[WhiteFireDragon]

The amount of headphone choices are a bit overwhelming, so please list a few models in the $150 to $250 range for me to start my research based on my usage:
 
I listen to a wide variety of music, including trance, classical, ensemble, symphonic metal, and some mainstream pop. No high end amps or DACs, I'm just using this Asus Xonar Essence sound card. I already have Audio-Technica ATH-M50x for home usage.
 
This will be in a work environment, so here is the dilemma. I would like to be able to hear what's going on around me in case someone needs me, but I don't want my music to leak out to bother people around. Neither closed or open cans can achieve both of these. Is there such thing as semi-isolated headphones? If not please list a few open and a few closed cans. Thank you in advance.

 

[Music Path]

New sony mdr-100aap would be an option

 

[WhiteFireDragon]

  New sony mdr-100aap would be an option

 
This one is not even out yet, and there are no reliable review for me to read before making the decision. I tend not to make blind purchases.

 

[WhiteFireDragon]

I'm about to pull the trigger on some Beyerdynamic DT 880 (600ohm). Yes I know, they cost about double the amount that I initially was willing to pay. But I suppose that's a fairly common occurrence on here?

 
Would my Xonar Essence STX sound card be able to drive such high impedance?

 

[Music Path]

Yes, it can drive till 600ohm but not totally sure. Another option would be fidelio x2 which doesnt need an amp. Momentum 2 you should check too.

 

[Me x3]

Why not just picking the Beyerdynamic DT880 Pro (250 Ohm)?

 

[PurpleAngel]

  The amount of headphone choices are a bit overwhelming, so please list a few models in the $150 to $250 range for me to start my research based on my usage:
I listen to a wide variety of music, including trance, classical, ensemble, symphonic metal, and some mainstream pop. No high end amps or DACs, I'm just using this Asus Xonar Essence sound card. I already have Audio-Technica ATH-M50Xfor home usage.
This will be in a work environment, so here is the dilemma. I would like to be able to hear what's going on around me in case someone needs me, but I don't want my music to leak out to bother people around. Neither closed or open cans can achieve both of these. Is there such thing as semi-isolated headphones? If not please list a few open and a few closed cans. Thank you in advance.

 
Hopefully you disabled the motherboard's on-board audio, in the BIOS, when the Essence STX card was installed.
 
Check out the Unified Xonar Drivers.
http://maxedtech.com/asus-xonar-unified-drivers/
 
How close will your co-workers be sitting near you?