[RichieH]

unless I missed something, you never mentioned the genre's of music you listen to. It would be better to know this so we can better steer you in the right direction.

 


Music genres: wide variety, from subtle classical to bass thumping electro. I listen to a lot of post rock and instrumental music while studying.

Will add to OP

 

[modskwod]

I'd go with the TMA-1.  I've had the opportunity to listen to them for an extended period of time, I.E., ~10 hours.  They're incredibly comfortable (on my head anyways), I actually fell asleep with them on.  The only issue with them is the somewhat suppressed upper range. I'd suggest having a way to equalize the high frequencies.  Once you do that you'll have a wonderful sound signature with mids and highs balanced and an emphasis on bass. The isolation is great, too.
 
They're incredibly tough, too.  You don't really need a case for them, just throw them into a backpack and you're good to go. And if you're worried about things breaking/warranty issues everything is user replaceable and from what I hear AIAIAI is good about sending out replacement parts for free, but I don't have any personal experience with this.  
 
One drawback, while they're listenable, they aren't the greatest for rock/metal.  So if that's all you'll be listening to, get something else. 
 
Good luck

 

[WhiteCrow]

or go with the superior HD 25-II

 

[RichieH]

Right now it looks like the benchmark is the shure 840. Exactly why should I get the TMAs or Sennheiser HD 25s over them?

 

[modskwod]

Some say the Shure 840 is uncomfortable.  I can't comment because I've never seen/heard a pair.

 

[RichieH]

I've been looking more into the Ultrasone line... any help in narrowing them down?  580 seems to have a lot of hype, any input would be appreciated.

 

[WhiteCrow]

 580= GREAT!!!! but the 750 sound more like wht your looking for. the 580 wont leak any noise at all.

 

[nyjets28]

never tried the hd25, but based on what i know and as i was reading your checklist, i thought instantly about the hd25. i've owned the 840's and i'd definitely say they aren't too comfortable. at the very most, at least for myself, i wouldn't go more than 1 hour with those. 

 

[Tordenskjold]

HD25's are built like a tank, and sound great with rock and partly jazz, but they lack imho the definition in the upper end. For your electronic needs though they'd be pretty much perfect. They are widely used as DJ-cans, and have very, very good isolation. They do clamp though and can be pretty uncomfortable, especially with the stock pleather-polsters. (velours-replacables are availlable). The clamp dulls down with usage and the velour pads (while killing some of the bass-kick they have) make them more mellow. They have a very, very limited headstage and to my opinion a somewhat dulled highrange, but the bass is stunning. Kicks and burns, and goes suprisingly deep. They're pretty mobile and will (due to the double headband) stay on your head whatever you do. They are not exactly nive to look at, beimg plastic and all, but don't be fooled, they can take a beating. (as for that I'd check out AKGs midrange, K271 and K240, they are very sturdy too.) As you mentioned a detachable cord: There are several variants (take note: there's a cheapo-version called HD25-SP - crap, don't buy) with either a 2m steel- or a coiled copper-cable. Some other Sennheiser-cables fit with a little modding, but imho there's no need for that. They are detachable, but doing so requires a bit of work. If they break you can replace them and the coiled one is even more sturdy than the normal steel-cable.
 
In conclusion: try them. Many people I lent mine didn't like them at all, others loved them. Don't be repulsed by their...cheap looks, they are sturdy as hell.  

 

[Melvins]

gradoooosss

 

[windcar]

Creative Aurvana Live!

 

[controlmajortom]

Quote:

gradoooosss

For studying? People around him would murder him.

 

[WhiteCrow]

I think the next can I look into is the Hd25.... and when I say look into I mean like two years from now hahaha.
 

 

[anoldvolvo240]

this point of view may seem biased but its really all about taste. but i do have a similar situation as I study architecture and enjoy listening to headphones in quiet libraries and studios.
 
i cant help but notice how well grado sr225s fit into your price range. you have non negotiable parameters, but id say in my experience, i love listening to the sr225s and really the sound leakage is not a huge issue. you would have to be right next to the person to hear anything, as long as others are more than 5 feet from you they really cant hear at all. that is unless the room is SAT testing quiet.  
 
i personally love the grado sound, i think it works well with all genres but, as many have said before, really shines with rock and classical. i think chillwave sounds amazing on them as well. id say just give them a look.
 

 

[Doorbell]

This has probably been said, but the 840 is very well built, very sturdy.