Well, I just linked a video where someone went back and forth between the HD800S and sticker modded HD8XX and he couldn't tell the difference. So you're gonna have to give some solid evidence to counter it. Also I'm not sure why you're so fixated on me saying that EQ was an option, when I mostly was talking about the sticker mod.

I've done the mod myself, it's not difficult. You don't touch the drivers, so I have no idea where you're getting the idea that it's risky or a lot of work. And if we're talking about used, you can always buy the HD8XX used, which would make it 2/3 the price of a used HD800S and less than the OG HD800.