Everything is going to sound different, unfortunately.
So my advice is to go about this psychologically -- me, I prefer the all-black look, so to put my mind in a good state, I will eventually get the very best all-black version that I can get (probably with the port mod, but I don't find it as significant an improvement as everyone else does, so not right away).
It sounds to me like you have a definite preference -- I recommend you go with that preference.
PS Great user name. I also highly recommend avoiding yourself, they totally ruin the listening experience!