GearMe
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Feb 17, 2013
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Nice...enjoy!
I ordered HD 700 today and I should receive it later this week. I just upgraded my sound card too to Sound BlasterX AE-5 the headphone amp in it is fantastic (let alone the dac). It should work really well with HD 700. The Objective 2 amp that I bought recently may actually be inferior to AE-5 so I'm not sure if I end up using it (my power adapter is still yet to arrive) but at least I can hook it to other sources.
Not worried about power at all. If I'd switch to high gain my HD 595's would probably break. AE-5 has three gain options and I'm using the lowest one for HD 595 (~10% volume and still have to use volume pot to reduce the volume further). The lowest setting seems to be 1x gain which is a good thing for sensitive headphones (like HD 595). 1 ohm output means that I finally don't have to deal with bloated bass. It makes such a massive difference with HD 595s. I used to use the line out from Zx because the headphone amplified too much (and it was 10 ohms). ESS ES9016K2M DAC seems slightly warm (but still really detailed yet very pleasant sounding) so I expect it to be a nice match. The Cirrus Logic CS4398 sounded a bit harsh.You honestly shouldn't run into issues since I've been able to power my 700's easily off the motherboard and laptop without any extra amplification. I'm actually reserving the 700s now for a portable setup as I prefer them solely for Classical/Jazz. I'm thinking of going with the Black Label over the Mojo. Just got a new work iPhone and I prefer their thunder cable USB adapter to Android's since they tend to really not work as well in terms of connection strength.
With the HD700 I wouldn't worry about the output impedance of the amp. A amp with higher output impedance usually tends to tighten up the bass for my HD650 and HD700 which is probably why I like the BH Crack with the HD700 at its output impedance is about 75ohms with the TS5998 power tube.Not worried about power at all. If I'd switch to high gain my HD 595's would probably break. AE-5 has three gain options and I'm using the lowest one for HD 595 (~10% volume and still have to use volume pot to reduce the volume further). The lowest setting seems to be 1x gain which is a good thing for sensitive headphones (like HD 595). 1 ohm output means that I finally don't have to deal with bloated bass. It makes such a massive difference with HD 595s. I used to use the line out from Zx because the headphone amplified too much (and it was 10 ohms). ESS ES9016K2M DAC seems slightly warm (but still really detailed yet very pleasant sounding) so I expect it to be a nice match. The Cirrus Logic CS4398 sounded a bit harsh.
HD 700 is kinda all over the place. It can be really good yet sometimes not so great. It really depends on what you listen. I'd really like something that can handle everything nicely. I did try HD 660 S but but...@Anarion sorry to hear they didn’t work for you. They have an unusual frequency curve, one that I find sounds balanced after you adjust to them. When I first got them, especially the first couple days I found them a bit fatiguing. Now, for myself they are all-rounders.
It is good for some electronic music providing it is very dynamic. But yes, you may be better off with a headphone with a more traditionally natural frequency curve. If you are looking to replace your HD595, the HD660S looks to be the ticket. I’ve owned the HD650 a couple times and its a favourite. It’s a bit warmer which can be great if you wanted something to compliment your hd595 and you had a decent amp to power it.
I still think the HD650 has an incredible sound stage. People call it intimate but a true test of its ability is with binaural music - and it is one of the best performers in my opinion, even against the hd700.
Personally, I still rate the HD700 higher than 650 because of it clarity, unique enclosure and sound signature. But if I had to keep one headphone for listening, ergonomics aside it would be either a LCD2, HD660S, or HD250 as these all have a more natural eq curve.
Picked up a pre owned pair of HD700 recently and very satisfied with the SQ and comfort. Matched up well with my DacMagic/Shanling PH300, but more impressed how well they perform with my FIIO X3. The X3 has enough juice to drive the HD700 without losing much of the sound signature as compared to my DT880 which go lifeless. My other hp are Magnum V4 woodies and Eytomic ER4P. I do enjoy a brighter presentation and very tolerant of treble spikes. Also appreciate a well defined and accurate bass, but not very tolerant of low frequency slam, almost makes me fill physically ill sometimes. The HD700 match me well. Used to own HD600, HD650, Campfire Audio Nova, Denon ADH2000, AKG Q701, Grado RS2i, Sony SA5000, Vmoda M80 and a few others.
Hi and thank you. The cable came with the phones and doesn't have any markings. I believe it's a generic brand, but seems to be built fairly well.Nice pickup! What is that cable you are using?
My old GF used a Fiio X3 + HD700 almost every day while walking the dog and its a really nice pairing but I still prefer the HD700 with BH Crack or Ember.@TC44 congrats. Interesting to hear your impressions. Also, first time I’ve heard about bass having such an effect! I’m sitting here listening to my HD630VB and I am just addicted to its detail and bass punch. It can create bass feeling that gives you the feeling of the room vibrating. Fortunately, the bass can be dialed below even HD700 levels. Very similar actually when it’s tuned down. It sits in between HD700 and HD650 type sound. HD630VB needs some love as its awesome.
Good to know the Fiio can drive the HD700 well. I think I’ll need to upgrade my old iPod. It has more of dull DAC sound, a bit sludgy
Thank you! Just did a quick search on the HD630VB; very interesting design and seem quite versatile...would love to hear a pair one day.@TC44 congrats. Interesting to hear your impressions. Also, first time I’ve heard about bass having such an effect! I’m sitting here listening to my HD630VB and I am just addicted to its detail and bass punch. It can create bass feeling that gives you the feeling of the room vibrating. Fortunately, the bass can be dialed below even HD700 levels. Very similar actually when it’s tuned down. It sits in between HD700 and HD650 type sound. HD630VB needs some love as its awesome.
Good to know the Fiio can drive the HD700 well. I think I’ll need to upgrade my old iPod. It has more of dull DAC sound, a bit sludgy