So I just began my head-fi journey and I have the HD600. I like them a lot but I wanted to have something with more punch/impact/bass for my pop/rap/hip-hop/k-pop/EDM guilty pleasures.

I have heard the Focal Clear MG (OG no longer available locally), which I think is pretty good but didn’t wow me (although it’s US950 locally so not a bad deal). My research on this forum and others indicates that the Audeze LCD-X is what I am looking for. There’s only one shop in my town that offers it and I made a hike out there to audition them.

For whatever reason, it underwhelmed me. It’s good but it I had to try to like them. Maybe I expecting a more powerful bass but it honestly did not impress me more than Clear MGs and Clear MGs have better vocals.

I happened saw the Fostex th900mk2 signature edition at the Audeze dealer. I decided to give them a go. First, it was more comfortable than the LCD-X. (LCD-X was like–I can bear this for the sound if i like the sound enough). The Fostex had some of the best bass I have heard from a headphones. Kanye/Jay Z/Nas etc. all sounded great. Maybe it’s the signature edition tuning, I didn’t the mid range was as bad as people make it out to be – l listen to a few Asian love-ballads --the vocals were clear while complimented by the instrumentations, which were clearly separated. The treble was bright but it didn’t bother me, but maybe I am getting older (close to 40).

The down side is that the Fostex is like 1500 locally, so i need to go back to another shop and compare to the Clear MG – to see if I like it for 500 more. Also, the Fostex doesn’t seem as well reviewed as the other two mentioned – and I wonder why. Also at 1500, HIFIMAN Arya Organic is also in play.

Anyone have any thoughts?

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