My deadline passed at work, I can now spend some time “playing” during the week
My second comparison is AD743 vs. Earth, again with Compass in Neutral and using HD650. It should be noted that my AD743 are somewhat more of a DIY hackjob than most (ref.
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f6/ad7...-8-mod-379561/). They fit the descriptions given in the D1 thread, but I can't guarantee that they sound exactly the same as the DIP-8 version.
AD743 w/HD650: Smooth, fluid, and natural. Overall detail is decent. Highs are crystalline, though not overly bright at all. Bass presence seems just right, neither lacking nor overpowering. Soundstage is spacious, involving, and enveloping; enthralling is an apt word. Initial impressions included concerns regarding bass impact, PRaT, and overall crispness; all of these concerns were dispelled with further evaluation.
Earth w/HD650: I really start to understand where this thing got its name; the sound is robust, and well, earthy. Bass is overpowering in comparison to the 743, though the impact is delightful. PRaT is aggressive and simply joyous. Soundstage is more forward, and somewhat compressed in comparison to the 743.
Conclusion: In my opinion, the AD743 delivers sound of a quality which can directly compete with an HDAM. I would be somewhat hesitant to say this about the AD797. Whether the 743's sound is to an individual's liking, is entirely another matter. The differences between the 743 and Earth in the Compass remind me very much of the 743 vs. 797 in the D1... the former being pleasantly neutral and wholesome, and the latter aggressive with addictive, punchy bass.