One has to be careful when it comes to Beyer DT-880, as there is two models DT-880 and DT-880 Pro.
The standard edition comes in three impedances : 32ohms, 250ohms and 600ohms (the best one). The Pro version has only the name, as it's a lesser quality.
There's another thread on Audiosex about it.

DT-880 full review here => http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/comparison-beyerdynamic-dt-880-32-ohm-dt-880-250-ohm-and-dt-880-600-ohm-headphones

It's actually my pair of cans, so I can recommend them easily, but it's over OP's budget, hence my previous recommendation : M50x (which will probably be my next purchase, if I need a closed pair of cans). I plug the DT-880 600ohms directly into my MBP, sound is not too loud but enough, and my ears thank me.
Both of them are pretty good deals, but it's different cans for different purposes.

ATH-M50x full review here => http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/legend-continues-audio-technica-ath-m50x

 

Thanks for bring that to my attention about the different versions of the beyer's. I was considering the DT-880's because I found them on amazon for about the same price range as the M50x's but they were the pro version. I'm glad you cleared that up for me. So you'd say the pro version isn't as good as the M50x's?

About the M50x's, I heard lots of good reviews but some say the bass was lacking a little so I'm considering getting the amp I mentioned to go along with it because I make alot of EDM type of music and would definitely appreciate the extra bass boost from time to time if needed... Peace~Tim

 

lol at the people mentioning monster...they make total shit, no matter if they are cheap or expensive.

I really cant believe no one has mentioned SONY NDR 7506...do you know how many PRO studios and places like TV/Radio facilities use them...

cheap and awesome...

 

thats a good tip...saved me hours of reading (in-ear / on-ear) phone reviews

 

Sennheiser in every price range the best, sound quality is superb, I own a akg 271k and it wasn't worth it

 

+1 on the Sony MDR range...good mids on 7510 and dirt cheap for how it sounds(you can drive these and image stays crispy)

 

The Pro version is a step down from the standard DT-880 (hence the price difference).
M50x and DT-880 are really two different horses. Again, one is closed, the other is semi-open. One is bass heavy with a little less midrange and standard highs, the other is flat with great detail and shining highs.

I only tried the original M50 and I remember it was very good sounding, bass and all. BTW, I compose EDM.
M50x is supposed to be better in all ways.
Buy the cans first and save your money, give it a try, then you can still buy an amp if you want.

I recommend you stay away from DT-880, as you're probably going to be disappointed if you like bass heavy cans.
Even after 20 years of experience, I still exaggerate the kick drum level sometimes, while tracking, and has to correct on speakers during the mixing phase.
Definitely not a pair of cans for beginners IMO.

 

+1 atm50
You can test and search for review, at this price range no competion!

 

ATH M50 is a good choice, value for money and having gone and listened to various headphones at the audio shop I finally settled on them (and I will never regret my choice)

here is a review done my Marques Brownlee, you might find it helpful.... or not.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEjwyYOFwZg&list=PLBsP89CPrMeOA6Ypzvu4hfZigZIRBclY-

 

If you're in USA you can get AKG Q701s at massdrop.com for $149.99... Not sure how the site works though I just seen a post about it on another forum.

 

I guess this plate is full with options. I'll just resort to sharing my own experience. I own some headphones, and the best I've put my money on are Shure SHR840. I bought them at the official retailer in my country for US$150.00. I suspect you might find quite an interesting deal too. I live in Sourh America, and buying options for me are not abundant either. Other cans I have are AKG240 and the Sennheiser HD280. Of the three, I love the sound detail in the Shure cans the best. However, as others have pointed out, cans are personal taste. I'd consider the KRK 8400 and the AT50M too if I were out looking for more headphones.

Best of luck.

 

+1 for the shure srh440. i love mine.