All you have to do is read multiple reviews on big name websites. The NY Times also said they cost as little as $14 to make and sell for as much as $450.
There are many, many brands of good headphone makers who make cans much better at lower prices. Grado is one. Even Sony and Sennheiser make some really good higher priced cans.
Beat me to it. Add to that just about anyone in the urban scene. Earbuds weren't a think back then and 20 years ago isn't even that long that's only 1996. Big headphones popped right up after the enormous boom box thing phased out in the 80's.