Thanks, this does clear up a lot of concerns for me. I'm trying to be extra cautious because once i purchase it, i can't get the import fee + shipping fee back if i return the device which is about 80 usd.

Is there any difference between L30 II and L30 with serial number 2012xxxx (or later) when it comes to "safety"?

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No, sorry, that is first version but after the fix already.

Thats the L30 II, right? The one i posted (in the amazon link) is not the L30 II, its the first version. On Amazon Q&A it says "Is the serial number 2012xxxx or later?
Answer:I got one from here a few months ago and it was. I think you're safe." The II version costs 50% more on Amazon for some reason. I was asking about the particular one i posted. I looked through the reviews and found no issues with the latest purchases, only the first purchases had bad reviews. Thanks for the information.

I have the 2nd version and it is fine. They physically fixed that issue.

I like the feel of those openheart cables, but find them a bit heavy for iems.

I have one on my porta pros.

The perfect “tracking and monitoring” headphone. 😃

Fun trivia: these are Andrew Scheps's preferred headphones and has been using them for like 20 years.

If you keep a lookout, you'll see the MDR-7506 all the time in control rooms, radio booths, and film crews in the background on various shows, news, etc.

I got the Brainwavz, too, and I love them. The blue ones. The color matches perfectly with the sticker on the side.

I don't think you need to rush to replace them though. The stock pads feel good but start to flake after a couple of years so you can do it then. :-)

I have brainwavz pads and they're really really nice

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Can you recommend some pads?

Yep I really love them for their utility

You should change out the pads tho cuz the stock ones are super uncomfy

my favorite cans 💜

Diana TC is one of the best headphones in the world. It definitely belongs among the top of the line (TOTL) headphones. It has TOTL clarity and speed, one of the best resolution of any headphone, amazing highs, and powerful, impactful, broad, yet tight bass.

You need a reasonable amp to drive these tho. Since you are describing them as quiet and not having much bass, it's certain you are not giving them enough power. These actually have one of the most powerful bass among TOTL headphones, definitely more than LCD5, Susvara, or Focal Utopia, for example. Even compared to one of the best, most punchy dynamics, the Focal Clear, the Diana TC's bass is vastly superior, sounding more like a top-quality sub.

For driving the Diana TC: On the more analytical end, I would recommend the Topping A90 or A90 discrete. If you prefer warmer, I would recommend the Burson Soloist 3x. Of course you can go up to Ferrum Oor or other more expensive amps if that's what you want as well. The Diana TC has amazing clarity and highs that beautifully reproduce the sounds of string instruments or sibilance in female vocals. Some people may find these annoying - the Burson, being warmer, definitely damps those down a bit, and adds to even a stronger bass. However be warned, since the Diana TC has very strong bass to begin with, adding even greater percussive pressure could be a negative - it's really all a matter of personal taste.

I’ve never owned an Abyss but I do think the 1266 is worth owning for someone who can afford a second flagship headphone. (The first should be an honest flagship like an LCD, HiFiman or Focal). Despite the fact that the 1266 measures poorly in virtually every way, it really is a headphone that defies measurements. For some reason, it’s still one of the most detailed headphones I’ve heard. Maybe it’s the transients or something. And of course they are one of the only headphones ever made to specifically take advantage of an air channel to give you massive dynamic bass that is unmatched. If you throw on tracks that already sound huge like Futurerave, it sounds like you’re at Tomorrowland. It’s the ultimate EDM headphone.

The Diana I just never understood. The price is shocking for what sounds like to me a closed back headphone with middling everything. I’d pay 300$ for it. Even then I might still opt for a used r70x.

They definitely have some piercing highs as you can see from the graph of the 32 ohm version - https://forum.headphones.com/t/beyerdynamic-dt-990-premium-official-thread/18422

You may be experiencing this "underwater" effect due to a bit of recessed midrange and raised lower midrange. The DT880 have less treble spikes, but if you want more treble energy the DT990 Pro 250 ohm has that (you can see so in the link)

When you say they are quieter then you do not have a amp that will run them fully. Just some specs I saw for the Meridian Prime said 250mW @ 42 ohms so no not enough for the Diana TC’s.
My HiBy R6 Pro just gets them going on the low end of power and it puts out 750 mW at 32 ohms .

Yes, I would recommend that myself. It’s the best price to performance, as it comes rest close to TOTL without the hefty price tag, plus that soundstage. However, if you’re a fan of bass and dynamics, they’re not so great for that. But everything else is chef’s kiss

I would try them out with some other amps with higher power output and see if the distant sound issue persists. 250 mw into 42 ohms sounds a bit low.

As others have said, when going from your main set of cans to a new set, your brain takes some time to adjust.

Meze 109 Pro sounds like more of a right fit for you for affordable, easy to drive listening pleasure. In the higher end, but still less expensive than Diana TC, the ZMF caldera with its big beautiful bass, lovely tuning and technicalities. Same with DCA Expanse, though hard to drive.

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Jumping to something like that from Momentums is a ridiculous leap and I'd not be surprised if your ears need a lot of time to appreciate the differences. Like if you've had microwave meals your entire life and then you go to a three Michelin star restaurant. You'd have no idea what it's about. Could also be that they're not your type as well as they seem to be very neutral without bass elevation. It's common with planars that you need to EQ the bass.

DT990, AD700x are really good open backs for gaming

Bought this exact DAC. It arrived today and everything sounds great again. Thanks for the recommendation. I used to assume DACs were completely unnecessary, now I'm wondering if the pricier DACs are worth it... another Reddit-induced wallet-abusing rabbit hole, here I come!