Anyway I'm sure they are still a big step up from our 280's and I have found that I like open-ear better.
You won't regret it. 
Good open design studio headphones offer sound quality advantages and comfort over closed, except for preventing external noise.
Yeah but in my case i WANT to hear the external noise! Wins across the board
Yep, Yep, thanks for the advice! I'm sure I'll enjoy them.
Yeah but in my case i WANT to hear the external noise! Wins across the board
+1. It aso works the other way since open heaphones leak sound.
In some situations that can drive people nearby mad since they hear it.
Update:
Got the AKG Q701's (used) and they came with FiiO e11 headphone amp. Light, comfortable, and sound really good.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,280's...701's
Impedance 64ohms 62ohms
Max. Input 500mW 200mW
The 280's definitely sound louder when switching between the two, don't know why it would take more juice to drive the 701's or if the open ear style makes them sound not as loud. Another thing to note is that I can crank the volume on my M-Audio Fast Track Ultra to max with Kemper feeding it by SPDIF (SPDIF volume maxed) and it, IMHO, sure could be a lot louder. Haven't messed with the headphone amp much yet, might need it.
I got AKG 702. Nice flat response and comfortable for long distance playing...
