So I went to Can Jam NYC this past weekend. I had a few items on my agenda, one being the XS. The demo unit only had a balanced connector and the amp I brought was only 1/4" so I didn't use my setup. But HiFiman had them connected to their dac amp so I thought all was good. They didn't sound anything like anyone here or elsewhere describes. Plus I had to turn the amp almost completely max to get any kind of volume. I was so disappointed. Not sure if they were a bad pair, the amp was bad or something else. I love my 4XXs and really wanted to love these, but the whole experience was a key down. After that I went into the ZMF room and those pretty much ruined everything else lol. I do want to give the XS one more chance though.