Obviously there is a lot of talk about Walkman SQ on this forum but the player is only half of the experience. What do you guys normally pair up with your "high quality" devices? My personal favourite at the moment is the Sony MDR-ZX700;

http://www.head-fi.org/products/sony-mdr-zx-700

I also own a pair of the Sony MDR-V700dj, they sound a bit muddy compared to the ZX700's but actually pair well with lower quality sources in my opinion.

http://www.amazon.com/electronics/dp/B00001W0DH

I also invested in a pair of Beyerdynamic DTX 101 iem's. I'm not overly impressed though, the sound is far to bass orientated for my liking.

http://www.head-fi.org/product...dtx-101-ie-earphones

That's easy!

For portable use on the move; Sennheiser HD-25 SP11 and for a really open sound with more headroom than a starry night but a subtle bass I love my incredibly comfortable Sennheiser 598's. I had some HD650's but the high impedence means carting a headphone amp around and I can't be bothered.

Well am sure we all know the limitations of the archaic Koss Port A Pro's I have a pair of the limited edition ones got for $41 USD that have a much nicer cloth cable on them. Yes the high end is muted some but heck as most of time I dont use the dolby b or record tapes with it on ( use the dolby C and record such for the few models with C) thus without dolby the Koss kindly reduces the tape hiss so good match for the majority of Walkman models out there.  AND for $40 bucks I dare anyone to find a better value even with lack of detailed crisp high frequency.  As for the low end punch of the Port A Pros the bass is simply thunderlicious to hear AND FEEL.  Yes for double or triple or 40 times the price there are headphones out there better to sky's limit but just for using outdoors, riding a bike, exercising, work out at gym these are my daily go to's.  And lets not forget Koss replaces them FREE if ANYTHING goes wrong for life you own them.  And they mean it.  Know members on their 4th pair.  Just pay for shipping each way.  So for $15 bucks you can have a brand new pair as long as you live.  After 6 years and so much abuse and use my first pair died after 4 years one channel out sent back had a new pair in 10 days.  Really for $40 USD show a better deal that has fantastic bass for the money and good mids and reasonable highs. The Port A Pro's for me are all about value and sound for the money.

   I have a pair of first edition made Sony MDR-V6 large full cover ear cans  with the drivers/unit made in JAPAN not some of the other Asian countries which quality of sound diminished.  Picked them up used for about $30 added some Beyerdynamic velour pads and they are hard to beat for under $200 much less $50 all in used.  For earbuds I love the very rare original Sony D88 smallest CD player ones.  If you have a ear that fits them well the low end and brilliant highs are really fantastic for their age and time.   Older ear buds not being the in ear canal types of many today to work optimally you have to be lucky enough to have the outer ear shape they fit in well.  Other wise the low end is somewhat lost.  I find the full in ear canal earbuds bit overwhelming for longer periods of listening as if the sound is too much inside my head.  

Always good to get members opinions as times change and newer models come out on this subject.  Your right the source is only one part of the two part equation to overall sound we experience.  Far too often its the headphones quality that is sacrificed causing loss of the true sound many Walkman can produce and more so the unique sound quality many players design system, head and aged electronics now colors the sound to each in a subtle way only quality headphones can bring out.   Happy listening guys.  Guess I even for my headphones generally go with the era somewhat vintage match ( and love the price savings vs. brand new).

Thanks for the input JohnEdward, I must have a lookout for these Koss Port A Pro's.