These are very muddy to start off with. But, these need burn-in(100 hours).I am using Brainwavz round pads that helped alot. I also covered the port partially. These need a very powerful amp, much more than the mach3's, I am using the emotiva BASX amp. A bright, crisp DAC will help, I am using the topping D50. Now these work well for my heavy music listing cans.
WilfordBrimleyI totally agree MyTXO's sound 60 to 70% better now that I added the Basx a 100-amp in direct drive mode"Jumpers in"and I'm now using the schiit
ProfessorPatThe cth definitely gave it a more refined and clear sound but the biggest and better sound definitely came from the emotiva a100 amp it's got clean power with the jumpers in a must have for planars like these.