Wah James, I officially ship u as the HWZ prophet man, you were right. Went down E1 again tday earlier to retry all the IM series including IM04. It really doesn't float my boat at all, and I seem to have some minor fit issues with the IM04 in that I have to keep re-adjusting to keep the housing in, during my 30 minutes audition. The sound sig also wasn't really to my exact preferences, like what you said I really preferred IM02/03 and CK100PRO kind of signature.
However, the IM04 has alot of visceral impact/rumble in terms of its bass quantity and weight, and soundstage properties wise they are considered the widest and have quite a 'huge-sounding' spatial feel out of the whole IM series line-up. I can definitely understand and see why some people like them. I find them pretty enjoyable for most orchestra/instrumental soundtracks, tried out some of my Taro Hakase classicals and Han Zimmer's Man of Steel OST with them and find them a pretty good listening experience. But in terms of vocal genres, I think I still prefer the IM02/03 greatly over the IM04.
Yep. Same experience here. 02/03 r excellent for vocals (esp females vocals as many have claimed). And no overwhelming BASS, that's what I like most.
And and the clarity of the sound ... its ....
