Every speaker and every ear is different. I'll say with my setup (HCX 165's) in the pods, originally it sounded muffled and muddied. I then ported the pods with 2 1-3/4" holes in each pod. That made a huge difference. I then tried the BT brackets with the same speaker and found I liked it better with pods. I put the pods back in it and so far, so good!!!! At least till I hear something I like better, lol

 

I just upgraded my speakers to Focus, tucked fiberfil in the housing. We will see when I power them off