Love the power and clarity of both the Hip Dac 2 and the Qudelix 5K, but it’s fun to play with sound signature on the Qudelix for IEMs and headphones.

I have the Classics, an excellent all rounder for various genres, and drive them with the Hip Dac 2 or the Qudelix with EQ. Enjoy.

Had been looking for a closed back to supplement my Edition XS and settled on a JM Audio mod of the Hifiman HE-R9. Very happy. Now I’ve got my eye on JM Audio’s closed back XTC for next year.

Had a similar reaction to yours when first I got them: good bass but shrill up top WITH STANDARD TIPS. However, tried the shallow tips that came with them and the FR was much better, so I kept them. If you have a Qudelix (although I didn’t need to use my Qudelis), try the shallow tips and EQ that shrill range to align the FR with your preferences, However, if you don’t like them, I’ve no argument.

The situation becomes even more complicated when you add the subjective layer of EQing a new sound signature of recently purchased IEMs which you originally disliked. Case in point, the Tin T4 Plus with EQing its emphasized upper mids and lower treble, for a more balanced FR effect. Love them as much as my IKKO OH10 and Timeless now.

I’ve had the J.M. Audio mod of the Hifiman HE-R9 closed backs for a few months now and they are freaking awesome. A worthy alternative to my Edition XS.