Best headphones?

I've had two pairs of SRX-MKIII's for about 15 years and still listen to them a lot. Great sound especially when driven by ther ear-speaker amplifier. They have a whole new series of ear-speakers available but haven't heard them yet.

I have a pair of Stax Lambda (Not the Pro) and Sigma (Non-Pro Model). I have an SRM-T1 and an SRD-7. If you can afford it, go for one of the amplified models like the SRM-T1. It far easier to use, and they sound great. The only serious downside of Stax phones used over the years, is that after listening to them - it will most likely prompt you to upgrade your amp and speakers, as they will most likely sound better.

i say check out the grado line of phones, all levels are bargains, i have the 60s with yellow sennheiser 414 pads(grado now supplies them in black as oem)and thy are really very good. worth way more than their price and very comfy.

The Sennheiser HD-600 easily beats any Grado, IMHO; especially when driven with tubes. IF I COULD AFFORD THE STAX OMEGA 2 007, I'd buy it in a second. The only thing that troubles me with esl 'phones is that the thin plastic membrane isn't as acoustically transparent (to the back wave reflection from your ear) as the foam-cellulose diaphragm in the best dynamic headphones. Seems like it'd cause all sorts of echo reflections between it and your ear, however open to the outside it is behind the diaphragm/stators. JUST A CURIOUSITY, I have no evidence to support whether there is a significant effect or not...

I have been very happy with my Sony MDR-V6's. They are the compact ones with aluminum speaker enclosures (not plastic). Consumer electronics stores usually do not carry them, but you can get them from Guitar Center (about $100). I have had mine for 9 years. Very neutral and detailed. They are also fairly compact, and comfortable to wear. I have noticed many recording studio photo's where engineers are using these.