LCD-4 have a great balance between resolution and soundstage (HD-800S is more focused on soundstage/imaging). And a different tuning. So definitely reasons to prefer it.

KSE1200 plugged into Schiit Modi 3+ is what I’ve been using the most, recently.

Not meant to be a reality check, just clarification. I think they are cool, especially for the sale price (which is insane).

1. Vertical integration (they own the factories) and direct access to cheaper labor in China with no middleman.
2. They have a higher QC threshold (they throw out fewer potentially defective units off the line, which means every one that goes out is cheaper) and not great build quality (cheaper construction).

KSE1200 fills most purposes at the highest quality possible. Though, I would still need something cheap and waterproof as well.

I agree. I like 6XX, but to me it needs EQ. It sounds too dead stock because of the dampening. Also not the best imaging/soundstage. HE560 V4 does that much better.

Multi-BA setups are nice, but I think the ER4 critcism is kind of justified tbh. I think they are super interesting and worth having. But they are not pleasant.

Thorn BB58 with the 369 dial.