I seriously struggled to hear the difference between L500 and L700. In my opinion, the L700 are more energetic, more exciting. L500 are a bit more mellow and even keel. But they are very, very similar. If price is no issue, L700 may be preferable depending on your music taste. At the same cost...

This track is a perfect example of what I mean! And also a fantastic track that I used to listen to endlessly on repeat for more than 12 years ago, so thank you so much for reminding me of this fantastic track! In my opinion, if we were to side by side any estat of your choice with lets say a...

One thing to note about bass response in estats is, all is relative. Its pretty much pointless to make general sweeping statements about what someone might think of the bass in estats vs dynamics, because there are so many different factors playing part. If you listen to old school dubstep...

Haven't heard the L300 LTD (only the original), but the L500 and L700 are so similar that you will definitely not need both. You can barely hear the difference between them. In my opinion based on memory (got rid of the 700), it is slightly more dynamic / V-shaped. Better for EDM and certain...

I personally wouldn't dare put thicker pads on the L300s or the L500/L700 mk1s. The yokes break way too easily.

Well, that isn't what I said. But given adequate power and competent design, it is a matter of objective truth. Your mind is easily fooled to think otherwise ofcourse, but luckily there is ample information out there for those who want to know the truth.

This is a known issue, I got my L500 replaced for this reason. You need to get in contact with the seller. If you bought it used... I don't know what your options are, I would get in touch with Stax USA or something.

The clamp force makes for a better seal and imo better sound and more comfortable fit. Headphones doesn't change sound with amps unless underpowered. Lambda series is easily driven.

I just use head-fi because it got both over the top subjectivist ramblings (which I can find it fun to engage in), and the sound science forum where objectivists and subjectivists are most likely to clash - which honestly is the only reason I even care about any of this any more (it is VERY...

Oh man lol, that thread is like satire. Further down: "When I first received the cable, I have to admit I was having some mixed feelings. There were some nice effects like better depth of stage and some nice bass fullness, but, likely combined with my age, the top end was a bit muted and...

Most people getting into the "audiophile hobby" doesn't know anything about the technical aspects of how headphones, amplifiers, dacs or cables work. Which is understandable - most people in general doesn't know anything about that. The issue is that when they start getting into the hobby, they...

New does not equal better - new products rarely if ever offer any real objective improvement. Amplifiers doesn't change sound signature - If the headphone is adequately powered, it will sound the same no matter how much power you throw at it. DACs are a complete and utter waste of money. The...

The HD700 are great fidelity headphones, however they have a quite bright peak in the treble, which the 650s does not.

Have you listened to the Focal Clear? Based on your responses, it sounds like you want to buy the Focal Clears. If you can't audition them, I would say go for it anyways. Because you won't know until you try them.

HD650s are quite different from HD800. The HD 650/600 are quite good headphones and there isn't *that* much fidelity to be found by spending more money. Not saying there is none - there definitely is, however there are other considerations that are more important - meaning your personal tastes -...