What does he plan on using as the source? Mp3 player? Computer? 70's era stereo equipment? Also, it sounds like he just wants something for around the house, you have an idea of what types of music he listens to?
Right off the top of my head, I'd have to say the Fostex T50RP. I believe it's a 6.3mm jack so you'd have get a 3.5mm adapter for general use, I forget if it comes with one (grado or sennheiser adapters are best).