L's Take On the Sennheiser HD700

L’s Take On the Sennheiser HD700

October 18, 2012 |  by  |  $500-$1000, Full Size, Headphones  | 

DISCLAIMER: I finally managed to get a sample of the highly discussed Sennheiser HD700 a couple of months after Mike was in possession of the pre-production sample. Do read his diary first to get a full picture of the headphone because I won’t go into detail about everything, this is merely my point of view of the HD700. The review sample was already returned to Sennheiser in the meantime, as usual.

 

SOUND

After having read all the criticism about the sound, the bad measurements and its price, I really didn’t know what to expect but from the first minute I plugged in the HD700, I really liked it. Sometimes it’s good to trust your ears too and not only measurements.

What immediately strikes you when coming from the Sennheiser HD600/650 is the larger and deeper sound stage of the HD700. There is a lot more space between the instruments and the sound is much clearer and detailed. Not to the same extent as the HD800 but it is right in between the other models. The sound from the HD700 is very relaxed like a lot of the other Sennheiser headphones and the HD700 has this warm feeling (not warm like the HD650 of course) but it is strongly amp dependent. More on the amplifier pairings later. I would even dare to say the HD700 is speaker like in a way, it’s a dangerous statement, I know, but they sound so open and clear it’s amazing. (The HD700 is an open headphone as you all know and it leaks a lot of outgoing and incoming sound).

Bass on the HD700 can go really deep and can be really punchy as well but it will depend on your source material and the amplification used. In general the bass definitely is there, not like the HD650’s bass though and it isn’t a bass head headphone for sure. Bass here is more detailed and cleaner and less heavy as with the HD650, but it has more quality to it. It is closer to the HD650’s bass as it is to the HD800’s. Bass is never loose on the HD700 but the bass impact does depend on the amplifier used. In this regard the standard Bottlehead Crack with a Westinghouse branded Tung-Sol 6080wa tube scores best and gives you the heaviest bass.

The mid range of the HD700 was the most special to me. Vocals are very natural and real, clear and uncolored. This makes it a strong point and at the same time a weak spot of the HD700. For some songs this was great while with others it sounded a bit forward. Overall the mid range is very good but it might not suite all different musical styles.  The mid range, like with many things on this headphone, is right in between that of the 650 and 800 but the HD700 is quite a bit faster as the 650.

Treble is also very detailed and overall very good. I have to agree with some of the opinions found online that the treble sometimes can be a bit hot, however this isn’t always the case and most of the time treble is perfect. I found it to be too hot mostly while listening to dance music like Netsky.

I wouldn’t say the HD700 is the perfect all-rounder. It is close and does all the genres good to extremely good, I love its sound, yet I wouldn’t recommend it if you only listen to rap and punk music.  The HD700 is analytical but at the same time it is fast, it’s exciting, it has excellent balance and instrumental separation and just is fun to listen to. Build quality of the headphone and the Kevlar cable is great and it is one, if not “the” most comfortable headphone I ever had on my head.

 

AMPLIFICATION

We all know Sennheisers work best with OTL tube amps and luckily I have 3 of those here with me.

Without pre-amps or anything the best amplifier for the HD700 was, and here we go again, the Bottlehead Crack. Was this amp specially made for Sennheiser or what? The Crack works best for 150Ohm and surprisingly enough the HD700 is exactly rated that. Great sound stage, clarity and the best bass (tiny bit looser).  With the Violectric V200, the only non OTL amp I tried it with,  I got a lighter but very good tight bass, very fast and good sounding but too solid state sounding for me with this headphone. Not as smooth sounding and warm.

The Woo Audio WA2 and the LaFigaro 339 were very close. There is a very slight hum with the HD700 when no music is playing. It’s the first headphone to do that with both amps. It doesn’t bother when listening however and it sounds pretty good but less tube-ish. Bass has less impact as with the Crack and both amps are lighter, not as smooth & warm sounding but they are very clear. They both are a nice match but the Crack is that bit completer. The WA2 will give you more top treble and a bigger sound stage while the 339 gives you a bit more bass and body.

The very best result I achieved when using the WA2 as a pre-amp and the Lafigaro 339 as amplifier. Great bass, perfect detail, just the right smoothness, awesome mids, etc. Incredible. But we’re talking about a +$2K setup here, amplification only. It actually works better as WA2 + Crack (bass is a bit tighter), but when not using a pre-amp, the Crack solo is the best (and cheapest) for the HD700.

 

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  • http://www.headfonia.com Mike

    Me and L should set up a Bottlehead Crack fan club.

    • http://www.headfonia.com Mike

      Oh and if anybody wants to trade his HD700 with my HD800, I’m all for it. Straight trade no additional cash needed.

      • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=692862021 Nick Tam

        @headfonia:disqus

        Unfortunately, every is holding onto their HD700s : it’s just that much “better” to enjoy over the HD800, haven’t seen any preowned up for trade even up till now

        Now we all want a HD700 ever so badly even though we have the HD650

        • http://www.headfonia.com/ L.

          Yes they’re hard to find on the 2nd hand market. Which surprises me and not at all. Let me explain.

          1. I’m not surprised because I love it too, I wouldn’t part of it.
          2. After all the bad things people are saying about it (don’t fully agree obviously) you would assume finding more on the 2nd hand market

          The thing is that the sound sigs are so different (yet recognizable) that the 700 and 650 can easily be combined in your collection. It’s not like you can just own 1 right? ;-)

          • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=692862021 Nick Tam

            I’m not all that surprised either… since the only people that buy them to start with are probably firmly in the Sennheiser camp and probably wouldn’t want to let go of it unless they’re already holding onto a pair of HD800 and have an uber setup to go with it.

            And yet again… locals wouldn’t buy 2nd hand since the street price is good here ($890) so I’d doubt any 2nd hand trades would come up in local forums :

          • http://www.headfonia.com Mike

            I’m going to talk to my partners in the store so we can have a HD700 demo unit. ;)

            Just kidding, the store doesn’t work that way. ;)

        • http://www.headfonia.com Mike

          I told everyone “I wish my HD800 sounds like the HD700″ when I got the pre-pro sample!

      • Anaxilus

        So you want a straight up trade for the HD700 using your HD800? K, I’ll take you up on that. Reply here or email me and let’s get it done.

        • http://www.headfonia.com Mike

          I sent you an email.

          • Anaxilus

            Got it. It seems Fedex from Japan would only be $55 so shipping cost doesn’t seem too bad. Let me know if you change your mind.

            • http://www.headfonia.com Mike

              Alright, thanks man

    • http://www.headfonia.com/ L.

      Your turn, I already set up the HD650 Fan Club :D

      • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=692862021 Nick Tam

        You guys do that… Mike’s photography skills warrants a fan page

        • http://www.headfonia.com Mike

          Lieven took the photos for this one, Nick.

          Or are you saying his photos suck indirectly? ;)

          • http://www.headfonia.com/ L.

            I think he means in general, if not a ban is coming up ;-)

          • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=692862021 Nick Tam

            @headfonia:disqus

            I meant the photos for the Crack review =.=

            There was no further meaning to that statement, not that L’s photos suck, it’s just that Mike does do most of the reviews afterall.

            And I can’t tell who takes the photos on Facebook so I’ll just have to give credit to both of you guys?

    • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=692862021 Nick Tam
      • Trent_D

        Thanks, Nick.

  • http://www.theideate.com/ Gorboman

    If only they were priced at a lower number. That’s the only gripe I have with the HD700.

    • http://www.headfonia.com Mike

      So you’re hooked to the sound of the HD700 too!

      • http://www.theideate.com/ Gorboman

        I wasn’t using a proper setup when I auditioned it. But I believe it has that big of a potential. Not to mention it’s not as picky with source and setup than the HD800. It’s just the price that’s holding me back.

  • Damián Bonadonna

    “You’re still getting a headphone that’s superior in technicalities even compared to the most popular $1K headphones out there, including the Audio Technica dynamics (W5000, W3000ANV), or the planars from Hifiman and Audez’e.”

    As I share your sound preferences, are you telling me that this headphone is far more superior than the HE400 rev2?

    • http://www.headfonia.com Mike

      Technicalities, yes the HD700 is superior. “Far more”? I don’t know, “far” is a relative term.

      • Damián Bonadonna

        Speaking of Thailand.. I found this site and they have a button to that goes to your site? :P

        http://munkonggadget.tarad.com/?lang=th

        • http://www.headfonia.com Mike

          Yes the owner is a good friend.

    • http://www.headfonia.com/ L.

      What Mike says. Plus the sound is different (ortho vs dyn). If I had to choose between both, I’d go for the HD700 with the right amp (very important because the HE400 does good on a lot of amps!)

      • Damián Bonadonna

        I will go to Bangkok in a week… I hope I could find some shop to audition the HE400 and then the HD700.

        • http://www.headfonia.com Mike

          You can check with munkonggadget.com. They should have those headphones.

      • http://www.theideate.com/ Gorboman

        comfort should also be taking into consideration. i think the hd700 is the better choice for long listening session.

        • http://www.headfonia.com/ L.

          Yes, definitely. the HD700 is comfort king

          • http://www.headfonia.com Mike

            Yea even more than the HD800 I find.

            • Marc_D26

              Hey Mike, sorry to interrupt, I found that the HD800 is a VERY BIG relief, lightweight & super comfy after listening to the likes of Audeze or Hifimans, In what sense does the HD700 even more comfy than the HD800 if I may ask? Well I never tried the HD700 myself, my experience with the HD650 was it grips quite tightly (less comfy than the HD800). Thanks :)

              • http://www.headfonia.com Mike

                Biggest difference is that the HD700 is even lighter than the 800. So you can imagine it’s even better on the head.

                The pads are soft — almost similar to the HD800 (perhaps the same even), but it’s still more comfortable than the HD800. My guess is the lighter weight plays a big role in this.

                • Marc_D26

                  Thanks Mike, appreciate your comments!
                  Does the smaller earcups make it more stable when used while your head lying on the bed? The HD800 earcups while spacious is a bit loose when used while resting on my pillow, did this also happen to your HD800?

                  Well bad things though it seems that it doesn’t sound like upgraded HD650 nor similar tonality to the LCD-2. I’m thinking of using aftermarket cables to alter the HD700 sound signature a bit.

                  • http://www.headfonia.com Mike

                    I think these are not the type you would wear lying on the bed. It’s a bit more stable than the HD800, but still it would probably move if you lie down on the bed.

                    You really should take the time to listen to them, rather than making conclusion based on the fact that they are not HD650 or LCD-2 like. It’s a very impressive headphone. I like it more than the 800 and so does L.

  • http://www.headfonia.com Mike

    The question to ask is “Do you think the lack of bass impact was a conscious decision from Sennheiser?” Do you think they have the capability to add bass impact without sacrificing technicalities, but decided they wouldn’t do that?

    • http://www.headfonia.com/ L.

      I think that with the right amp, the bass impact is there. Not like the HD650 but fairly good. Unfortunately most people cant try 5 or more different desktop amps, so they say stuff that aren’t entirely correct

      • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=692862021 Nick Tam

        I think that it really is all to do with the amping to be honest, perhaps we should specify that the Crack is the benchmarking amplifier for dynamic headphones?

        I know, we should do a amplifier poll on the facebook page

      • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=692862021 Nick Tam

        That’s where tube rolling comes in =)

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  • Trent_D

    I have been waiting for this review a while. It did not disappoint.

    • http://www.headfonia.com/ L.

      Thank you Trent. Glad you liked it

  • http://www.facebook.com/gtyndale Gavin TheEmperor Tyndale

    How does this compare to the hifi man he -500

    • http://www.headfonia.com Mike

      L should be able to answer but from my take:

      HD700: superior soundstage reproduction, better three dimensionality, smoother and more refined.
      HE-500: more spacious, more open, more forward, more lively.

      • http://www.headfonia.com/ L.

        Smoother yes, but the HE500 can be smooth too with the right tube amp. Sound stage wise the difference wasn’t too big imo. You’re right about the HE-500

        The HD700 is the more musical sounding, the HE500 the more analytical one. Bass on the Sennheiser has more body, maybe not the detail.

        Listening to the HD700 often reminded me of my HE500. I think they’re more or less on the same level. But each headphone has its own strengths. I preferred some albums on the Senn, others on the HE500. Very tough choice quality wise. Comfort wise it’s a no brainer ;-)

      • Guest

        Did you use a random word generator to write this?

  • darku

    Very nice review Lieven, love Mike’s review also.

    Just one think needs to be said. HD700 is brighter than HD800 or
    than Beyer T1, so potential buyers beware.
    Also HD700 does not have multi layered sound as HD800 has and the detail
    retrieval is weaker.
    As much as I love Sennheiser brand and owning all their high end cans
    (except HE90 of course) I can say that HD700 is their weak link right
    now, it was a disappointment for me. On a very revealing system, HD700
    is far from HD800 quality. Of course all is my opinion with my own ears :)
    If someone is thinking about buying HD700 I’d put a little more money
    and buy true reference quality HD800′s

    • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=692862021 Nick Tam

      I think it was made very clear that HD700 is not a HD800 beater and does sit between the HD650 and HD800 and was not designed to be a reference flagship as the HD800 was meant to be. Since you do own the Sennheisers I wouldn’t be surprised that the HD700 was a disappointment as it isn’t a compliment to the HD650-800 but rather a bridge of them both. Sennheiser do not describe the HD700 as “reference” class headphones either so don’t expect too much :

      • darku

        Nick, I never told HD700 should be better. It should be a “bridge” between HD650 and HD800 as you said, but it isn’t.
        Actually I like HD650 more than HD700, and I like HD800 more than both (on a right system).
        HD700 are not worth 1000 USD IMO, build quality is on par with HD650, but it has better comfort and sound quality is a side step comparing with HD650.
        It should be near HD800 sonically as price/design/marketing says but it’s far from that, it is quite far from HD800.
        All of this is IMO and on my own ears :-)

        • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=692862021 Nick Tam

          I guess it really is hard for people on $$$ setups lol… you get incredibly picky

      • http://www.headfonia.com Mike

        Yes,
        and unless what you do is sit down and pick on technicalities, then it shouldn’t be a big deal. I would still trade my 800 for the 700.

      • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000455411784 Dietmar Gsell

        As it is not “reference class”,why the high price tag…..for mid-fi?

        • http://www.theideate.com/ Gorboman

          what makes you say that the hd700 is mid-fi?

          • http://www.headfonia.com/ L.

            The HD700 isn’t their reference headphone but it still is HiFi. Price is a bit too much on the HD800′s side as I mentioned in my review

            • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=692862021 Nick Tam

              Put it this way… the HD700 nearly has the street price of the HE-6 so based on pricing alone, they fall under the “hifi” category xP

        • http://www.headfonia.com Mike

          This is far from mid-fi. It’s clearly reference class.

        • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=692862021 Nick Tam

          They are very hifi headphones, they’re ahead of the HE500 IMO. Just not “reference cans” because the HD800 handily occupies that title for the Sennheisers.

    • http://www.headfonia.com Mike

      Thanks, Darku.

    • http://www.facebook.com/destroysall Chris Allen

      Is it brighter than the beyerdynamic DT990?

      • http://www.headfonia.com/ L.

        No it is not

        • http://www.facebook.com/destroysall Chris Allen

          Than I must listen to it! :) Is the HD700 similar in bass presence when compared to the DT990?

          • http://www.headfonia.com/ L.

            Not really no. The Beyer’s bass has more rumble

            • http://www.facebook.com/destroysall Chris Allen

              Is it sort of like the HD600? It sounds like a really interesting headphone already. I wish I could at least demo it.

              • http://www.headfonia.com/ L.

                Yes you really have to listen to it on a good amp. Bass has more detail as the 600, it’s not quit the same bass as the 600

  • http://www.facebook.com/destroysall Chris Allen

    “Sometimes it’s good to trust your ears too and not only measurements.”

    I can’t emphasize more on how true this statement is. Before I purchased my beyerdynamic DT990 – 600Ω, I was unsure on how it would sound. No reviews of it would help because everyone has their own opinion. Some said that the sound was too harsh because of the measurements of the headphone. That terrified me. However, once I had it on my head, my foot was tapping and my ears were not bleeding.

    It is as you say; its always best to trust your ears. Great write up, L! :)

    • http://www.headfonia.com/ L.

      Thanks Chris, appreciate it!

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  • http://www.zombie-x.com/ Zombie_X

    Good review guys. I haven’t heard heard the HD700 but I’ve heard it’s a bit overpriced. What do you guys think? I wonder how the T90 stacks up against it…

    • http://www.headfonia.com Mike

      The T70 was underwhelming, let’s hope the T90 would be better.

      • http://www.facebook.com/people/Michael-Julius/1681425207 Michael Julius

        My Hd700 will be here tomorrow! I am so excited, cant wait to hear it with the Bottlehead using a 5998 and my Aune Dac using a Telefunken tube. Ugh…i should be “unavailable” for at least 24 hours lol.

        • http://www.headfonia.com/ L.

          The 5998 might make it a bit too forward sounding, try a more smooth sounding tube as well

          • Guest

            You are absolutely right. It is too forward. Quite a difference between it and the stock Westinghouse I got with my Bottlehead. The Bass is noticeably more smooth and lush, as are the mids, but the highs are the biggest difference. They are significantly less harsh and bright. Funny, the 5998 is the best tube I have for my DX1000 and Hifiman He500 by a significant margin, but sounds pretty bad with the HD700 :)

          • Guest

            You are absolutely right. It is too forward. Quite a difference between it and the stock Westinghouse I got with my Bottlehead. The Bass is noticeably more smooth and lush on the Westinghouse, as are the mids, but the highs are the biggest difference. They are significantly less harsh and bright, everything to my ears is more enjoyable with the cheaper tube. Funny, the 5998 is the best tube I have for my DX1000 and Hifiman He500, but sounds pretty bad with the HD700 :)

            • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=692862021 Nick Tam

              Strange that you should find the 6080 more “lush” than the 5998… but I’m guessing the sound signature of the HD700 doesn’t go well with those tubes that were a bliss with the HD650

          • Guest

            My HD700 Arrived a few hours ago. It is a great complement to my JVC DX-1000 and Hifiman HE-500. I think I have all the bases covered now and my ears won’t be getting bored anytime soon. I have some positive and negative feedback about this headphone.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Michael-Julius/1681425207 Michael Julius

    My HD700 Arrived a few hours ago. I have some positive and negative feedback about this headphone.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Michael-Julius/1681425207 Michael Julius

    My HD700 Arrived today. Initial impressions are all negative.

    • http://www.headfonia.com/ L.

      One word: amplification!

      • Trent_D

        Two words: send here!

        • http://www.headfonia.com/ L.

          Working on that ;)

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=692862021 Nick Tam

    Wow all the hate about the HD700 already… wait till Sennheiser release a HD750…

    • Trent_D

      I always prefer positive thought.

    • http://www.headfonia.com Mike

      People used to hate the HD650 and the HD800 when they were released…

      • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=692862021 Nick Tam

        Some still hate the HD800. For various trivial reasons or because it doesn’t play pop :P

        • Julius

          I hate my HD700 and HD800 for a number of reasons. I can type up pages of gripes I have for both models. They are just not my cup of tea at all. Hate is a very strong word and also one I rarely use. However, it is the best term I can think of to accurately describe the feeling I get when I listened to my HD700. The only quality about the HD800 I found breathtaking was the sound staging qualities. Truly knocks my socks off every time I use it.

        • Vern

          Paired with the V200, surprisingly pop doesn’t sound half bad on it. Still not as good as it sounds on the HE-500 or LCD-2, but not as bad as it’s claimed to be on many other amps.

          • http://www.headfonia.com/ L.

            I think a big problem are people who complain about a product, especially the HD700/800, that have never heard it, or only listened to it shortly during a meet and probably on the wrong amp. a lot of people who talk bad about a product have only read about it or only look at the mesurements (here we go again :D )

            • Vern

              Very well spoken, L. I won’t even lie, when I first got the HD800, I plugged it into the LF339. I was very disappointed that what I thought would be the best headphones I’d ever heard turned out to be, in my mind, extremely overhyped and terrible sounding.

              Once I decided to change up a bit and plug the HD800 into the V200, my feelings about the HD800 took a complete 360 degree turn.

              Hopefully when I’m finally able to hear the HD700, I’ll have the same feelings :-)

              • http://www.headfonia.com/ L.

                Looks like we have a lot of same gear! When did you get the 339 and V200? Before or after my review? :D

                • Vern

                  After I realized my musical tastes/preferences were VERY similar to yours (Hence after your reviews). They were very inspirational reviews.

                  I read that you weren’t a huge fan of the HD800 from some of your comments. You should try it again on the V200. You might be blown away as I was =P

  • Apogee

    Any chance either Mike or L has tried the HD700 with the WA6 with sofia princess.

    • http://www.headfonia.com Mike

      Sorry, I don’t think so. Maybe L with the WA2.

      • http://www.headfonia.com/ L.

        WA2 I tried but that one doesn’t have the princess ;)

  • Kanra

    Seems like the same thing goes around everywhere… In China, we have people who say bad things of headphones before listening to them, too. In fact, I am confused because many times, some people say a type of headphone is good but some other people say it’s bad at the same time! When I don’t have the chance to listen to them, it’s hard to decide. By the way, I have HD650 by now, would you suggest me to change it to HD700? Is it easier to make HD700 works well than to make HD650 works well? Please give me some suggestions.

    • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=692862021 Nick Tam

      It’s hard not to love the HD700 if you’re into the Sennheiser sound abeit a lighter bass. And I’m sorry to say but… they sound “bad” if they’re not well amplified. And who knows if the Senns you’re using are not fake? For one Sennheiser products are commonly faked… just saying but that may be true, I’m just pointing out that for the HD650/700 to sound good, you need very good synergy in your setup. For one, OTL amplifiers are a bliss with the HD600/650/700/800.

      What is your current setup?

      • Kanra

        Alright, I must admit I am a new guy… right now, my setup is completely protable: Colorfly C4 Player as the source and Mini Audio MAD-05 as the AMP. I am pretty sure that I cannot expect HD650 to sounds very good in this setup(although is still brilliant and beats whatever headphones I ever had very easily)… That’s why I asked if HD700 will be easier to handle(according to its 150 Ohm when HD650 is 300 Ohm). I am trying to get the money for a better setup.

        • http://www.headfonia.com/ L.

          It is easier to get the HD650 to sound good as the HD700.

        • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=692862021 Nick Tam

          Easier to drive is different from easier to sound good. The general variety of mobile amps could drive the Senns, yes. But good sounding amplifiers for the Senns are usually tube based ones which tend to cost quite a premium.

          • Kanra

            Mike, Nick and L, thank you for helping my basic questions patiently! I will try to get a better desktop setup for HD650 and try HD700 sometime!

            • Trent_D

              And if you are wondering what might be some good desktop setups, look around the website. Good dac and amp pairings for the HD650 might have been discussed before… somewhere…

        • http://www.headfonia.com Mike

          Need a better desktop set up, then you can make both the 650 and 700 sing.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=542815355 John Clare

    Quick question guys, how is the bass on the HD 700 compared to the Beyer DT 770 AE and the AKG K550? I realise the Sennheiser is a step up and that it’s open instead of closed. Also, does the Sennheiser 650 have more bass than all of the above? Thanks!

    • http://www.headfonia.com Mike

      Stronger punch and impact than the 550 and roughly comparable to the 770 AE. And yes the 650 have more bass.

      • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=542815355 John Clare

        Thanks Mike!

      • http://www.headfonia.com/ L.

        I haven’t been liking the HD650 lately. It’s all the AE’s fault :D

        • ryan

          AE is addictive, I have not touch my HD650. I have tried taking out my HD650 for a listen. Trying not to abandon it but in the end it still goes back to the box.

          • http://www.headfonia.com/ L.

            I even prefer the AE’s bass impact

            • Trent_D

              I really hope they do put this headphone into permanent production after the 4000 sell out.

              • ryan

                I hope they remain as limited edition coz I pay a premium for it. Dem.

      • ryan

        I am hearing more bass on the 770 AE than the 650.

        • http://www.headfonia.com/ L.

          especially lower bass

      • http://www.frogforum.net/ John Clare

        Would I be wasting the HD 700 on the CLAS + the National?

        • http://headfonia.com/ Valentin

          The CLAS is a fantastic source. The National is quite good. I think it would do well with the HD700, considering its wide(r) soundstage than the LCD-2. If I were you I’d take a look at VorzAMPpure instead. Sure, it’s a bit more expensive…

          Please note that I haven’t listened to the CLAS+National+HD700. This is pure speculation from my own experiences with The National, Continental, VorzAMP etc…

          /V

        • http://www.headfonia.com/ L.

          The HD700 is very picky on amps. I haven’t tried it with the National so I can’t judge it but I’d listen to it first.

          • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=542815355 John Clare

            Thanks L, I’ve been rethinking this and might try the HE-500 instead.

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  • Marc_D26

    Hi Mike, would you mind to give insights of sound quality differences (pros & cons) between this HD700 against the Beyer T1? Do they belong to the same class in terms of resolution & detail wise? Because I think the HD800 still better in that departments against the HD700.

    Would you also say that this HD700 might be more comfortable than the T1? I’m worried that the small HD700 earcups not that spacious-looking.

    Thanks.

    • Marc_D26

      What’s your opinions Mike? Thanks.

  • Jethro Lubas

    How well would the HD700 sound when paired to a Asus Xonar Essence One?

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=692862021 Nick Tam

    Come to think about it, why is there never a comparison of the HD700 to the LCD-2?

    • http://www.headfonia.com Mike

      Interesting question

      • http://www.headfonia.com/ L.

        Dynamic vs ortho maybe?

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Windsor-McGilvray/728850109 Windsor McGilvray

    I was just browsing this a few minutes ago (well done guys!) and was interested in Mike’s end words about trading his HD 800 for the HD 700. I was a bit surprised at that at first, but then I remembered comparing some headphones extensively a few months ago and seeing the HD 700 come out on top over the HD 800: http://www.head-fi.org/t/612250/headphone-comparison-sennheiser-hd-600-hd-700-hd-800-hd-25-1-and-the-amperior-audio-technica-ath-m50s-audeze-lcd-2-rev-2-and-the-lcd-3

    • http://www.headfonia.com Mike

      Yeah, I do think that the 700 would eventually come out to be the more popular one.

      Sometimes it takes time for these kind of things to be picked up by the market. I’ve lived and auditioned the HD800 with so many different set ups, and I think that the 700 is overall the more likable headphone.

      • http://www.facebook.com/people/Windsor-McGilvray/728850109 Windsor McGilvray

        I’ve been living with the HD 800 for a few years now, and when I am in a certain, clear state-of-mind and listen with it from a decent source (CD/Lavry DA10), it’s probably the most unmatched rig I’ve found in terms of revealing what’s on a recording, but it’s not for everyone.

        There are times when I just prefer to rock out and so listen with the Amperior, but when my head is clear, the relative accuracy of the HD 800 can really hit the spot. :)

      • http://www.facebook.com/people/Windsor-McGilvray/728850109 Windsor McGilvray

        I found it much easier to rock out with the HD 700 than the HD 800 in the short time I had access to them both, but I haven’t listened with the HD 700 for extended periods of time. Might invest in one at the future at some point. Otherwise, I’m keen to try the TH900, but happy with what I have, even using the Apple In-Ears with my laptop / E17.

        Great to see you still doing your thing Mike and L. :)

  • Marty Filipponi

    i have a denon 4308 receiver which according to denon puts out 600 ohms to the headphone jack, that’s all they could tell me. i was thinking about adding a amp, and was hoping to find something that could plug into my headphone jack, 1/4 ” and not my pre outs. my reason is that the denon comes with internet radio, and a enhancer (decompressor) . plus the eq settings. it sounds great. if i use my preouts, i will bypass these enhancements. it seems like most of the better amps only use preouts L/R. any suggestions?

    • http://www.headfonia.com Mike

      That sounds really complicated. What headphone are you using?

      • Marty Filipponi

        grado 325i, but was thinking of springing for a pair of hd 800s

        • http://www.headfonia.com Mike

          What I recommend you do is get a nice OTL tube amp and bypass the Denon receiver. Something entry level like the Bottlehead Crack would do well for the Grado, and moderately well for the upcoming HD800. If you have more budget, something like the Eddie Current Zana Deux would be great for both Grado and HD800.

          • Marty Filipponi

            i had ordered a asgard, but canceled it when i ran into the problem i described.

            • http://www.headfonia.com Mike

              Alright, still I recommend you get a dedicated headphone amp and bypass the Denon.

              • Marty Filipponi

                ok, thanks mike

                • http://www.headfonia.com Mike

                  You’re welcome.

  • Peter

    About a 1/2 year ago when we had just finished the mix of the audiophile recording ”Torn” by Carmen Gomes inc.,I took a copy of the mix with me to the RAF high end store here in Amsterdam.

    They had the HD700 and the HD800 on display.I was curious as to how the mix,done on the Grimm LS 1 speakers,would translate to high end Headphones.

    I must say that I was impressed!

    At Sound Liaison we like a a clear placement of the instruments,really trying to make the band almost visual,and with a lot of depth and spaciousness in the sound stage.

    Of the difference of the two…

    I found the HD 800 absolutely fantastic for the quiet tunes,i.e.”Love in Vain” and the version of ”Let´s go get Stoned” with the beautiful double bass introduction.
    But the last 2 tunes of the album,the louder tunes,Tom Waits “Train song” with a slightly distorted slide guitar solo,and the version of B.B.Kings ”the Thrill is Gone ”´with the laid back 2nd line drum groove I really liked the HD 700,maybe even preferring it to the HD800.

    But if I had to choose, I would go for the HD800.It really gives me the same sense of space and depth that I hear on our High End Grimm speakers,translate the sound we had in mind really well.

    But maybe If you listen mostly to music with a heavy back beat,the 700 will do a great job.
    But all in all fantastic Headphones.

    • http://www.headfonia.com Mike

      Thanks for sharing, Peter.