So from what I gather, MEST 2 and IE900 are essentially similiar, but MEST has more forward mids?

No there are quite a few differences, I just made reference to some components - the most obvious for me is the vast size of the sound and instrument placement on the MEST... more treble on the IE900 also. I really do love them both and find they complement each other well.

Thank you for your comments, and the first Head-Fi review of the IE 900!