Hi
@Tsukuyomi,
That is correct, Headphone Bar is in Vancouver so yeah, unless you want to go cross country for demo, up to you.
Subjectively & personally, I like some Focal myself though not a fan of the Utopia for various reasons, chief among them is sound overall just disappears into the ether in an uncontrolled manner whereas the Elear was a little better overall but not by much.
Then the Elegia came out which was subjectively & personally more enjoyable to my tastes but still had something missing.
Stellia is still the best option in their higher tier range fir ne but given the high local pricing (almost 2 x MSRP) doesn't make any of them compelling enough to own so I agree with your points.
Honestly, if I was going to spend anywhere north of 1K in any currency, there are better options which stand out but I am in no rush as the ones I'm after aren't going to disappear any time soon.
They are as follows in no particular order :
Fostex TH 909
Klipsch HP 3
Meze Empyrean
Senn HD 820 (Only Senn I have ever liked period)
These are among the few high end open backs I have tried which are good enough to consider owning along with the Senn but given the fact these are all almost or close to double their MSRP locally due to exchange doesn't make it necessary or great to consider.
Oh, by the way, if you ever get a chance if you haven't already, I suggest listening to Warwick Acoustics Sonoma One.
Subjectively & personally the best E Stat headphone system I have heard so far...maybe one day, definitely be a more compelling choice than the other high end I have listed though average 3K is a stretch when there are more worthwhile gear to consider both higher & lower.
In other words, just stick with the Fostex 610 with Yaxi Alcantara for comfort & you will be more than good.
Hope you have a great day !