markl,
You've picked a very cool way to start this thread -- seriously, man, very cool post.
Head-Fi/Headwize member Ross is someone I seem to have at least some similarities with in terms of things we like sonically. When he posted that he totally digs the 3000's -- I mean totally digs them -- it made me really want to try them, and I will likely do so some day.
What has my interest now is in trying those 250-ohm Beyer 770's and 990's. In case you didn't see my post mentioning it, Head-Fi member mikejazz is Michael Arnopol, bassist for Patricia Barber. This guy is easily one of the most talented jazz bassists I've heard (proof beyond a reasonable doubt can be found on Patricia Barber's Companion album on a song called "Use Me"). Anyway, mikejazz seemed pretty satisfied with the 250-ohm 990's, and, coming from a bassist of that calibre, I have to say I pretty much have to try them now. As a few of you may know, bass reproduction (not duh-m-bass--how do we spell that?---bass, but strong, accurate, musical, deep bass).
Anyway, I'll try the Beyers first, and if neither model does it for me then maybe I'll try those 3000's, in the neverending search for things cool and different.