Here's an update after listening to the M3s and M50s - both v4.
The short of it is if you want a relaxed sound and have room for the M50, go M50 instead of M3. There just is no comparison.
I had three buddies over this afternoon, one lady and two guys. All of them, without hesitation, said things like the M3 sounds congested, not as defined, not as open, not as dynamic as the M50. I whole-heartedly agree. You don't have to listen very long to each to come to that conclusion.
They all liked the two different finishes and agreed it's really a matter of individual taste.
