[mikeaj]

Quote:

now that sounds fun! any songs you recommend?

I think pretty much any large ensemble work that's recorded and mastered well should be sufficient.  I recommend the following track because it's a classic (the music, the recording, and the conductor) and also a very good reference for testing out bass, which the ATH-AD700 arguably has issues with:
 
http://www.amazon.com/Holst-flat-Handel-Fireworks-Fantasia/dp/B0019LZXCY/ref=tmm_msc_title_0
 
Track 3. Holst: First Suite in E-flat major, Op. 28, No. 1: March
 
Actually for checking out soundstage there may be better options, but this shouldn't disappoint.

 

[phantasmor]

classical always reminds me of final fantasy.... that was really good!

 

[Butler]

Quote:

Try listening to some classical music and analyzing the music. See how many instruments you can pick out in the music and where the musicians were sitting when they were recording the music.
 


 

This is the most perfect thing you can do for the AD700's and to tune your ear into analyzing the music you're listening to.
 

 

[n-phect]

these really need a good source/dac imo

 

[djviciouscycle]

I'm listening to some Jon Hassell with my AD700s right now. I like low-volume listening, and these are perfect for that. Everything just sounds so 3-dimensional.

 

[Arnotts]

Quote:

these really need a good source/dac imo

I agree with this. I have AD700's and straight from onboard they sounded pretty underwhelming. Out of a Xonar Essence STX + 3 lme49720na op amps they blew me away.

 

[Butler]

Eh. A decent source… Definitely, a decent DAC.. It's a good idea. You honestly don't need a good amp. They're a super easy drive, and they sound really good without an amp. Better with one, but it's not necessary.

 

[phantasmor]

oh yeah.... on board sound is just very underwhelming, i don't have a good source.... besides my playstation

 

[Butler]

Well the source isn't the same thing as the DAC...

 

[phantasmor]

whatever.... i just know it doesn't sound that good on anything but my playstation

 

[n-phect]

maybe your playing better sounds on your playstation.... or does playstation have a good dac

 

[buffalowings]

I don't find the bass lacking on these, the airyness and openess is really refreshing after using IEMs for so long, not for rap/hip hop, but everything else is fair game

 

[Arnotts]

Quote:

I don't find the bass lacking on these, the airyness and openess is really refreshing after using IEMs for so long, not for rap/hip hop, but everything else is fair game

The bass from some sources almost doesn't exist. If you find a good pairing though, the bass is alright without any EQ, but still not suitable for electronica or hip hop.

 

[phantasmor]

Quote:

The bass from some sources almost doesn't exist. If you find a good pairing though, the bass is alright without any EQ, but still not suitable for electronica or hip hop.

^this even though i have only had these for less than a week i noticed this... but some EQ easily fixes that
 
 

 

[Butler]

Yeah these are no dice for electronic and hiphop. Kind of a given. Go for M50's or Pro700s if you were feeling that way.