Headphones vs speakers

I have several excellent headphone sets I listen to daily. However, the sound is even better through a good set of IEM's. It's the best I've ever heard. The problem is they begin to bother my ears so they get limited use. I love the way they sound!

I have a decent headphone amp and a few pairs of phones and I rarely use them.  They sound great but it's just not the same to me. 

I should add that I like to preserve my hearing which is actually still pretty decent......

No- speakers to headphones is a sonic step backwards. I view headphones as a solid choice for those on a tight budget.  I own both.

However, I have a portable DAP I plan to get running sometime.

It is possible to design an headphone  which can rival most speakers... Even giving you bass in the chest...

but the cost of research and portable necessity and low cost perhaps makes it less urgent if your crowd buy any simple  headphones anyway at any price...