I NEED HEADPHONES....NOW

Firstly, I suggest going to headwize.com and you will find an entire website dedicated to headphones. Use their search engine (if it is working) to save time.
If you re-read most of the recommendations for Sennheisers you will find that most who like them use a dedicated headphone amp, frequently with tubes. The only way I have liked the Sennheiser 580 or 600 is with an Earmax. This combination sounded terrific, but is much more than $300.
I prefer Grado's but I do not wish to bother with a dedicated headphone amp. I have Grado SR-80's and RS-2's and like them both. I just picked up a pair of Denon AHD 750's to try for summer listening (when the air conditioner is on) and they seem to sound good for a sealed can.

I forgot to mention that you need to consider not only sonics but comfort when shopping. I use the SR60 earpads on both of my Grado's and I rest my eyeglasses on the earpieces of the headphones. Some other headphones do not work well with eyeglasses, some make your ears perspire, etc. If the phones fit tight initially, imagine how they will feel after an hour or three.

Joe,

I've recently rediscovered the joys of headphone listening for similar girlfriend, late night etc... issues. Despite many views to the contrary I think the Grados do somewhat better with an amp. Here's what I suggest: For 300 if you want total portability - Grado, SR 80($95)headroom airhead amp($100)panasonic SL-CT570 portable($80). If you want to use your CDP - Grado SR 225($200) + airhead(99). I'm sold on the crossfeed circuit of the Headroom product, but again others are not. Best bet is to try before you buy as comfort is the key. See www.headphone.com for more info or headwize.com. Of course, now I'm on a total headphone upgraditis roll... so be prepared.

Jsbail; I own both the Senn. 580s and the 600s. They have a similar sonic signature, both are smooth, relaxed and comfortable for long term listening. The 600s are more detailed than the 580s, and in fact I believe they are just a "tweaked" version of the 580s.

Stereophile reviewed both of these (if that means anything to you). I bought the 600s from a friend who thought they were too analytical, but I don't think so, and am in the process of selling my 580s. So, it's all a matter of taste, I could live quite happily with the 580s but got a "good deal" on the 600s so I bought them. Personally, I would only consider upgrading if you get a "deal you can't refuse"-- and of course like the sound. Cheers. Craig

Prfront,
The reason I do not use a headphone amp is that I have tried 3 of them at home and have heard others at hi fi shows, etc. Only one amp, the Earmax, was better than the headphone output of my NAD receiver (this is my 2nd system) and the sonic difference was not worth the cost difference. Every time I get the urge to get a headphone amp, I take the money and upgrade my headphones, CD front end, cables, etc. I have heard the headroom crossfeed circuit and it is nice, and I may eventually get an Airhead as a toy to use with one of my Radio Shack 3400 cd players. I do not use a portable cd player for most of my headphone listening-I use digital separates that have been displaced from my main system.