As some have indicated, if you want performance, there's really no other alternative than the Bose X. The DC's cancel noise fine and they're comfy for about half an hour (I guess it takes getting used to), but I find them far to heavy. The Bose X are so light you forget you're wearing them. I fly the Saab and I haven't found a reason to use earplugs beneath the headsets (and the little Saab I believe is said to be the noisier one...). As for the price, well, you'll have to dish out for the time being, but you can allways claim it on your taxreturn.
/LnS