Wow, I think I finally found my thread!
I just had the most remarkable experience, so please allow me to tell all you mud-lovers about it. A couple of days ago I got a shiny, brand new iFi Zen DAC, and have been playing it non-stop with my AKG K92, KZ ZSN and Marshall Major II headphones. I was, and am, thrilled and amazed by this little amp in so many ways.
But today I started listening to it with my Panasonic Ergo-Fit 120s, and to my astonishment I found that I actually prefer the sound with these uber-cheap in-ears to any of the others. I am, I know, a bit treble sensitive, especially around 3-4 K and 8 K, and these little gems are apparently super rolled of in the treble, so I guess that's why?
I think the Zen is a magic amp, that seems to make anything sound better, and the Panasonics driven by it have huge space, resolution and detail, ease and timing, and a kind of subtle dynamic energy that I have never before heard from them, so I'm sure that's a big part of the joy. But I also think it's the lack of high frequency detail. They are not bright or harsh sounding at all, like my "better" 'phones are -- just warm, dark and sweet sounding. I feel like I can still hear everything, but my ears don't hurt.
So where do I go from here? What should I get next? I would like to spend maybe 50-100 dollars (or less, I guess) on a higher quality pair of headphones that have this same sweet, warm sound. I listen to everything -- mostly classical, but lots of rock, prog, experimental, avant garde, EDM/electronica and cetera, generally on lossless or hi-res FLAC files. I'd consider in ear, on ear, over ear, really anything except for open-back designs, which my ultra-light-sleeping partner would abhor.
I had pretty much made my mind up on the Focal Sphear earphones, and also have been considering the Final E3000 or, for a lot less, the E1000 or the Hifiman RE400. My selection is pretty limited here in Thailand, and prices can be quite crazy, but those four are available and not too heavily tariffed / over-priced. But now I'm thinking I should broaden, and darken, my scope. Alas, I cannot, in this remote location where I live, listen to anything before I decide. so...
Please, if anybody wants to lead me further into the darkness, I would love to hear what you suggest.
Thanks!