Don't think it's a seal problem. These are full size open, and have measured the stock version with velour pads. I remeasured some other cans I have to double check my rig and things look good.One may be conditioned by plots. However, I do hear cans before I measure. These did sound a little leaner in the bass area than even my HD558s. I don't think that's how I heard them before though.Alex mentioned he did more mods to them after the meet, so they should sound different from then. At the meet I though the had more treble and more impact relative to the stock PM-1s. This time around the bass seems mitigated. I think they sound a bit brighter too because of this.