I'm in the market for noise-cancelation headphones

I'm quite new to this specific field, and have no idea what to buy. My requirements are simply:

1. Does a good job of canceling out noise (d'oh :P)
2. Good enough sound quality
3. Sturdy enough (some reviews at Amazon criticized Bose for crumbling)
4. Must be headphones that cover the whole ear. Don't want earbuds. Don't want tinny delicate headphones that look like they'd snap in two if you push hard enough.
5. Price no more than $300 (don't want to spend too much on first purchase). No minimum price though, since I can be a cheapskate too!
6. I don't care about stowage capabilities

If any of you gents have any experience or recommendations, I'd love to hear them.

I'm currently (seriously) considering the Creative Aurvana X-Fi, but it IS kind of at the top of my price range!



Thanks.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Do elaborate on your experience.

What ruined the purchase of your freaking sweet sound headphone? Didn't fit the shape of your head?

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Ears on fire? Perhaps you were playing music too loud...?

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Hmmm, I shall certainly take your recommendations into account! I fell in love with the noise cancellation provided by Creative, but I surely didn't put it on for 30 minutes.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?