[Chris J]

As a new SRS-2170 owner I can tell you that I personally prefer the SRS-2170 system over my Q701 and DT880 phones.
 
The SRS-2170 sounds a bit like a Q701 with all the flaws mitigated: a more balanced frequency response, more transparency, a more natural, less mechanical sound. It also sounds better at lower volumes than the dynamics I own.
 
The SRS-2170 ain't perfect, but for the money, IMHO, it's an upgrade from the various mid-fi phones that I've heard.

 

[JUSTINDTH]

Hi guys,
 
Rather than start a new thread I figured I'd post here to see if anyone in this last year (or ever) has had the chance to compare both systems in the thread title. The SRS-2170 vs ESP-950.
 
I listen to mostly punk rock, hardcore, metalcore, etc.. types of music. I like to feel the drums and the fast and  heavy electric guitars. I have currently an HD600 and a PS500. Just picked up a cheap HE-400rev? Looking to get an entry level estat system to play with...

 

[TimSchirmer]

I've been listening to my ESP-950 about 3 months now and am loving it. While it's not perfect, it sounds better than everything I've heard under $1000 except perhaps the Audeze LCD-2.
 
That said, at the most recent SOCAL Head-Fi meet, I had a chance to hear it with an Ayre QB-9 and a Gilmore-designed Blue Hawaii. The sound was incredible, and gave about 90% of the performance of the $5000 Stax SR-009. While I know it is not sensible to use such an expensive source and amp with these, my goal was to push them to see just how far they would go, and the 950's really held their own. I really wish there were more options out there to upgrade the amp section that didn't cost more than the ESP-950's themselves.