Sennheiser HD201, HD555, HD485 and AKG 271S

Full-Size Headphones

Full-sized headphones have earcups that surround your ears without resting directly on the earlobes. This type of headphone is more properly called a "circumaural" (around the ear) headphone, but we don’t like using the word as we have to explain it every darn time.

Full-size headphones fall into two major categories: sealed/closed, and open. Sealed full-size headphones isolate you from the distracting noise of the outside world, but the enclosed earcup chamber can cause odd sonic resonances which degrade the sound, especially in less expensive models. Open headphones do not have a sealed chamber -- the earcups are vented to the outside world -- and thus allow you to easily hear the environment around you (provided you're not turned up too loud!) Since there is no enclosed, highly resonant earcup chamber, it becomes feasible to design a significantly better-sounding headphone using an open earcup style than one with a closed earcup design.

Because open headphones are better for general use around the home where it’s nice & quiet while sealed headphones are better for use outside (or in noisy listening environments), we’ll talk about those two types separately. Let’s start with the sealed/closed cans.

Sealed Headphones

Sennheiser HD280 pro

Under $100

Great-sounding sealed headphones are not a breeze to design. Poorly manufactured sealed cans can be 'honky' or peaky-sounding, kind of like talking through a megaphone. The low-midrange and bass response can also be unnaturally emphasized or "boxy" in cheapie sealed headphones. So, you are not going to find many awesome full-sized sealed cans priced significantly under $100 bucks. In fact, we’ve really only found a few we like to talk about: the Sennheiser HD201 is one ---and it’s WAY under $100, heck it’s under $25! We quite enjoy this headphone when mated with any dedicated head-amp, and while it doesn’t seal/ isolate all that well, it does sound impressive considering how dang inexpensive it is. And although they're not quite "full-size" designs, the mid-sized beyerdynamic DT231, and Sennheiser EH250 are well worth considering when seeking excellent sealed-category headphones under $100. Moving up to the magic $100 mark is a superb sealed headphone in our humble opinion, the Sennheiser 280Pro. This workhorse sealed/closed headphone does a very good job of attenuating ambient sounds plus the earcups fold up & inward toward the headband for easy travel. They're an impressively smooth and buttery-sounding set of sealed cans... Pretty much nothing like it at the price!

Beyerdynamic DT250-80

Sealed Headphones, $100-$200

As we go up further in cost, the beyerdynamic 250-80 is a classic sealed headphone favorite for many. Though slightly warm and mellow-sounding, these headphones are nevertheless well-balanced and really fun to hear & to wear all day around the home or office. A somewhat similar but slightly more oversize sealed candidate (though just a tiny bit unevenly-toned in our opinion) is the Ultrasone HFI-550; it's a bit bulkier than the beyer and maybe not quite as ergonomic. We especially like all three of the above headphones for location recording, field mixing, DJ, and professional studio use as they are durable as a block of oak, offer quality sound at the pricepoint, and do a respectable job of providing good ambient noise isolation.

AKG 271 studio

Sealed Headphones, $200+

As we hit the upscale $200 mark, we find the AKG K271 Studio headphone. The only major complaint we have with these cans is a modestly lean bass response, but the remaining midrange/treble audio performance of this headphone is pretty much about the best of the full-sized sealed headphone category. Therefore, heavy rock/ hiphop/ trance/ big bass lovers should probably shy away, but those who are looking for midrange liquidity and airy, silky highs from their sealed headphone will likely love them. As we go even higher up the price point ladder, we encounter a whole array of German-made Ultrasone sealed headphones. Some of the previously mentioned headphones tend to outperform Ultrasones in overall sonic accuracy and clarity, but there is definitely one thing that the Ultrasones get rippingly right and that is punchy, high-impact bass. It’s perhaps bigger than it ought to be, but it sure is a ton o' fun with some kinds of music. Out of the entire Ultrasone line, we like the Ultrasone DJ1 Pro and, especially, the HFI 700, which may just be the ultimate DJ can. Arguably, the very best full-size sealed audiophile-grade headphone could be the beyerdynamic DT770. They have an amazingly seamless, lively presentation and a full & honest sound throughout the entire frequency range. GREAT sealed headphone choice for demanding audiophiles, equally at home with an excellent home stereo system or a nice portable headphone amp!

Full-Size Open Headphones

So much for the full-size sealed/closed headphones; let’s go back down to the bottom of the price scale and discuss full-sized OPEN cans now. The only headphone that really jumps out at us at this lower pricepoint is the Sennheiser HD485. This large, lightweight 'economy' headphone is designed for soon-to-be or newcomer audiophiles who want their music right between their ears. It hits the nail squarely on the head -- for the price. These open cans have a fairly big bass response but still retain good tonal balance throughout the entire frequency range. Oh heck, even the classical longhair on a budget could potentially love these with a nice HeadRoom headphone amplifier maximizing the HD485's sonic performance! (Also, consider researching earpad headphones for some great options under $100.)

Sennheiser HD555

Open Headphones $100-$200

At around $125 or less, the Sennheiser HD555 and -- just over $200 -- the AKG K601 are really great headphones at their given pricepoints. The AKG K601 has taken over the roost as a nice well-priced alternative to the more expensive Sennheiser models. Sennheiser has head-dived into this wild 'n wooly mid-priced fray with the above-mentioned HD555, which is less expensive and a lot easier to power properly compared to the MUCH better-detailed but rather inefficient HD600 model. The HD555 remains a great full-size open headphone choice for starter audiophiles using portable audio players like laptop computers, MP3s, and iPods. One nice note: the AKG601 has the unique trait (for a headphone of this size) to be a pleasantly cool-on-the-head wearing experience. If you’re prone to major overheating in full-sized headphones, this may be a great choice for you.

Open Headphones, $200 and up

Enter $220-$350 bucks headphone territory and you've suddenly climbed into lovely & rarified “Top Shelf” terrain. There are a number of close contenders in this category, the Sennheiser HD600, HD595, and the aforementioned AKG K601 among them. These headphones are great with the Sennheiser HD600 and HD595 holding down the polar ends of the sonic spectrum with, respectively, slightly 'warm' and lively/quick tonal signatures. The AKG K601 maintains a punchy & dynamic sound pitched right down the middle; perhaps just a smidgeon more neutral than the Sennheisers.

AKG K701, Sennheiser HD650, Beyerdynamic DT880

Perched right at the very topmost of the heap, we place the AKG K701, Sennheiser HD650, and beyerdynamic DT880. If you’re looking for nuanced detail resolution, refined musical authority and uber-expansive dynamic range, the beyerdynamic DT880 is lightning-quick without losing hardly any midrange clarity or focused bottom-end punch in the process. The Sennheiser HD650 is a seamlessly warm, organic, sophisticated and refined-sounding can with plenty of smooth and well-detailed lushness all around. Great soundstage image too. And the AKG K701 neatly splits the difference with a punchy, supremely dynamic sound that really does all things well but offers especially amazing instrumental texture and an expansive, authentic sense of musical space with a slightly leaner, more tightly focused bass response versus the HD650. All three of these cans are truly world-class, reference-grade headphones. They do have some serious audio competition from headphones of other types -- like the Shure SE530 in-ear earphones or the custom-only Ultimate Ears UE10Pro ear canal headphones (ECHs), for example -- but in the crowded full-sized open headphone category, these three are clearly THE top shelf.

One final aside: We highly recommend headphone cable replacements / upgrades for all high-end headphones intended for seriously demanding audiophiles. High-quality aftermarket headphone cables will greatly improve the audio performance of any of these reference-grade headphones! Cardas Audio in Oregon manufactures superb Sennheiser, AKG, and beyerdynamic replacement cabling that is well-worth its rather hefty price tag!

Full Size Headphones


photos product value rating list price our price
Product Photo

Koss UR 20

OK sounding, sealed headphones on a budget. Good for portable players / laptop computers.

3.0 out of 5

$24.99

$19.99

Product Photo

Sennheiser HD 201

NICE! Cheap, sealed, full-sized headphones that sound very good. Perfect gift 'phones (Get one for yourself first!)

4.0 out of 5

$29.95

$24.95

Product Photo

Sennheiser HD 205

Great step-up from the HD201… Sealed-design & ultra-punchy sound.

4.0 out of 5

$59.95

$44.95
On Sale!

Product Photo

Sennheiser HD 485

Terrific full-sized headphone with warm, clear response. Solid performer under $100! Great for hip-hop/funk/rock/trance etc.

3.5 out of 5

$99.95

$89.95

Product Photo

Sennheiser HD 280 Pro

High marks for this workhorse sealed headphone. Tremendous price-to-performance ratio.

4.0 out of 5

$199.95

$99.99

Product Photo

Sennheiser HDR 130

Get an extra headphone for your wireless sytem. Why? Because sharing your wireless experience with others is fun!

0.0 out of 5

$119.95

$119.95

Product Photo

AKG K 240 S

An efficient 55 ohm version of the classic 240 model.

3.5 out of 5

$150.00

$129.00

Product Photo

Sennheiser HDR 140

Get an extra headphone for your wireless sytem. Why? Because sharing your wireless experience with others is fun!

0.0 out of 5

$149.95

$149.95

Product Photo

Sennheiser HD 555

Clear & warm, these cans put grins on lots of faces. Good headphones, KILLER price!

4.5 out of 5

$169.95

$149.95

Product Photo

beyerdynamic DT 440

An OK open-design if looking for mid-priced full-size 'phones for use with portable players. A tad bright in highs.

3.0 out of 5

$159.00

$159.00

Product Photo

Sennheiser RS 130

Quality Wireless Headphones With Surround-Sound Feature.

4.0 out of 5

$179.95

$159.99

Product Photo

Ultrasone DJ1

Well-priced entry-level DJ/studio can. Solid ambient seal & strong performance at the price from newer German maker.

3.5 out of 5

$169.00

$169.00

Product Photo

beyerdynamic DT 250-80

Very solid all-around performer and a comfy sealed/closed headphone. Low 80-Ohm impedance model.

4.0 out of 5

$199.00

$179.00

Product Photo

beyerdynamic DT 250-250

Professional sealed headphones—durable, smallish, good sound.

3.5 out of 5

$199.00

$179.00

Product Photo

AKG K 271 S

A refined sound is hard to come by in a sealed headphone, but the K271 delivers. DISCONTINUED/NEW MODEL HERE SOON!

4.0 out of 5

$270.00

$189.95

Product Photo

beyerdynamic DT 660

A little bright and uneven, but high efficiency makes them good use for use with portables.

2.5 out of 5

$199.00

$199.00

Product Photo

Ultrasone HFI 580

Strong sealed headphone with slick updated looks.

3.5 out of 5

$199.00

$199.00

Product Photo

AKG K 601

A solid performer at this price; great balance and dynamics, with a slightly rounded tone.

4.0 out of 5

$299.00

$209.95

Product Photo

Sennheiser RS 140

Wireless SEALED HeadPhones With Volume & Balance Control

5.0 out of 5

$239.95

$219.99

Product Photo

Ultrasone PROline 550

German-made sealed cans for funky bass-heavy audio fiends. ON SALE! CALL FOR PRICE!

3.0 out of 5

$239.00

$239.00

Product Photo

Ultrasone DJ1 Pro

A choice DJ/ club/ studio headphone with a punchy and well-balanced sound.

3.5 out of 5

$239.00

$239.00

Product Photo

Ultrasone HFI-700

Superb seal and crisp, well-articulated highs. Fine choice for jazz or acoustic music! DISCONTINUED. NEW HFi-780 MODEL COMING SOON!

4.0 out of 5

$249.00

$249.00

Product Photo

Beyerdynamic DT 770 M

Efficient 80-ohm DT770 Version with In-Line Volume Control.

3.5 out of 5

$249.00

$249.00

Product Photo

Sennheiser HD 595

Highly efficient audiophilic headphone with lively “front row” sonics; Great alternate to the HD600.

5.0 out of 5

$299.95

$259.99

Product Photo

beyerdynamic DT 860

Full-sized open headphone useable directly from portable players; These cans do that better than most.

3.0 out of 5

$269.00

$269.00

Product Photo

Ultrasone PROline 650

Full, punchy bass & present highs in a sealed audiophile headphone. ON SALE! CALL FOR PRICE!

3.5 out of 5

$299.00

$299.00

Product Photo

Ultrasone HFI-2200 ULE

'Ultra-Low Emissions' open-backed audiophile headphone.ON SALE! CALL FOR PRICE!

2.5 out of 5

$299.00

$299.00

Product Photo

beyerdynamic DT 880

Invitingly accurate and open-toned reference listening ... Perhaps the best, period?

5.0 out of 5

$489.00

$299.00

Product Photo

AKG K 701

WOW! AKG’s contender for the top-of-the-heap dynamic headphone delivers a headful of great sound.

5.0 out of 5

$449.95

$309.95

Product Photo

Sennheiser HD 600

Now surpassed by the HD650 as Sennheiser's top-shelf; Nevertheless, a serious audiophile headphone. PLEASE CALL FOR SALE PRICE!

4.5 out of 5

$449.95

$319.95

Product Photo

DENON AH-D2000

Accurate, lively presentation and true reference sound rarely found in sealed headphones.

5.0 out of 5

$349.00

$349.00

Product Photo

Sennheiser HD650 with Cardas Balanced Cable

Recable your Sennheiser HD650 and soak your head in some truly world-class audio.

5.0 out of 5

$549.95

$349.95

Product Photo

Ultrasone PROline 750

Odd audio performance from a rather expensive headphone. ON SALE! CALL FOR PRICE!

2.5 out of 5

$399.00

$399.00

Product Photo

Ultrasone PROline 2500

Open-design audiophile headphones from Germany's Ultrasone.

3.0 out of 5

$399.00

$399.00

Product Photo

Sennheiser HD 650

Sennheiser's gleaming flagship headphone. A world-class can with an organic, refined, and laid-back sound.

5.0 out of 5

$599.95

$499.99

Product Photo

beyerdynamic DT880 & HeadRoom Balanced Fat Pipe

The beyerdynamic DT880's recabled for balanced drive from your friends at HeadRoom. The love is in the details.

5.0 out of 5

$789.00

$599.00

Product Photo

AKG K701 with HeadRoom Balanced Fat Pipe Upgrade

The AKG K701's recabled for balanced drive from your friends at HeadRoom. The love is in the details.

5.0 out of 5

$609.95

$609.95

Product Photo

DENON AH-D5000

The top sealed headphone we've heard and as good as the best open cans. Yep, you read that right!

5.0 out of 5

$699.00

$699.00

Product Photo

Grado GS-1000

Very expensive, sure, but a wonderfully fun headphone for creamy low-volume listening.

3.5 out of 5

$995.00

$995.00

Product Photo

AKG K 1000

DISCONTINUED. These were a very interesting pair of headphones.

5.0 out of 5

$1260.00

$999.00

Product Photo

AKG Hearo 999 Audiosphere II

Purpose-built home theatre virtual processor / wireless headphone system...Yowza! DISCONTINUED/SOLD-OUT!

3.5 out of 5

$1199.00

$1,099.00