Mojo777 In general I think the differences in the new buffered portable amps and most home amps are becoming vanishingly small. Both audio opamp designers and headphone builders are starting to "dial in" a more musical sound that has been the domain of tubes for too long. It is similar to the evolution of sound for original redbook CD vs. SACD now.
That said, it will be a hard trick for portable designers to emulate the sound advantage of a large and well-designed power supply you get with a home amp. The sound differences you may want to be listening for will be manifested in the texture of fuller (particularly acoustic) bass, dynamics and 3D image. I listen with well-recorded live female vocals such as Holly Cole-It Happened One Night.
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