or… they just didn’t fit his preferences?

those headphones represent one type of frequency response lol. they’re incredibly neutral with a slight tilt towards brightness. i can absolutely see how they could sound “shrill” or “thin” to a newcomer, especially the beyers which are outright sibilant at times

that’s not to say i don’t like them — but i wouldn’t have enjoyed them if they were my first cans. i’m still glad i invested in other headphones