Getting a proper fit with the Qualia 010 is notoriously difficult, as even the small size headband seems to be designed for Billy Quizboy. Some folks took to adhering sponges to the headband using twist ties. Once you get that down and find an amp with good synergy, the Q010 does sound quite nice in my opinion. A very analytic sound with a ton of air and pin point imaging, really one of the best headphones in terms of spatial reproduction. Rather thin sounding, with edgy treble that results in rapid onset of fatigue.
It's sort of a super SA5000.
I just don't really agree that they're a cut above the HD800, at least not in most respects. I've owned them for about three years now, and I'm pretty familiar with how they scale. In terms of separation and imaging I would say they might actually have a leg up on the HD800. However the HD800 simply scales higher to my ears when it comes to micro detail retrieval and texture, especially toward the lower end of the sonic spectrum. The HD800 also has a more natural timbre (though both sound a little artificial to me --- the Q010 just all the more so). I really don't think many people have heard just what the HD800 can fully do. I don't think I've heard what the HD800 can fully do.
