Hmmm...Went and tested the CM700ti vs. the CM700 again, and definitely though that the CM700ti was brighter. However, looking at the specs again, I'm puzzled. Both the models are EXACTLY the same except the material they used to make the housing.

Logic tells me that they should sound the same. Hmm...maybe the difference is just the normal std dev between similar earphones (i.e. even if it is EXACTLY the same model, there will still sound slightly different one from another). Maybe it was foolish for me to have bought the CM700ti instead of the CM700, paying USD$40 extra for the price of metal difference.. (I don't care about that...I only care about the sound).

Anyone can comment here? Elephas?

I've only heard a CM700 briefly, and not in direct comparison with the CM700Ti. I don't recall hearing a big difference, though for some reason the CM700Ti seems better, more refined and with slightly more details. Or maybe it is due to the "Ti" and larger price tag.

Here's the CM700Ti in action with a home system.

Okay....I've just been to Yodobashi Camera again and checked out the CK9 vs. the CM700 (Ti and non-Ti).

Here is my quick impressions:

1) Bass - Due to the isolation, the CK9 definitely sounds more bassy. The CM700s are not that far behind in terms of bass, provided, you listen to these in a quiet environment. In a noisy environment, the CM700 sounds very lean in the bass arena.

2) Details - I felt that the CM700s (both, Ti and non-Ti) are able to produce more details. I seem to hear more possibly because it might have a richer midtone and are brighter. The CK9 sounds a little muffled to me, like there is a piece of cloth in front of the speakers.

3) Midtone - Again, I felt that the CM700s did very well here. I think that the Ti might have a slight edge over the non-Ti, however, I might be wrong. (Since I bought the Ti model, I'm grasping at straws to make my purchase justified.) Frankly though, I do regret a little today as I think the non-Ti sounds just as good. I don't think there is much of a difference between the Ti vs. the non-Ti...if there is any at all!

4) Realism - Especially drum beats and cymbals, the CM700s win again.

Conclusion, I think I definitely bought the right headphones for my iPod.

Hope this helps!

SH