The Aeolus is the ultimate chill headphone for my tastes. I find it is a great match for acoustic/live music. It is not a technical headphone. The FOCAL Clear MG is more of a studio listening/technical experience. ZMF are more than a headphone, they are art.
I’ve gone through TONS of pads on all of my headphones. It’s almost an addiction. I prefer the ZMF Universal Perforated Hybrid pads personally.
The Aeolus does not have overwhelming bass. Especially if you enjoy the bass on the Monarch. The Aeolus doesn’t come close. The Aeolus is a warm, smooth, wide open and relaxed signature. I wish I could get the Monarch sound in a headphone. I love its sub bass focus and extension.
It appears we have some parallels.
I also have a large IEM collection. I own all of the Thieaudio IEMs except for the L9 and Voyager. I own all the Fiio hybrids and tons others. I have three Fostex TR-X00 Lawton modded headphones. I’ve owned the Elex and Elegia and have the 6XX as well as many others.
I have a couple stacks but my current main is the Schiit Jot2 + Bifrost2 combo.