HEKse is more forward than the VO, yes. But when a clarinet starts sounding like it’s made of metal and the trumpet is a little brassier than usual, that’s what killed the HEKse for me. I’m sure you can EQ this out of them, as many seem to do. I just don’t want to have to do that.
But if you are looking for a bit of extra detail, extra air, extra transparency, you are looking in the right place with the HEKse. I personally prefer a bit more musicality and thus feel at home with the VO.
Also, I find it flat out insulting to put this rubbery jello-like headphone cable into a box with a $3,500 headphone.