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"Fail" is a very strong word...
What's the single biggest difference in the MA 900's favor vs the PX 100-II?
True, but in the case regarding the PX100-II, it's more of a compliment.
Well first, I'd like to comment on the soundstage differences. I never thought the PX100-II was bad, and in fact, it's really quite good especially for it's size. But up against the MA900, it's like bringing a knife to a gunfight. I usually don't have that high of praise regarding soundstage, as some of the known headphones that have a very large soundstage (AD700 and Q701) don't impress me too much in that regard. With the MA900, it's different. Compared them to my AD700 and they just seem so much more spacious and enveloping. It's unique, and I really enjoy it. Comparing that presentation to my PX100-II makes it seem like an IEM in regards to presentation. Direct injection, as opposed to more of a soundscape. That's one mark against it.
But for some reason, going from the MA900 back to the PX100-II is really fatiguing. Sounds like there is some odd spike in the PX100-II's treble, and it suddenly starts to stand out like a sore thumb. Perhaps because the MA900's treble is more relaxed, but whatever the reason, the PX100-II is suddenly more of a chore to listen to. Never thought I'd say that after all the headphones I've compared it to. And it's weird because I'm not getting any odd vibes off the MA900 either. Doesn't seem like anything is too recessed or too out of place. Sorta reminds me of the HD598 or HD600, but perhaps an even more rounded treble. Very inoffensive, and extremely easy to listen to, yet enjoyable. It's got me satisfied in the midrange (for now) and that alone says something.
EDIT: The MA900 has a stranger tonality than the PX100-II, so it sounds a little "off" at times, even though the frequency sounds relatively balanced within itself. Perhaps it's the soundstage, or the angled 70mm drivers? Not quite sure.
X2 EDIT: Nevermind. The weird tonality, for the most part, can be corrected by wearing them further back on your head, as opposed to more forward (more comfortable). Still very comfortable even when worn further back.