Dedicated headphone amp vs Headphone socket on amp

All really good insights and input provided to the topic at hand. It really does beg the question if the desire is sufficient enough to go down a second rabbit hole with a bespoke headphone system. Just like my reference audio setup, which took the better part of 3 years to complete. The trial and error, the mix and match, the contemplation & temptation of possibly better options and the wheeling and dealing in the audiophile marketplace would begin again. Not sure if the return on investment is worth it given the price cap imposed on such a project. Although I have no doubt the results might be impressive without the restrictions on cost. For now, the Rega Aethos headphone socket will suffice. With an eye on maybe some better headphones down the line.

Ultimately, I am now going in the direction of choosing a new set of headphones. Given the strong performance level of the existing headphone socket in the Rega Aethos. A sensible option would be to build upon it. My overall preference is for open back type headphones providing the trademark open and wide soundstage in my current Sony MDR-F1. Now, as good as these headphones have been over the years, some areas of concern can not be overlooked. Becoming more apparent when comparing sound on my reference system with headphones and without. This is where the gulf in quality and of course price is crystal clear. The headphones just lack the warmth, resolution , depth in soundstage, timbre and separation of the reference system.

All things considered above, what might be some options to explore in a new set of headphones with a budget of $400 - $1000 ?.....Are there any standout performers / perennial favorites among seasoned headphones enthusiasts coming with strong recommendation.

The upcoming challenge will be to replicate as accurately as possible the reference system sound albeit at higher volume levels on headphones. Hardly possible to ensure 100% fidelity to the reference system sound. With that in mind, the headphones which get closest ,while still offering a personalized listening enjoyment/engagement will eventually be the keeper.

The Hifiman Arya Stealth - Just saw them on amazon and are on the shortlist of candidates. Anyone have experience or opinions on the Aune SR5000/7000, the Focal Lensys, Beyerdynamic T1  or the Sennheiser 650 ?

Aune SR7000

Deep Forest 

I had always some minor niggling peeves towards the mid and lower bass sections of the Aune 7000 headphone running through the Aethos headphone socket. Then took a chance with and put my mind to rest with adding the Aune S17 pro headphone amp to the mix. After the second listening session, now happy to confirm the sound is as good as if listening through my reference system and even adds an additional layer or sometimes two to the presentation . Not revealed before. My headphone foray is now complete. A surprisingly good outcome and more quality sound on tap than ever thought possible. 

What is most wonderfully rewarding about this audiophile hobby is arriving upon an unlikely and unexpected match of electronics through sheer sense of adventure and curiosity. This just happened when choosing a power cord upgrade for my Aune S17 pro and the SR7000 headphones. To be fair the original sound was good albeit a tad tinny and perhaps overly lean in some areas. It needed something to flesh things out, the overall outline was there and now just required some meat on the bones to really make it shine. The addition of an AQ Monsoon PC was a major step in the right direction. Still, not complete enough to satisfy my craving for that little bit of extra improvement , especially in the low end notes. 

Along came the AQ Thunder , the big beefy braided version , surprisingly easier to manage and maneuver than the AQ Monsoon. Off to a good start. So , what would the music sound like though ?. As good as will be conceivably needed and reasonably considered either now or for a long time to come. Anymore and the joy might just be robbed from the whole musical experience. Somehow, the weighty bottom heavy nature of the AQ Thunder works perfectly with the often reserved and intrusively delicate side to the Aune combo. In effect, the AQ Thunder adds more presence and brio to the sound image , the soundstage is full and expansive, dynamics explode against a pitch dark background , even more layers are heard in any given track and the low end notes are all defined and presented like never before. 

Safe to say , the AQ Thunder transformed the Aune headphone/amp combo and catapulted it onto another level of sonic performance.