This is my first post here. I'm looking to get a nice set of headphones to replace my simple Apple headphones. I'm looking for something that has pretty great isolation, since I've been told noise-cancelling isn't worth it. I listen to a variety of music - which varies from dubstep to artists like Fleet Floxes to Instrumental soundtracks. I listen to instrumental soundtracks a lot when I study in the library, so I'd need something that has decent isolation when playing that type of music. I would enjoy great bass response, but really all around great sound - highs, mids and lows. I was considering the Audio Technica ATH-M50s, as most of the reviews I've read on here have minimal negative comments. But I want to make sure I'm getting the right headset for me before I spend $150.
 
From what I've read, the aesthetics of headphones don't normally match up with the quality of the headphones. So if there is an aesthetically pleasing set of headphones that still produce great quality sound, that would be great.
 
If anyone has any insight on something that has most of the qualifications I've listed above, I'd really appreciate your help! I'm looking for headphones that cost no more than $250-$300.

From least expensive to greatest here are my suggestions:
 
1.)  ~$75  Creative Auvana Live
Isolate pretty well, sound great for the price, look good, and are small.
 
2.)  ~$150  Audio Technica ATH-M50
Built really well, sound amazing, last for years, fold up nicely for travel.  Found at the top of many of our Top 10 lists
 
3.)  ~$200  V-Moda M80/V80
Sound awesome, very portable, look great, detachable cord, and among is my top pick for portable and under $250.
 
All of the above listed headphones seal well enough to not leak sound, but will not work very well on a noisy plane.

 
Quote:

I listen to instrumental soundtracks a lot when I study in the library, so I'd need something that has decent isolation when playing that type of music. I would enjoy great bass response, but really all around great sound - highs, mids and lows.

Click to expand...

 
HFi780 or srh840 imo.

I'll add some to his list
 
1) ~50 Beyerdynamic DT235
 
It's the best sounding near $50. for the price to sound ratio, it's unbeatable at all prices in my opinion. Hd 650 has a great sound but it's not even the double quality of the dt 235, and that should be enough to explain its quality to price ratio (Creative Aurvana comes somewhat close.) 
 
2) ~150 Ultrasone Pro 550
Since you said you like bassy headphones, these are recommended. If s-logic works for you it may be the best phones you can choose out of this category.
 
3) ~200 Sennheiser HD25 1-2
Probably the Best on ear headphone there is in the market. Great Isolation. Good sound as you described it. Just wonderful piece of headphone. This is the most recommended in my opinion. These can be compared to the v-moda 80 as the previous suggested.
In my opinion, this will sound better, but they lose the comfort and look category.
 
4) ~250 Denon D2000
Kinda weak Isolation, but great all arounder+ a little bit stronger on the bass. First high-end phone that impressed me the most. Shares the same driver as the famous D5000 which costs about $450. Can be upgraded easily to sound better as well.
 
 

Thank you guys for replying to this. Can anyone provide a difference between the Audio Technica M-50s, Ultrasone HFi 780, and the Ultrasone Pro 550? Would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!