I was looking forward to the OPPOs before I read the reviews, mainly because I hoped they would be lighter and smaller with a similar sound. I even sold my LCD-2s beforehand being confident they would succeed. Now I am hoping the EL-8s will come through where the OPPOs didn't, at least from my POV. 

  I put a on a wrap-around type pad that someone somewhere recommended, and now it is really comfortable (rather than unbearable.) Ugly, but it works.

  They can't decide on which dragon engraving.

Does  Beyer OEM for anyone else?    I suspect McIntosh's emphasis is the amp, where it has the more respect. The HP is probably just a type of smart vertical marketing.

For another current band, you might consider Sigur Rós, not sure they would strictly qualify. Echolyn, Spock's Beard, Arena, others. There's always the oldies like The Moody Blues, Yes, King Crimson, ELP, ELO, early Genesis, et al.

What are you familiar with so far?

+1

Quote: YES YES! I have taken them apart, reversed the cups, added padding in the cups to equalize the pressure between the front and read parts of the padding. The design it rugged, but inflexible (literally.) However, (and I have mentioned all this before) the two thin bands (AKA...

Quote: What? How do I get in on that?

I ordered some RE400s as a stopgap. As long as they fit better than the ER6i or E500 than I cope with now, at least that will be an improvement. I am also having some UE10 Pros remolded, but I doubt they will fit under a helmet (they didn't before.) I am also getting some Westone ES5s, but not...

Quote: Do they sound good (I will search on this, but if you have heard...) ?

Thanks, I occasionally use the ER6 as well, as they are so small, and sound okay as long as I get a good seal. I want to get customs so I can go quick in/out without fiddling. I will look into the UM1 reviews to see if they might work. 

I know there are some IEMs that are designed for helmet use (e.g, Westone CR1) but I assume these are fairly stripped down in terms of sound quality (one driver, etc.) but I want to know if there are some high quality IEMs that will work (especially that you have used). I have some UE10 Pros but...