Every headphone has a sound, as an imperfect medium compared to our ears.  And this one can pull apart the tendrils of classical music well.  The lack of bass is really a perception, as most headphones I've heard like to warm up the lower-mid's to thicken the sauce of the music, but that of course can muddy music that needs some clarity.  I suppose with the 'neutral' bass, though, it is a little less engaging than other 'phones.  Like when I listen to a jazz combo, it's clean but the upright bass has lost its kick--again, compared to other headphones.  This gets so close to the pair of Stax headphones I have, which are so good.. and $700.  just a little less engaged than the stax, which I guess does make a difference over time.  whereas I would listen to the stax for hours, this maybe 30-45 min.  I am using it to monitor my keyboard work, where I have to hear differences between various historical models of piano on my laptop; each note comes off the way it should, not warmed up as I mentioned.  the Fidelio x2's were more of a fun headphone that I still found clear-sounding, but they are double the price.  and the hifiman or course is good, but double again the price.  whew!