JEEZ aphearedDo you sleep ?
I am almost afraid to think about what you will come up with next ( I can see it now, a headphone amp the size of a suitcase strapped to the top of a generator to recharge a battery pack the size of a lunchbox,all on wheels with a handle to pull it along-or maybe have the generator power a small engine to drive the wheels-----or maybe also add some type of motion sensing unit so it will follow you,or maybe.........)
Just kidding dude,nice pictures-cool design
BTW-a few years ago Radio Shack carried a module that combined the chip and display,cost was about four bucks.you could get either a vertical or horizontal display.
Just cut a hole,wire it in,project done.
I do not even know if National makes these any more but I used to put'em in everything.My system got to be VERY distracting.
Now I just put a simple LED on the front panel and look to eliminate stuff ,including stages-I have become a member of the KISS Club (Keep It Simple Stupid) for better or worse.
Funny thing is-you are just getting into the DIY thing and you are still at the "build everything I can" stage.
Been there done that,and had lotsa fun in the journey-not to mention the education gained
Enjoy
Rick