Newbie here. Having bought and used the Technics AZ80 for the past month is what brought me here. My previous earbud was Sennheiser Momentum series, in which I had each one (MTW 1, MTW 2, MTW 3) as they came out. For sound, I preferred the MTW2 the best, though very minimal difference with the MTW3. I gave up on Sennheiser because I had to replace their earbuds so, so many times (under their great 2 yr warranty) due to one or the other earbud just ceasing to work for no apparent reason (I am very gentle, careful with them), that I had enough and started looking for a new company. After trying the Sony XM5, which were surprisingly lesser in sound than MTW series (at least to my own ear), I settled on the Technics AZ80. I like them, and am keeping them, and hope they will prove more durable than Sennheiser earbuds, which, honestly, shouldn't be too hard.
The thing is though, no matter what I try, I just can't get as close as I'd like to that Sennheiser sound that I grew accustomed to. I've studied the "Glossary of terms" here to try and describe the difference I sense between the AZ80 and MTW2/3's. Perhaps the terms "More Forward" vs. "More Laid Back" might explain the difference I sense? The MTW just seems more forward (and thus a bit brighter, clearer for lack of a better description) as if you were like 25 yards from the actual sound stage at a live concert as distinct from the Technics AZ80, which seem like your more 50-75 yards back. Does that make sense, maybe to those who've tried both the Sennheiser MTW and Technics AZ80? I prefer the Sennheiser sound a bit more, but certainly not their lack of durability. Again, I like the Technics sound well enough and am keeping them. But I'm wondering if there is something I've somehow missed, not tried in the settings? (I'm pretty sure I've tried everything.) Or might a different set of ear tips bring out that more "forward, clear, and bright" sound I like from the Sennheisers? Any suggestions are much appreciated. Thanks.