Headphones vs full range speakers

I had a fairly high end Stax rig before building my speaker system. The speakers image and soundstage in a way that is physically impossible for headphones to accomplish. You go from sound in between your ears to performers seemingly in the room with you. Given the resolving prowess of electrostatic headphones, this was an area I assumed the headphones would hold advantage. Suprised to say there wasn’t much in it, with the headphones perhaps displaying a bit more detail in the lowest levels. I achieve higher engagement from the speakers, as well. Presence, weight, and tactility can not be matched by headphones.

In my opinion the remaining advantages of headphones are isolation and nulling the room effect. The price argument is indeterminate. Flagship headphones are over $4000, with some headphone and amp pairings costing over $30,000. Achieving high end sound from a headphone system requires the same care and attention to detail as a speaker system, sans room treatment.

Great post! thanks...

I concur with your experience...

My best to you...

russ69 has it 100%        :-)     I totally concur.

Question is who has gone from listening to speakers for your main listening pleasure to headphones or vice versa.

Having both a good home and HeadFi rig, I agree with others that they’re really two different animals each with their own strengths and limitations.  However, if I was to go headphones only, the only headphones I’d consider would be the Raal SR1a that are actually more like ear speakers than headphones.  They require a special amp/interface and will run a minimum of about $3500 with everything, but that’s still cheap relative to a decent home system.  Hope this helps.

Good advice! thanks...

This is probably the one headphone i will try... If i had spare money and if i was unsatisfied by my speakers system...Or if my wife order no sound at all after midnight...

😁😊