Thanks for taking a look!
 
I'm spending a lot of time in front of my computer these days, and I'm almost always wearing headphones.  Unfortunately, the pair of Creative Aurvana Live!'s that I've had for years finally broke.  Until recently I used them almost entirely for gaming, but thought they did a pretty good job relative to their cost.  I've subbed in my pair of Grado SR60's, but don't find them comfortable for long term use even with the softer replacement pads.
 
My initial research into what constitutes budget quality in 2016 led me to many of what I'm guessing are the usual suspects: Sony MDR 7506; Audio-Technica ATH M50x; Audio-Technica AD900x; Sennheiser HD598; Beyedynamic DT770/880.  I thought at first I'd go with another closed back headphone in order to avoid bothering my wife whose desk is nearby, but she'd prefer I get an open back so that getting my attention is possible without resorting to wild gesticulation and/or throwing things.
 
Apart from the two headphones mentioned above I have years of professional experience using the Sony MDR 7506 and Bose QC15, but alas never for music!  Speaking of which, my musical tastes are varied, though they lean toward pop/rock, classical and jazz.
 
Having read about the various sound signatures of different headphones I think I'd prefer more neutral/flat than extremely v shaped or bass heavy.  For that reason I've been considering a group of headphones said to be fairly neutral to most listeners, and I'm hoping you'll help me choose from among them.  Of course, I'm always open to other suggestions.  Finally, I'll say that I'd like to spend less than $200 on this purchase, but that I'm open to the idea of adding an amp and/or DAC in the next several months.
 
The short list:
 
AD900x for about $100
HD 598 for about $150
DT880 premium for about $150
 
Of course, I've read that the HD600 might be all the headphone I'd ever need (and I'm certainly not looking to start a collection), but $270 is awfully dear.  Are they really so much better than the others on my list?
 
Many apologies for the long exposition, and many thanks for your help!
 
Matthew

Welcome to head-fi. As for your question regarding the HD600, I would suggest to you that in my opinion, yes, it really is that much better. That said, if you can get it for $270, that is a steal (it was $318 on amazon when last I checked). If you can go with the HD600, I would do it. You'll need an amp, but it doesn't have to be an expensive one.
 
Of the other three, I would steer you to the HD598 or the AD900X--the Beyer I personally find a tad bright. Others may disagree. The 900X price you have is very good.

if you wife is in the same room the open headphones are a terrible idea .. ..unless she is quite as a mouse and deaf as a board..
 
maybe she could get your attention but probably not because you'd be busy going deaf trying to drown other noise in the room out...
 
 
I own the ATH-M50X and DT770's and Sony MDR-V6 as well as the DT880 250Ohms premium headphones.
 
I wouldn't pick the m50x's because they are not comfortable..and the DT770 Pro 80's are similar but just better in pretty much all regards except portability which isn't a big concern here it seems.
 
I like the sound the DT770 Pro 80's put out but they do have boosted lows and highs really.    The MDR-V6's are comfortable and light and can be driven by about anything. less bass.. .. the beyer's really need a amp.
 
You might also add the Senn 598Cs (closed 598's) to you consideration..... I really think you should be looking at closed cans if your wife is  going to be in the same room when you are using them.
 
 
If you did go open can's I'd be all over the DT880's ..I really like mine **with a amp that has a warm sound.. my DV336 tube amp has been very nice with the 880's

If you are looking for mostly gaming then I'd recommend the hd598. It is spectacular for gaming IMHO, and definitely creates an immersive experience when playing. The one problem I had while listening to music was the sub-bass rolloff, but while gaming it didn't bother me at all. The sound stage was pretty impressive. It had me looking around the room sometimes wondering if it was still the game I was hearing.
But I also agree with atarione, the one thing I would consider is both the sound coming in and the sound leaking out. If you thi there won't be a problem with the sound leakage, then the open back is definitely the way to go, but if there may be a problem you should consider getting closed back headphones.
One thing you can do is get the hd598 and try it for a few days, and if the open backs will be a problem, return them and get another pair. It isn't a perfect solution and requires a bit of patience, but it's worth a thought.

Thanks for your feedback, guys.  I appreciate your concerns re: open vs closed headphones, but as I mentioned I've recently gone from using CAL!'s to SR60's.  So far it hasn't been too big an issue apart from the lack of comfort.
 
I'm leaning toward the DT880's, since their price/performance seems good compared to the headphones against which they (used to?) compete, i.e. the HD600 and K7XX.  Headphones that still cost roughly $50-$100 more.
 
Are the Sennheiser HD600's less hideous than they appear in photos?  It would be easier to splurge on them if they didn't look like they'd been manufactured from someone's old formica countertop.  They'll likely never leave my desk, but still...
 
Cheers!
 
Matthew

Well owning and quite liking the DT880's good choice..  at my house the open / semi open cans where not a option until I got my own office room... but whatever works.
 
you are going to probably need a amp for the DT880's ... I have used up until a few weeks ago a vintage Kenwood receiver with mine.. worked nice the vintage amp had a lot of power for headphones and a overall warm sound.. which helps.. avoid amps that have a rep as being bright.. because it will be bad..(imho)  for the last 3x weeks or so I have been rocking the DarkVoice 336SE I got for xmas (and cheated and used early ..but whatever)..  very nice w/ the DT880's but maybe more than you want to spend??

Hd598s are great. And they don't really need an amp. They are more neutral compared to any of the beyerdynamics since they the beyerdynamics has a v-shaped signature.

Just thought I'd check back in to say thanks again for everyone's advice.  I ended up purchasing special edition HD 598's, and I've been pleased with their comfort and sound, thus far.  I'm also glad to have the second cord offered in the special edition package.
 
I'm running them from my sound card for now, but in the next three to six months I anticipate dipping my toe in the amp waters with something like a Schiit Magni.  When I do I'll pop back in to share my thoughts.
 
Warmly,
 
Matthew