Never heard an empy but to me liquid is to the PFs as mid timbre is to the Senn hd6##s. And tbh, i feel most newer offerings dont do “liquid”. Smooth, yes, but it just is not the same.
You can get clarity out of the 2pf but you have to go high, high up to where i wouldnt recommend it unless youre diehard over them or you built for other high end cans and the 2pf is just there benefitting from trickle down. The 3pf though, that felt like it traded a touch of the 2s velvetiness for much better clarity and more forward upper mids.
Same. Though i trust most people here, if i get something used i usually factor in at least new pads (especially if it is senn velour that soaks in things). Leather ill deep clean, moisturizer and condition.