Headphone amps

The Linear Tube Audio MZ2 or MZ3 get great reviews, but you need to add their linear power supply to get best performance. 

Woo. 
 

I have had many head amps over the last twenty five years. I imported a really high current one from Germany, but no question in my mind the best are made by Woo. The power and natural sound set them apart. I own three. You can see my current headphone system under my UserID.

This is Matt Formanek of Toolshed Amps latest creation.   I have his 300b amp and it is an amazing amp.....

For a little less than the price range you're looking in check the Headamp GS-X mini.  Auditioned the Pass and Benchmark but liked the Headamp more so bought one :-).  Check out what's being said on Headfi about the Headamp.  Also don't shoot the messinger but you really should read the ASR review on the Pass before pulling the trigger on that one.

I have the Quicksilver Headphone Amp, it's quite good.   Plus it's a Quicksilver so it is built like a tank.  Huge value in my experience.