Speakers vs. headphones

I've had the opposite journey.  I have built three nice headphone rigs and have about a dozen headphones including some high-end cans like Audeze LCD-4, Senn HD800, and Sony MDR-Z1R.

As my two channel systems improved I find myself so involved with the detail, soundstage, imaging, and dynamics of the system that I don't want to limit myself to what headphones are able to present.  And it's nice not to have anything sitting on your head while you're listening.

There’s no doubt that my speaker system is better in every parameter, but the headphones present a great alternative.

Bare in mind that headphone listening should be limited to void possible health hazards. Probably half-hour maximum if headphones are over ear cans and 10..15min with ear buds.

My portable headphone system drove me to change my whole perception of audio. My portable system with Grado phones had bounce and warmth that my hi-fi system didn't have. I could play lessor quality CDs on the headphones, and they sounded great. So I went from extreme accuracy to a system that just sounds best for me. I probably have a tad too much bass underline and too sweet midrange but damn does it sound good on 99% of the stuff I play. It changed the way I approach hi-fi and I'm way happier. 

I, too, find that things that don’t sound so great on my speakers sound just fine on the headphones.