: cheap, planar, flatish, clear, cool looking, removable cable
: pleather pads, heavy, stiff cable
The review is based on the stock pads, not based on the upgraded velour pads.
The only problem with the sound quality is a weird color in the upper mids, around vocal range. This is due to the stock pads that come with the headphones and must be replaced or modded.
They sound fantastic other than that but they just are not comfortable if you're not used to planars.
I expect these will grow on me, especially when I get the pads replaced.
Update:
Since modding and swapping pads on these headphones I must say it unlocked the true potential for these headphones. Jergpad mod or velour pads will significantly improve their sound.