Well, reference of course is a contentious term I acknowledge that. There is likely no universal accepted definition of what reference really means, but as I suspect you know it typically means when the amplitude of say the bass is considered to not unbalance the signal while still possessing impact and extension. Now even assuming we could find a definition people agreed on for what constitutes reference, there is no guarantee that it will be pleasing to the majority. In fact, I personally feel that we are smack in the middle of a period where a new reference point for low frequencies is being determined. I think the evidence is clear that many people, perhaps even the majority of people are slowly and surely gravitating away from a leaner, linear approach to bass instead favouring a bigger, bolder approach. I know I fit into that category, but within reason.
For me, as long as the bass doesn't drone or become uncontrolled and messy I can tolerate quite a bit of bass. I like detail in bass, but I also like scale and power so I will sacrifice a little detail for extra impact. Ideally I wouldn't have to, but that seems unlikely unless I can shell out insane money for a headphone. When I said a 10% bass reduction that was of course not meant to be taken completely literally, just as a way of trying to put a quantifiable number for a concept. Somewhere in between the Z1R and P9 would be very nice for me. I find after listening to the P9 and then using the Z1R, believe it or not the Z1R does not sound like a bassy headphone. Do I like what the P9 does? Yes, very much, but that isn't to say for my preferences there isn't some room to tinker, same goes with the Z1R, neither is perfect, but both are very, very good.
