I'm not gonna give any real recommendations for products, but I will recommend buying used stuff where possible. You can save upwards of 50 percent depending on the thing you're buying.

If you have a big head, I'd be somewhat hesitant. Having torn down the Elegia and seeing no evidence that they've changed their construction method for the headband on other headphones, a big head will probably put some stress on weak points. On the bright side, they're easy to take apart and mod with a different headband. You'll likely get many years out of the headphones before they break and it's an easy, albeit unfortunate, fix if they do.

As for sound, I have no comments. I only have experience with the Elegia and that's limited (still working on the mod).

Cost effectiveness and noise. I still live with my parents and my mom works third shift, so she's asleep during the day. My dad goes to sleep a few hours after she wakes up. My room shares a wall with theirs and has no sound isolation. In order for me to use speakers without waking someone up, I would be limited to that couple hour period. I'd spend a grand on something I can rarely use

Both the Beyer DT 700 Pro X and Aeon Noires have been great for me. The Noires are my endgame closed back and easily my most used set of headphones

I plan on making a post about it. I got an AliExpress knockoff that's well liked. I'm getting conflicting info on shipping so either it's gonna be here this week or the middle of next month

You might be able to email Hifiman Support and ask for them.

Other options include buying the whole assembly or getting the cheaper comfort headband that they sell. It apparently has the right dimensions. Apparently Audeze headbands also work and I'll be testing that soon when I receive mine

If they break, you can modify them with a Hifiman Sundara headband easily enough. I've seen someone do it with an Audeze headband, which I'm about to do with a broken Elegia I have.

We've got graphs of Project Red and when comparing the most recent revision to the Zero it seems to have slightly less upper mids. It very closely follows the IEF Neutral target curve

I've got the exact same issue unfortunately

I'm basing the shape and looks off an impression I read. He said it was essentially a red Zero. Same size, shape, and overall look.

Crin could essentially position it as a different flavor of the same thing for those that don't like Harman. Perhaps it could fill the gap that the now defunct KZ partnership left? There's currently not a ~$50 IEF neutral tuned IEM from Crin

The goal of the Zero was to get a great Harman tuning with a DD exclusively for sub bass. Project Red could be a similar thing but for his ideal tuning. I'm not saying it couldn't be different though but the whole exterior is currently near identical to the Zero

I love the Hirose connector but it sucks that it's proprietary. At least it's easy to buy for an ok price

They can be excellent or atrocious. Just depends. I love the Pixel Buds and Sony XM3 controls. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro are good but the touch surface isn't super clear. I imagine ones that aren't consistent and touch the edge of my ear would be horrible but I've not used a set like that yet

Many people will wrap them in a yarn covering for both comfort and extending the life of the fabric (which is a good idea because you can't really replace it)

The ear pads should be replaceable, but I don't own these headphones (sound isn't for me) so I have never looked into it. That's an area for Google to help you. The top headband padding is another area that will degrade, so look into that as well.

Sweat and oils will eventually destroy your pads quicker, and there's no way to minimize other than covering them with something or not wearing your headphones. Padding is generally not expensive to replace though, so maybe buy a couple sets while they're still available if you're worried

As for the drivers and electronics, unless you're obscenely sweaty, you're probably fine

May I steal her? Just for a couple months until after my birthday

I'll try my best too but I live in suburban Ohio. We don't have any audio stores nearby. I think I'd need to go to Detroit

Thanks for the response. I don't think this would work well for me then since I have small ear canals. All the best IEMs seem to have wide nozzles :(

What's the nozzle size? Is it smaller than a Truthear Zero or Blessing 2?

I bought my A90 purely for the knob and switches. I've never come close to using all the power but I also don't care. Knobs are fun :)

The used market is a godsend. I buy almost nothing new anymore. Brand new my set-up is probably 2 grand but if you find the right deals you could spend 1200-1300 used with no real downsides. Just need to clean the things you buy and you're good

I've heard many people think that they have naturally great imaging for games. I'm sure you can find software that'll make it better but I'd recommend giving it an hour before using them. No need to make things overly complicated if you don't have to

The vast majority of people have lived theirs, me included. Comfort is a little off but I've gotten used to it. They are incredible sounding and built well