I can hear what he is talking about, in regards to the treble also. What I hear is that these headphones have less grain than most dynamic headphones currently on the market, but because of the peak in the upper range, sometimes that treble can sound VERY dry. High-hats, and splash symbols (that sometimes take center stage over the music) are (other) examples of when I hear this particularly dry sound.
So when I said (earlier) that I used some eq to tune out that peak, it wasn't because I hear any sibilance (because I don't, unless the recording already has it), this is the reason why. I am trying to combat that very dry sound that I hear now and again on some super heavy treble sounds in the recording.
At first listen, some might say that the HD700 is "V" or even "U" shaped, but if you listen to them for a while, you might find (as do I) that it is not shaped this way. I believe the mids to be layered (as part of the soundstage), that is very enjoyable to my ears. So, in essence you might find the mids to be recessed, but powerful at the same time. They (the mids) are definitely not dominate like, say the Momentum line of headphones, but just as buttery smooth.
To me, the HD700s are much better than the HD800, because they are very close (to my ears) to the quality of sound of the HD800, but are more fun. I also have never been much of a fan of neutral headphones. Plus the fact that you can have the (near) sound quality of the HD800 right out of a portable DSD/hi def player without HAVING to amp it, is worth the extra money that I paid compared to people buying them today for cheaper. So, I would say that, that alone makes them a really good buy (especially for the price they are asking nowadays). Because, while more forgiving than the HD800 of amps used, they are still pretty picky on recording quality (as any high end headphone with super detail retrieval should be).
