The mid cycle players let you put MP3s on a disc, cool but not great, the upper tier end ones let you use Sony's proprietary compression format and jam hours of music on a disc - pretty impressive. That's assuming you could get the software to work though.

That was the 90's son - I've got a SL-SX500 from 1998 w/ 40 seconds of anti-shock memory II. It served me well, I used to haul it everywhere listening to stuff. Wouldn't be surprised if it still worked if I threw some batteries in it.

This is definitely going to be the year of 2DD's - assuming everyone isn't burnt out by summer. I think we'll see some DD/Planar hybrids and tribrids in the mid to upper price ranges, should be interesting.

Look up how to get dye transfer off of light colored leather - typically any leather cleaner will do.

Plugs are flat with the connector? QDC

Plugs stick out past it? TFZ

You can find plenty of options if you search around Aliexpress - NiceHCK, XinHS and Kbear all have some nice options.

Here is an interesting budget option and here is Kbear's new Chord. We're about to hit 11/11 sales so wait and see what goes on sale next week.