(Nov 19, 2008)
Jasmine France
Senior Associate Editor
The tech-speak description for this type of headphone is "circumaural"--it includes any headphones with ear cups that fully enclose your ears. The benefit? Large headphones offer potential for maximum bass and loudness levels, and they effectively block outside noise. Because of their size and their acoustic isolation--and the amount of amplitude required to power their drivers--full-size headphones are often considered to be better suited for home use than as a portable option (such as with an MP3 player). However, you can find some more compact models that include cases, which make reasonable portable options.
Grado RS-2 Reference Series headphones
Grado's RS-2 Reference Series headphones are strong contenders for world's best sound.
Price: $489.95 - $495.00 (check prices)
Review date: Apr 11, 2006
Excellent
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Sennheiser HD 650
The formidable Sennheiser HD 650 headphones are fit for a king--and have a price tag to prove it.
Price: $499.99 (check prices)
Review date: Apr 6, 2006
Excellent
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Denon AH-D2000
For at-home listening, the Denon AH-D2000 headphones provide plenty of oomph, masterful musicality, and a solid, well-constructed design.
Price: $299.00 - $349.99 (check prices)
Review date: Mar 19, 2008
Excellent
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Sennheiser HD280 Pro
Sennheiser's versatile headphones sound great on DVDs and all kinds of music.
Price: $99.00 - $99.99 (check prices)
Review date: Jun 22, 2004
Excellent
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Grado SR125
Delivering top-notch home-listening performance, the Grado SR125 will satisfy even the most demanding audiophile.
Price: $150.00 (check prices)
Review date: Feb 23, 2004
Excellent
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Ultrasone HFI-2200
Ultrasone's HFI-2200 headphones score well on every count: they're comfortable, well built, and sound great.
Price: $270.00 - $299.00 (check prices)
Review date: Jul 29, 2008
Excellent
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Sony MDR-V700DJ
These full-size earcup 'phones deliver excellent reproduction of today's popular music.
Price: $89.95 - $149.99 (check prices)
Review date: Feb 2, 2004
Very good
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Ultrasone HFI-580
Ultrasone's full-size closed-back HFI-580 headphones create a private listening space between your ears.
Price: $178.13 - $189.00 (check prices)
Review date: Jul 28, 2008
Very good
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