That's pretty much exactly what I wanted to hear. While I don't own a portable amp, the laptop I'm looking yo buy right now has an on-board amplifier that should be able to give it that extra kick. I'll need to take a pretty close look at everything you mentioned, although I have to admit that I'm quite partial to those that use a coiled cord that only connects on one side... so that MDR-V6 is looking pretty damn incredible for the price.
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http://soundcloud.com/thundersheep/lunatic-asylum
http://soundcloud.com/thundersheep/summer-rain