So have the QT9 MK2s in hand now, and have been doing a bit of listening (hasn't fully burned in if you're a believer in that, so take it as you will). First of all I am impressed by the degree of change from the OG MK2, it is clear that this is a substantial revision and not a somewhat pointless reissue a la the NF Audio NA2+. There is a much more homogenous sound to these; while the first version had a very meaty bass response combined with a rather airy midrange and treble, this new version has a markedly more balanced tonality. The bass is still elevated (slightly more so in the sub-bass than mid-bass, though there is still some good meat to the mid-bass), the midrange is only slightly recessed but retains a good sense of fullness, male vocals are much better bodied than the original, and the treble is nicely detailed and extended but without harshness or sibilance.
Personally I don't hear the shoutiness or bright-leaning sound that @ian91 reports (we all have different sensitivities of course). The overall feel to me is a bit on the relaxed side; from initial listening, this is partly due to fairly soft leading edges to the transients, and the bass in particular (despite the elevation) has a rather soft impact and consequently a more atmospheric presentation. In addition, there is a quite sizable anti-sibilance scoop between 6/7-10K which softens the sound and does skimp out on some instrumental harmonics as Ian noted. On the other hand, BA timbre is quite well controlled due in large part, I suspect, to these tuning choices. Soundstage is not the widest in absolutely terms although it is fairly well-proportioned (good width and height, lacking somewhat in depth), and while imaging has very good localization, there is not a lot of air between the instruments and things do seem to get somewhat congested/compressed centrally when there's a lot going on in the recording.
Comfort and ergonomics remain unparalleled among hybrids. Accessories have been greatly upgraded as well: better cable, better tips, spare filters and MMCX tool included (as well as a 6.5mm adapter like before).
My initial take is that these aren't the set for those looking for a mindblowing display of raw technical ability; but if you want a more relaxed and balanced tuning that retains good detail while boasting above-average coherence and timbre for a hybrid then these could very well fit the bill.
Will report more later and do a full write-up eventually.
Glad it's an significant revision anyway. I heard coherency was an issue with the first so atleast that's changed.
Personal experiences, tolerances and semantics are all at play here but I hear these as thin and bright, despite the upper mid scoop.
I need more time with them, they have an appeal...
Love the picture by the way - what lens are you using?