Of course modded cans are not on the list--like them or not.
I don't understand the relevance of the comment, aside for my personal preference for modified K702 that was mentioned as a side note.
Having read the magazine for some time, I have observed that they are not very knowledgeable about headphones, especially relative to other components, including but not limited to speakers. My ears tell me that the cans I mentioned above are far better than former flagships Stereophile still rates as an "A". Not to mentioned the discontinued in 2014 SR 60i still shown as a "C".
3 year cycle. Obviously, no one cares to audition the SR60e. I can easily live without reading about them.
The K 550 is not currently on Tyll's Wall of Fame. It has been three or four times (depending on how you count) supplanted as is stated on the InnerFidelity site:
"This headphone [K 550] was retired due to the introduction of the UE6000, which I feel is a significantly more balanced sounding headphone. The slightly artificial sounding treble in the K550 became quite obvious in comparison."
Followed by: "This headphone [UE 6000] was retired from the Wall of Fame due to the Sennheiser Momentum coming out with a better sounding sealed headphone (the 6000 is a bit lacking in mid-to-upper treble), and the Sony MDR-1R arriving with roughly comparable sound quality, but better looks and ergonomics at the same price."
Followed by: "This headphone [Momentum] was retired from the "Wall of Fame" due to the release of the NAD VISO HP50, which is less expensive, more comfortable, with somewhat better sound."
and
"This headphone [MDR-1R] was displaced by the NAD VISO HP50 and Focal headphones."
He can retire and change whatever he likes, but the fact remains that K550 were on his Wall of Fame and were recommended. Why? No idea. They sound like cardboard. Can't think of a single reason to consider any of his recommendations, especially seeing
how often he changes his mind. Even though Innerfidelity is Stereophile's sister publication, unfortunately, the reviews are not written with the same sense of responsibility to the reader. The K550 is a perfect example, as are the constant revisions.