Monitor headphones - worth laying down more cash?

[Geissler]

I feel this topic is different enough to warrant a new thread. If not, feel free to merge, Brandon.

I'll be ordering an edirol UA-25 with shure SM-57 soon for recording vocals, acoustic and electric guitar. Thing is, if I get the order up to 300 euros I save 20 off the shipping. So, considering I am going to be recording and monitoring in the same room.. Headphones!

Now, there are entire forums dedicated to the subject of headphones and most of them, understandably, are packed full of audiophiles. Each and every decent set of cans invariably has a school of detractors whining "too tight!" "too bassy!" "cable's too curly!" and I'm fed up of it. All I really want is a pair of headphones that sounds more or less faithful, isolates sound and is rugged enough to last a few years. I figured out I can blow up to 150 euros - is it worth it? Or shall I get the cheap 50 euro ones? Would I be better off buying more ram with the extra cash, or another mic?

A few I've been eyeballing:

AKG K-171 MKII
These look the shit. I am sure they are the best, sound the best and will last me at least twenty years. Unnecessary? Maybe. But this looks like a good deal. I am very tempted. Is it a waste at 125 euros? (183 bucks)

EDIT: oh, lord. To add to the confusion there is also a K271 Studio version (not MKII) which is discontinued according to AKG but not the shop I'm buying from. It has an auto-off thingy so it mutes when you take 'em off, besides that they're apparently the same (?). ARGH.

BEYERDYNAMIC DT-770 PRO/80 OHM
Also very good I'm sure, but for the price I think I'd prefer the AKGs, unless any of you have something to say about it. (194 bucks).

AUDIO TECHNICA ATH-M40FS
Nearly half the price, but half the quality? Law of diminishing returns comes to mind.. frequency response is apparently the same as the others, but reviews have not been great. Slightly cheaper are the ATH-M30s, slightly more are the ATH-M50s, which I know Brandon has and is very happy with. 75 euros (109 bucks).

*sigh* shall I just go to a hifi shop and freakin' listen to them? I am getting tired of choosing hardware. I just wanna make some music here! Thanks for all your help..

[Geissler]

Screw EVERYTHING! Thread CLOSED!

All this time, in the spare room hidden under piles of crap, were a pair of AKG K240DF!! God bless my dad being a DJ back in the day, these things must be at least 25 years old but they sound amazing. Crazy impedance tho, 600ohm. Looks like I'll have to build a CMoy. I've actually been waiting for the circumstance that forced me to build a CMoy...