So I guess it's a toss-up between Meze 99 Classics and Sennheiser HD1. Who wins on SQ and comfort? Build appears to be similar.

Please elaborate. These are on-ear, which puts comfort in doubt for me. These also have been discontinued and replaced with just HD25s, which appear to be inferior.

Do you have first-hand (first-ear?) experience with these? How is the comfort/heat during long listening sessions? Are the Momentum cans worth the premium

If I were looking for comfort of Sennheiser HD 558 or Philips SHP9500 (this one is open-back) but more compact so that they could be used on the go, what would be my options for under $300? Could on-ear cans be comfortable? If over-ear is the only way to go, are there compact models that provide...

Could you please recommend a short (about a meter) replacement cable (preferably with a mic)? All I find so far seem to disintegrate after a short period of time.

Thanks to everyone for the input! I'm back to considering open headphones (so that my ears could breath) so it's a toss between the Senneheiser HD558 and the Philips SHP9500. Which one sounds better out of the box without any EQ fiddling (after equal burn-in)? I've also seen a few reviews...

Based on your suggestion, I'm now considering getting the HD598 Cs as they're closed-back (and I thought of using them on the go as well). Is this a good idea? Some reviewers are highlighting an issue with instrument separation.

What are the best full size headphones (closed or open back) under $100 that don't require a dedicated amp or DAC? Listening material is very diverse so closer to neutral is probably better. Must be very comfortable (pads, clamping force etc) for long listening sessions so that ears don't hurt...

Rock and jazz are the best for me. With other presets or EQ off the sound is very flat.

VE Monk, Xiaomi Hybrid Dual Drivers

For me the S5 lacks detail. I'm forced to use the built-in EQ. Anyone else in the same boat?

Are Soundmagic E10 still considered a good option for balanced IEMs that are also comfortable? I read that stock buds are pretty bad.

The only button that I don't particularly like on mine is the largest one. Very clicky. Is this normal?

What is the safe volume threshold on S5/M20? I feel that 14 is the maximum before you start causing damage to your ears. I use the original Monk.

Thank you for your insight! What about Xiaomi Hybrids vs 1MORE Piston Classic? By the way, is the latter basically the Xiaomi Piston 2.1?