Hey everyone, I am looking for a great pair of full size for use in a library, on a bus, and even on an airplane.  I have read pretty much all of |joker|'s shootout reviews (VERY HELPFUL - THANKS!)  and feel like I have narrowed it down to a few highly regarded and highly rated headphones.  Here are my wishes with my future purchase:

 

Full size around the ear (not a fan of IEM)

Need to have GREAT noise isolation for me, and for others around me.  

Comfort is a must, as I plan on wearing for 4+ hours at a time

Style isn't too important - but I really don't want huge cans

Along with not wanting huge headphones, I would like for them to be somewhat portable

I listen to everything from soft classical, to rap, to country.

Mainly listening to music from iPod, laptop, and phone.

Under the $150 price point - I am not a huge audiophile, but do appreciate good sound

 

Hopefully that isn't too picky!  I have been looking at these headphones so far and would appreciate anyone's input or even suggestions for other headphones!

 

 

Audio-Technica ATH-M50 

Sony MDR-ZX700 (leaning toward these)

Shure SRH440

Bose AE2

 

I understand noise isolating is much different than noise cancelling, but are any of these good for airplane use?  I also looked at Audio Technica ATH-ANC7B because of the ANC and the good price, but have heard they leak sound badly.  Thanks for taking the time to read this, I really appreciate any suggestions!

 

 

 

Thanks lazwarth. Have you (or anyone else reading this for that matter) used the m50 or any other full size headphones successfully in these settings (airplane and library)? Keep the suggestions coming!!

Also just saw some Sennheiser HD-280 phones on amazon - highly rated and cheap ($100).... Anyone have thoughts on these?  Concerns about their comfort???

UPDATE!

 

Thank you all for your suggestions, but ultimately based on other reviews I have read and a great price - I went with the Sony ZX700.  Great price you say?  Yeah - found them NEW online at macmall for $75.00 shipped (http://www.macmall.com/p/Sony-Head-Phones/product~dpno~8301255~pdp.gdcibbi).  I was shocked at the price considering everywhere else they are $119.  I contacted customer support and made sure they were the real deal (not refurbished) and took a chance.  After the 3 day free shipping they arrived as described - brand new.

 

Initial impressions = Great!  This being my first pair of real headphones I am very pleased with my purchase.  It is amazing to me how much better the sound is than standard apple earbuds or cheaper headphones I used to get from Walmart. Go ahead and laugh - I know this is expected, but being new to all of this I was really amazed.  The headphones are super comfortable with lots of padding on the headband and around the ears.  They do get warm after a couple of hours, but a quick 1 minute break is all I need to continue.  I am also impressed with the sound isolation of these headphones.  One of my main concerns was using them in the library and I can tell you first hand they drown out other people's conversations and provide music only I can hear so I don't disrupt those around me.  Lastly, the headphones are relatively light weight, but seem very well built and durable.

 

My only wishes would be: 

- Wish they were more portable/fold up or at least came with a carrying case/bag

- Wish they had a detachable cord from the headphone

- Not knowing much about being an audiophile or how to critique sound; I agree with other reviewers that the bass is a little weak/unimpressive at times.

 

I guess thats why they have the more expensive models?! :)

 

Overall I am very happy and would recommend these headphones for anyone who is looking for a great sounding, isolating, comfortable headphone in the $75 range