A few listenng notes:
I've listened to the EPH-100s both nights in bed now, and think they perform very well a low listening volumes, which has surprised me. They don't struggle to maintain clarity n the slightest, the contrary in fact.
This is made all the more enjoyable by comfort which is at least on par with the GR-07's. They actually beat the Vsonics in terms of ergonomics and usability, and subsequently beat all other phone that I've owned. They disappear effortlessly into the ear and instantly provide a near perfect perfect seal, without need of reinsertion or adjustment. They also stay in place very securely, even through activities such as high speed cycling... which brings me nicely to isolation, which is definitely well above average for a dynamic.The deepness of insertion clearly helps with this, as well as the stock tips which for me have eliminated the need to tip-hunt entirely.
I'm still not familiar enough with this signature to do it justice with words... but think that like the RE-262, it has it has liquid mids to die for. These phones convey emotion with real poignancy. Unlike the RE-262 however it has a very monitor-like sound stage (or studio-stage) which emphasizes depth over width. In that way the Yamaha's remind me of the FXT90, but with far Superior laying and separation. That said the JVCs are obviously no slouch in this area... which is testament to how good the EPH-100s are.
The Yamaha's are much smoother than the JVCs, perfecting the anti-fatigue approach. In comparison the FXT90s are much more in your face and sound outright aggressive whilst A/Bing. This however is one of the JVCs major strengths, making them much more suited to genres such as punk, rock and metal. The Yamaha's are also behind on transients and well as speed.
If the GR-07 and the FXT90 complimented each other well, the EPH-100 and the FXT90 were made for each other. Their signatures really are that far apart.
More on this later.
