ie8 fix

Best full-size headphones

(Updated May 8, 2012 10:29 AM PDT)
Justin Yu
Justin Yu
Associate Editor

Full-size headphones are exactly that: the largest headphones that are generally designed for home use. Indeed, many of these models have a full-size "phono" jacks designed to match your AV receiver or stereo, and their larger drivers often require more power than some portable music players can muster. The headphones are either circumaural (with ear cups that fully enclose your ears) or "open-backed" (unsealed earpads that let external sounds in--but are generally more comfortable to wear). And finally, some of these are superluxury models that cost hundreds of dollars--sometimes even north of a grand. That said, this list includes some of the best-sounding, most transparent headphones we've ever heard. True audiophiles may consider these to be investments well worth a lifetime of exquisite listening.

Sennheiser HD800

Sennheiser's exquisite HD 800s sound more like listening to full-size speakers than any other headphones we've heard to date.

Price: $1,499.95 - $1,499.99 (check prices)

4 stars

Outstanding

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Sennheiser HD800

Grado PS1000

They may cost as much as a big-screen TV, but the PS1000s are simply the best-sounding, most comfortable, and best-looking Grado headphones we've ever tested.

Price: $1,695.00 (check prices)

4 stars

Outstanding

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Grado PS1000

Ultrasone Signature Pro

The Ultrasone Signature Pro is a German-made Mercedes class set of headphones built for a discerning clientele.

Price: $1,299.00 (check prices)

4 stars

Excellent

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Ultrasone Signature Pro

Aiaiai TMA-1 Professional DJ Monitoring Headphones Editors' Choice - Aiaiai TMA-1 Professional DJ Monitoring Headphones

The sleek TMA-1 headphones by Aiaiai are ideal for traveling DJs who need tough headphones with an up-front, bass-slamming sound profile.

Price: $195.00 - $219.00 (check prices)

4 stars

Excellent

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Aiaiai TMA-1 Professional DJ Monitoring Headphones

Audio-Technica ATH-M50

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones are among the best available for less than $200, offering excellent sound and build quality.

Price: $135.00 - $159.00 (check prices)

4 stars

Excellent

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Audio-Technica ATH-M50

Denon AHD2000

For at-home listening, the Denon AH-D2000 headphones provide plenty of oomph, masterful musicality, and a solid, well-constructed design.

Price: $291.57 - $349.99 (check prices)

4 stars

Excellent

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Denon AHD2000

Ultrasone Edition 8

Ultrasone's Edition 8 headphones cost a mint, but they deliver stellar sound at home and--especially--with iPods.

Price: $1,199.95 - $1,499.00 (check prices)

4 stars

Excellent

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Ultrasone Edition 8

AKG K 702

The AKG K 702 Open Back Dynamic Reference Headphones offer an ultracomfortable way to enjoy sound that is remarkably more open than most sets; they're like personal speakers for your head.

Price: $259.99 - $349.00 (check prices)

4 stars

Excellent

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AKG K 702

Sennheiser HD280 Pro Editors' Choice - Sennheiser HD280 Pro

Sennheiser's versatile headphones sound great on DVDs and all kinds of music.

Price: $97.94 - $179.95 (check prices)

4 stars

Excellent

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Sennheiser HD280 Pro

Monster Beats Pro High-Performance Headphones (White)

The Beats Pro by Dr. Dre from Monster Headphones deliver a sturdy design and top-notch sound quality for those who enjoy skull-shattering bass. If you're a casual listener and can afford them, they're a worthy investment, but if you're an audio purist then you may want to comparison shop.

Price: $349.00 - $399.99 (check prices)

4 stars

Excellent

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Monster Beats Pro High-Performance Headphones (White)

Sennheiser HD 598

The new HD 598's "wow" styling updates the classic Sennheiser look, and the sound has more detail and higher resolution than previous models. We recommend these cans to anyone looking for a pair of headphones with precision sound quality and a wide-open soundstage.

Price: $244.90 - $249.99 (check prices)

4 stars

Excellent

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Sennheiser HD 598

Soul by Ludacris SL300 (Black/White)

Although they won't satisfy audiophiles and purists, we prefer the Soul by Ludacris SL300 headphones over the competition for their sexy light-up earpieces, supreme comfort, and street-savvy noise cancellation.

Price: $289.95 - $349.99 (check prices)

4 stars

Excellent

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Soul by Ludacris SL300 (Black/White)

Sony MDR-V700DJ

These full-size earcup 'phones deliver excellent reproduction of today's popular music.

Price: $179.95 (check prices)

4 stars

Very good

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Sony MDR-V700DJ

Shure SRH550DJ Professional Quality DJ Headphones

The Shure SRH550DJ headphones strike a solid balance of durability and respectable sound definition, worthy of hard-hitting DJs who play pop, rock, hip-hop, and electronic music.

Price: $79.99 - $99.99 (check prices)

4 stars

Very good

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Shure SRH550DJ Professional Quality DJ Headphones

Ultrasone HFI-680

The Ultrasone HFI-680 headphones' abundant bass power, forgiving treble, and isolation from external noise should make these an attractive choice for some buyers.

Price: $139.00 - $178.98 (check prices)

4 stars

Very good

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Ultrasone HFI-680

Skullcandy Roc Nation Aviator Headphones (White)

The style-savvy Skullcandy Roc Nation Aviator headphones earn our recommendation for balancing a unique thematic design with exceptional clarity in spite of a slightly passive low-end response.

Price: $109.98 - $149.99 (check prices)

4 stars

Very good

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Skullcandy Roc Nation Aviator Headphones (White)

BlueAnt Embrace Headphones

While a tad pricey at $200, BlueAnt's Embrace wired stereo headphones are comfortable and offer very good, natural sound along with an integrated mic and volume control for cell phone use.

Price: $129.95 - $149.99 (check prices)

4 stars

Very good

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BlueAnt Embrace Headphones

V-Moda Crossfade LP headphones

The V-Moda Crossfade LP headphones look good, feel durable, and offer plenty of desirable extras, but the clubby leaning to the sound space does not lend itself well to all genres of music. This set is best suited to DJs and dance music aficionados.

Price: $148.99 (check prices)

4 stars

Very good

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 V-Moda Crossfade LP headphones
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