Bigrock, our entire argument started with this: I stated my opinions and concerns of the HD555s and AD700s and you came back and shot them down, making solid claims to counter everything I said. You even said that most head-fiers would find my comments untrue. That is quite a bit of a statement there, especially considering you have no idea if your ideals represent the "rest of head-fi". You own the AD700s, and they are your main headphones, so of course I expect you to support them, and if you feel great about them, than fine. I think it's hard for you to hear someone else tell a completely different story of the HD555 vs AD700 compared to your own experience, especially since you owned both and I can understand, because I was completely blown away by your descriptions of the two headphones. That is the world of headphones. Everyone has different ears, listens to different media, and likes different sounds. I just found such statements you made as "the AD700 has all the strengths of the HD555", and "HD555 has Sennheiser veil" to be completely untrue.
For example: I would sit there and listen to a song for a while on the AD700s, at that point I swapped over to the HD555s, and I would be lying if I told someone the AD700s were more upfront and musical than the HD555s. Tested this on all kinds of genres. We were using the same exact system and setup for both phones, and two different people had the exact conclusions. Also take note that I have heard other headphones including higher end ones, and I currently do not own or use HD555s or AD700s so I really feel I don't have a big bias towards either. I was actually ready to try another brand after I was done with the HD555s. If the AD700 sound just happens to float your boat, than that is just something no-one but yourself can alter. I would gladly recommend the AD700s over the HD555s if they sounded better, but overall that did not happen and I felt very strong about my opinions. I make my opinions of headphones based on overall performance, especially on music, and I feel the HD555 is a better headphone in that respect.
I think the thing that sat you off was Blitzkrieg's slightly harsh post way back on page one. I didn't feel my initial comments towards you warranted such a response, but oh well.
The whole reason I came to the conclusion of gamers and AD700s, is because as much as someone wants to deny it, they are brought up the majority of time regarding gaming. Now add that to my personal experience of finding the AD700 boring, weak, and distant compared to all other headphones I've heard, and therefore you have the conclusion I came up with. Could it be wrong? Yes there is always that possibility, but I feel there is some truth to it and will not change my opinion, kind of how you will never change your opinion of how great the AD700 is. I'm done arguing with you, but I agree with you that this is simply an opinion-based argument that has probably gone back and forth forever; therefore it's pointless to continue. I have no hard feelings towards you and apologize if I offended you, or your AD700s in any way.
Geoff,