Hi, I also recently bought the NS1000 (from the Jersey site) based on the positive rep from this forum, despite the growing uncertainty about their current quality. (Using it on my new pc with a Xonar DG and a FiiO E5).
Obviously I can't compare to their previous 'generation' but so far I'm very impressed with what I've got.
First of all the ANR does indeed produce a hiss, very noticeable when nothing is playing, and changing the E5 volume does nothing to lessen it.
With music played over it, it isn't as noticeable and I forget its there after a while.
However as I don't use the ANR this is all a bit irrelevant to me, whether it'd help when I'm cutting the lawn with the mower going, I'm not sure!?
Without the ANR on and plugged in to my E5 I've found the volume can be put way up high (towards the limits) before any slight 'buzz' is heard, which suits my listening levels fine - and then some.
The sound quality has been great so far and I haven't noticed any creaking/clicking in the headband even when stretched - as I've read someone mention on here.
The cable is very short, and I have purchased a 3m Fisual extension for it.
Only thing I haven't sussed is a good selection of settings on the Xonar DG Audio Centre if anyone would be kind enough to point me in the right (or recommended) direction? E.g. Audio Channel, Sample Rate, Analog Out, SPDIF Out etc.