tl;dr: Full bass, very slightly recessed mids, incredible highs (however, no sibilance with many mixes and masters) with fantastic placement/separation and some sparkle.
Very nice braided cable: durable, massive, no microphonics; appropriate length for attaching to a smartphone or a laptop. Appreciate the pleasant presentation (unboxing).
Be prepared to listen at considerably "higher volume setting" (from the tech?) compared with other sources.
Compared with Meze ADVAR (universal): Less coherent through the spectrum than the ADVAR (self-explanatory) yet was not strident in the same mixes and masters with which the ADVAR exhibited. Less comfortable than the ADVAR (XM-1 are far bulkier) and more difficult to maintain in-the-ears when in motion.
Compared with Empire Ears ESR Mk II (custom): More colored than the ESR Mk II, less coherent (but contrasting a universal and a custom is always dicey), less comfortable. Better instrument and vocal separation and placement than the EE.
As always, brilliant service from the fine folks at Bloom (from whom I also purchased the ADVAR and ESR Mk II)!



