Yes, you would need an amp to power those speakers.  If you don't want an amp you'll have to look into powered speakers.  Here's a quick Amazon search for some:  ...

$70:1... Sigh

Disappointed for sure.    

Quote: Agreed.  They'll sound great out of your iPod and if you decide to upgrade to an amp/dac down the road then you'll still be able to get more out of them.    

In order of your preferences:   Accuracy: fairly neutral with maybe a small mid-bass emphasis, but on the whole they are pretty neutral cans Clarity: the clarity on these is great - and at $130 I'd say it is outstanding Dynamics(?): they are pretty easy to drive so they sound pretty...

Quote: +1 for the D2000  

LCD-2 and Burson 160DS  

+1 for the M2  

I use my Denon D2000s for all my house, trance, dubstep, etc. and they are great.  If you can't find a used D5000 in your price range then I would definitely go for the D2000.  

Shure SRH840 is what I would recommend, and they can be found for 130 on Amazon:   http://www.amazon.com/Shure-SRH840-Professional-Monitoring-Earphones/dp/B002DP8IEK  

RE-ZERO is a great option, also I'd take a look at the Nuforce NE-700 if the midrange is crucial to you.  

"Layla" from Clapton Unplugged over my stepdad's Wilson Audio MAXX (Series 1). Amazing.

The Icon HDP is a great Amp/DAC combo, especially when I heard it with my friends HD650s. You won't be disappointed at that price, and buying new you'll have a warranty in case anything goes wrong.

Give the Klipsch Image S4 a shot.  I have small ears and those were great for them (as are the X10's I have now).  Plus it is one of the best, if not the best, sounding IEMs I've heard under $100 especially if you want good bass.  They are easy to find too.. Go grab some from Best Buy and take...

Quote: +1 for the Nuforce Icon HDP.  It sounds pretty darn good at that price, especially considering that it is also a DAC and preamp.