Thanks for the helpful article. I start off with a gaming headset (SteelSeries Arctis 3). Over time I've learned to recognize its biases. The headset mic is handy for singing along to rehearse or to record a quick working track.

I agree that final mixes need monitors. I start with JBL 2-way broadcast monitors, then check with home stereo speakers and a computer sound bar, but the final real-world test is playing a burned CD on the Bose system in my car with flat settings.