Best full-size headphones
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
8.7 Excellent (reviewed 4/11/06)
Grado's RS-2 Reference Series headphones are strong contenders for world's best sound.
Read review of the Grado RS-2 Reference Series headphones
Sennheiser HD 650
8.6 Excellent (reviewed 4/6/06)
The formidable Sennheiser HD 650 headphones are fit for a king--and have a price tag to prove it.
Read review of the Sennheiser HD 650
Denon AH-D2000
8.5 Excellent (reviewed 3/19/08)
For at-home listening, the Denon AH-D2000 headphones provide plenty of oomph, masterful musicality, and a solid, well-constructed design.
Read review of the Denon AH-D2000
Sennheiser HD280 Pro
8.4 Excellent (reviewed 6/22/04)
Sennheiser's versatile headphones sound great on DVDs and all kinds of music.
Read review of the Sennheiser HD280 Pro
Grado SR125
8.3 Excellent (reviewed 2/23/04)
Delivering top-notch home-listening performance, the Grado SR125 will satisfy even the most demanding audiophile.
Read review of the Grado SR125
Ultrasone HFI-2200
8.3 Excellent (reviewed 7/29/08)
Ultrasone's HFI-2200 headphones score well on every count: they're comfortable, well built, and sound great.
Read review of the Ultrasone HFI-2200
Sony MDR-V700DJ
7.8 Very good (reviewed 2/2/04)
These full-size earcup 'phones deliver excellent reproduction of today's popular music.
Read review of the Sony MDR-V700DJ
Ultrasone HFI-580
7.8 Very good (reviewed 7/28/08)
Ultrasone's full-size closed-back HFI-580 headphones create a private listening space between your ears.
Read review of the Ultrasone HFI-580