A headphone system can be simply breathtaking. Happily I finally found that out. Unfortunately, your requirements for size and price preclude me recommending the stuff I have. But, you might want to have a look at my system and consider this kind of thing for the future. I am in complete awe each day when I turn it on and listen. It is now located on the bottom shelf of my coffee table in front of the fireplace and gets used every morning, so it isn’t the centerpiece of the room any more.
All around headphone amp recommendations
I am at the final stages of completing a system that will be my place to relax and enjoy the music.
The main components in the system are Classe Amp and Pre, Project phono preamp, Cambridge Audio DAC/Streamer, Onkyo CD, a TTable and some nostalgia. This room will be more for sitting and listening together, but I always have enjoyed my cans!!! I do have a headphone output on a very nice Onkyo cassette deck I restored which is there more for looks but does serve that function for the entire system.
My current collection includes Monolith Planar Magnetics, Grado RS 1s and some old R350's. There are others laying around but . . . I would like to explore other options once I get the system complete.
My preference would be to stay close to a standard component size that is black. This is simply for esthetics as my components are "segregated." LOL I listen to coffeehouse cover bands, jazz, alternative and some rock. Standard stuff at all volume levels. That is what I need.
Thanks in advance!!!