Need opinions on a few more headphones

[Pfd4]

I'm battling between the Sony MDRV7506 and these HD280's. The August 2002 issue of Recording Magazine does a review of the HD280's and says they're very good, but they have a 'smiley face' boost at the extreme lows and highs.
I need the most neutral pair possible, so I can mix tracks on the road when I don't have access to pro-monitors. I also won't have a headphone amp at my disposal.
So I'd like some opinions on the following new pairs I've been looking into. I'd like to know if any of these would be good for what I need.
It's realy hard to tell in a store, 'cause if something sounds really good, that doesn't mean it's accurate for mixing. Here they are:
1) Fostex T20 or T40
2) AKG 240S, 240M, or 240 DF (or do these require an amp?)
3) Beyerdynamic DT770 pro
4) ATH M40's
5) Sennheiser HD280
6) Sony MDRV7506
If anyone has suggestions that are not on this list that would be good for laptop mixing without an amp, please let me know. Much appreciated.

 

[gerG]

Not knowing all of your criteria, I am guessing a bit. I am assuming that you want a very neutral phone that offers some degree of isolation and is easy to transport. For me this would describe the Etymotic ER4S perfectly. They would be my first choice. The Beyer DT250 would probably be a distant second, but you have to keep in mind that they taper off the highs somewhat, so the jump to other gear will yield a brighter sound.

The DT770s offer some muffling of outside noises (better than the DT250) at higher frequencies, and are rugged enough to travel. They are not, however, anything close to neutral. Anything mastered using those cans will be devoid of bass on just about any other headphone or speaker.


gerG