Some old classic workhorses that I really like in that price range are the open Grado SR60s (punchy, lively and bright and $70) and the open Senn HD580s ("laid back" due to a mild mid-bass hump and slightly rolled-off highs and $150).
I think the newer open Senn HD555s you spoke of are definitely worth a look too and hit a nice middle ground.
MDR-V6s are a classic monitoring phone, a very nice, detailed, subjectively aggressive (bright and plentiful solid low bass) closed phone in that price range. If you have tone controls it can help to turn the treble down a little with the V6s.
Off the beaten path I also like the open Sony MDR-CD580 (maybe $50 and a little bright) and open MDR-CD780 (maybe $90 and also bright but a little more mellow than the CD580), but I seem to be fairly alone in my preference for these two very unusual Sony phones. But I got my CD580s for $40 and my CD780s for $30 (both refurbished) so that probably colors my perception toward the positive side.
My headphone habit escalated with the birth of my first son (he's 4 now and I have another to boot). It's definitely been very interesting learning more about the headphone scene.
If I were going for one phone for pleasure listening to start with and I didn't need isolation I'd probably pick the Senn HD555 or the Grado SR60, but it's a very subjective call, it's truly a matter of personal preference.
These are all wired headphones.
When I do my hardcore hifi headphone listening, I use a Behringer DEQ2496 digital equalizer (about $300!) -- with that thing, the sky is the limit as far as headphone sound quality and tailoring the sound to your personal preferences. And it is one fascinating piece of gear. So the basic sound of my headphones is not really a limiting factor for me personally. The Senn HD580s seem to be relatively low in resonances so that they respond very well to EQ.
Oops! That takes you way over budget, and it's more than you wanted to know, I'm sure!
BMXTRIX said:
Budget: Sub $150.00 NOT OVER THAT!!! (thanks)
I have been looking at Sonnheiser HD-555 model, but have not had any experience with ANY headphones really.
I am really leaning toward hard-wired, but want wireless.
I listen to 99.9% movies/video. Almost no music at all and these are for after my 10 month old is in bed. I am not that particular about getting perfection, but want good quality that will make me happy with perfect reliability and ease of use.