[ibage]

  I've listened to the Solstice but not with a HD700, its like a slightly less powerful Ember with about the same tone, to me better than the Valhalla2 as a all around amp.

I am looking for a warmer amp. Would it fill that role?

 

[DavidA]

  I am looking for a warmer amp. Would it fill that role?

​The Solstice can be neutral to warm depending on the tubes used

 

[buke9]

I am looking for a warmer amp. Would it fill that role?

The Valhalla is very bright so don't go there.

 

[Pirastro]

Just a "heads-up" that I'm selling my HD700s (mint condition) with Double Helix Molecule SE cable on audiogon.  I have them listed at 450 including the upgraded cable (a 300 dollar upgrade).  I love the HD700s, just that I have a pair of Beyerdynamic T1s that serve the same purpose, so one has to go.  

 

[DavidA]

  Just a "heads-up" that I'm selling my HD700s (mint condition) with Double Helix Molecule SE cable on audiogon.  I have them listed at 450 including the upgraded cable (a 300 dollar upgrade).  I love the HD700s, just that I have a pair of Beyerdynamic T1s that serve the same purpose, so one has to go.  

​While I agree that the T1g1 and HD700 are similar in sound signature they do sound different enough on various devices / amps that I've tried them on, different enough to make me keep both.  The HD700 is easier to drive than the T1 and that is one of the other reasons I like it better than the T1.

 

[slex]

Anyone have a wiring diagram for balance 4 pin xlr to 2x 2.5mm mono plug for HD700?

I have a spare balanced cable from zmf and like to convert them to 2.5mm jacks.

 

[GearMe]

I am looking for a warmer amp. Would it fill that role?

You can roll the tubes on any of the OTL (or Hybrid) amps to change the sound characteristics to your liking.

Also, there are active tube rolling guides for most of the popular amps (http://www.head-fi.org/t/563884/little-dot-tube-amps-vacuum-tube-rolling-guide , http://www.head-fi.org/t/193214/darkvoice-336-336i-tuberolling-tubes , http://www.head-fi.org/t/619910/schiit-valhalla-tube-rolling-thread etc.)

If you wanted to test the tube amp waters, you can currently get the following for not much coin...leaving you $$ to roll some tubes to fine tune your sound signature:
- Little Dot II for $119 (http://www.head-fi.org/products/little-dot-mk-ii) on NeweggFlash via Shenzhen Audio (100% Positive Feedback on Amazon)
- Little Dot III for $219 (http://www.head-fi.org/products/little-dot-mk-iii)
- Darkvoice 336SE for $199 (http://www.head-fi.org/products/darkvoice-336se)

There are so many options. I've got a Valhalla 2 and am very happy with it (fed by a Bimby). The base configuration is not what I'd call warm but I haven't felt the urge to roll tubes so far; expect I will at some point.

 

[SomeGuyDude]

You can roll the tubes on any of the OTL (or Hybrid) amps to change the sound characteristics to your liking.

Also, there are active tube rolling guides for most of the popular amps (http://www.head-fi.org/t/563884/little-dot-tube-amps-vacuum-tube-rolling-guide , http://www.head-fi.org/t/193214/darkvoice-336-336i-tuberolling-tubes , http://www.head-fi.org/t/619910/schiit-valhalla-tube-rolling-thread etc.)

If you wanted to test the tube amp waters, you can currently get the following for not much coin...leaving you $$ to roll some tubes to fine tune your sound signature:
- Little Dot II for $119 (http://www.head-fi.org/products/little-dot-mk-ii) on NeweggFlash via Shenzhen Audio (100% Positive Feedback on Amazon)
- Little Dot III for $219 (http://www.head-fi.org/products/little-dot-mk-iii)
- Darkvoice 336SE for $199 (http://www.head-fi.org/products/darkvoice-336se)

There are so many options. I've got a Valhalla 2 and am very happy with it (fed by a Bimby). The base configuration is not what I'd call warm but I haven't felt the urge to roll tubes so far; expect I will at some point.

I'll say that an LD2 with Mullard M8100s sands off the 700s sharper edges VERY nicely.

 

[Pirastro]

  I'll say that an LD2 with Mullard M8100s sands off the 700s sharper edges VERY nicely.

So does some quality copper litz cable.  

 

[LugBug1]

Just wanted to share a few thoughts on the HD700 against the HD800 after recently acquiring them again. Had the HD700 for 8 months so the sound is pretty much tattooed in my mind now. The HD800 are defo brighter over all but also flatter in the mids and lower treble. Some have said that the treble is more bothersome on the HD700, possibly because of the larger/lower dip in the upper mids/lower treble where the 6k peak is more of a contrast. This can put a spotlight on certain sounds against the warmer background. The HD800 treble is more linear and integrated so certain instrumental highs aren't as "highlighted" as the HD700 can be. But neither is more fatiguing than the other. It's just the HD700 has a more contrasty sound.
 
The HD700 for me are also more forgiving with not so good recordings, the warmer sound really helps here. However, it doesn't take long to realise the difference in pure hi-fi terms and linearity which the HD800 excels. The soundstage and imaging are also superior on the HD800. Having said that, I can honestly see how some would prefer the HD700 over the HD800. Wish I could have kept both.    

 

[Malfunkt]

  Just wanted to share a few thoughts on the HD700 against the HD800 after recently acquiring them again. Had the HD700 for 8 months so the sound is pretty much tattooed in my mind now. The HD800 are defo brighter over all but also flatter in the mids and lower treble. Some have said that the treble is more bothersome on the HD700, possibly because of the larger/lower dip in the upper mids/lower treble where the 6k peak is more of a contrast. This can put a spotlight on certain sounds against the warmer background. The HD800 treble is more linear and integrated so certain instrumental highs aren't as "highlighted" as the HD700 can be. But neither is more fatiguing than the other. It's just the HD700 has a more contrasty sound.
 
The HD700 for me are also more forgiving with not so good recordings, the warmer sound really helps here. However, it doesn't take long to realise the difference in pure hi-fi terms and linearity which the HD800 excels. The soundstage and imaging are also superior on the HD800. Having said that, I can honestly see how some would prefer the HD700 over the HD800. Wish I could have kept both.    

Thanks Lugbug1 for this. I can see myself eventually getting the HD800. I have a 'new' Sennheiser I'm testing out at the moment, a vintage HD250 Linear which I will be doing a full impression on. It is very linear, but with a good deal more bass than HD700, HD800 and HD650. The entire mid-range and treble seem to be in line and balanced. It could be the most balanced Sennheiser I've listened to (out of HD800, 700, 650 HD25, 555, 598, 280). It's definitely better than the HD280 Pro. Mine is a 600ohm Linear, probably from the 80s. Sounds as good or better than any dynamic made today. It also much more linear than the D2000, though that D2000 with its bio-cellulose drivers has that extra something. 

 

 

[SomeGuyDude]

I absolutely prefer the 700 over the 800, but the 800S over the 700.

 

[dobigstuff]

  I'll say that an LD2 with Mullard M8100s sands off the 700s sharper edges VERY nicely.

SomeGuyDude:
 
This is my setup with the LD MK III and the Bass is Tight and nothing is too bright:

 

[SomeGuyDude]

 
SomeGuyDude:
 
This is my setup with the LD MK III and the Bass is Tight and nothing is too bright

I am intrigued! What ya got plugged in, there?

 

[dobigstuff]

These are the Tubes I have right now:
 
NOS RCA 6SN7 GTB Power Tubes and Siemens C3G Driver Tubes.  I have also tried the Newer Tung-Sol and NOS Sylvania 6SN7's  Never touch the C3G's as they are the best Driver Tubes for the Little Dot MK III
 
 Also the Little Dot 1+........Take a look: