I just noticed something, maybe that push with higher-end audio gave me a perspective into what audio is like.
Right now I'm listening to my HD700 through my Asus Xonar Essence STX, on mid-gain using Foobar2000 with ASIO driver and the music I'm playing is Deep Forest album at 24/192, with that gain/ASIO/foobar2000 volume set at about -10dB setting, it was distorted and very high treble. Turning this down to -18.89dB made a huge difference, the soundstage feels more realistic and natural, and the sound also a bit warmer. The bass on that album is punchy but listening at these volumes you don't get too much punch.
What I'm saying, like the HD800, the HD700 is very picky and needs powerful amps, even though it's half the ohm of HD800.
I'm keeping the HD700 but I'm getting myself Audeze LCD-3 soon
Right now I'm listening to my HD700 through my Asus Xonar Essence STX, on mid-gain using Foobar2000 with ASIO driver and the music I'm playing is Deep Forest album at 24/192, with that gain/ASIO/foobar2000 volume set at about -10dB setting, it was distorted and very high treble. Turning this down to -18.89dB made a huge difference, the soundstage feels more realistic and natural, and the sound also a bit warmer. The bass on that album is punchy but listening at these volumes you don't get too much punch.
What I'm saying, like the HD800, the HD700 is very picky and needs powerful amps, even though it's half the ohm of HD800.
I'm keeping the HD700 but I'm getting myself Audeze LCD-3 soon