To answer the thread's question, I prefer speakers in the appropriate venue for critical listening and headphones for convenience and shutting out ambient interruptions.   I am fairly new to headphones as well.  I have had various earbuds, some $300-$1,000 noise cancelling headphones and...

I bought a set for my wife's office rig.  I hooked them up to the TV/HT for a couple of weeks to break them in.  Once they are properly setup, they sound fantastic.    She really likes them.  I have to have her turn them down when I have conference calls.  She plays these more than any other...