I've been using Sony MDR-7506's for years, they're great headphones for a reasonable price. Comfortable on the head, handle high and low volumes well, and are closed back (so suitable for listening while the wife's asleep). Also comes with 1/4" adapter . . . for about 100$.

I forgot to mention about the 271 MKII, because of their low sensitivity they will sound best with a solid state amplifier. A headphone amp like the O2 (Objective 2) below will improve the bass response and drive them cleanly to whatever volume you desire. The AD700, SR60 and MS1 on the other hand are highly efficient and with their low impedance mate well straight off a computer, MP3 player and receiver.

http://nwavguy.blogspot.ca/2011/07/o2-headphone-amp.html

Thanks, I'll only ever be driving them with the PC / Audiobyte output or matbe from a phone so a more sensitive pair will be best I guess. It is also only for casual listening when it is not practicle to use the Audiobytes

Sooo after some reading (and input from teenagers) I'm thinking of the Grado SR60i as they are cheap, good and appear to be comfortable while having good sensitivity for PC / Portable players. The only downside is many reviews mention it is weak in the bass but I don't know if these reviews are just comparing them to overblown bass products like the teenager desire for "beats" branded products.....

I have the Grado 60s as well and would agree with your suspicion that the bass is actually good, just not overblown. They do well with my iPhone and my PC. Thumbs up.

If anything, the SR60i sound signature should actually be categorized by "bright" not bass light. The bass/midbass response is quite accurate from 30hz - 500hz. If what you are hearing is reviews from teenagers their reference for bass would probably be something along the lines of a car stereo.

It's what's happening after 1kz that will categorize them as having a forward sounding midrange and "bright" sound signature. The response remains flat - elevated in this region as opposed to gradually downward sloping.

Just one thing to keep in mind from my experience, prevent the ear cups from rotating/swiveling as it will stress the ends at the Y connector. If there is going to be one failure point on these headphones over time it is going to be the terminations on Y connector that connects the cable to the L/R ear cups.

I took Alan's advice and ordered the Porta-Pros. Can't go wrong for $35 shipped. (Amazon)

Toss up: grado s125, or shure 840?

Whichever one you miss when you fire your gun at them when they're in the air.

Thanks for all the advice and recomendations. I've just received my SR60's and they more than meet my initial expectations and are an absolute bargin. Unfortunatly I've got some issues with the Audiobytes (a blown driver) but the team at Axiom is sorting this out for me. Also something very strange with the Flying Remote when plugging in the HPhones....got another call into Brent!