[Cajundaddy]

I am a certified music fanatic and spend a significant amount of time in both live performance and the studio. I don't think you have to spend "hundreds" to get very good quality sound with either headphones or in ear monitors.

The Shure 215 is around $100 and is a staple of the industry offering both isolation and good flat, musical response. The Sony MDR-7506 headphones are similarly priced and can be found on the mixing desk of many 1st tier producers and engineers. When I want long term comfort I prefer the Sony headphones. When I am performing or want isolation on a long flight I choose Shure IEM.

Are there better choices for more $$$? It gets really subjective above this price point so try them and trust your ears.