In Japan
Overrated IEM: Final anything, including the new B series and QDC in general: far too intimate and odd peaks in frequency response for B series, QDC with 3 BA or fewer has resolution issues, not until the Anole V6 or VX does that improve. Not even the new Fusion hybrid- when I auditioned them at PotaFes- they had a graininess in their treble and I suspect, without measurements, unevenness in the treble region. I’d also like to see a CSD of them with respect to resonance measurements.
Underrated: Unique Melody Maverick II Re
A well executed IEM with good vocal presence, a surprising holographic soundstage and spatial acuity, and tone and timbre are natural with respect to vocals and traditional instruments. As a previous poster said, the N40, and I think even the N5005, had unnatural timbre issues and brightness
As for HPs
Overrated: Sennheiser anything
They’re like the Nike’s or Starbucks community, mainstream now, but reliable performance and consistency. Generally, you can pick up any different Senn and expect them to perform the same within the same model
Underrated: Mr Speakers Aeon Flow, Oppo PM-3, older HPs that had agreeable frequency responses and measured well on CSDs, though the Oppo has a bit of grain in the treble. The Ananda, or Hifiman get shit on in general for their build quality and new direction with their headbands, prices are coming down for their Sundara and Ananda which make them more affordable criticle listening HPs, if one can handle the slightly hotter treble.
The LCD2Cs has far too many peaks in the treble region in some measurements, and to my ears, too much grain for tolerance.