Not a long shot at all.    Each Liquid Carbon comes with a discount code that can be used only once. If you happen to pick up a used Carbon from someone who hasn't taken advantage of his discount (which will be most people), then you're in luck because you are entitled to the discount code...

Wait, so you lost blood and both testicles? Or was it just the same one on the track and at CanJam?

  The final version of the Liquid Spark will be about 4mm thinner and about 1cm shorter and just about the same width, with rounded corners. So hopefully that will work better with your cargo shorts. :)

Hope to meet a lot of yous guys.

I guess many would say the K550s are a closed version of the K/Q701. That means the soundstage isn't as wide, but you get isolation and bass.

I think you nailed it on the head. I would go with LCD-3 for number 2, but you mentioned that. Spot on.

Loudness is usually determined by impedance (higher needs voltage, lower needs current), sensitivity, and gain, assuming things like isolation and hearing are the same.

For $300, I think Mr. Speakers Mad Dog is best in its class. Check out the appreciation thread: http://www.head-fi.org/t/666284/mrspeakers-mad-dog-impressions-and-discussion-thread

HD800s are one of the greatest headphones on the planet, and probably have the most detail of any dynamic driver-based headphone, and best soundstage of any headphone period, except for maybe the AKG K1000. You need proper amplification to drive them (600 ohm impedance, so you want lots of...

For $300, you can't go wrong with Mr. Speakers Mad Dog. Check out the appreciation thread here: http://www.head-fi.org/t/666284/mrspeakers-mad-dog-impressions-and-discussion-thread

Quote:   DT880s are the most comfortable pair of headphones I own. The fit like they sound - light and airy.   For the OP, having owned both at some point, I would say that if you prefer an airy, even sparkly balanced sound, the DT880s are better, while if you would rather go without...

For closed full-size cans @ $300, I would say Mr. Speakers Mad Dog and it's not even close. Orthodynamic drivers so you'll need your amp to properly drive it. Read the Mad Dog appreciation thread and you'll see what others have said.  ...

I would like to chime in here and say, for $300, closed headphone, the hands-down clear winner is Mr. Speaker's Mad Dog. It's exactly $300, and you won't regret getting them.

Wow, gonna have to at least narrow your options down a bit by price, unless money is no issue? Many swear that the Tralucent 1+2 are the best IEMs on the planet, while others say custom-fitted buds are the way to go, but both options will run you clear of a cool grand.   IOW, I think you're...

Very nice. It only get better and worse from here. Better sound, worse on your wallet!