So im currently looking at replacing my sennheiser hd 201 due to their lack of portability and a few flaws in the sound department.
 
The things im looking for are:
-collapsible design (very important)
-excellent sound quality (very important)
-either nc or closed back (maybe semi-open but definitely no open headphones)
-if possible not too big however i am flexible
-no IEM (or earbuds or plugs etc.)
 
Budget is around $100 but up to about 150 is fine.
 
So far ive found the following:
 
-ATH-M50 (my current top choice, ive read alot about them both on and off this forum)
-The NC series from Sennheiser (pxc 200 upwards)
-Sennheiser hd 280 (similar to ath-m50 but I think sound is worse)
-Sennheiser hd 25sp (unfortunately they have no collapsible design, still portable though)
-Shure 750 DJ and srh440 (im not sure how good these actually are)
 
I would appreciate feedback on the ones ive chosen and I would also like to ask about some other headphones that I know little about: (feel free to post other great headphones)
 
-the entire AKG brand (specifically the k450)
-are there any Grado with collapsible design?
-any portable beyerdynamic headphones?
-are nc headphones worth it? (especially sennheisers)
 
Overall is there really anything in my budget that outclasses the ATH-M50s? 
 
Thanks for your help!

What are you going to be using these for( music genre's, gamming, spoken word)? What are you pluging them into? Where will you use them? Hjow long are you looking to use that in one sitting( comfort is important remember that, headphones aren't very fun if you can't use them more then 30 minutes.)

The iGrados are as close as Grado gets to a portable headphone, not including IEMs. It's not collapsible and it's as open as every other headphone Grado makes, which is to say totally open. So unless you're stuck on Grados, I don't think they're going to fill your needs here.
 
As for headphones that meet your terms: I like my Shure 840s, but they're over your budget. I wouldn't discourage you from trying the 440s - if the can design is similar, you will at least appreciate the isolation. Quite a few people have posted here about the Shure 750s - they seem to like 'em, and a quick search should get you to some reviews.

Well he talks about portability, so I would assume an MP3 player, and probably not much gaming.
 
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/433318/shootout-49-portable-headphones-compared-earsquake-pixi-and-philips-shl1600-added-10-01
 
Try some of these, there is a lot of good portables on there.
 
As for NC, I think most people on here would say to normally ignore it. Sound isolation is more in line.

I just got my new AKG k420 and I am very happy with them. As great sounding, foldable, semi-closed design and selling for $79, they meet all of your criteria!

sorry knew i forgot to mention something. I will be using them for portable use with my ipod touch as well as amateur dj software on my computer. they should be comfortable for over an hour or more

Quote:

fcb327 said:

sorry knew i forgot to mention something. I will be using them for portable use with my ipod touch as well as amateur dj software on my computer. they should be comfortable for over an hour or more

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I'm assuming  various dance, Trance, or House?
 
M50's would be a solid choice for those genre's
Shure SR750DJ's would be really good for a bit punchier bass and a more aggressive overal sound
HD 280's would be a bit flatter response but great for recording as over ear monitors( sorta the same for SRH440's)
HD25-II's would be amazing but comfort can be lacking for some
 
IF your looking to be a DJ then I have to suggest:
http://www.buy.com/prod/pioneer-hdj-1000-professional-dj-headphone-pioneer-hdj-1000/q/sellerid/26227071/loc/101/206726386.html
http://www.amazon.com/Technics-RP-DH1200-DJ-Headphones/dp/B0002EXJPM
http://www.amazon.com/Stanton-DJ-PRO-3000-Headphones/dp/B000A6GY22/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1287094428&sr=1-1
 
Very good dj headphones, all are rugged construction and on the smaller side of full sized headphones. I'd rank the HD25-II's up with those as well. The Pioneers are prestigeous, to be a Pioneer DJ is a lot to live up to though.

UPDATE: So im basically stuck between these two right now:
 
ATH-M50 for $99
 
Ultrasone DJ1 for around $130
 
http://www.amazon.com/Ultrasone-DJ1-Surround-Professional-Headphones/dp/B000GU77SC/ref=sr_1_11?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1287151278&sr=1-11
 
does anyone have any experience using the dj1 headphones and is the s-logic worth the extra 30 dollars?