I was looking at amps for a while because
MassDrop kept pushing new products my way. I got extra interested when a tube amp passed through. I was definitely interested in the aesthetics of the product before I got into the details. Discussed getting an amp with my best friend who is deeply into the tech of audio.
We discussed the audio sources like MP3, digital, analog records, etc.
where the audio source is transferred from (computer, phone, receiver, turntable, etc)
Ultimately my listening habits with headphones discontinued my search. Simply I only have headphones for playing drums. They are mid-range, flat response cans that do what I need.
I also have some noise cancelling Bose for travel.
I also have the bone induction set use for my excercise... where I don't require great sound.
I realized, I don't use headphones to just sit and listen to music or movies. I'm old. As much as I would like to have a good amp, I just don't see using it much.
Back in my 20's, I used the hell out of my headphones for doing just that. Hours and hours of music listening and I remember those wealthy guys that had high end equipment racks, amps, cords, receivers and turntables that you would drool for. Today, things are so different.