This will be the first quality set of headphones I will own. The source I will be using for them, for at least a few months, will be my computer. I may eventually decide to buy an amp, so some cans that sound good not amplified, and sound even better when amplified would be ideal. They will be used to listen to music and for a little gaming, but the music is my only concern. As far as what kind of music, Tool, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Radiohead, Rage Against the Machine, Pink Floyd, Dave Matthews, Sublime, Bob Marley, Phish, Squarepusher, and Miles Davis are my current favorites.

I am looking for headphones that produce detailed sound with excellent soundstage & imaging. In regards to isolation, I would like to be able to put the volume to “one” and hear nothing but music if someone is watching TV in the same room. However, I would rather sacrifice isolation than sound quality if it came down to it. I would prefer to keep the cost under $300.

The Beyer DT 770 pro 80 looks like it meets most of my criteria; however, judging from this post, it seems they would not sound nearly as well without an amp.

Any suggestions/advice would be much appreciated!

hmm name seems familiar, could you be my friend's half-brother?

anyway....

from what I have read here, not personal experience/use, a900s seem that they would fit you well, but I wouldnt buy a pair of cans over $10 without reading allot of reviews and multiple recomendations... but i'm just like that...

If you're a basshead the 770s would have to be the way to go (mine are ordered, never heard them) - just get a cheap 2nd hand amp. A900 are well ballanced and easy to drive, but I find myself wanting a bit more bass - but I suspect i'm a bit of a basshead.

yeah, those will be your two best bets. Most of the others wont sound great without an amp.