Plug it into a different wall plug in a different room (different circuit) and see if it's still there.
The hd700 is significantly more sensitive than the hd600/650. The px100 is a portable and that was doomed from the start.
Tried a couple, still there. Quote: I'm going to have to hope it's this. But that's all I have to try at the moment.
It will always be there; it's even mentioned in the manual and as a pseudo-warning prior to purchasing.
I've read a lot of this thread (and man head is starting to hurt) but I haven't seen any in depth review of the Vali with the HE-400. I have an HE-400 and HD600 as my 2 main HP's with the HE-500 coming within the next month or 2. I've seen some HD600 comments but not many HE-400 or HE-500 so anyone that has those combo's if you could give me a short review of how they sound together would be a big help.
I believe Purrin had mentioned a bit with the HE-500, but I haven't said much on this thread as I find many of my findings are similar to his. The HE-500 create a very smooth and natural sound with the Vali. It's really a great combination. It is a little slow, and I don't think the Vali really swings enough power to show off the full potential of the planar drivers for the HE-500, but there is a synergy with the two. The emotiva A-100 definitely provides a contrast, where it really pushes the driver to be a faster and more detailed sound, but not quite the same smoothness. I hope this kind of makes sense. Don't have time right now to do a proper side by side, but if you'd like I can.
Regarding the HE-400 or 500 and the Vali, I recommend just getting the Vali and trying it out. To me, the HE-400 sounded underpowered on the Vali. Breathless and lacking in impact. Yet many others are very satisfied with what they're hearing from the pairing. To my mind, the Vali is worth having even if you don't fancy the HE-400 or 500 with it. If the pairing works for you, fantastic. But if not you'll still have a fantastic amp that works well with any number of other phones. You can't lose either way.
I liked the 400 a lot better than the 500 with the Vali. Though it was a really good pairing. Smoothed out the highs on the 400. Sounded alright with the 500, just lacked a little oomph. Same with the LCD-2, for me at least.
I got my dad a modi+vali and a pair of HE-400s for christmas. He loves it, but I feel the vali doesn't have enough power fully drive the HE-400s. Even at the highest volume the sound doesn't get loud enough in my opinion.
Microphonics have been mentioned here. I decided to put a stopwatch to my Vali and figure out just how long it rings, depending on what sets it off. With the volume knob at about 11 o'clock and using HE-300 headphones, I got the following Switch the warmed-up amp off then back on - 57 seconds audible ringing Plug in the headphones - 1 minute, 16 seconds Tap the case firmly with a fingernail - 1 minute, 14 seconds Tap the case lightly with the tip of a screwdriver - 1 minute, 7 seconds Rub the headphone cable against itself - 21 seconds Lean back in my chair so that the headphone cable drags across a metal box on the floor - 22 seconds Nearly all ringing is confined to the right channel. Are these results similar to what other people get?
You can crank the volume all the way? I can only turn it to 10 o'clock max before it gets unbearably loud. Using he400. I know what you mean by the slam/punch. I wish there was about 10-20% more power but it's pretty good for $120.
Nope. I timed mine with the HE-300s: Amp power toggle - 38 seconds Tap finger on chassis - 14 seconds Tap fingernail on volume - 22 seconds Drag cable - 21 seconds Yours seems very high, have you pushed the tubes down?