Headphones showed up in perfect condition, look great, everything is as listed!

Great seller, easy to work with, communicates well and payment/shipping were good experiences.

Continuing this conversation in PMs now that the recommendation thread has fulfilled its purpose, thanks to everyone who helped!! :)

The listing said: "Tuned warm, yet detailed." This is, I think from what I've heard, the default tuning, which seems to be the main recommendation for the XTCs and often an easy winner. One reviewer really praised the bass and soundstage which are two things I really like, though I haven't heard...

It's funny, I really bounced back and forth on these. I first ignored your suggestion since it sounded so unusual, then I was fairly convinced, and then I got convinced again to put it off to the side and focus on finding some deals on Aryas, Focals, and Senns in some combination. But guess...

Thankfully, I literally live around the corner from Definitive Audio, less than 2 blocks. Unfortunately, I had the impression that they just did appointment-based home theater sales, but it looks like they have headphone demos. Absolutely checking them out this week and will learn a lot. 660S2...

Yeah, it's fascinating hearing the 6 series opinions. Some absolutely hate the 660S2, but a ton of people say it's the best by far. Otherwise, seems to be a preference for the 6XX. Of course, the 660S2 does cost over double the 6XX, so they aren't necessarily comparable as the same tier even.

After a lot of consideration I think I have a main plan: 1. Check out a few audio stores in my area (Seattle) to get a clue about which headphones I might prefer 2. Watching for deals on an Arya or HD800S 3. In the meantime, while waiting, will probably grab a good deal on an Elex or Clear, and...

Can you speak at all to what makes you love the Clear/Elex (or is it the Elear)? I've heard they're extremely high quality and I'm curious which aspects make you love them.

You've kinda sold me on these, actually. I see a lot of amazing things said about them, and that they're really among the best while being at a ridiculous price point. They're literally in my budget. I do want to see what an Arya is like for $550, an HD 660S2 for $350, or an HD 800S for $800...

Indeed a bit out of my price range on the DAC/Amp, though I understand as far as those go that's still in the mid range. Sounds like a great upgrade from my incoming FiiO K7 once I learn a bit more about them and how they affect my listening experience.

Thank you for the offer, that's a very competitive price! I'll get in touch if I choose to go that route.

Yes, a very powerful option! I would be happy to go with an HD660S2 and an Elex for both in the $400-500 price range, which seems doable. My follow-up question for you, then, is: have you heard the 800S? The 660S2 is nipping at the price of the 800S (I can see as low as $800), and I hear the...

This is definitely one of my top options. I know I had a positive experience with the mid Hifiman models, and a recommendation like that for the Arya makes it seem like an obvious choice. There's an Arya on the classifieds here currently for $550 so those prices are possible, and with that I...

That sounds very interesting, but I don't think I would have a clue what tuning I would like. I'm definitely detail-oriented and picky in areas I have experience with, but with hifi I'm just a huge beginner and really don't know what sound signature I want, what style I like, honestly my...