Still don't have much to say about the XC sound (only have an HA-2 @ 200mW to use at the moment which isn't really enough to bring either headphone truly alive). Isolation is a big step down from the EL-8 though. A LOT more sound gets in (due to the poor fit). I'd try putting the XC cups on the EL-8 headband but I don't think they're available for separate purchase anyway (and I'm not going to eat the cost of an EL-8 just for a better fitting XC lol).
If I do decide to keep the XC I can already see the need to purchase another headband from somewhere (hopefully that will take care of the fit/isolation). Dunno where that journey will take me though.
Before anyone mentions the new LCD-4 headband, it shouldn't change fit since it still uses the same yoke rod system. It'll be mostly a comfort/cosmetic upgrade IMO.
EDIT: Actually I discovered a couple issues that, after "fixing" them, has made the fit much better (isolation has improved but is still less than the EL-8).
First, this tab was bent on one cup letting it tilt further away from my head than it should. I bent it back to a straight orientation (as it should be).
Second, I increased the angle of the tabs that the yoke rods attach to. This increased the pressure the headband puts on the cups, making a much better seal (and eliminating a gap I had at the bottom of the cups between the earpad and my head).
(crappy MS Paint rendition of the change in angle lol)
So far it's had a positive effect on the overall sound (and helped isolation a bit).
