Basic/mid fi headphone advice.

Like I said, you should have went with the modern retros.

I originally said the price was $29.99. I was wrong. They are $24.99.

So far I'm happy with the SQ in the Sonys. They seem very neutral to me without over-the-top bass. But, I find the ear pieces to be slightly uncomfortable after more than about 20 minutes. The cushion is very shallow and just not quite big enough. (I guess that means my ears are too big and stick out too far.)

I've ordered a larger thicker set of ear cushions that reviewers claim to be much more comfortable. 

The ’open’ question... Yes open means you can hear stuff around you even with phones on. And yes it also means others nearby CAN hear your music more than with a closed phone design.One solution to cut off ANY sound is to use earbuds, and Shooters/Handgun use earmuffs. Those can cut the sound over 33dB from in to out and reverse. I know op said no buds. But.. Maybe some SMALL over the ear can FIT INSIDE the shooter’s earmuffs.Particularly if zero sound is to be allowed.. Possible solution. Also you might be able to carve a bit out of the inner foam inside big muffs... to allow room for somewhat larger over the ear phones. Maybe able to take off headband of phones and attach inside the muffs?

The Sonys that I got block sound out quite well. And my wife says she hears nothing when I’m sitting nearby with them.

I used earbuds with shooting ear muffs (I’m a shooter too) for years when I was mowing on my farm tractor. Works well enough for both purposes. Will try out these Sonys for that as well. Even with small earbuds the muffs start to get uncomfortable after a while.

My main problems with ear bud is they don’t sound good to me unless they are pushed way into my ear canal. Then they sound awesome. I’ve got a decent pair with soft rubber tips (think stethoscope) and they sound great until they start to back out which they always do.

Anyway, new ear pads for the Sony arrive today. If they are comfortable then all problems solved.