Are MTPGs worth the extra money over Panasonic HJE-900s?

The golds won't have a recessed mid range like the 900's and they aren't sibilant like the 900's. The golds have very good isolation with some of the many tips offered (tri-flanges, gel-rubber supertips, foam-rubber supertips, etc.) The 900's will be more transparent, detailed, less bass.

 

Whether it's worth it depends on you and what you want and what you don't want. I think the golds are underrated on head-fi. Plus the warranty is unmatched.

I have both....and I would say based on your criteria yes. I currently love the sound of the golds, they are laidback compared to the HJE900s and sound really nice with rock music...for my ears atleast. They area bit bigger then the 900s but isolate really well. The 900s I have always had ergonomic issues with them, they don't fit too well and with stock tips they don't isolated at all (both problems fixed by using complies).

I agree with Kunlun :).

MTPG very nice build quality aswell.
 

I have both also and much prefer the sound of the MTPG(with control talk) over the Pannys. Build quality on the Pannys is probably a bit better, but the sound of the Golds is a noticeable cut above them. Both are great headphones, and the panes are less than half the price of the golds.

Good luck!

I considered but then ruled out the HJE900s. Now I'm also considering the MTPGs, and a few others including the Atrio M5 (which might be a bit *too* bassy). Like you, I generally prefer wearing IEMs down rather than over the ear, which rules out a few. 

 

I'm not confident about Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals, however. High-end stuff is not usually discounted much in my experience. 

I love the Golds but will say if you like that sort of Grado bite in the upper range w/ your rock the 900s are worth considering.  If you listen to every type of music under the sun and want to just enjoy every track w/ worry of fatigue or sibilance the Gold and MD's are almost unmatched.

I would go with the MTPG or Copper edition, they have been pretty much universally praised and have not dropped in price any. I was going to try the Pana's, but some recent negative reviews have put the purchase on hold for now. 

 

I don't have MTPG but can comment on Panys. I listen to the same types of music you are and prefer engaging and fun sound over balance and neutrality. I use stock medium tips with no problems, isolation is average but sufficient. Sibilance almost totally went away after 60-80 hours of the pink noise burn-in, so to me it's no longer a concern. Soundstage depth, clarity, detail, reasonable bass (both in quantity and quality) and overall dynamic involving character are the main assets especially for the price. But sometimes distant mids, especially vocals on certain tracks, are really the biggest and only letdown.