Following is the substance of a blurb from the "Winter 2004" edition of "mercedes" magazine (don't ask), which piqued my interest:
"Ear Candy...While full-range loudspeakers are perfect for filling a room with sound, sometimes you want to listen privately--and that shouldn't mean your music has to suffer. Grado's RS1 headphones ($695) and RA1 Reference Headphone Amp ($350) provide all the sound qualify you crave. From their honey-hued mahogany earpieces to the ultra-pure, oxygen-free copper voice coils, the RS1 headphones ooze old-world craftmanship. The RA1 amp, machined from a solid block of mahogany, is available in both AC and battery-powered versions. Combine the headphone with the amp for a sound that's warm, smooth and dynamic, revealing otherwise-hidden detail"..... [you should look at these....they are beautiful!]
The article also said to "consider" Senn. HD650 phones ($500) with a Grace Design headphone amp ($1,500), or the Stax SR 404 phones with the STAX SRM-006t tOOb headphone amp ($1,700 for both)...
I'd need to try all these out before pulling the trigger, but would be happy with any of 'em in my stocking!!