My take on this issue is there are a number of answers, actually a combination of factors involved. It's been no secret that quality headphones can easily outstrip the majority of systems. At least the ones that haven't reached the level of sophistication required to be on equal footing or beyond quality phones.
For years, other than the obvious reasons for headphone use, I used my Sennheiser HD600's as a reference to compare my sound system against. After four or five years of diligent upgrades, my speaker system has finally reached parity, and beyond, my headhphones. I wasn't sure it would ever happen but it finally has.
System synergy, with the combination of electronics, cabling, loudspeakers that match the above, and perhaps most importantly, how they interact with your room, effects whether your audio system can outdo good 'phones.
So many variables that a sound system has to overcome, that are, for the most part, not an issue with 'phones.
It takes time, but with a good measuring stick, you will eventually get where you want to be. Enjoy the challenge.
Best regards,
Dan
For years, other than the obvious reasons for headphone use, I used my Sennheiser HD600's as a reference to compare my sound system against. After four or five years of diligent upgrades, my speaker system has finally reached parity, and beyond, my headhphones. I wasn't sure it would ever happen but it finally has.
System synergy, with the combination of electronics, cabling, loudspeakers that match the above, and perhaps most importantly, how they interact with your room, effects whether your audio system can outdo good 'phones.
So many variables that a sound system has to overcome, that are, for the most part, not an issue with 'phones.
It takes time, but with a good measuring stick, you will eventually get where you want to be. Enjoy the challenge.
Best regards,
Dan