This LTA MZ2 could well fit the bill. It’s a really great headphone amp and preamp, and it can drive speakers that are an easy load. Add their linear power supply later for a significant performance boost, or you can wait for one to pop up used with the LPS and it’s still not much above your budget. I think this would be hard to beat — read the reviews.
https://www.lineartubeaudio.com/products/mz2mz2-s
Many Questions Need Help
Ok, first and foremost i like headphones first, then speaker listening. Let's assume i own nothing at this moment. I have 3 options to achieve where i want to get to. I want something that will drive my HD 650 headphones and drive some easy-to-drive speakers, this is the end goal, i did fail to mention it needs to be tubes. My budget for this not counting speakers, is going to be $1000.
1. Headphone amp that can be used as a preamp also, problem here is not a ton of choices, Little Dot Mark 2, is not a great preamp, but Little Dot Mark 3, works as a preamp, butt ugly amp IMO. This route only needs a decent amp and use the headphone amp as a preamp.
2. Get a tube preamp and a good integrated amp with a headphone jack, the problem with this approach is finding an integrated amp with a good headphone jack is not easy, most amps make the headphone jack any good. Emotiva A2M has a very good headphone jack and speaker hookup, this is an option.
3 Last one but a more expensive way, but a good headphone amp, and a separate amp and tube preamp.
All ideas and feedback are welcome.