BobosoI see, I'm glad i ordered a tube hybrid amp then. My pre-owned hd700s pads are so old (and now the stitching came undone!) that I'm sure the sound will still improve in my experience. Thanks!
HelpbotOne of my original pad covers on the HD 700 had come loose as well, with the foam peaking out. I have Elite Hybrids on my HD 800 set, Both sets are very comfortable. This is my tube buffer below Audio Horizons Tube Buffer TB 5.1.1.
http://www.audio-horizons.com/pages/tube_buffer.html