Impressions on X2
Having owned HD600s, wich i loved very much but ended up selling after getting some HD800s, I have to say these are clearly better. Yes, better than HD600s and near HD800s. I'm the one who spent 1200 dollars for HD800s anyway
Vs HD600s: X2 has much better soundstage,sound is more realistic; definitely more enjoyable sound (especially bass is more extended, textured and present, one of the weaknesses of HD600 IMO), highs are more airy, much more holographical sounding but still lightly warm and smooth sound. Mids on X2 are more neutral( I always found HD600 to have a little peak at 3-4 khz) but equally natural. HD600 is near neutral, but there is a little veil, because it is a little warm but with not very good bass extension and forward mids around 3-4 khz.
VS HD800s:X2 has a little less wide sound,separation, detail and articulation on par. Still more enjoyable, but HD800's sound is a little more transparent (faster, more control, less distortion?) but not by much. still X2 has better depth, more credibility and a more balanced sound, in fact they are very good even without amp. HD800 has a more analytical sound (it is not bright, but bass is very fast and it presents detail in a forward sounding way)
These are the most enjoyable headphones I have ever heard. Neutral but fun, with both a hint of warmth and of sparkle. Fenomenal.
Comfort and build quality are very high. Pads are very comfy (no problems of ink leak), headband almost disappears. More comfortable on ears than HD600, about on par with HD800s. Cable has much better quality than HD600's stock but seems less high end than HD800's.
Price/performance ratio is the best i have ever seen in audio. If these were selling for 900$, it would still be good value. Yes they are that good
I have had them for few days (almost two weeks), thus the sound may change ... will post if it happens.
Look is very good for the headphones by themselves, not so much on head because of the big headband system,looks a bit weird on head. Still very sexy though
P.S. The stand was made by myself. I spent about 5 euros getting material from Ikea