Headphones vs speakers

Headphones would seem to have many advantages.  But the reality, for me, is that the sound stage via any of my speakers is so much more enjoyable.  It is just for more live sounding.  My headphone based system only sees use when others are sleeping.

No 'vs' for me - I've got a great headphone system and a great 2-channel system and I enjoy them both immensely. 

I went crazy with headphones for a while and have about a dozen sets of cans and three nice headphone amps.  I hardly ever listen to them anymore.  It's just impossible with headphones to come close to the experience of your entire room combining with great speakers to produce music.  And you don't have to have something sitting on your head to listen.

Imagine feeling trapped with ear muffs that get hot, are tethered by a cord, are not like all the other sound we hear all day long, and that make you feel claustrophobic after a while.

Nah, I want sound in the atmosphere, not pressed up against me like an arresting officer.

I have pursued both for virtually all of my fifty years with visions of a high end system. Headphones are for the times I cannot listen to my main system. 

It is true that the acoustics of the space are not a concern with a headphone system... all other aspects are the same. Matching, choosing the right sonic quality and ultimately they can be jaw dropping good. It took me decades to get there. But when I did, I couldn't believe how much of the high end audio experience could be delivered through headphones. I use Sennheiser 800 headphones which are have a very light touch and are open so you they are not at all fatiguing to wear for hours. The richness and depth of the bass is incredibly satisfying and the natural and musical sound is just spectacular. You can see my Woo / Ayre / Aurrender system under my UserID. It took years of effort and it was the investment in the Woo amp that completely transformed to sound... Takatsuki 300B tubes also contribute. 

I can listen for hours.