Good review, I agree on the comfort issues and your assessment of the HE500 vs LCD2. Both are absolutely incredible cans. However, I think it should get a 5 star for value since it's superior to all of the dynamic flagships at "only" $900.

Thanks, and agreed on the value recommendation - I've adjusted it.

Very Fine review! One thing I would like to add though! I have read test of your Lavry claiming it to be a fantastic dac, but ruthlessly revealing of bad recordings and not very forgiving. If that is true - it might explain why you find the He-500 a tad bright and I don´t! On my system it sounds very warm and smooth but never overly so. I might in fact find some more revealing and brighter interconnect cables along the way to complement my new phones!
My system have be optimised to take the harshness out of my ath-w1000 so it should sound smooth and warm. Just goes to say that different systems - different sound!!