A perfect portable? Comfort + Isolation + Soundquality + Portability = ?

Sennheiser HD 25-1 II

I don't think that there are a better portable for this price. But you could also try Audio-technica M50.

Impedance is fine. HD25-1 II runs great straight from my Clip+. Soundstage is small like ALL closed portables, but only small compared to an open can. Most IEMs have an even smaller soundstage. Comfort from the pads is only an issue in the first 100 hours or so and you can easily stretch the headband. This is only if you have big flappy ears like me. ;) The thing is nigh indestructible and sounds stellar. No brainer. 

V-Moda Crossfade LP2?

- I'd like them to be compact and not to large - Yes, unless you have big ears, these work fine

- Comfortable for extended periods of time - Yes, the memory foam ear pads are very comfortable. I'm wearing them now and not even listening to anything!

- Closed/has good isolation for use on buses etc - Although they have three small "V" vents on each ear cup they don't leak sound unless you have them cranked up to ear damaging levels.

- Wide/large/spacious soundstage (as large as I can get on a closed phone, if possible) - I'd say they have good soundstage (V-Moda describe it as a "Live Play" surround sound).

- Compact minimalistic appearance - You can't get more minimal than these, all black and the brand name is barely visable.

- Tailors to the shape of the head - I'd say it passes this test, also.

- Good clarity & sound texture/quality - Same here

- Either a slight V shape or flat frequency range. I'd not like one part of the spectrum overpowering the rest, if at all possible - Although they have a vibrant bass I don't think it overpowers. You don't say what music you listen to, but if you feel these might be too heavy on the bass for you you might want to look at the on ear V-Moda M-80 or wait for the launch of the Crossfade M-100 (February?).

- Slightly warm I suppose/something otherwise non fatiguing. - Yes, I'd say these have a warm sound.

- Able to be run from an iPod/other portable device - Not a problem.

- I'm looking to spend ~$200 tops - They just happen to to be $199 direct from V-Moda. Note also that they have a 60 Day return policy if you decide you don't like them. Just checked and they are currently out of stock, although you might be able to get them from a verified dealer (lsted on the V-Moda Site), although the 60 day trial period would not be an option.
 

 

Not sure about the LP2, but the M80's isolation is mediocre.

I am looking for pretty much the same thing.  I was considering the LP2 but it may be too bassy for my tastes.  I just ordered the KRK 8400 for $150 after reading this thread:

http://www.head-fi.org/t/570501/the-krk-kns-8400-you-can-have-it-all

I bought the M80s and ended up returning them. I was looking for good resolution and balance and I thought they were too bass-heavy. What's there is good mind you, but I didn't feel like they were balanced at all.  I've since gone out & picked up a pair of HD25-I-II and I'm happy.  This is more like what I was looking for.  They isolate much better and for me at least are more comfortable. The V-Modas were too small for my head and required that I extend them all the way & stretch them tight.  Probably not an issue for most.

I will say that the M80s sounded great on some tracks, and they're just beautifully built.  The bass extension was amazing but a touch too much for my tastes.  The HD25s reputation is well-deserved. I can see why people have hung on to them for so long.

Another alternative that's always mentioned is the PX200-ii.  Unobtrusive and they get recommended in virtually every 'top' list that includes that price point.

Good luck!

Jeff

My votes are:

HD25-1-ii hits it all but comfort, and a little V shaped sound. Comfort is tolerable, and they are understated, bulletproof and isolate exceptionally well. 

DT1350, as above, isolates even better than the HD25's, kinda retro, small, much flatter sound curve. Pricey.