This is exactly what I have been trying to figure out. I've had a little burning in and "underwhelmed" is a great way to explain how it feels.
I have no experience but everyone is ranting and raving about these for the most part. People with more experience than myself. Mix that with QC issues, I just am not sure of what I am hearing.
NC on may degrade the sound quality but at least it sounds full and alive. Can't tell if we have a slightly defective passive mode, it greatly needs an amp, or I am just used to a different sound signature.