Headphone Recommendations

Also, look at the AKG K271s - they have a more closed design, could be better for an office environment. They are all 55 ohm and will match up nicely with portable devices. Check FleaBay for these, also.

=RW-

thanks for all the suggestions guys. As i read your posts there are a few i think he will like. Grados wont work due to their shape and open air design so they are out, as well as the nicer Sennheisers. I know he will want a design that covers the ear and blocks out his music and blocks out the ambient noise of an office situation. Im thinking the Senn. HD280s might be the ticket. Since he will be listening most of the day im guessing a laid back top end would be appreciated. Do these deliver good highs but not fatiguing? and are they robust?
Fatparrot-My friend and myself have a joke going on about Windows Media Player and how it basically butchers the music so we coined it Media Slayer.

Rlwainwright-i will do some research on the AKGs, thanks

thanks again everybody

Yes, the senns will deliver relaxed, non fatigueing hi's, but they are not the most robust. If that's important I'd guess the beyerdynamic dt250 or the sony 7506 i mentioned earlier. Both are tough as boots, have closed back designs and are very common in recording studios and radio stations etc.
Best of luck
Ben

AKG K701's aren't that much more ($50) but are worth every penny. There are a number of reasons that this headphone is becoming the new cost-no-object reference for many people.

The Sennheiser HD-595 is close to your budget and I used these as a replacement for my 650's, which I thought were too boring. The HD-555 is also a less expensive second option.