Well, what do you know? Planar magnetic tech has arrived to true wireless earbuds and it is not from major, audiophile/high-end audio as you may have expected. It is coming from Edifier. So yeah, this is the Edifier STAX SPIRIT S10 TWS Earbuds, the world’s first true wireless planar magnetic earbuds.
Inside these 300-dollar little wonders, you’ll find 12 mm planar magnetic drivers that make sure the sound stays as crisp as possible. Edifier also threw in noise cancellation (3rd generation adaptive hybrid ANC, to be precise), because what’s the point of audiophile-level tech if you can still hear your neighbor’s lawnmower?
To ensure you hear every note, they used a diaphragm so thin it would make even a piece of paper feel bulky. Apparently, it’s 2 microns thick. We don’t know about you, but the fact that something so tiny can produce sound seems more like magic than science.
The STAX SPIRIT S10 is also loaded with tech jargon that sounds impressive. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound, aptX Audio, and LDAC support? Yes, they’re all in there, making sure you can argue with strangers on the internet about what high-definition audio really means.
And if you’re a gamer, don’t worry about your headphones slowing you down. These buds offer ultra-low latency, which, in plain English, means your game sounds will sync up with what’s happening on the screen, so you won’t blame your missed shot on “lag.”
For those who like to talk as much as listen, Edifier has packed in six microphones for phone calls, because apparently two just weren’t enough. Plus, these things will run for 28 hours if you include the charging case, so your music can outlast even your longest workday.
In case you’re wondering, yes, they also come with water and dust resistance (IP54) because no one wants to lose US$300 earbuds to a little splash or an accidental pocket ride through the laundry. All this is customizable through the Edifier ConneX app, which means you can tweak your settings to your heart’s content.
In the end, Edifier’s STAX SPIRIT S10 is what happens when earbuds are taken seriously—maybe a little too seriously—but the result is probably the best-sounding, most feature-packed US$299.99 you can stick in your ears. Just try not to get caught explaining what “planar magnetic” means at your next dinner party. Personally, I kept forgetting the tech behind it. But that’s just my frail, old memory.
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Images: Edifier.