It has taken me many years to acquire what I like to call the perfect headphones setup. Despite my limited experience within the audio industry, I have gone through many pairs of headphones. Some fall apart, some are regrettable, and some are sold for an inevitable upgrade.

I have divided headphones into three categories: work/travel, mobile, and home. Work and travel overlap because in both situations one needs to block out obnoxious noises (co-workers, cell phone blabbers, engines, etc.) with strong noise canceling. The only requirement for the Mobile category is they must be small enough to fit in your laptop bag/purse. This usually means lightweight or in-ears. Home is basically professional. You don't have to worry about taking them outside or on airplanes so don't hold back. These are your dream headphones: sealed, large drivers, etc.

Below is my current setup. I had to sell off my Sennheiser HD 212 Pro's, Senneheiser HD 280 Pro's, and Sony MDR 7000's to achieve the perfect array.

Work/Mobile:
Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7 QuietPoint Active Noise-Cancelling
This pair has some cool features. Besides the obvious 40mm drivers, its battery enclosure is built-in (no external compartment). Also, its cable is detachable allowing you to shut out your surroundings without a dangling, unused cable. And for my corny, immature side, this pair has a small blue light when the noise canceling is active. I'm a sucker for blue lights (hence my passion for LaCie hard drives). They are currently US$131.19 on Amazon.

Travel:
Shure SE420
These in-ears are absolutely amazing. They come with several fittings to ensure maximum comfort once inside your ears. The rubber fittings have an unusual insertion process. First, you have to press them with force on all sides. Then you quickly insert them into your ears and hold them still for about five seconds. This allows them to expand and essentially clog your ears creating a virtual sound isolating experience. They are currently US$259.99 on Amazon.

Home (Professional):
Sony MDR 7506
This is by far the best pair of headphones I have ever owned. Honestly, when I first placed them on my head I thought "How great can these be?" They're so light and flimsy!" As soon as I clicked the play button I was corrected. You literally hear every detail intended to be heard by the artist. They are currently US$99 on Amazon.

What's your ideal headphones set? Let us know over in the comments or forums.