Thank you, the whole post was helpful :-) How do you like the Paradox? Do you have HD600s/HE500 (or HD800s) with you to compare?

I'm still getting oriented to them, only about nine hours of listening in. So far, they're just...exceptional. I'm holding off saying too much about their sound for a few days while I log my listening and take notes. I don't want to succumb to "New Toy" hyperbole. I'm pretty excited about them. They're the first pair of Orthos I've heard

While remaining grounded, I can say that they're more detailed and spacious than anything I've heard in the closed mid-fi range (which is only: Amperiors, DJ100, CAL, UE6000, Momentum, SRH840, SRH940, DT250-250, M-100, HP100, NAD HP50, and FSP. I'm still new to the hobby.) My only point of reference beyond that is a modded HD580 (600 grills, foam removed, cable changed...so pretty much just an HD600 at this point). I'll do some comparison listening this weekend between the two.

I loved my Paradox (originals). Traded to Austin as I have Enigmas and Code-X coming. 75% certain I'll be getting slants one day as well. They're remarkably balanced.

The FSP he sent my way is probably the best closed portable I've heard so far. They sound great straight out of my phone.

Once again I have to state how good and tonally balanced a headphone the Sennheiser HD580/600 is. I tried these, liked them, sold them to try something hyped, got frustrated, bought the Senns again .... Now I have my fifth set, a used HD580 that I refurbished. And all I can say is that I love them, again. Now, what about all the money that went down the drain on my quest (addiction) to find the perfect headphone sound? Calling myself an idiot every once in a while.