In order to prevent him from angering further, I have compiled a list of my favorite headphones below. However, you will be surprised to see that some high-end headphones are not on the list. Let me explain:

The main criteria I use for selecting headphones is good value for the money and a solid range of sound (including a warm and full bass). Comfort, portability, durability, and ability to isolate noise are also considered.

As simple and straightforward as this criteria may seem, when being absolutely critical of what I hear, many highly-acclaimed headphones fall short of being great though. Take the ENTIRE Shure line, for example, I tried every single one of them, and all of them lacked a full and rich bass. Only the higher end Shure headphones ($200 plus) were as comfortable as the one’s that I’ve ranked on my personal list below. I also tried other brands such as the Etymotics, and I just wasn’t impressed. Sorry to disappoint you if they are your favorites.

Although, I’ll agree that what you want to hear from your headphones largely depends on what kind of music you listen to, it is clear that some headphones give you a better value for your money by giving you a well-rounded experience vs. a very limited but insanely accurate range. Take the Grado series of headphones for example, although the Grado SR 60’s are on my list they are not at the top because they are a bit clumsy to travel with and don’t isolate noise that well. However, these babies are an EXCELLENT buy for home listening, and to boot, they’re not that expensive. After all, unless you’re someone that actually owns a headphone amp (or knows what it is) and presumably is really careful with your things, you’re bound to lose, rip, or break your headphones and thus you’ll eventually have to replace them.

At this point if you’re wondering what my qualifications are to proclaim such things, I started my formal music education at age 6, and did audio recording for four years. So when it comes to how things sound, I am pretty critical. What I don’t like is when things are over-hyped or given attributes that I feel just aren’t there. Frankly, I think the world of top-end headphones can sometimes leave you feeling like you swallowed a placebo pill. Thus, it’s important to keep in mind that there are many SOLID products out there that will not run you in excess of $100.

So without further delay, here is the list.

The top spot for value/money/sound goes to (drum roll): the Sennheiser CX300 headphones

These babies, are small, can isolate sound decently, and have a nice range of sound for under $100. The only thing that annoys me is that the cable is made of that rubber that finds ways to knot itself easily.

The second place goes to: the Sony MDREX71 headphones

These are in many ways similar to the Sennheiser’s except that I don’t feel they are as ‘accurate’ throughout the range. However, they are good iPod headphones and even come in white.

The third place goes to: the Koss PortaPro Folding Headphones

These are ugly headphones, but boy do they sound sweeeet! The sound that comes out of these babies is PHull! That’s right, PHull! However, they are uncomfortable, dorky looking, will yank hairs out of your head with their metal adjusting headband, and isolate no sound. For the money, they are a great pair though.

The fourth place goes to: the Grado SR60’s

Some of you audiophile’s may shoot me for placing these babies in fourth place, but you have to be realistic. These guys aren’t portable like the three above them. After all, the cable is extremely long, and when you adjust the headphones on your head you look like an old skool radio DJ. However, like I mentioned before, these are an enjoyable pair to listen to, but you may find that because of the power they require, the volume out of your player may be cut in half.

The Honorable Mention goes to: the Bose QuietComfort 2 headphones.

These headphones are great on a plane. Hands down the most pleasant to use on a plane. I know that all the ones that have a passive mode of noise-reduction (Etymotic, Shure) claim a whole bunch, but in my experience, these give you: Peace. And a truly amazing peace it is. If you travel frequently, and don’t mind that the music output quality is average, these will reduce your travel headaches by a lot. The downside? They are the most expensive on this list by far. In case you’re wondering, the QuietComfort 1’s were bigger and bulkier, and the newer 3’s are not ear-encompassing, so they are likely to leave you feeling like your ears are getting squished.

In conclusion, don’t get fooled by the “more $ = better” equation. It isn’t always the best gauge for audio equipment.