The Watercooler -- Impressions, philosophical discussion and general banter. Index on first

No comparison. While I much prefer IEMs for various reasons, the X9K is a much better sonic experience than the Anni for me.

The X9K is probably at the peak of headphone performance (not including the Shang SR) and trumps the Anni for midrange naturalism, spaciousness (huge stage), layering, bass impact (when driven well), among other things. The Anni probably comes really close for resolution and treble quality though.

The X9K shines off higher-end sources. A write-up: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/can...ssions-thread-march-25-26-2023.967460/page-17

I am firmly in the IEM camp in general, but this is just how I see it vis-à-vis these two products.

Sources: Sony DMP-Z1 | Sony WM1ZM2 | Brise Tsuranagi Transducers: Campfire Trifecta + Effect Audio Centurion | Dita Perpetua + Dita Celeste | Aroma Fei Wan (Incoming) + PW Audio Orpheus YT Channel: Amplify Audio Show