InnerFidelity's "Wall of Fame" Full-Size Open

Full-Size Open Headphones

These are headphones that have pads that go completely around your ears (circumaural) and are not sealed to isolate you from outside noise. These are generally the most comfortable and best sounding type of headphone, and are typically used around the home or office where there is little outside noise, and/or when you have to be able to hear your surroundings (ringing phone, kids).

Stax SR-009 ($5,250)
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Simply put, this is the world's best headphone. The speed, clarity, and resolution is simply stunning. I spent quite a bit of time comparing the SR-009 to other headphones that compete for a spot as ultimate reference headphones, and the SR-009 equaled or bested all comers with the singlar exception of the spectacular imaging of the Sennheiser HD 800.

These are electrostatic headphones and require a special type of amplifier to drive them. Because they are "cost no object" headphones, and because they are so extraordinarily good, I highly recommend purchasing the best possible electrostatic headphone amplifier. For me, that means the HeadAmp Blue Hawaii SE.

Read more about these incredible headphones in this article comparing the world's beast headphones. Sorry about your wallet.

Audeze LCD-3 ($1945)

This is my favorite headphone for just kicking back and having a lovely listening session. It's not quite as articulate as the Stax SR-009, but it's half the price and you don't need a special amp. And it's not quite as microscopically revealing as the Sennheiser HD 800. But for me, the yummy pleasure of its lush and liquid presentation, and the Adam's apple wobbling bass impact, is simply unmatched.

This is a planar magnetic headphone and is fairly large and heavy. I find it fairly comfortable, but it's not a headphone for walking around, and may be a bit warm in hot, humid climates. Audio Pros looking for an open headphone may find these attractive for long listening sessions and mixing. There is also a much less expensive and quite good similar model from Audeze, the LCD-2, which is listed on this page below. Pads are available in lamb skin or vegan leather.

Full InnerFidelity review here.

Sennheiser HD 800 ($1,499)
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I feel the most accurate, and best imaging headphone in the world is the Sennheiser HD 800. Using a novel "ring radiator" angled driver design, these headphones produce the best imaging on headphones I've ever heard. The HD 800 is spectacularly well designed, and wonderfully comfortable to wear.

The one problem these headphones have is a somewhat "analytical" sound, which can be significantly reduced with a fairly straightforward modification. The detail and resolution of these headphones make them ideal for mixing and mastering engineers who want to hear every little pop and tweet in the mix. Audiophiles will be well rewarded by careful amp selection, aftermarket cables, and the mod mentioned above.

Full InnerFidelity review here.

Audeze LCD-2 ($995)

Like its big brother above, the LCD-3, the LCD-2 is a wonderfully lush and liquid sounding headphone. If you're into bass, you're in for a real treat with these cans as the low notes are powerful, tight, and very, very well extended. Audeze planar magnetic headphones do bass better than any other headphone I've heard.

The planar magnetic driver used in these headphones make them fairly large and heavy. I find it fairly comfortable, but it's not a headphone for walking around, and may be a bit warm in hot, humid climates. Audio Pros looking for an open headphone may find these attractive for long listening sessions and mixing. The LCD-2 is available in Bamboo and Rosewood. Pads are available in lamb skin or vegan leather.

Philips Fidelio X1 ($499)
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The X1 has a couple of issues to overcome (fit and cable, see article) but once sorted out, these make for a very exciting listen around the home or office.

Audiophiles looking for a fun listen will be delighted, and basshead will be in heaven with this bass heavy can that also manages to sound balanced as well. The bass is a tad loose, and the highs a tad grainy, but the overall sense of impact and fun is unmistakably obvious. A really great headphone for EDM, DnB, Ambient, and all things electronica, but the X1 is also balanced enough for all types of tune when you're in the mood for a fun, warm headphone.

See full InnerFidelity review here.

Sennheiser HD 600 ($399)
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The middle sibling in a long-lasting line of excellent headphones (it sits between the HD 580 and HD 650) the HD 600 has been a strong recommendation from me for a very long time. Many will whine about it's slightly soft sound, "they have the Sennheiser veil," some will say, but I think this excellent headphone is just gentle on the ears.

With an easy and sonorous sound, the HD 600 is a forgiving headphone and will do well with poor recordings. But it also has the chops, when coupled with a good amp and front end, to do a very nice job reproducing high fidelity recordings. Unlike most headphone at this price, I find the HD 600 ticks all the boxes nicely without any serious downfall. It seems to me, the HD 600 is the least expensive headphone of this type that can be called "audiophile grade."

This is a very comfortable headphone, and coupled with it's excellent sound is well suited for long listening sessions. The cable connects at each earpiece, making aftermarket and balanced cable replacement easy.

See full InnerFidelity review here.

Philips Fidelio L1 ($299)
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I like to think of this very nice home/office headphones as a great "gentleman's headphone." By that I mean it's not only a very good sounding headphone, but it's also built and designed with adult sensibilities. It's black and silver color scheme is elegantly executed with aluminum, leather, and synthetic materials. It's light weight and plush padding deliver excellent comfort. It's handsome cloth-covered cable includes three-button remote and nicely finished compact 1/8" mini-plug---1/4" adapter included.

The sonic performance of the L1 is very good, though it's slight lack of treble resolution has it fall just short of audiophile grade. None-the-less, the sound of these cans is very good at this price point. The sound is marked by a slightly warm overall tilt, with fairly well extended and tight bass. Nicely balanced mids have a slightly forward transition into the treble. The L1 is a solid performer without any points of fail.

See full InnerFidelity review here.

Retired from this List

Sennheiser HD 650 ($499)
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Editors Note: This headphone was retired from the list when, after doing the official review, I found the less costly HD 600 to be slightly better sounding for me. The original text follows.

Third in a long-lasting line of excellent headphones (the HD 580 and HD 600 came first) the HD 650 and it's antecedents have been a strong recommendation from me for a very long time. Many will whine about it's slightly soft sound, "they have the Sennheiser veil," some will say, but I think this excellent headphone is just gentle on the ears.

With an easy and sonorous sound, the HD 650 is a forgiving headphone and will do well with poor recordings. But it also has the chops, when coupled with a good amp and front end, to do a very nice job reproducing high fidelity recordings. Unlike most headphone at this price, I find the HD 650 ticks all the boxes nicely without any serious downfall. It seems to me, the HD 650 is the least expensive headphone of this type that can be called "audiophile grade."

See full InnerFidelity review here.