My Andromeda 2020s have a pretty big soundstage, and everything is separated, but it's slightly artificial. With the KSE1200 I can hear the empty space between the different instruments, and it sounds more realistic.

I think the key to the KSE is the tips. Use the triple flange tips, but trim the stems flush with the bottom flange, to get the right fit. Buy a bunch of extra tips, and then you can change them when they get permanently deformed from your ear.

Battery replacement is possible.

Your headphone history seems similar to mine. Grado SR80s were my first audiophile pair of headphones. After quite a few upgrades here and there, now I'm a Shure KSE1200 fanatic.

I think you might save some time and money just getting an electrostatic system.

At first I thought end game is too expensive, but I think I've found it with my current system. I just have to alternate between 2 awesome IEMs; it keeps things interesting.

What kind of speakers do you like? I've been a long-time Magnepan owner and I consider the LCD-2 to be a good alternative to a Magnepan system, if you don't have the space.

Given that you have experience with different IEMs, and already use a DAC, I would definitely recommend upgrading to the kilobuck IEMs. If you can spare $2000 I'd recommend the Shure KSE1200 system.

It's so easy to charge for a few minutes or so, with USB ports everywhere, or even a portable battery pack. I've never ran into a scenario where I'm concerned about the battery life from streaming or downloads.

A pretty big sound from my IEMs with this track. The rest of the album doesn't really have the same sound. https://tidal.com/track/236062051

Just get a portable battery pack if you need more music time without access to USB charging.

Yep, everything sounds great on the KSE1500 IEMs! When the bass isn't hitting quite as hard as I remember, I replace the tips with new ones. Usually I know, just by the way the tip has deformed that I need to replace it. I ordered 5 packs (of 3) of the triple flange tips, when I first got the...

Just looked up the Mysphere, what configuration is best? It looks pretty interesting.

For me, the KSE1200 is my stationary home system, whereas I have the Andromeda IEM for when I'm out and about. I think if I had a 9ft tall electrostatic system at home like you, I'd probably be listening to that instead of an IEM a lot of the time also. 🙂

Seeing that you have SoundLab and Quads, I'm surprised that you don't have a KSE1200. I've never heard the AKG K1000, but I'm thinking it would be close to the Raal. Nice equipment! 👍