You think so Mike? When I spoke with Danny some months back about the X-Statik, I specifically asked about the comparison with the Magnepan 1.7i's. He seemed to think the X-Statik's were on a completely different level. I understand there is a significant amount of break in to still occur, but I just don't see them ever getting to that level. I think one of my issues is I'm extremely sensitive to bright top ends - it actually hurts my ears - like I'm physically in pain. I had the same issue years ago when I was in an apartment and needed to use headphones. I loved the Audeze LCD-3 and LCD-2's, but hated the Sennheiser HD800 despite it being a more accurate headphone. Also, the maggie's have such a rich, creamy, full, enveloping midrange that so far is not present on the X-Statik. There are many more OF them, but the NX-treme's use 8 of the same drivers that the X-statik's use 4 of. I'd REALLY love to hear your impressions of the X-Statik vs the NX-Treme. There really aren't any comparisons out there about it given that they are in completely different price brackets. My fear is that the NX-Treme will be similar to the X-Statik, but just more. I really want that open, airy, holographic sound and that silky smooth midrange without a bright top end - maybe even trending toward a slightly rolled off top end.