Heya,

 For noise cancelling purposes, I use the Sennheiser PXC300. These have worked really well for me due to the traveling I end up doing. However, if noise cancelation isn't of interest or takes a low position on the totem pole of priorities, there are some other great options.

If these are going to be worn in private or if your brother hasn't any sense of vanity whatsoever, Koss's Porta Pro headphones are hard to beat. Check out this Cnet review: http://reviews.cnet.com/headphones/koss-portapro-headphones/4505-7877_7-32897197.html   I picked up a pair for my Dad on father's day and they sound incredible, given their value... It's just those temple pads that weird me out.

Grado is a maker of superb headphones. They deserve a look too!

Good Luck!

CD