Getting started with Headphone system; what are the basics

Just fyi, I’ve got the Arya Stealths (the model below the Organics I recommended above) and they really just do everything well. Great expansive “out of the head” imaging and soundstage, neutral but musical and very balanced from bottom to top, and the Organic version is by all accounts a significant step up and much closer to the pricier HE1000SE. Then again, the Arya Stealths are now only $599, which is a great bargain IMHO and half what I paid for them a little over three years ago 😖, but if it’s in budget I’d definitely spring for the Organics. Anyway, just some thoughts FWIW, and here’s a good review in case you’re interested. 

https://soundnews.net/reviews/headphones/hifiman-arya-organic-review-comparison/

I’d highly recommend these if you’re open to open-back headphones.  Can be returned easily through Amazon if they don’t work out.  Just one idea to ponder FWIW. 

https://www.amazon.com/HIFIMAN-Arya-Organic-Full-Size-Audiophiles/dp/B0C5RFXMM5/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2MS5GD9FGM3CI&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gZiIW-FtM_VJzkxpPNYXmrkvkgTpM4oB17238q9GEL3VneumfrOg6HWEDM9_BFo4lqFpmoZ1v2yWo3t4Nvj3-iRypVEK05m8n1Xx-MVXhClyXHVsE_NHISZxSkOkljPa5-shjf5um1Jp5rWRxYIz5gidQ5V_BKKgNj4iNeKzz4gGafpF0mdxOsSN7_Dn9kN8PK8LNtXYywjsCCIr7tmx4sj45pUZ8YR0rXDSUWxtAMI.zYY_s7QANMClWqWng1aRIp6bcAapVB_msW71zvLX5nk&dib_tag=se&keywords=hifiman+arya+organic&qid=1742904312&sprefix=Hifiman+arya%2Caps%2C97&sr=8-1

Great.  What headphones are you using?

I know the LTA HA products are integrated but I wonder if I could go with separates to find a new role for my MicroZotl.

I don’t understand this statement. Your LTA is an excellent headphone amp and you’d only need to add a source and headphones and you’d be good to go. Most people use integrated headphone amps rather than separates in dedicated headphone systems, and if you give an idea of what sound characteristics you’re looking for and budget you’ll get some good recommendations here to help get you started.