Dedicated headphone amp vs Headphone socket on amp

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 ?

@mahgister "...The most difficult  factor to get from an headphone is a natural timbre..." I agree. 

For me the thing that completely changed the game actually moved all the headphones way closer to natural timbre and power was the headphone amp. Suddenly the Focal Utopia, Sennheiser 800 and others sounded much more  alike than different. And so much like my main system in overall presentation, tonal balance, power, and satisfaction. Obviously there remained specific sonic location differences, but they just don’t seem important anymore. 

Hi @mahgister .... I'm enjoying my aids, having spent some time 'dialing' them in.  As long as I don't ask them for heavy basslines, 👍😎.

...but that's what my real headphones are for...;)

Happy Easter dear friend!

I wish you chocolate with 75 % of cacao...

I am happy with my headphone and luckily suffer not from audible hearing loss at 75 ... probably the usual loss...

But we do not hear pure frequencies (save for ignorant objectivist ) but  we hear first acoustics recognized  meanings and i am sure you enjoy music in spite of everything...

Hi @mahgister .... I'm enjoying my aids, having spent some time 'dialing' them in.  As long as I don't ask them for heavy basslines, 👍😎.

...but that's what my real headphones are for...;)

Happy Easter to ghdprentice too always a good adviser for all ....

@mahgister "...The most difficult  factor to get from an headphone is a natural timbre..." I agree. 

For me the thing that completely changed the game actually moved all the headphones way closer to natural timbre and power was the headphone amp. Suddenly the Focal Utopia, Sennheiser 800 and others sounded much more  alike than different. And so much like my main system in overall presentation, tonal balance, power, and satisfaction. Obviously there remained specific sonic location differences, but they just don’t seem important anymore.