The Sony 7504, Sennheiser HD280, and AKG K171 all cost around $100.00. The HD280 sounds better and has better isolation. The AKG K171 sounds better than both the Sennheiser of the Sony, but it's an on-ear design, so the isolation is not as good
For around $200.00, I really like the AKG K271. Great sound, great isolation.
The hyped low end of the A/T 'phones makes them popular with DJs and other people who are into that sort of thing. A lot of studios have a couple pair of A/Ts around just for that reason.
The Shures, Equations, and others mentioned I've never heard, so I can't comment.