Well, the neutrality is one of the major reasons to like Axiom, right? Or are you saying that closed headphones are basically like listening to Axiom loudspeakers in an anechoic chamber, and that it's the room interactions that give my speakers their life?

Upon further listening with both pairs of headphones, I think the Sennheisers edge out the Sonys in clarity and openness. Sometimes the Sonys make the vocals more prominent, though, which can be beneficial. For now I'm favoring the Sennheisers, but that can change depending on the track. I still like both pairs, but I'm curious to try more expensive offerings at some point.

Its mostly due to the closed nature of the design. There is just something unnatural about the experience though it is needed at times. When looking at similar priced open and closed models, the closed models usually have a narrower limited soundstage with a more in your head and "boxed in" sound. While they will sound great like the 7506 its not gonna blow you away for casual music listening. Now what doesn't help with closed headphones is they need to make a tight seal with your ears so many experience "clamping" sensations and other comfort issues which can also detract from the experience. Well designed open headphones like many of the open circumaural designs have a more well open, airy and natural sound characteristics as well as being more comfortable. There are exceptions of course.

I agree with the doc on this. I only use closed headphones for when I’m flying on my plane otherwise I couldn’t hear anything. OTOH when I was trying out headphones I instantly knew that I preferred open to closed when listening in quieter environments. Plus the circumaural have always felt more natural and comfortable to me.

Thanks for making me jealous Charles!

Oh, I wasn't trying to make you jealous. I was only trying to make myself sad.

Have you tried out the Beyerdynamic DT880 SatKartr?

Not yet, although now I'm leaning toward the Audio Technica for economic reasons. Long story, but material/financial/computer software chaos has ensued in my household, I'll post when I have a chance, especially with an update of some kind, at present everything is on hold.

I find this to be a pretty good description of what it is like to own the AD700. Also remember to look at the pictures on amazon to get an idea of the purple and gold color. The color scheme can be a turn off right there.

http://www.soundstage.com/allinyourhead/allinyourhead200804.htm

These are the ones I've auditioned or owned.

Open: 1. Sennheiser HD600 2. AKG 501s 3. Sennheiser HD570s

Closed: Sony MDR V6, Grado (Can't remember but like all grados, HORRIBLY uncomforatable)

In Ear: Klipsch Image S4

Portable on Ear: Koss Porta-pros are some of the best sounding headphones I've ever heard. I've own two pairs over the last 10 years. The lifetime warranty is stellar. Best $50 set in the world by a mile and they have been the best since the 1980s.

Another great thing about the PortaPro is that the product has been left unchanged during that entire period. That is a sign of a great product. Its pretty hard to beat the Koss lifetime warranty as well.