Review Of The Best Full Size Hi-Fi Headphones

Full size Hi-Fi headphones are designed primarily for listening at home, in the office or at the studio.  Featuring fully over the ear pads for comfort and/or sound isolation, with either an open back or closed back design.

Depending on the application, full size headphones are available in open back or closed back designs. Open back generally gives a more natural character to the sound, whereas closed back helps keep noise out and your music in.

This article is a review of the best headphones in the full size category.

Why Full Size?

Comfort and sound quality are the major reasons for choosing full size headphones.

If you're going to spend many hours listening to headphones then comfort is obviously a key factor to consider.  Over ear designs are the most comfortable, but also look at the way the headband works.  Some headphone headbands have a clamping effect that can cause fatigue after some time, whereas others have a very light grip on the head.

Full size headphones generally offer the best sound quality of any class of headphone.  The fact that the sound can travel naturally into your ears means that full size headphones can sound more realistic than in-ear earphones. Also the size of the drivers helps give a better sense of scale with recordings that demand it.

Full Size Headphone ReviewS

Below is our review of the best full size headphones available - reviews are in price order from LOWEST to HIGHEST:

Grado SR80i

The Grado SR80i is an great first step into high quality Hi-Fi headphones. Choosing the best Grado headphone is a little tricky as they are all excellent, but the sensibly priced Grado SR80i headphone is a worthy contender for best mid-priced on ear Hi-Fi headphone (RRP is £120).

The SR80i is a energetic sounding headphone, with excellent clarity through the mids/highs, highly detailed resolution and a solid bass kick. Grado's have a very up-front sound that can bring music to life.  The SR80i is an on-ear headphone, so they can require a bit of re-adjusting after some use to get them comfortable again.

Unlike some audiophile class headphones the Grado SR80i's are sensitive enough to give good response without any dedicated amplification, as they are rated at a very efficient 32 ohms.

All of the Grado range are fully open back, which means sound can leak in and out of the ear cup. If this isn't a problem then the SR80i is a very solid choice for a home listening Hi-Fi headphone.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

Delivery superb sound quality for the price.  If the open back design is no problem then you should definitely consider this headphone.

AKG K-240 MKII

The AKG K-240 MK II is a highlight in the AKG headphone lineup, with an enjoyable and clear sound signature that is well suited for home, mobile or studio listening.

The sound is lively and warm, while retaining a level of accuracy across the frequency range and offers a level of insight that is rare at this price point.  The semi-open design means these headphones can be used in environments with low level external noise.  If you take your music seriously the AKG K-240 MKII is well worth auditioning.

Built with durability in mind the K-240 has a headband that can be bent in any direction without damage and the cables are replaceable.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

A well balanced and linear audio response, with good bass punch make the AKG K-240s an enjoyable listen.  Replaceable cables and durable design means the K-240 is designed to be used every day.

Audio-Technica ATH-AD700

The full size headphone market if often dominated by Sennheiser with it's HD range, but there are other options. A solid performer in the full size headphone category are the Audio-Technica ATH-AD700 open back headphone, which have a very open and natural character to their sound and come highly recommended (RRP is £139).  The equally good closed back model, the Audio-Technica ATH-A700 is also well worth considering.

Audio-Technica are the number one headphone brand in Japan, and for good reason. The AD700's are very well engineered and offer a very detailed, neutral sound. With full over the ear cups and velvet pads the AD700 is a very comfortable headphone for long term listening sessions.

The soundstage is truly immense on the AD700, i.e. you are able to discern instruments all around outside (and inside) your head.  The AD700's give good depth to bass notes, without being overpowering, and are particularly detailed in the upper midrange. This is a superb pair home listening headphones that compares well with many much more expensive 'cans'.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

Particular strengths in mid-range detail and clarity, with good positional accuracy and comfortable over-ear design, which makes the AD700 a popular choice for movies and gaming.

Beyerdynamic DT770

Featuring a fully sealed (closed back) design and extremely robust build quality, the Beyerdynamic DT770 is a real workhorse of a headphone that is suitable for daily use and abuse.

With a pedigree in studio and live recording, Beyerdynamic is the number one choice at the BBC - check out photos on the BBC Radio 1 website and you will see most guests wearing the DT770.

Bass response is powerful and positional accuracy is excellent, making this a firm favourite for gaming and movies.  However, the DT770 is a versatile headphone and is great for long music listening sessions also.

The DT770 is available in an easy to drive 80 Ohm version (suitable for home and even mobile listening) and also a much harder to drive 250 Ohm version that is designed to be plugged into a high output power mixing desk or dedicated headphone amp.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

Robustly built and with superb sound quality, if you are looking for a closed back headphone with a big sound then the DT770 should be high on your list.

German Maestro GMP 8.35 D (and GMP 8.300 D)

The German Maestro GMP 8.35 D (and it's higher impedance relation the German Maestro GMP 8.300 D) are without doubt the toughest headphones we have come across.  German Maestro call them "nearly indistructable" and we agree!

Sound quality is very nicely balanced.  Bass response is rich, with accurate and precise trebles.  The GMP 8.35 D and 8.300D are both serious audio monitoring tools that are refined and insightful.

This is a reference quality headphone that is suitable for studio, home Hi-Fi or portable applications.  At a push you could hook up the relatively low impedance GMP 8.35 D to a portable audio player and take them out on the street. If you have a decent headphone amplifier then we would recommend the GMP 8.300 D.

The closed back design keeps you well isolated, ensuring a minimum of sound leakage in or out of the cups - as you would expect from a monitor headphone.  The ear cups fit comfortably and the headband keeps the headphones securely on your head.  As with all closed back designs you will need to vent the earcups every so often to keep your ears cool.

The GMP 8.35 D is sturdily made and will survive the the harshest environments (they look and feel military grade).  The headband is made from a band of steel and the earcups are made from a lightweight PE material that will withstand impact.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

Built to a very high specification the 8.35 D and GMP 8.300 D will last forever and sound superb. Not everyone will like the no compromise, utilitarian design, but we rather like it!

Beyerdynamic DT880

A firm favourite in the Beyerdynamic headphone range is the semi-open DT880, available in a high impedance 250 Ohm version and a much more sensitive 32 Ohm version for lower power audio sources (RRP £276).

The semi-open ear cups are a great compromise for situations where small amounts of sound leakage (in and out of the ear cups) is acceptable.  The sound is more open and airy than a fully closed back headphone, but there is some degree of noise isolation.

Sound is lively and exceptionally detailed, with enough excitement to put a big smile on your face and send shivers up your spine. Bass is tight and well controlled, but with enough presence and power to bring large performances to life.

As with any of the German made Beyerdynamic range the build and finish is exceptional and obviously designed for a long life.  The ear pads are super soft and comfortable for very long listening sessions.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

A professional design with accurate and exciting sound that is up there with the best headphones at this price.  Very comfortable.  One of our personal favourites.

German Maestro GMP 435 S

Handbuilt in Germany and supplied with a 3 year warranty, the GMP 435 from German Maestro is a very impressive open back headphone that is equally suitable for home or professional listening.  The GMP 435 S is the low impedance (and easier to power) cousin of the equally good GMP 400 (open back) and GMP 450 (closed back) models, which require a dedicated headphone amp or professional mixer to get the best out of the headphones.

The GMP 435 S sound is very nicely balanced, with enough warmth to ensure they are enjoyable to listen to for hours without fatigue and an incisive precision that allows you to really hear all the hidden detail in a good quality recording.  We feel the balance is just right.  These headphones are like a mixture between all the things that are good about the Sennheiser HD650, the Grado SR325is and the Beyerdynamic DT880.  Best described as somewhere between the Grado and the Beyerdynamic sound.

The earcups are mounted on what German Maestro call a cardomatic suspension system, which results in a feather soft grip around the ears that readjusts as you move.  The result is a fit that is extremely comfortable fit that stays surprisingly secure on the head.  A truly innovative design.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

Very well balanced sound, a high level of build quality and extremely comfortable fit make the GMP 435 S a leader in it's class.

HiFiMan HE-5LE

The HiFiMan headphone range really are something special, using a type of speaker design called planar (or sometimes orthodynamic).  The result is a sound that is ultra low distortion and incredible levels of instrument separation.

Unlike regular dynamic headphone speakers that are driven from the edge of their speaker cone by a voice coil, planar speakers are driven over their entire surface by thin bar magnets mounted on either side, which means an even force is applied to the diaphragm.  This means the speaker vibrates more uniformly and gives a more accurate sound.

Planar headphones like the HE-5LE have a particular sound signature that is not a million miles away from electrostatic headphones (e.g. the Stax range), but the HE-5LE offers a delightful balance of deep, powerful bass combined with clean airy trebles.  The sound is like a hybrid between the sound signature of dynamic and electrostatic headphones.

The HiFIMan HE-5LE is a particular highlight in the HiFiMan range.  Improvements over the original HE-5 include lighter earcup materials, more balanced sound signature (a warmer, smoother delivery) and improved cabling.

A dedicated headphone amp (or professional audio equipment) with plenty of power is required to drive these headphones.  Don't be fooled by the low impedance rating of the headphones.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

A truly high end headphone in every sense, with audio performance and build quality that compares with headphones costing significantly more.  It's hard to be anything other than impressed.

Grado GS1000i

The flagship Grado GS1000i is a headphone for someone looking for the very best headphone available.  With the ear cups hand finished in mahogany and the drivers manufactured to tolerances far exceeding normal expectations, the GS1000i is a very special headphone that deserves serious attention.

Often described as a portable listening room, the GS1000i offers levels of clarity and detail that is normally reserved for dedicated listening spaces costing tens of thousands to construct.

When choosing a high end headphone like the GS1000i the best advice we can offer is to try the headphones out for yourself with your own equipment (we offer a 30 day money back guarantee).

The GS1000i sounds best when matched with a good quality headphone amplifier, but is relatively easy to drive and can sound great connected with a good quality audio source.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

We are big fans of the "Grado sound" and the GS1000i has the trademark lively, detailed delivery that is both engaging and exciting.  This headphone has to be heard if you are serious about your music.

Beyerdynamic Tesla T1

Founded in 1924 Beyerdynamic is one of the oldest names in audio and still manufactures most of their products in Germany by hand.  The Tesla T1 is the culmination of many years of experience, which is evident from the beautiful finish of the headphone and superbly balanced sound. Delivered in its aluminium flight case the Beyer T1 has a solid industrial beauty that exudes high end build quality.

The A1 amplifier is the perfect partner to the T1 which at 600ohms is not an east headphone to drive. With its unique intelligent-circuit concept the Beyerdynamic A1 is capable of reproducing an amazingly wide frequency range which stretches way above human perception. Underneath the large front-panel-mounted aluminium volume control is a high grade ALPS-potentiometer for smooth volume adjustment. This is just part of the attention to detail that ranges from the outer unit construction to its quality integral components - use of a generously-dimensioned toroidal core transformer, plus a combination of carefully selected components allows even the highest-impedance headphones to be driven flawlessly over the entire frequency range.

We feel the Tesla T1 is the best balanced, most comfortable high end headphone available.  Offering a level of insight that is at times staggering, the T1 breathes life into music. If there is one problem with this headphone it is the fact you cannot listen to basic quality MP3’s or fizzy low res music – the T1 is simply too revealing and compressed music is shown up for its lack of definition.

HiFi Headphones Verdict:

The sound is fluid and natural, there is a fast sense of detail that is crisp and precise without being fatiguing. The headphones themselves are surprisingly light and in typical Beyer style really comfy.

The Beyerdynamic T1 gives a lush wide soundstage with excellent instrumental separation drawing you into the recording, the stereo image being nothing short of 3D. The focus here is in the highly detailed treble and midrange but the bass is warm, deep and well pronounced giving the overall sound superb transparency, weight and authority.

Probably our favourite headphone!

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