I did a little research, and I'm amazed at the amount of different brands of headphones that exist. Out of all of them, which do you think makes the best phones in the sub $150 range? Out of what I could make out, the Grado Labs SR125 is the reference model at that price point.
Any opinions are appreciated.

I have recently bought Beyerdynamic DT 250 - it was hugely discounted down to your price range. (Not sure, maybe it is no longer sold... it is old model):
I find it extremely good for the price I paid: good noise isolation, clear sound, no distortion at peak volumes (like in orchestra tutti), it is a bit tight on the head to wear it for several hours, but quite comfortable otherwise.

I also have a pair of Technics RP-F800 - it is older model, definitely not sold now. These are smaller and not so "professional". It cost about 80$ when it was new - but the sound quality is amazingly good for this price.
Now I somtimes prefer them, in fact - but maybe it's because I'm so used to thier sound. They emphasize bass a bit in a nice way.
In comparison, the DT250 bass sounds "thinner" but probably it is actually more "true" bass, and Technics is over-emphasizing it.
DT250 have very positive reviews on the internet.

My brother is a professional musician and hates Beyerdynamics but he does love his Grados. I have a pair of DT250s (which bought cheap and find OK but nothing special) and use Sennheiser PX200s for travel - as does my brother and best friend. Good luck!

Tnx for the replys. That's exactly what I'm talking about, so many choices, some people hate ones, other people hate others... But they should be essentially the same thing, right? And I thought my $20 Logitech's were pretty good, but after a few hours, my ears would sweat like a politician...
Anyway, all these models I can get them through Amazon. There is a Beyerdynamic DT770-PRO-250 too, that sounds to be (no pun intended) quite good. I just want somebody to instruct me on the longevity of thesebrands and, of course audio quality.

I can't go to the stores to try them out, so I have to rely on your experiences to guide me into a good buy.
TNX for the responses

If your ears can fit earplugs, get Etymotic ER6s

The answer is 42.

The longer answer is

Tnx for the advice. Most of the time I listen to lounge and-or bossanova music. I think I've found one, the Beyerdynamic Premium DT 990 - Headphones ( ear-cup ).
I can get them for around $160, which I think is a good deal for something you are likely to use for a few years.
TNX for all the advice. If somebody thinks that my choice is ill, or has a better pair in sight that fits the range, please do not hesitate to post.
TNX all!

Have you checked out http://www.headphone.com ?

Reviews, specs, prices... all kinds of info on most headphones.

(Personally, I prefer Grado's.)

Real nice link m8.
TNX~!

I have the Sennheiser HD-555's. They're a little above $150, but great cans none the less.

Actually they are exactly $150. Sennheiser HD 555
JXL