[NotaLefty]

I received my HD700s 2 weeks ago after weeks of reading reviews of the 700s and the HE-500s. I'm currently using the 700s unamped, because it's all my current budget allows for. I'm really enjoying them, but having slight buyers remorse. I've been doing some more research on the HE-500s, and it seems that the general consensus is that the 500s are better than the 700s, with their only issue being comfort. Would the 500s paired with a Magni and Modi be a better set up than the HD700s coming straight from an Asus Z87-C motherboard? I listen to rock, classical, and alternative genres. 

 

[James neutron]

Why not give the HD700 a chance with the Magni/Modi and see how that goes.
Onboard sound doesn't do justice to any decent headphone and even less to higher end ones.

 

[Claritas]

Yes, and consider HE400 too as I enjoy rock more with it than HE500. HE500 is better at classical and vocals though.

 

[viralcow]

Please note that you're going to have a huge downgrade in terms of comfort. Other than that yes I much prefer the HE-500.

 

[Claritas]

Please note that you're going to have a huge downgrade in terms of comfort. Other than that yes I much prefer the HE-500.

HE400 is more comfortable than HE500, but both are heavier. Maybe wait for the HE400i and HE560.

 

[Sil3nce]

Both have their flaws. But I prefer the HE500 in terms of un-amped listening.
The HD700 sounds downright sibilant, and you're really not getting the best out of it.