functionality at a lower official entry price, the price ratio 299 / 379.99 ≈ 0.79 (→ 0.8) reduces S3’s value.
Reliability & Support
\[\Large \text{0.4}\]Warranty reference: headphones 12 months (region-dependent). Documented issues include unreliable power-off behavior of the multifunction button, earpad-selection not working on iOS in the app, and no audio while charging (no USB audio pass-through). Wired listening still requires power.
Rationality of Design Philosophy
\[\Large \text{1.0}\]Resource allocation favors driver physics and wireless signal integrity (Audeze-licensed components, measurement-coherent tuning, Snapdragon Sound) over ancillary features—consistent with a measurement-driven design.
Advice
Choose S3 for wireless planar performance with measurement-backed tuning if you can accept the control/app limitations. For price-to-capability, Audeze Maxwell undercuts S3 while matching or exceeding functionality.
References
- SoundStage Network, “Edifier Stax Spirit S3 Bluetooth Headphones Measurements”, https://www.soundstagenetwork.com/index.php?Itemid=203&catid=263&id=2788%3Aedifier-stax-spirit-s3-bluetooth-headphones-measurements&option=com_content&view=article
- SoundGuys, “Edifier Stax Spirit S3 review”, https://www.soundguys.com/edifier-stax-spirit-s3-review-84438/
- Edifier (official, USA store), “Stax Spirit S3 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones”, https://edifier-online.com/products/edifier-s3-black
- Audeze (official), “Maxwell Wireless Gaming Headset”, https://www.audeze.com/products/maxwell-wireless-gaming-headset
- RTINGS, “Audeze Maxwell Wireless Headphones Review”, https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/audeze/maxwell-wireless
- Edifier (official), “After-sales service policy (Headphones 12 months)”, https://www.edifier.com/us/policy/after-sales-service-policy
(2025.9.6)