I believe Meze's planar driver design addresses that issue. I suggest positioning the drivers in relation to the ear is a big issue, something in-ear devices don't have to deal with.

Another reason might be lack of QC. While you might be able to find great gear, you might be pressed to duplicate.

Thought about Questyle M15? The one I have is handling everything I throw at it.

Better in what way?

Audeze is great for aftermarket cables. Everything from inexpensive eBay, to really expensive. The Sennheiser's I've had also had replaceable cables.

I liked the LCD-2 sound. I found them heavy for long listening sessions. That said, I now have LCD-4z Audezes which are very close in weight and I don't have issues. I do think the LCD-2 series is a very good value.

To that add the Meze 109 Pro which can be had for a little over $500.00 used. I think I've seen them for sale on Head-Fi classified. I have owned Sennheiser HD-600 and, a HD-560 I think, and they would be great choices. I'm a fan of Audeze planars, but most choices will be over your price range...

Price Drop

Meze 109 Pro for sale. Purchased from another Head-Fi member. Has, box, case, 3 cables. 3.5 mm connecter OEM cables 1.5m and 3m. The 1.5 works fine, the 3m seems to have problems. I'm also including a 2m Audiophile Ninja cable with a 6.3mm plug. I selling because I bought a pair of Audeze and...

Excellent seller. The deal went very smoothly and the product was as described.

Sold?

Currently Meze 109 Pro driven by Ferrum Oor/Hypsos stack, driven by a Cambridge DACMagic200m. Planned changes. Likely to a set of Audeze planars. (Not sure which yet. Had LCD2C, LCDXC, LCD5, should not have sold the 5...) Maybe a early LCD3. Maybe get a Ferrum WANDLA and cables needed to drive...

Can someone tell me what brand equipment stands are being used in the pictures?

I'll make an assumption. We're talking about headphone amps (This is a head-phone forum...) That said, I've owned both solid state and tube gear. Currently settled on solid state (Ferrum stack OOR+Hypsos). I moved away from full tube gear (Cary 300 SEI) and tried a hybrid (LSA Hyperdrive 2)...

Thank you. I've never owned a pair of ZMF headphones. How are they comfort wise? Maybe another path to explore.