Yea I've tried clearing my cache and cookies to no avail. I'm not using chrome sync either. I have essentially been reduced to using internet explorer, and I hate myself a little for it. I've betrayed the internets.

Just about any 1/8" cables will have better properties than the one it comes with. Any low resistance cables should do the trick. 1/8" connection to the X1 and have it terminate to whatever you need. 

I can confirm the X1 stock cable is really awful. When replaced, the phones are great. It is an added worry, though.

Cool man let me know how you end up liking the he400. I've honestly considered trying them just to hear the signature.

The EQ is sort of subtractive when using the "user defined" EQ function. That threw me off a bit as well, but it is useful when you get used to it, I found. 

Oh man that thread haha There's a lot of good info to be had there. It's good you consulted that. Definitely a manual of sorts. I'm interested to see how those GR07's sound for sure. 

The only real limiting factor to keep your budget was a DAP, which you won't be needing. I'm not as concerned about you keeping under $500 now.  I still feel as though you should think about what you'll be listening to mostly and use that to determine the headphones you'll likely enjoy more. If...

I would completely agree with this. Just as you eluded to, the treble might surprise you, but in a different way. Not quite sure how to put it besides how you did. 

I have listened to the X5+Fidelio X1 pairing as well as with other headphones, and while I can't speak for the dx90, I can say that the EQ function of the X5 will help tweak the phones somewhat to your preference. The EQ is a bit more in-depth than some, allowing for more specific tweaks.  I'm...

The X1's are very comfortable. I find myself mentioning that a lot recently, however it's the truth and something that has kept them in my collection.  I think based on what you want, any of the HP's listed would have been enjoyable.  I don't doubt you'll like the X1's. Let us know what you...

I noticed you mentioned a few customs in your list.  From what I understand, what any CIEM's lack in SQ against another pair they will usually make up for in comfort and isolation in a particular price point. However, I will warn you that CIEM's require a mold (more money) and more time (to be...

I have not heard the new Fidelio S1/2's myself, however I've been hearing a lot about their value at that price point. That may be something for you to consider.  The IE80 would more than likely be the IEM that you'd prefer in that list based on what I've read, if you can find a decent price for...

Unfortunately you're speaking about "serious" equipment, but to be honest at $500 I'm not sure how serious all of that equipment is going to be. I suppose your definition of serious is what I'm misunderstanding. I'm guessing you mean spending over $100 on audio equipment, in which case spending...

I would agree with Sam21, although I haven't owned one to confirm.  The X5 is nice, and the EQ function is pretty sweet.  However, the DAC isn't mind-blowing or anything, and the UI takes some time to adjust to (everything is backwards lol). 

I lol'd