[NarwhalDude]

I'm looking for my first pair of good over-the-ear headphones for rock music. The bands I listen to are Queens of the Stone Age, Foo Fighters, Nirvana, Arctic Monkeys, Them Crooked Vultures, Cage the Elephant, etc. The max price I will go is $250. As terrible as it sounds, the looks of the headphones will also play a major role in what I decide to buy. One of the headphones I was looking at was the Sennheiser hd 598. I decided I would ask you guys for help because I heard that they aren't very portable (I would use it in public) and the noise cancellation isn't great. I also want to know whether I should get open or closed headphones. Thanks for the help!

 

[Sekka]

Soundmagic HP100 is by far the best (neutral closed-back) choice in the $200-300 range:
 
http://www.amazon.com/SoundMAGIC-HP100-Premium-Folding-Headphones/dp/B0086YJ86Y/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1363564855&sr=8-3&keywords=hp100&tag=appmatic-20
 
An amp is not needed, but the headphones would benefit greatly from one.  Somewhere down the line, I would look at a FiiO E07k or something similar.
 
The 598 is an open-back headphone, which basically has no isolation whatsoever.  If you are going to be using headphones in public, closed-back is a must.
 
The best LOOKING headphone in the $200 range is the Logitech UE 6000, but compared to the HP100, the sound leaves a lot to be desired.
 
http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-982-000104-UE-6000-Headphones/dp/B0094S379U/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1363564961&sr=1-2&keywords=logitech+ue+6000&tag=appmatic-20
 

 

[KetchupNinja]

A lot of people are pretty content with the Grado/Alessandro line.  I only have the entry model MS1i, but I like them very much for rock.  I'm sure the higher models are better.  As far as their cosmetics though, they have a retro look.  I personally think they look great, others think otherwise.  Audition them if you can!