I would like to ask what types of tips people who have used them have
and also whether I will really have to spend $500+ for a headset.

No. Have a look at LightSPEED's range at www.anrheadsets.com.

I
know the Bose costs $995 and that is out of my range. I saw a GCA (Gulf
Coast Avionics) ANR for about $250. Has anyone tried these? Are they
good or will I be better off with some other one?

Have a close look at the Lightspeed QFR XCc. Then look again at the
GCA...

Besides ANR, comfort is the key thing about a headset. This is
individual, but I would say you'd be hard pressed to find a better
combination of ANR, comfort and value than the Lightspeed 20XLc. I think
DC and its clone designs are WAY overpriced - and very uncomfortable,
too. But that's something to be tried. You can do that in a pilot shop -
or make use of money-back-guarantees.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)