I haven't been around here much, but I think I can say pretty definitively that there is no "best". Different strokes for different folks. I do think many would commend those as an excellent choice for many.
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Phones: Audio Technica ATH M50, Klipsch Custom 1
Dac/Amp (portable): NIE Mini Hifi, Iphone 3GS
Dac/Amp (desktop): Zero Dac (upgrade version)
The only competition they have among the open backs is the HD555, MS1, and I think the AD700 stands heads above those 2. The HD555 is just as bass light as the AD700, while the MS1 has a very poor soundstage. Among the closed back you could say that the D1001, ES7 and maybe the RX700/RX900 are great all rounders, but then their sound is different from the open backs so whether or not they are better than the AD700 is down to personal preferences.
Personally, I like the MS1 best. Except for soundstaging this headphone is plain good. I mod the senn 414 pads I use a little differently and that gives me a gentler treble. But otherwise stock, these headphones sound great.
Are the AT-700s the best all around cans for 100$?
