With the Onkyos EQ turned off (flattened out), it still has more bass than the plain EF2 (which with these cans, with only the EF2, no bass at all, it's like I can only hear the harmonics of the bass or something like that).
I have not listened to audiophile grade headphones, don't have the money to afford one, or a store around here to demo one.. I've comapred to my radioshack headphones as mentioned in another thread, and the ratshack phones were so strong in bass i thought it was good and normal.. After using the old SE-2P's, I have grown to REALLY like the tamed bass (when used on an amp that could drive them in the first place), and the clear mids (which the ratshacks never did correctly, of which I knew when I bought them)..
When using the radioshack cans on the EF2 and the Onkyo on flat EQ and loudness turned off, I could hear no difference (even with the Onkyo being fed by the EF2).. The difference only could be heard with the SE-2P's..
Can I have better headphones? Yes, of course. Do I want them right now? Perhaps not, I'm actually fine with the sound I have.. Am I stuck in retroland? Help me, yes, it's an addiction..
The Onkyo TX-820 was good at keeping the sound real, despite being a lower end amp for it's time. The TX4500, I loved it, but it really added a LOT of color to bass when used incorrectly. The TX-820 doesn't seem to "let me" go crazy on the bass and treble, as if the incriments are very minute.. 820 was about keeping it natural and cheap, which I think is good..