The only reason I am concerned with the amp right now is because the Hifiberry DAC only provides line level output. It cant drive the headphones I have with much volume at all. 

     Like I said in my first post, I am getting the parts together for an SSMH amp, would that be satisfactory for a mid range pair of headphones?     I am attracted to the SSMH because I do equipment repairs at work and I have access to most of the parts needed at cost including new tubes. 

Preferably not more than $400. The store is a band and orchestra supply store in the panhandle. Most of the sales are wind instruments, with some electronic amplification for the area high schools.

Most of my "hi-fi" collection is in FLAC 24-192.   I'm aware that my headphones are not the best; what is your recommendation in the mid range? My budget isn't unlimited, but I am not against upgrading. 

Hello everyone,  I'm new to the forum and wanted to make an intro so I'm not just the guy lurking the site.    I am fairly new to the hi-fi game, but I am doing my best to learn it all quickly. Right now my set-up is a headless player/ DAC made from a Raspberry Pi 2 with a Hifiberry DAC...