From what I gather, although it didn't seem written the older variant of Takstar Pro 82 has a blue ring in/on it's driver, whilst the newer version does not?
I couldn't find any verbose instruction on how to remove an ear pad, and knowing I am prone to breaking things when trying to disassemble, I am holding off on taking my new 'phones apart. I did shine a flashlight very close to the felt covering and could peek through, just enough to see that there is a blue ring, which looks like the v1 driver. That coupled with the nicer looking metal ended longer cable and white design box, I'm pretty sure I have the arguably less desirable first version.
Highs don't sound muddy, but they do benefit from a bit of EQ. It's not ridiculously obvious, but knocking out 6 dB at 9.5 kHz lets me hear the snap of the stick on the snare drum, rather than a brighter undefined wash. However, I am talking more in terms of eyes-closed concentrated listening. It also just helps tame sibilant sound and cymbals, without really changing anything. The bottom end needed addressing as soon as I put them on, but that's an easy fix to taste again.
Apparently the ATH-40X might be more flat in terms of EQ, but they have really shallow ear pads so the driver touches your ear. I read and watched reviews where people suggested the 50x as being better, but then that was outdone by DT770. I got fed up of going around in circles and thought at this price it's worth a punt.
I normally listen to speakers, nearfield monitors, so the headphone experience always seems a bit strange to me anyway. However, I have been spending a lot of time since getting these Takstar Pro 82 cans just listening to all sorts of stuff on Spotify. I think that somehow they might lack an outright refinement and in some sense that is to their merit. It makes more material acceptable. It also makes them less useful as an analytical monitor.
I haven't compared them to anything else, personally, other than a USB headset and some older earbuds. I am happy enough until I can be bothered to go and audition something else, and for a long enough period to properly evaluate.
Only you can decide on what you think is comfortable, but the Pro 82s do have quite deep spongy ear pads and my ears go completely inside the pads. Some heat does built up over time because of the pleather, and the seal feels like a vacuum but I got used to it.
I hope I helped, but I feel that we are all in the same position of going around in circles until we try something for ourselves.