Hey NuckinFutz...I've never tried the Trident; however, I just got my SP yesterday and I like it. After burn-in the sound sig might change, and i may LOVE it haha. I've been listening to it with the black plate because I LOVE my bass. But even with the black plate I think it's pretty clear...mind you I did have to EQ a little to try and bring mids forward just a tad. It's a HUGE step up from my M-9's which is to be expected. I think the bass is deeper and cleaner but it's soft. The overall sound is smooth. You also get 3 different plates to look for the SQ you like. For my musical tastes though, I'll probably only be using the black plate. Overall I'm happy with the clarity it has and also bass output...great value I'd say. I don't notice microphonics, but I have to wear them over the ears to get a good seal and I think build quality is excellent. I think my next purchase will be a Hippo VB because I like the bass quantity and clarity of the SP, but I just want it to hit harder....I'm a basshead I guess haha.