So I think the reason why some found it underwhelming was because of the noticeably scooped-out upper mids. Upon first listen this made it seem kind of dark-sounding, lacking in energy, and poorly resolving. It was more evident in certain songs but I felt it becoming less of a problem as time passed, so we’ll see.
Issues aside, I do think these go for a more “reference” kind of sound akin to the pre-20 utopia. It actually reminds me of it quite a bit but without the party tricks.