Quote Originally Posted by Demo View Post
Does the quality of the components used on the headphone amp have any effects on the sound quality ?
Yes, but to how much of a degree is arguable as you will see if you go to a place like head-fi.

Mainly, amps are for overcoming high impedance(resistance) of drivers or impedance curves for those drivers to reduce distortion. Since every part of a chain adds distortion, you'd look for one with lower distortion.

But the best deals on the market right by a long shot are either the forte or the essensce-stx. Headphone amps are usually designed and manufacter for a niche market and are by nature very expensive. The forte and essence-stx are manufactured in huge quantities at mass production, and the sound card and amp are integral.