Our List Of Favorite Full Size Headphones
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Properly called circumaural, meaning "around the ear," full size headphones are what people traditionally picture when headphones, or stereo headphones, are mentioned. These dynamic headphones have full size ear pieces, and may be open-back, closed-back ("closed"), noise-cancelling, and wireless types; and, most circumaural headphones will work well with home equipment. Some full size headphones are easy to drive and will reach a satisfactory volume from an iPod or portable player; but nearly all professional, high-end, and audiophile grade full size headphones should be driven and will sound better with a dedicated headphone amplifier.
Our Picks For Full Size, Open Back Headphones
Open headphones do not isolate you from outside noise, but are great if you need to remain aware of your surroundings. They are also often better sounding than similarly priced headphones of other types . The Sennheiser HD428, HD438, and HD448 are excellent for their price. Moving up in price, the Audio Technica ATH-AD500 and ATH-AD700 deliver lively sound that's sure to please those on a budget looking for real resolution. A true, entry level audiophile stereo headphone, the Sennheiser HD595 with its angled drivers images wonderfully and is pleasantly neutral. Solidly in the world of high-end cans, the AKG K702 needs a definite break in, but once settled down is marvelously dynamic and articulate. Now "King of the Hill," the Sennheiser HD800 is considered by many the world's greatest headphone, with the lush and slightly warmer Beyerdynamic Tesla T1 following a close second.
Top Picks Of Full Size, Closed Or Sealed Headphones
Closed headphones have an acoustic seal to provide isolation from outside noise; they also prevent others nearby from hearing your music. Great strides have been made of late and sealed headphones can sound nearly as good as open cans, especially at the higher price points. The Sennheiser HD201 sounds surprisingly good and is our favorite low cost closed, full size headphone. Shure's latest effort in sealed cans is truly world class; they are all terrific, but the Shure SRH440 provides great isolation and sounds good enough to please professional and high-end users alike. The Audio Technica ATH-M50 is also an excellent all-purpose headphone. Moving up a notch the ATH-A700 has a nicely detailed sound and also looks and feels terrific. For a warmer, bass rich sound try the Ultrasone HFi-780. For true high-end levels of performance, the Denon AH-D2000 with excellent detail makes a great mastering and professional headphone, while the more laid-back and liquid Denon AH-D5000 is great for pure listening enjoyment. At the extreme end of the scale, the Denon AH-D7000 is liquid and lush with extraordinary bass extension, and the Ultrasone Edition 8 is punchy and smooth simultaneously, providing the best closed headphone listening experience we've ever heard.
The Best Full Size, Noise Cancelling, Wireless, And Balanced Headphones
Most noise cancelling headphones are full size. Sennheiser makes a very good line and we really like the PXC-450; more information can be found in our noise cancelling selection guide. Monster's Dr. Dre Beats headphones have good sound with thumping bass, gorgeous styling, and work well with an iPod. We love the Sony MDR-DS6000 full size wireless headphones--using the digital input the sound quality is excellent. Sennheiser's wireless RS headphone line is also excellent; you can read more about them and others in our wireless headphone selection guide. Full size balanced headphones can only be used with a special balanced headphone amplifier; the Sennheiser HD800 balanced is simply the world's best. More on these cans can be found in our balanced headphones selection guide.
We've listed our top picks below but you can click here to see all full size headphones.
