Hi guys, the Sansa Fuze and Sony NW-A800 are my first two mp3 players. I love em, but want to get some good headphones or IEMs because I will be out and about and traveling a lot (often on planes).
 
I posted this in the Headphones forum and was told to post here instead, which was a big 'duh' on my part.
 
I haven't bought a pair of headphones before, so I'm a total newbie. Only ever used the default in-ears that come with the players - I figure headphones might not only sound better but also be a bit more healthy for my ears, maybe I'm wrong there though - someone please tell me.  I'm a pansy and do want the best for my ears as I've destroyed them enough through the years.
 
Are there circumaural+closed portable headphones?  I need 'em to be closed since I will be on long flights etc, and I've never worn comfortable supra-aural headphones, but it's been a while heh.  I want great sound without spending too much.  I guess $100-200 would be ok.. but the less I have to spend for good sound the better - I'm definitely not rich.
 
I listen to all kinds of music from death metal to classical to video game music to ambient soundscape stuff, but I will mostly be listening to extreme metal.
 
I want to use them without an amp, though I may be tempted to look into an amplifier in the future if it would make a noticeable difference to my sound quality... I have no idea about amps. First things first... Any recommendations on some headphones or IEMs to suit would be great.
 
Also, I will be listening to mp3 files.. will I still notice an increase in sound quality with better headphones?
 
Thanks all!

If it helps, some bands I like are Nile, Metallica, Origin, Pantera, Absu, Psycroptic, Ahab etc.  I can only find IEM recommendations via search and I'd love to know a good pair of closed (can't annoy plane passengers etc) circumaural headphones for my needs.

Hi tempor, welcome to Head-fi.

 
FWIW, I'm currently burning in a set of refurbished IE8 IEM's purchased, delivered, from Amazon for $186.00, which is within your $200.00 budget.  They're currently being burned in while attached to a Sansa Connect.  In a few days they'll be attached to a refurbished Sansa View I'm picking up from TigerDirect.  I like them both because they're big on bass, full range on treble and efficient enough that with the likes of a Sansa Fuze, my opinion, you won't need an amp to power up the IEM's.
 
Hope the above helps.