ok. they're not as bad as i thought - coming from a quality source, and with the noise reduction turned off. they're not replacements for the 440-II's, but given that i'm just running everything through the same filters *anyways* (same source...i'm doing it track-by-track but i haven't deviated from the base algorithm of custom izotope patch + nr), i think i can use them while i'm waiting for them to get fixed. so i shouldn't get slowed down at least.

i'll also say that they died on me once before and came back. i wonder if it's temperature related, even. i'm going to let them sit for a few days and see if they come back.

....and, now to wade through all kinds of audiophile nonsense trying to get a straight answer about how important the wiring is in the sound...