I currently have Sony V6's (bought after reading the many recommendations here) and I really like them. Still, I know there is a lot of room for improvement. Also, I got an iPod for Christmas and am looking for something to complement it. I think the Sony, in particular the cord, is just a tad too bulky to be used as a portable phone all the time.

I've narrowed down my choices to the following:
-Shure E3c
-Ety ER4P
-Audio Technica A900 (I know this is even less portable than the Sony, but I include it because if it is really good I can manage using the Sonys as a portable.)

Basically I only have enough money to get one of the above. If possible I'd also like to avoid getting an amp. Right now I'm leaning towards the Shure's, especially since they are the cheapest of the bunch. I'd also take any other recommendations of phones in a similar price range.

Thanks in advance for the help!

Go with the E3 (never heard, own the E5 though). They should sound great without an amp.

i own the v6's and the er-4p/s and i have not heard the shure e3 yet. for portable use with the ipod, you can't get much better than the ety's. i got these a while ago only for portable use ( i thought) but for a long time now i've been using them more at home then as a portable....yes, they are that good. and if you want to upgrade to an amp later on down the road, then all the better.

there have been at least two informative reviews by bangraman and lindrone about these canal phones so check them out before you make your decision.

The ER-4P was pretty fatiguing with my Archos Jukebox. THe iPod has a pretty decent output, so try getting the 4P->4S adapter so you can try it as a 4S too. It may sound better for you. (it did for me)

-Ed