Those are indeed the best $20 headphones (and the same drivers are available in all sorts of different form-factors) but they only sound better than the $149 Bose headphones, not anything remotely audiophile quality. I definitely prefer certain $60 Sennheiser headphones (HD497, which I don't think they make anymore, haven't listened to the equivalent from the current product line) to the Koss drivers.
Or for a $100, you can buy a pair of studio grade Sony MDR-7505's or a similar monitor type of headphones that will more or less faithfully reproduce a recording and not over-accentuate the lower and high end sacrificing the crucial midrange (if you listen to anything with electric guitars, that is).
Holy crap, I bought a pair of these from Radio Shack about 6 or 7 years ago and LOVE THEM (for what they are). They are falling apart -- one foam earpad is shot and the other has been replaced (badly); the headband adjusters lost their ratchet, so I hot-glued the pieces together.
I had no idea this was a phenomenon -- I just got lucky with a random Rat Shack purchase. As a 90th percentile audiophile (with industry experience) I can vouch for these 'phones. They are the real deal. I am ordering my replacement now.
If they are broken, get a replacement, I think you only have to pay shipping. I read about people taking advantage of this all the time on their older headphones.
Disregarding the hack, with Koss I would even go more expensive if you can as you get lifetime warranty, replacements, and upgrades if the old model is gone. It's easier if you live near Milwaukee as you can just drop them off, but you can mail them too. I have these ones: http://www.amazon.com/Koss-Pro4AAT-Titanium-Pro-Headphones/d...
I love my Koss PortaPros with the same drivers as the KTXPRO1. They're extremely open - they stop no sound getting in (or out) - but the sound quality is amazing for the money.
I've used the same pair of Sony MDR-7506's on a professional, near daily basis for about seven years. They're very accurate, and more importantly, super solid. I mean, they're tools. And they work. About $100, and a really good value for money.
I love the sound from my Grados, but they're not exactly the most comfortable headphones in the world. they can be somewhat painful if you're wearing glasses, since your ear tends to get some pressure on it.
My sennhausiers (585) are a lot more comfortable. A bit clearer sound, a touch less bass, and way less reliable cords.
I've had the Grados since the early 90s, and the Sennhausers since about 2000.
Which Grados are you talking about? The SR60i and SR80i's are about the most comfortable headphone I've ever worn. They're so light and unobtrusive you forget you're wearing them.
I think I have the SR80i and I love them! Only thing I can't stand is the thick, clumsy cables which tend to always seem to have some tension because the two headphones can turn freely. Still, I would not replace them for any other brand.
I've owned two pairs of the Sony MDR-150's over the span of the last 3 years now, and I must say, for $15 you really cant go wrong with them. I use them at work and I can't complain. I usually get ear pain after about an hour or so of use with any other headphones; Not these. The sound quality is pretty damn good for 15 bucks too.
I had a pair of those. They're the best headphones at that price range but I didn't love their sound. The bass was too high and the higher frequencies weren't there. And the pads flaked after a while. They broke after I sat on them by accident. I am rather heavy.
Alternatively, check out the many excellent alternatives to Sennheiser's high-end cans, eg. from AKG, Denon, Beyerdynamic and Grado, where your dollar also pays for better build quality than Sennheiser.
Buy a $20 pair of Koss KTXPRO1 http://amazon.com/dp/B00007056H
Read the reviews. They sound almost as good as $200 headphones.
I own a couple of Sennheiser, and I prefer the Koss unless I need closed cans for some reason.