listening to lectures, opinions greatly appreciated

I would suggest IEMs or decent ear buds.  Music quality isn't essential.  Noise blocking is.  You could probably get a decent set of buds for $20 that will do the job very well.

Something like this would perform well for lectures.  Plus, it will block lots of outside noise.

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDREX58V-BLK-Earbud-Headphones/dp/B004RE3YU8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1326843218&sr=8-2

Isolation with full sized headphones is typically achieved with clamp force. This usually makes headphones uncomfortable for extended wearing. Are you entirely opposed to IEMs? They would likely provide better isolation and comfort when compared to a high isolation full sized.

edit: Well shoot, Hodgjy beat me too it. I'll second the use of IEMs though! I just got my first nice pair and I love the comfort of them.

This is exactly why I have given up on closed headphones as my means of blocking noise.  If I'm away from home and need to block all outside noise, I just use some ear buds.  Nothing fancy.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Connnorrr 

Isolation with full sized headphones is typically achieved with clamp force. This usually makes headphones uncomfortable for extended wearing. Are you entirely opposed to IEMs? They would likely provide better isolation and comfort when compared to a high isolation full sized.

 

edit: Well shoot, Hodgjy beat me too it. I'll second the use of IEMs though! I just got my first nice pair and I love the comfort of them.

Yes DT770pro would be a good choice, but if its just for "lectures", you don't have to spend as much. Why not a simple closed headphone at 50$ like a akg K512...(for example).

I have owned two sets of Beyers, and I can tell you that they are not known for their clamping force.  They are extremely comfortable, but they won't block out a lot of background noise.

My profile pic was me playing rock star with my two young nieces.  We had a good time, and their mom (my sister) had a good time sneaking that picture.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by mic43 

Thanks so much for the advise, but I ruptured an eardrum and had surgery so I can't use earbuds.  My budget is $300 so I was thinking DT770s but don't know what other options are.  PS hodgjy, that's an epic profile pic

If you want clarity and analytical sound, rather than musicality, perhaps look for studio monitors.  Look for ones that are used for mixing audio tracks.

Edit: something like this wouldn't be too bad for just lectures.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/648817-REG/Koss_QZ99_QZ99_Around_Ear_Noise_Isolating.html

I'd still probably get something different for music, but for lectures, I suspect something spartan would be ok.