I picked up the ATH M50 headphones this evening!!!!   Right now listening to Judas Priest - Sad Wings of Destiny.... never heard Halford scream like this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   thanks for the recommendation.

how do those compare to the shure srh480?   Quote:

But aren't those open????   Quote:

Those just happened to be the headphones I saw in stock at Best Buy.  I definitely want the best I can get for under $150 that will not require an amp.  

when trying to upgrade to your first pair of non-sucky headphones!!!!  I've been using Koss UR-40's since 2007 and want to get something nicer on a budget.  Here's what I'm working with:   $150 max IPOD source with no amplifier Heavy metal music preference Over ear, closed is...