Got mine today - First impressions are pretty favourable. I found that the office setting gives the best compromise between some background noise cancellation and decent sound quality. It definitely sounds thinner with the NR increased and this difference is more apparent to me than comparing the office setting and NR off completely. I’m sure however that the airplane setting would still give more than satisfactory sound on the subway or in the air (just not the can’s full potential).
The presentation is very different to my previous Sony MDR 1000x. Detail and soundstage are more than a match if not superior. Because of the wider soundstage I think voices lose some intimacy and edge compared to the Sony’s, however I’m adapting to this and really enjoying the overall presentation more. It’s certainly not as smooth and “cuddly” as the Sony’s, but definitely more accurate as far as initial impressions go. Noise reduction is definitely less of an out of the box solution than the Sony’s, however this is fine as long as you use the app to only increase it when really necessary. They are certainly heavier in build than the competition, but after suffering cracking plastic on the Sony’s I’m pleased to put up with this as they are fantastic to handle. Comfort wise I’ve found although they felt very different to begin with, they are absolutely fine on my relatively large head!
I have to say I’m really relieved I’m liking them so far - I was expecting something far worse from the reports coming in. I’m not sure if a few hours burning in this afternoon can have a noticeable effect, or I’m adapting to the differences, but the are only improving as time goes on so hopeful I won’t be returning.
One last thing - the AK70 has a very sensitive Bluetooth connection with these. I’m not sure if it’s the HD protocol, but slight movements can cause unpleasant dropouts. It was never perfect with the Sony’s, but is definitely worse with the PX. I put this down to the player, not the headphones.
