Edition xs would be another good upgrade if you like the hifiman sound

I have a bunch of cans that are "above" these and many that are equal. Still want to try them.

> AKG K612 Pro

Always wanted to try a HD560s, never have though. I'm in upper middle class fi hell these days.

What's your go to hesdphone? I'm a fellow symphonic metal lover. (just saw Nightwish last summer, missed Epica though in the autumn).

2 years later and he's contemplating Susvara or Utopia

I'd be surprised if you could really tell.

One of the best things you can buy if you get started down this rabbit hole is a switcher. That way you switch sources or amps very quick.

I learned how little dacs and amps actually do (tube amps not withstanding)

I put a song or section of song I know very well on repeat and listen switching back and forth. And I really don't hear anything really different ... I guess I'm just not audiophile enough.

My guess is Focal Utopias or Meze Elite.

Also figure I'd add to the pile on of excessive ID posting here.

My guess is the output impedence is higher. On many dynamic cans, raising that will also increase the bass and reduce the damping factor giving it some bass "flab".