Best full-size headphones

(Nov 09, 2009)

Jasmine France
Senior 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.