Recommendation for Headphones

You are correct.  sound characteristics, I like bottom end, not bloated but tight and deep.  I know headphones will never match speakers but would like something impactful.   I can use open-back or closed-back.   Thanks

What about mids, treble, warm versus more neutral, soundstage/imaging, etc.?  What kind of music do you tend to listen to?  The more info you give the more targeted and useful the recommendations will be. 

Since i have a tube amp, i like a more warm overall sound.   kind of music everything but in order of priority i would say

classic rock

jazz

"new" rock

classical

trip hop

hip hop

electronica

world

Thanks, that helps a lot. You should take a look at Audeze ‘phones, and if bass impact/slam is important you might prefer their closed-back models but by all means try open backed too as the soundstage tends to sound more open and expansive so it’s just trade offs based on your personal preferences. You’ll definitely need a separate headphone amp to drive them properly and I’d recommend the Singxer SA-1 fully-balanced, Class A amp that I own and use with Hifiman Arya ‘phones to great effect and would fit well with your stated preferences. It’s $599 on Amazon, but here’s a very nice used unit for $445(or maybe less if you feel lucky bidding) if you’re open to buying used…

https://www.ebay.com/itm/265856241860

If you’d prefer a tube amp the Quicksilver amp is excellent and retails for $1200 but can be had used around $850 if you’re patient. Anyway, just some options to explore, and best of luck in your search.

If you like a warm sound the OLD Meze Empy is a very nice headphone, but it pales in comparison to the RAAL ribbon. The ribbon is likely too bright for someone that likes it toasty.

Used Meze Empy could be going for a nice low price these days since Meze has a new top model. The new model is brighter than the former top dog, Empy.