Great comparison and review, thanks. I also should have a better quality balanced HD700 cable on the way shortly. I can tell I haven't been getting the most out of their potential with a cheap crap aftermarket cable. Looking forward to comparing it apples to apples with the HE-560.

Thanks, I briefly looked at the Shure models, but wasn't sure which would have the right value:performance for me. I suppose I should look into the IE8 too...

Yes :)

At first glance, not really sold on the Darkvoice. Would like something with a balanced connection as well.

Or if anyone can direct me to some more info I can read up on, that would be very welcome as well.

What about the Schiit Jotunheim?

Does that really limit its performance, though? Or, do alternatives really provide a perceivable performance boost due to not having that throughput limit?

Thanks, I do like slightly bass-heavy signatures, but I'm more concerned with detail, clarity, and balanced spectrum.

I've been using the JDS Labs O2+ODAC with my HD700 and HE-560s, and have been pretty happy with all of these. I hope to upgrade to the HD800S and HE-1000 before too long, and would like some recommendations on a good performing and good value amp/DAC upgrade that would accommodate these well...

I just tried the RE-400 because of the consensus that they're a great value for their performance, but their performance isn't anywhere near what I'm looking for. I have been considering the Klipsch x20i for a while, but have seen so many mixed perspectives on them that I'm unconvinced I'll be...

  Haha probably not the best idea, in general ;)

  Thanks for the quick response. I got my HD700 secondhand from a member here and it came with a cheap aftermarket cable, so I don't have the stock cable to compare to when I do get the balanced cable for it. But, if it even gets me half the benefit that I experienced with using balanced cables...

  I'm curious what you decided on; I'm also looking at the Surf Cables option but haven't pulled the trigger yet. I noticed a huge improvement in sound quality and clarity going from unbalanced to balanced with the HE-400i from my C5D, so I expect the HD700 to have a similar improvement.

  It's obviously a bad driver.

  I totally agree, they're good enough to be able to focus on whatever activity I'm doing without having this nagging sensation of totally crappy audio in the background. I like fun-sounding signatures too, but unfortunately they always lose too much clarity and detail for me to stick with...

I never used the stock tips from the BlueBuds, I ordered the isolation Comply tips for them. They were a bit annoying to install on the BlueBuds, but those same tips fit on the Freedom buds very easily. The new "sport" foam tips that come with the Freedom are lighter and less spongy than the...

I searched but couldn't find a product page for these or another way to post a review, so here's my take on them so far, taken from their Amazon listing:   Since I’m pretty excited about these new “wireless” earbuds and not too confident that these will get a full and proper review, I hope my...

What is the new Etymotics model you mentioned?

Just curious if anyone has experience with both of these and would care to compare their thoughts of them. Different price brackets of course, but perhaps value could still be taken into consideration.

I regrilled, dampened, and added Focuspads to my 400s and it very significantly improved their sound quality across the board.

  I've spent a lot of time with my dampened HE-500s, and recently got the HE-560 and was amazed at how much more natural, fluid, and textural it is than the HE-500 is, even in stock form (the 560, that is). Without having heard the HE-4, I still have to disagree that the -560 is very much like...

Here they are collapsed as best I could get them. I couldn't get both sides to fold in completely, and the pads squish together at the top by the headband. Maybe others could find better success with more bending of the headband, but as is I don't care to keep them folded in so as to preserve...

I've been talking about the HM5 pads, not the XL pads. The soundstage and comfort with the HM5s is very significantly improved over that of the XL pads, which in turn are improved over the stock pads.

Hopefully this slight angle helps gauge the depth a bit. As you can see, I put felt all over the inside of the cups for dampening, I think it makes a noticeable difference in the control of the tones. Unlike with the similar mod for Hifimans, though, it didn't bring out the clarity in the...

I think they look even better too: