"Fast forward...a few years and we've reached the point where we've actually reached the point where we can argue we have too many options."

I relate to this so much. It feels like with the in-ear market, the options available are overwhelming. The way I used to narrow the products down was by frequency response graphs vaguely adhering to some target. Eventually, it felt like every other in-ear I was considering was measuring somewhat close to IEF neutral, to the point where I couldn't narrow down options any further than the selection available in one weekend's CanJam visits.

Great review, ish! I found the XS to be very close to how you described it in the article. I had to manipulate the headphone quite a bit just to attempt to get a seal, and I'm pretty sure the bottom of the cup near the cable terminals sat below my jawline. The recent posts from you articulate precisely why I've been lukewarm on each new planar magnetic release since 2017.

You could always get a cheaper headphone, or wait for a discount on one locally

I tried various releases of the HE-400 series, including some of the more recent versions. The 400i, 400S, 4xx, 400 (2020), and 400SE. I haven't enjoyed my time with any of the drivers, and have been happier purchasing non-functional units for headband assembly parts rather than enjoying "cheap thrills" of Hifiman.

After reading the review, I found a lot of OP's comments about the frequency response ring true for me as well. Having a deep recession to get a boost to the soundstage doesn't appeal to me relative to the veil that vocal overtones experience when the fundamental frequency is so dominant.

I don't use as much EQ on budget headphones because of the subjective downgrade in dynamism, due to the limited technical ability of said headphones, becoming ever more present when listening critically. I would rather save up and buy a headphone that checks more boxes for me, or get a cheaper headphone that will work with dongles and cheap portable gear.

It seems we won't agree, because of one reason or another. If it's QC, why should a consumer have to mull through a lottery or RMA a headphone multiple times in order to get a "good unit" in hand? On the other hand, I'm invalidated by not being willing to accept a handful of budget headphones as "good enough" when my surrounding gear is so tailor-made for what I like to listen to.