Late Night Listening When Wife Wants Music OFF

I forgot I am talking to a bunch of engineers...very particular and precise.

O.K., let me try again. This set-up does not have to be absolutely silent, just sorta quiet. You know, like if I prop a pillow between us, I can probably get away with it. I'm talking Miles & Evans stuff - quiet, mellow.

So, starting with the headphones, then to what they plug into (amp?) then music source (IPod?).

Then I want to be able to cram all this stuff into a fanny pack and use it while I wax my car. Let's say the whole shooting match for $1000 or less. Possible?

Thanks again.

Sony Discman with Denon closed headphones, waaayyy less than a thousand. Haven't tried Dakiom's headphone stabilizers but I might.

...to add portability (and the most overall flexibility), start w/ the first recomendation in my first post. I started w/ the E3s and thought them very good but the E4s were a definite improvement. The iPod will impress. If you decide that in-ears are not your choice, simply substitute traditional cans. All can be had for way less than $1000.

Very possible to get very high quality at that price. Check in at head-fi.org for all the details. Maybe Ray Samuels portable amp with Etymotic 4s which at new cost would still leave you several hundred for a source.